Paul Christopher's Concept Blog

CGMW Ship Demo

2011-12-23T16:12:00.000-08:00

http://www.cgmwmasterclasses.com/master-classes.html

Here is a demo I did for my class at the CGMW. Incorporating photos of found objects, it is a technique that I refer to as "kit-bashed".

And here is another image of a concept for a Helicopter.

I love Chinooks- They look so coool!

And some rough-sketches of a Transport Vehicle and a Mech, to round things out.

Bad Hard-Drives

2011-12-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

No bargaining with 'em...

Obi Wan Kenobi

2011-12-21T15:34:00.000-08:00

I wonder if she means Old Ben Kenobi?!

I tried to imply Obi's awareness of his own fate with this sketch. Vader's saber in the scene and Obi's expression demonstrate his doom. Brave Obi takes on this perilous journey, with his fate pinging in his mind.

I started these traditionally, then added lots of Photoshop love on top...

Drew Struzan is the man when it comes to these types of cinematic portraits. Very inspiring!
His new Blade Runner works are amazing!!!

El Topo

2011-12-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

Recuerda "El Topo"

Uno fast-draw de uno Bandito.

Futuristic City

2011-12-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

This City's surfaces are always slick and wet.

At the Metro

2011-12-08T01:40:00.000-08:00

Ever have that baaad feeling?

Quick Lighting Study

2011-12-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

a speed painting.

Africa Farm

2011-12-03T01:54:00.000-08:00

A harsh landscape for the live-stock...

Harpy Attack

2011-12-01T17:41:00.000-08:00

Darned Harpies!!!

Chilly Landscape

2011-12-01T15:48:00.000-08:00

Artrage and Photoshop made this chilly scene possible.

Mech, Take 2

2011-08-28T22:50:00.000-07:00

some resolves from an older design of mine...

CGMW Vehicle Design Class

2011-07-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

Things are really taking off in the CGMW class. Certainly hope to see more and more come fly the "friendly skies" of CONCEPT-DOM as it applies to Vehicles and Mechs!!!

Teaching at CGMA

2011-07-02T19:09:00.000-07:00

I am going to be teaching a Mech and Vehicle Concept Design class at the CGMA. Very happy to be teaching another group of talented artists while drawing what I love Robots and Space-ships!

http://www.cgmwmasterclasses.com/master-classes.html

All Aboard

2011-07-01T12:40:00.000-07:00

Some friends and colleagues have a wonderful Concept Art school, Red Engine. They gave me the honorary invite to be a member of their galley show, along with other very talented artists and colleagues.

The works are to be a collective show based off of the Red Engine themes. What better color for a power machine, like a LOCOMOTIVE than the power color, RED! I love locomotives so despite all the crazy deadlines I had to put in some midnight oil to get this one out! I actually like this piece which is a rare thing for me to say- I usually can't stand the sight of my own work after I am done with them. Not this one though- glad I could contribute to the show!

Tropic Thunder

2011-06-01T13:15:00.000-07:00

a journey into the jungle...some studies of an island storm.

The Somber Impaler

2011-06-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

An impaler gets introspective....Awwww.

Othello

2011-06-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

"I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at". A great Shakespeare line.

The awesome Laurence Fishburne playing against a brilliant performance by Kenneth Brannagh as sinister Iago- Good stuff!

New Mexico

2011-05-31T20:48:00.000-07:00

Some paintings I did while I was on a trip to New Mexico. Amazing place!

Mech & Tanks

2011-05-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Space Freighter

2011-05-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Bouguereau

2011-05-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

I learn a lot painting these studies. William Bougereau inspired this copy.

Agent 007

2011-04-26T04:47:00.000-07:00

Sean Connery as James Bond...
A digital speedy with texture overlay.

Moroccan Landscapes

2011-04-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

Some studies of a land far away...

Cleopatra Study

2011-03-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

Oh captivating Cleopatra...
Liz Taylor died this last weekend, a little commemorative piece.

INCEPTION Concept Work

2011-02-01T15:09:00.000-08:00

INCEPTION. Director: Chris Nolan, Production Designer: Guy Dyas.

Images copyright Warner Brothers

I was very excited to be a part of this project. I am an avid fan of Mr. Nolan's films and having heard that he penned the story, and the script as well...I knew this would be a very compelling project to be a part of, and feel very honored to have contributed. These images speak of the collaborative efforts and ideas of many talented associates in the Inception Art Dept.

This was a very gratifying experience, especially working with such a visually accelerated Director. Bravo Mr. Nolan!

A new painting to kick off the New Year!

2011-01-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

I want to be more diligent with my personal work and cram as much as I can in my spare moments- really inspired to learn some more this year. As always I want to draw and paint from life a bunch more...yes and I gotta do some more studies from animated films.

Some more shots

2011-01-14T01:35:00.000-08:00

Been painting up some shots during some downtime.Just trying to keep the tools sharpened.

Little Tokyo 2040

2011-01-13T13:39:00.000-08:00

I have been doing some sketches around little Tokyo recently and was inspired by the architecture there- which sort of spurned this scene of a future little Tokyo. Japanese Zen garden atop a corporate building.

Coast Landscape

2011-01-12T04:39:00.000-08:00

I kept caking on layers and layers of gouache and to no avail- hrmmph...

Here are some more from that area...

Landscapes-Grey Skies

2011-01-11T03:18:00.000-08:00

I have been out schlogging my paints in the rain lately. Here are some results.

Rough Start

2011-01-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

I am hoping that if I have these farty sketches on my blog, it will force me to finish them- a new year's resolution and an otherwise good habit to instill--finishing what I start--

Orientalism

2011-01-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

These costume designs are a nod to one of my favorite art subjects- Orientalistm. Love me the Arabesque curves.

Faun's Tempests

2011-01-06T05:17:00.000-08:00

Playing with an other-than-usual style for me. the subject is very Fantasia's "night on bald mountain" - saw that sequence when I was a toddler- haunted me then, haunts me now...

Giant

2011-01-05T05:06:00.000-08:00

i will call him "Uggh"- "Uggh The Adorable".

CHARGE!!!

2011-01-04T04:56:00.000-08:00

I had a blast working out these characters' costumes and expressions- key parts to revealing who a character is. Schedule was very tight on this now dropped project-darn- not a whole lot of time for polishing. How things go.

Vehicle & Mech Design Class

2010-11-15T23:25:00.000-08:00

I teach a class at the Concept Design Academy. I enjoy teaching this subject- especially when the classes are filled with enthusiastic passionate and/ or talented designers. These images served as demos for the previous classes, where I explain a series of ideas and philosophies about designing concept vehicles and mechas.
This image below is a design for a nautical vehicle. It was inspired by Blue Submarine 6.For the most part these were done within the duration of a 3 hour class period.

ENVIRONMENTS & VISUAL DEVELOPMENT

2010-09-25T23:52:00.000-07:00

These are Narrative Works that I have done in recent times...Please enjoy the imagery, and please feel free to say a word or two in the comments box. Thanks!

Ghost In The Shell

2010-04-05T16:46:00.000-07:00

These images below are for a personal project inspired by the animation Ghost In the Shell. A futuristic Brain Room was the order for these interiors. More to come on these as soon as I get scanning.

G.I. Joe

2010-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

These images were done for GI JOE THE RISE OF COBRA. Ed Verreaux was production designing a large Art Department. I was honored to be surrounded with such talented people.

Images copyright Paramount Pictures

Destro is overseeing the army of drone military being assembled from his swank office view. Martinis ordered dirty of course.

The Evil Cobra are hiding out in this Ice-Base / Hangar deep in some vast glacial formation. There was going to be a very elaborate fight sequence staged here. The Baroness conveniently parks her Raven inside hidden away from those busy-body G.I. JOES.

Here are some surgery sequences and creepy medical paraphernalia. I was asked to design these alongside Matt Codd- needless to say I learned a lot from that experience- laughed a lot too... A very talented guy- and a lot of fun to be around.

Modern Warfare 2

2010-04-01T16:09:00.000-07:00

These images below were done for Infinity Ward and their next vehicle MODERN WARFARE 2. The award-winning first-person action game. A talented and fun group of video game developers brought me on to help out and be a small part. Good Times.

Images copyright Activision

Tundra

2010-03-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

A practice in photo comping, trying to make it look painterly still.

Mr. Roboto

2010-03-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

KA-BOOM. No more ride.

Some Dragons

2010-03-23T15:28:00.000-07:00

CHARACTERS- Humans, Beasties, Etc.

2010-03-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

I did these Elf designs with a Concept Design partner in crime, Kevin Chen- A huge reason why these look as inspired as they do. I always love the opportunities I get artistically and otherwise when working with such great talents. Thanks Kevin!!
I was very proud to be a tiny part of this beautiful looking project developed in Korea. It is called Aion. Aion Online. For this piece, I worked with an established look from a N.C. Soft Visual Development Department from Korea. (I don't know who the very talented artist is otherwise I'd be very happy to credit him. Please feel free to contact me to inform me... :)

...

2010-03-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

no words to describe this one...

Eating my Mech WHEATIES!!!

2010-03-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

All things Mech!! I have been called into a mech design duel- more of a blood bath really- not just 2 but 5 contenders, and what contenders!!!The extremely talented contenders are- Robogabo, Carlo Arellano, Ben Mauro & Paul Richards- all personal favorites of mine! Contending for what? I do not know, but I am going to get some good growing experience so into the arena I go.

These are not my submissions for the "design-off", but more of an exercise to warm up the muscles- I will be posting my mech design in a while. Stay tuned!

And as luck would have it, I have recently been building 2 BAN-DAI Mech models. Quite an arduous task as it was, as I wanted to assemble and paint them all based off of a specific pattern I had in mind for these little buggers. Went so far as to apply rusting, weathering and chipping effects with successive layers of acrylic paints.
I know you can't hear any of what I am saying with all of the noise blaring from the nerd-alert which is sounding off, like an angry whistle from all this mech blather, but I will keep going on anyway....

Here is the 2nd mech build... I was striving to equip this build for a desert location with this final paint scheme...

And below are the same models as above,just in their original "BAN-DAI" colors as illustrated in packaging instructions...

Again these are not my submissions for the "design-off". I will be posting some work in progresses of my design, in a little while. Stay tuned!

Vehicles, Mechs & Technologies!

2010-03-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

This cuddly teddy bear a.k.a. Juggernaut was designed for "Modern Warfare 2". It is a slight departure from any present time military assembly. Definitely done with a lot of playful spirit. Some of my cohorts on this project enjoyed designing their "juggernauts" immensely. Word to Brad A & Joel E- they did such awesome takes on this character too.

This motorcycle might look familiar. It is the one the shela is riding in the other illo.

No bargaining with these guys-- At least that's what I was hoping to achieve. A certain melancholy with the robots' face designs. Not 100% what I intended, but I'll take it.

Burg, Gabo, Darren, Matt Codd, Arellano, Negron, Mcquarrie, -every Star Wars Artist- Just a few, of the many that keep inspiring me to keep drawing these frickin things..

Drew Struzan homage

2010-02-27T04:08:00.000-08:00

I just found these in a pile of old work I recently dug up. Here are a couple of studies I did of Bram's Drac back in college days. Obviously hugely inspired by Poster Artist Drew Struzan, and of course nowhere near the level of brilliance of Struzan. He was a huge reason why I chose to become an artist.

Musketeer

2010-02-26T05:30:00.000-08:00

A study from a master draughts-man from yesteryear. Herb Dickens.

SKETCHES- be it gouache, digital, inks or something else...

2010-02-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

I enjoy doing landscape paintings and studies from observation. I am probably carting gouaches (opaque watercolor medium). Anyway, here are some results.

Travel Town
Streetscenes L.A. & others

Rolling Hills of southern California. (farmers added later)
Peru Kaui
Frisco...
An '83 Benz...I loved this actor's performance in Kingdom of Heaven!!!
A study of George Washington. I came across a J.C. Leyendecker, which inspired this...

Can't believe a 34 year old Gary Oldman is under there somewhere...Oh wait, I can- 'Cuz he's one of the best character actors ever. Great movie, great actor. Scary stuff!!!

Love me the KUng FU PAN-DA!!!

I have discovered a new app for the Nintendo DS called "Colors!" and yes the title of the app actually has an exclamation mark in it..... Indeed! Hah-haa. It's good practice.

Aphex Twin

2009-02-27T17:27:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite things are Aphex Twin music and love me that Chris Cunningham too.

SHOUT-OUTS - to inspiring artists

2009-01-20T17:44:00.000-08:00

You want a good injection of inspiration? Look no further...I have had the great pleasure of working with some (not all) of these very talented people. I am so inspired by these great artists and hope you'll be too. Do some more searching of your own on these names, as it will yield more amazing work to inspire you! Here they are in somewhat alphabetical order...

If you aren't on the list yet give me time-just haven't gotten to all the amazing artists out there!!!

Adam Hughes-
Anthony Francisco- I have the great fortune of being a close friend to this great talent.
Alex Chu-Awesome!!
Alex Mandra-
Andrew Kim-
Andy Park-God of War!!
Bill Perkins- Amazing Art Director. Very inspired works from this talent!
Ben Mauro-Incredible stuff!
Brad Allen- Exceptional production skills. His tool belt harnesses many gifts.
Brian Yam-
Carlo Arellano- This mans drawings are precise and done with an excellence in design! Love checking out his blog. Inspiring stuff as always...
Cecil Kim-
Chris Anderson- Mad Skills
Chris Appelhans-Magical stuff!
Claire Wendling- Incredible! Takes my breath away every time.Doodle power to the max!!
Craig Mullins- I panned the forums and uncovered brilliant shiny gold that was a Mullins posting.Thank you Mullins- your work is so inspiring. An amazing painter!!
Craig Shoji-Jaw dropping abilities!!!
Darek Gogol- Excellent draftsman, excellent humor. A blast of great energy. Learned so much from him. Thank you Darek, always!!!
Darren Gilford- Can not wait to see Tron2. Awesome visuals.
Darren Quach- So talented and awesome!
David Negron jr- comes from excellent bloodline of talent. Doing 'em proud- no doubt!
Drew Struzan- Legendary stuff!
Doug Alexander- The N.C. Soft days were some of my best with you in 'em brother.. He does some of the most amazing character work - had a background drawing comics- Very lethal stuff!!!
Ed Natividad- A very, very cool man who puts out very, very cool work. His work is so amazing. Great ideas are what he delivers -always!!
Ed Verreaux- A wonderful Designer. A wonderful man. Taught me a lot! His drawings always informed me- so much information in 'them! THANKS Ed Verraux!!!
Ed Eythe- Truly a shining gem of an artist! Incredible skills!!
Erik Tiemens- So good it hurts. His work elevates the soul. Beautiful paintings!
Fabian Lacey- Gifted artist, in so many faculties. There's no stopping him, just hold on tight!!!
Frank StocktonGrant Major- Designer on Lord of the Rings. Incredible amount of work in those films, which never fails to inspire!! A wonderfully talented man.
Guy Dyas-Great Designer! Amazing work in abundance!! Such a skilled designer!
Ian McCaig- Such an amazing artist and visual story teller! Can't forget, incredible draughts-man as well!!
Jackson Sze-
James Gurney-So inspiring and so generous with his vast and great knowledge!
James Lima- Great ideas are a common occurrence when Mr. Lima puts marks on paper! Thanks Lima- I learned a lot and shared some laughs...
James Paick- Unstoppable. His blog has inspiration, corner to corner.
Jerad Merantz- A comet in human form. Jerad is a real gifted artist!
Joe Ceballos-
Joel Chiang- A warrior poet armed with a wacom pen. Lethal stuff. One of my favorites! Blessed to work with you man...
John Watkiss-
Justin Sweet.-A bright light. His work is so pure. Life giving oxygen in an oftentimes smoggy filled landscape. Thank you Justin.
Jung Park- Mercilessly talented! Mercilessly funny! Love ya Jung!
Kevin Chen- An amazing talent and a real giver. An awesome teacher who endlessly inspires.
Khang Le- Made of magic, a lucky charm for any project. Shared so many laughs with ya- can't wait for more.
Kinman Chan- Unquestionably talented...incredibly talented actually!
Manuel Plank-He's so fast- an amazing production artist. A great illustrator!
Marcos Mateau- Bold Designs that DEMAND your attention!
Matt Codd- Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!! A honed veteran. He's lightning speed!!
Martin Klein- Experience goes a very long way. He's got it in spades. Taught me a lot- forever idebted. Thanks Marty!
Michael Riva- He has designed some of my childhood favorites, and continues to top his previous works. I will happily do overtime for him any day.
Michael Kutsche- Incredibly talented, I love his characters. A very inspiring artist!
Michele Moen-She has provided matte-paint work on some of my favorite films. Definitely not a coincidence. Amazing scope!
Mindy Lee- Are drawings like that even possible. Must see her stuff to believe it!!
Nathaniel West- A real cowboy. His work is a mark of a real sharp shooter. Amazing work!
Paul Lasaine-An amazing matte artist!! A real gem of a painter! Such incredible work!
Peter Ellenshaw-Incredible artist with an incredible spirit and humor. An AMAZING matte artist who worked on so many great films. A Master!!
Randy Bantog- Relentlessly awesome!
Rick Carter- An amazingly talented designer! Great stuff!
Richard Kriegler-A smart and effective artist. His production work has made my jaw hit the floor!
Rich Smith- The juggler of dimensions; both 3-d & 2-d. Probably plays with a little 4-d too!!
Robh Ruppel- A great designer, and an excellent draughtsman, and painter. He does it all!
Ryan Church- Incredibly awesome!!!
Ryan Lastimosa- Great modeler of weapons. He modeled practically all the weapons for Infinity Ward's titles!
Seth Engstrom- Great artist. I think his oil landscapes are true gems! Lovely, excellent work just flows right out of him. So gifted- Thanks Seth, I learned a lot just watching you paint!
Shane Acker- Brilliant animator/ director. And a very animated guy too. You're the man Shane! I miss the ping-pong man! They we're insanely needed work-outs!
Steve Schirle- A dedicated artist with mean digital and traditional skills. Look at his insane painting skills!
Steve Messing- He'll turn your wildest dreams into reality, no problem! I love his work. An excellent matte-painter!
SYD MEAD- his name is in all caps for a reason!! He is a designer's designer. 2 words, BLADE RUNNER.
Sylvain Despretz- His work has a great sensibility with a unique voice. An amazing image-maker!!
Taehoon Oh- Awesome!!!
Tani Kunitake- You gave me so much encouragement when I was a little tike. I am boundlessly indebted!
Tim Flattery- An amazing concept illustrator with a fine tuned sensitivity to flight vehicles. Incredible designs!
Travis Charest- Love his style! He still, is developing in leaps.I have never seen this man plateau...
Trevor Claxton- Passion spews and congeals into greatness with this man.
Tyler West- So much flavor and style to his work. Exceptionally talented Mr. West.

LYNN CHRISTOPHER-My Mother. A great one at that and an amazing Art Department contributor. She taught me a lot about the importance of draftsmanship! Talented in many mediums. Now a talented sculptor...

PAUL GROESSE- My great grandfather and my name sake. A talented Art Director, who worked with the distinguished Cedric Gibbons at MGM studios for well over 20 years during the "Golden Age". He was an endless source of inspiration to our family- he gave everything to my mother and she invariably went on to have a very successful career for it. Your bright light still shines PAUL.

TOM CHRISTOPHER- My grandfather. A man dedicated to his craft and community. He had a long career as an Art Director. A bear of a man. Love you TOM.

--Too many talented people- :D !!! I will add more, soon...