http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/ jason-seiler's gallery of images en-us 120 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/816015

This is how the art looked in print on the cover. It's interesting doing this kind of work, you never know how the type will look, you wonder if type will cover any of the detail and work you put into it . . . the important thing is to love what you do as an artist, but never fall in love with your own work. You'll be happier this way.]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:05:47 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/816014

Painted for the cover of the Village Voice. The art director and editor wanted to do a "Clubber" from Rocky III spoof with the likes of Mayor Bloomberg. This was an interesting challenge because Bloomberg is not a big or tough looking fella. My main concern was maintaining the likeness while adding muscles, mohawk and beard. It was typicall "editorial" deadlines, I had nearly two days to paint, but I can't complain, I love my job, and this one was a blast to paint!]]> Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:03:00 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/814534

This is a recent painting that I did for my new book. I feel sad for North Korean's, they don't have all that much yet they're "self proclaimed" god has anything and everything that he desires.
So, I figured he probably has his own McDonalds inside his palace somewhere? But they only serve Happy Meals . . . he likes the toys.
With this painting, I was trying to be painterly, I wanted more of a traditional look, and I feel good about the end result, it has an "oil painting" look to it.]]> Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:20:37 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/804290

This is another recent Obama that I haven't yet shared here on CG Talk. Like most jobs I do for The Weekly Standard, this too was only a day and a half deadline, from start to finish. The trick with these quick deadlines is to put the time and detail into areas where you know the viewer will look and where you want the viewer to look. I also have to take into consideration the placement of the type within the artwork. After the sketch is composed, I spend the majority of my time on the eyes, mouth and hands. Everything else takes a back seat so to speak. For example, in this piece the paper was important to the story The Weekly Standard wanted to tell, but for an illustration like this, only the paper in the front was important. So the paper in the front was given more attention, while the paper in the background was simplified. It looks like paper, when in reality, it's just simplified shapes painted with the correct values. It's important under these deadlines to keep it simple and to the point.]]> Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:55:10 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/804008

I do a lot of political work for The Weekly Standard, a political magazine based in Washington D.C. This is my 31rst painting for them. I enjoy working with them because the jobs are always challenging. My deadlines are fairly insane. It's typical for me to get a phone call Thursday night, and the final art is due the next day, Friday afternoon. The jobs first start with me finding references for expression and so forth, then I take photo references and set up lighting for additional reference. I do a few sketches, wait for approval, when I have that, I begin painting. With this piece I wanted to try something different from my usual style and look. I liked the idea of an outline encasing the painted forms, the contrast with the background has a nice effect.]]> Sun, 06 Sep 2009 11:00:33 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/790735

This is a recent portrait I painted for my new book. The painting is based off the likeness of my wife Kat. The purpose of this piece wasn't humor, rather I was going for something beautiful and fun. I wanted to portray a vampyre-like beauty without being too obvious. I was careful to hint only a slight fang or two. My wife isn't one who enjoys being drawn. So I was also trying to create something that she would enjoy and approve of. Happily I received her blessings. I started this piece off as a simple line drawing, and then slowly built up my values. When finished, I put slight hits of color in areas around her eyes, nose and mouth to suggest a bit of warmth. ]]> Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:51:34 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/789384

This is a portrait I painted this past Thursday for The Weekly Standard. I started painting around 9:00 a.m. and painted until midnight that night . . . got up at the crack Friday morning and finished the painting around 10:00 a.m. An exremely tight deadline for this type of work.
This is a painting of Frank McCourt, the Irish American author, who was best known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir Angela’s Ashes that chronicled his impoverished upbringing. Frank passed away Sunday the 19th of July '09. He was 78. My influence artistically for this piece was my favorite illustrator, Norman Rockwell. I was also inspired by the palette of Rembrandt and Zorn Anders, or at least the look that they achieved.
]]> Sat, 25 Jul 2009 16:58:04 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/774436

I did this painting of Aretha as a step by step demonstration for 3D Total Magazine. My intentions were to not capture the "typical" Aretha that we all know. The loud belting it out Aretha. Instead I was more interested in capturing the sluggish pose that I often see . . . the shape and form were hard to resist, there's so much character in her pose.]]> Sat, 13 Jun 2009 22:43:17 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/764192

This is a portrait of my good friend Nathan Cameron. I started this piece with a BIC ballpoint pen and a white colored pencil in a toned paper sketch book. I scanned it in and painted to a final with photoshop. I left it brushy and loose in many areas, not because I was feeling lazy or because it was only a study, I consider this a final piece. I could paint on this for hours and hours and get it to a photo realistic state, but for what reason? The more I paint the more I enjoy seeing brush work and sketch lines. I began by blocking in with darks and slowly build up my lights, chipping a way almost as if I were sculpting. That's the best way to describe my painting technique. ]]> Fri, 15 May 2009 21:36:37 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/756798

In November of '08, I attended the International Society of Caricature Artists 17th Annual convention and competition. It was a really great time and I encourage anyone interested in drawing or painting to attend at least once, hundreds of talented artists all drawing and painting each other. I was honored to have snagged a few awards including the Gold Nosey award for master caricaturist. At the convention, artists are drawing and painting each other, at the end of the week all the art is judged. I place three times in the top ten, 8th, 4th, and 1st place. This painting is of Sean Gardner, one of the many artists who attended the convention, this was the painting that placed 8th in the top ten. When painting this, I was interested in Sean's shape and form, I found it interesting how is head seems to follow the shape of his body. His hair and over all color were a big influence as well.]]> Sat, 25 Apr 2009 09:50:20 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/755968

This portrait was painted for my book "Caricature, The Art of Jason Seiler". There wasn't a "particular" reason for painting John Kerry, as if I really needed one. This guys face SCREAMS to be drawn, over and over again! Painted with a limited "split complimentary palette.]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:46:24 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/755473

When I was given the assignment to paint Kanye, I wasn't very familiar with his look or his music. The art director informed me of Kanye's fashion sense, and it was important for the article for Kanye's clothing to represent his many different looks. Originally, in my painting, Kanye had really short hair . . . but while working on the painting, I saw Kanye on the Conan 'O Brian show and he had a strange Mo-hawk of sorts, so I painted it in the following day. It was interested and very helpful to see him moving and talking, I felt that really helped me capture "character" that I wasn't familiar with.]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:16:54 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/752671

This is one of my favorite paintings. I did this painting for my book on Caricature. This piece started with pencil in my sketchbook. I paused an interview with Quentin and did several sketches until I was happy. From there I painted with my cintiq looking on the screen of a paused DVD player. Quentin has a TON of interesting shapes and unique facial relationships, I had wanted to paint him for a while . . . . my only hesitation was that I didn't want to do the "typical Tarantino with blood splatter and so forth. Then I saw this interview of him in what I assume was his back yard. He was surrounded by flowers and green leaves. I thought it was a perfect setting to paint my Tarantino in. Quentin Tarantino in a Monet setting.]]> Mon, 13 Apr 2009 20:30:41 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/751844

This was another painting commissioned by KING magazine. This piece was a fun challenge . . . I had just over three days to finish this one . . . the main challenge was to place the three characters all within the same setting with the same lighting and so forth. Each reference I found of my actors was from completely different lightings, and all three vary in complexion. For this I created a palette of colors that I wanted to use, mixed up a "mud" color and then mixed that "mud" color into the rest of my colors. The art went with a script, so I simplified the background and care to direct focus to my characters.]]> Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:37:49 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/751329

This is a two page spread that I did for the latest issue of GOLF Magazine. This piece was a lot of fun to work on. Because the "actual" Golf course played such an important part in the article, I decided to devote more attention to the "character" of the course, and actually caricature the course as well. I created Michelson's face and expression, I took photos of myself as well as spent some time making faces in a mirror, then combining that with photo references of Phil. This is typical how I work, I enjoy creating something new rather than sticking too close to what's in a photo.]]> Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:11:58 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/751119

This was a full page illustration for the latest issue of KING Magazine. For this painting I was asked to paint the performer T-Pain. Before this I had never heard of T-Pain, I had no idea what his music or "scene" was all about. The first thing I did was download some of his music to help me get a feeling of which direction to take. The A.D. wanted something in space or futuristic, so I combined the A.D.'s idea with the impression I felt when I listened to his music and ended up with what you see here.]]> Wed, 08 Apr 2009 18:28:18 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/750668

This is an acrylic painting that I painted on 16"x20" linen board. When I draw and paint caricatures or portraits of people my goal is to capture their "character" or "essence" to capture the one "thing" about that person that speaks to me the most. I feel with this piece I was able to do that. I wanted to share this piece here even though it isn't digital because I feel painting traditionally will strengthen the ability to paint well digitally. This painting won 1st place for studio caricature of the year at the ISCA 17th annual competition and also was accepted in Communication Arts Annual 2009.]]> Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:20:31 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/750050

This was painted for KING magazine. Jim Jones is a very successful business man, and many people in the business world are baffled by this. Everything he does, be it music, acting, or clothing design has bombed, he produces the worst products yet he remains successful. So the art director wanted to portray him as a gansta in a business suit.]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:50:05 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/750049

I wanted to portray Elvis Costello as a bit more mysterious and dark than he is normally portrayed. A mobster with his weapon of choice. As a painter I am enjoying darker and more tonal palettes and paintings, so that was also an influence on my while painting. Composition and design was very important with the execution of this piece.]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:46:18 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/750048

With this painting I set out to capture the "feeling" of the band The White Stripes. I wanted to capture their mood and sound with my brush strokes and line. The band uses the colors red white and black a lot in their artwork so I thought it would work great to paint them with this same palette.]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:41:20 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/750045

This painting is a parody painting based off a famous scene in the movie "The Big Sleep". I thought it was interesting how large Bogart's hand always seemed next to the leading delicate and small face. I wanted to show the scene in a more humorous way. Instead of them in a romantic gaze, she looks a bit nervous as if he's about to smother her with his big hands and huge fish face.]]> Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:35:36 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/745875

Dan Auerbach is the front man for the band The Black Keys. My goal with this painting was to create the look, style, and mood of Dan and his music. To do that, I focused on my references of him which were in shadows, I decided to paint him with cooler colors while painting the background warmer and lighter in value. I think it has a cool effect. The background and body are made up from my own references. It's always fun to look at references of someone and then put them wherever you want.]]> Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:35:05 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/596884

Here's another quick painting. Hope you like it! It's all about keeping it loose and quick to capture the essence of a person.

Also for those that interested my next caricature illustration class I'm teaching on http://www.schoolism.com is OPEN for registeration. Starts April 03, 2008.]]> Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:45:09 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/596879

Hi everyone,

Here's a relatively quick large two page spread for Golf magazine.
Hope you like it!

Also for those that interested my next caricature illustration class I'm teaching on http://www.schoolism.com is OPEN for registeration. Starts April 03, 2008.

Jason]]> Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:38:20 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/568802

This is what I did about a month ago, a spot illustration of the "new" Bruce Springsteen, for The Weekly Standard. At first it was going to have a background and print a little larger. Then half way through painting it that way, it was moved to a different section of the magazine, and a background was no longer needed. No big deal, part of the job, it's a weekly magazine, things are bound to change last minute. I really love working with these guys and I hope to continue on with them, I enjoy illustrating current issues, it's more interesting and fun for me then painting random celebs! All in all, two days worth on my part, about 14 to 16 hours of work.]]> Tue, 04 Dec 2007 06:43:27 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/566033

Here's another piece I did for The Bloomberg Market. Nothing much to say about this one... I mostly just wanted to add it to my CGPortfolio. Thanks in advance for your comments.

Some exciting news: In January 2008 my online classes (the Art of Caricature) start on Schoolism! Hope to see some of you there!]]> Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:53:25 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/550730

Here's a sample of my traditional work. Thom Yorke was painted with acrylic on masonite.
It was a part of the 49th Annual Exhibition Society of Illustrators show.

The sketch was done with a .3mm mechanical pencil and the final was painted with acrylic on masonite.

For those interested I teach caricature classes at http://www.schoolism.com]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2007 04:29:53 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/549466

For online art classes with me please visit http://www.schoolism.com. Classes start in January 2008

Anyhow, on to some recent work...I can finally post the work I did for Guitar Player magazine.



This was a killer to do because I only had a week and two days to do a two page spread as well as a cover. They needed the inside Zappa spread first, and it took much longer to do than I had thought it would, leaving me only four days to complete the cover. It was nuts, had to pull an all nighter, drank many Monster energy drinks, and the rest is history! I'm really happy with how Zappa's guitar turned out, even though it was a lot of work. Zappa has a distinct SG, very unique and personalized, so when painting his guitar I knew I wasn't going to get away with just painting any old SG, it had to be his . . . with all the nicks and scratches, the whole SHA-BANG!

This issue is currently on the stands and prints are available. Please contact me through my website: http://www.jasonseiler.com]]> Fri, 12 Oct 2007 04:34:36 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/545706

Here's a quick painting I did of Ariel Sharon and George W Bush.
This was a promotional piece done to attract some more political illustrations. Sometimes the best way to get the jobs you want is to just do it for fun. Someone will always take notice if it's well done.

Hope you like it!

Software: Photoshop]]> Tue, 02 Oct 2007 02:27:23 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/543206

Hi everyone,

Here's a piece I did for a magazine called "The Wittenburg Door." It's Napoleaon Dynamite!


This one was fun to do

Done in Photoshop.

Jason]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2007 02:55:40 +0000 http://jason-seiler.cgsociety.org/gallery/540855

Hi everyone,
So here goes my very first post. I've been a long time lurker... recently decided to join up!

My name is Jason Seiler. I'm a caricaturist and humorist illustrator.

I did this a few weeks ago . . . it's out in stores, so I've got the OK to finally post what I did. This was done for GOLF magazine, an article on how intimidating it is for other golfer's to be paired up with Woods. As soon as I heard what the article was about, this image of looking up at Tiger from the ball's point of view popped into my head.

I only had one week from start to finish on this piece, so there wasn't much time to mess around. The first thing I do on a job like this, is sketch a bunch of small thumbnails, just scribbles really. The next step was photo reference, so I posed some of my friends, took pictures, and then began sketching. Once I had the OK, I painted the final with photoshop, it was a lot of fun working on this piece I look forward to working with them again!]]> Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:04:54 +0000