Friday, April 30, 2010

Compass Rose (a GMG Preview)

I was scratching my head this morning trying to figure out which of my items I was going to post here today only to be shown a clear path again by the Paizo blog...

Over on the Paizo blog today they are featuring another preview for the upcoming GameMastery Guide. It just so happens that I have been lucky enough to have a piece I did for the book featured! They are kicking off the last month (or so) push before the book launches and decided my compass rose was a fitting way to do so...

Compass Rose
© 2010 Paizo Publishing, LLC

This marks the third preview of mine from the GMG, if you missed them, make sure you check out Ymeri, Queen of the Inferno and mimic. I can't wait till this book comes out, it is going to be awesome! I am sharing the pages with a lot of really talented artists!

That's all for another week (and another month! Yikes, how time flies!). I will be back with plenty more next week, but there is a chance I will be missing Monday's post - or at least it will be very late. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact
me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

More then he could chew...

I have for you today a drawing I did in the last few months that ended up being abandoned. At the time I started it I remember thinking how awesome it was going to be... I had all but forgotten about it when I was trying to figure out what to have in today's post. They all can't be master works and they all can't see their way to the finish line. But it made it this far, and that counts for something...

© 2010 Christopher Burdett

I think one of the problems was that right after I drew this I started working on Mutation Nation pieces. That would damn near kill anything I was could have been working on. I also think on a second or third pass I could have hit upon a better composition and maybe a slicker design for the character and creature. Live and learn! That is what it is all about... that and the Hokey Pokey.

See you back here on Friday. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, April 26, 2010

I must be counting wrong...

Somehow this is my 200th post on this blog! Not really sure how I got here but I am as shocked as you are. I would like to thank those who follow and leave comments here, without your participation and encouragement I could not keep this going! I think this is a great opportunity to let you know about some stuff I have coming down the pipeline...

Talisman: The Highland will be upon us soon! I did a bunch of card art for this newest Talisman expansion and I can't wait to share it with you. If you are a savvy Talisman fan... you might have already seen some ;)

Runebound:
Mists of Zanaga will be out later this year! This was just recently announced and is the newest big box expansion for the Runebound universe. Like Talisman, I have card art in the set I eagerly look forward to sharing with you. Seeing how awesome this expansion is going to be... I wish I had taken more work on it!

Pathfinder Chronicles: Classic Treasures Revisited
is out... I think! As soon as I know the NDA is removed I will be sure to bring you the work I did for this book. All I can say is, "Demon go BOOM!".

I have already mentioned my interview in Knockspell #4, but I was able to see a copy of KS #4 over the weekend and the interview is 3 pages! WOW, I was not expecting so much space in the issue!

I think that is enough of my secrets for now...

Again, thank you to all who frequent my blog, follow me on Twitter and watch me on Deviant Art, I appreciate the time and interest in what I do! In thanks, I will leave you with this panda that I drew for my wife... she said it would be okay.

© 2010 Christopher Burdett

See you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact
me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, April 23, 2010

Mutation Nation Drawings (Part 3) - It just won't stop!

This morning I have for you the very last Mutation Nation design that I had begun before the challenge ended. If you are left scratching your head wondering what I am talking about you can visit my previous posts: Scuttling Grizzly, Rhinostrich and Anglerphant. This was one from the top of the list of ideas that I had hoped to have enough time to get painted, but alas it was not meant to be. I present to you my Alligraffe, a combination of alligator and giraffe...

Alligraffe - © 2010 Christopher Burdett

I am not sure if I will get around to finishing this one up but if I find the time I will. I still have a ton of other ideas that need to get drawn too. Monsters that demand their time in the sun. If you haven't already gone by ArtOrder to see how the Mutation Nation Challenge turned out I strongly suggest you take the time and go have a look at all the amazing submissions.

That's it for another week. I am going to be trying to finish up a deadline this weekend so it is going to be a blur till Monday. I will be back next week with stuff and things. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact
me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Ymeri, Queen of the Inferno (a GMG Preview)

We interrupt our previously scheduled post to bring you this sneak peak at the upcoming Pathfinder GameMastery Guide! Over on the Paizo blog today they have a preview for their upcoming GameMastery Guide and it is featuring one of the pieces I did for the book, Ymeri, Queen of the Inferno.

Ymeri, Queen of the Inferno (RAWR!!!!)
© 2010 Paizo Publishing, LLC

You might remember my post back in January when they previewed my art for the Mimic from the GMG. I worked on these last October and I am excited to see that they are starting to pop up.

I feel rather honored since this week they have previewed art by Scott Purdy AND Jon Hodgson. I definitely find myself in good company this week! Head over to the Paizo blog to see all the great art that is being previewed.

I will see about posting on Friday what I had planned for today... if nothing else pops up. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, April 19, 2010

Knockspell Magazine #4

I am a bit under the weather today so I have a quick post.

Knockspell Magazine #4
by Mythmere Games is now out (though it does not appear on the Knockspell webiste - YET). I have an interview in this new issue of Knockspell! So if you were curious about my gaming history and how I went about making the pieces I have in issues #2 and #3 of Knockspell, then rush right out and pick up a copy of Knockspell #4! You can pick up your very own copy over at Black Blade Publishing!

I hopefully will be feeling better by Wednesday when I will have something new for you. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, April 16, 2010

How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Being a DM

Okay, this might be just a bit off topic, but I love me some Dungeons and Dragons, and more specifically, I love being a 4th Edition Dungeon Master. I know you are thinking what the heck does this have to do with my art blog... and you know what, I am not too sure at the moment myself, I just wanted to share some photos from a recent session.

I will say that I have played Dungeons and Dragons since 2nd edition and I owned the Monster Manual since 1st Edition. Hence that life long dream of being in a Monster Manual. I tried my hand at being a DM in 2nd Edition and it went so horribly that I swore never to do it again. I enjoyed playing 3rd Edition about 1000 times more then 2nd Edition. Then 4th Edition came along and I actually found myself working on it. Needless to say when it finally launched I wanted to play it and see how it compared. I was able to pull together a group that was a mix of veterans and first time players. The only problem was that we didn't have a DM. I wanted to play so badly that I bit the bullet and decided I would Dungeon Master the first campaign. I was hooked almost immediately. I am not hear to sell you anything, if you like 1st Edition, by all means, keep plaing 1st Edition. I just want to say how amazingly streamlined and easy it is now to be a DM in 4th Edition. I have so much fun, and I think my players do to, I just wanted to share some fun that happens on the gaming table with you all, so without further delay on my part, here are some of those previously promised photos...

The players have battled their way into the tower of Paggle the Lesser, a magical benefactor of a nearby city who was indicated in a kidnapping plot. It turns out the players arrived too late and the assault on Paggle has begun. But Paggle is not going down without a fight and battles his attackers somewhere in the tower.

The players head to the basement laboratory were they find a group of kidnappers looting some of Paggle's finely crafted products (which eventually found their way into the finely crafted pockets of the players).

There was an heroic battle down and up the stairs that lead to the basement. Much blood was split upon the stair that day!

To help understand what is going on here: The orange dice represents the Vexing Cloud cast by the Goblin Hexer in the room. The red ring on the prone Hobgoblin Soldier means he is bloodied. The two statues at the base of the stairs are the stone remains of two freshly slain Baaz Draconians. The Human Cleric, Elf Ranger, Halfling Bard, Human Warlord and Tiefling Fighter and giving it their all!

With the basement clear the players take the sealed winding staircase to the last floor before the roof. It appears to be a large room full of shiny shiny armor and weapons on display. A dazzling showcase of Paggle's work... oh yeah.. and there are traps... OUCH. This is where thing drew to a close, the Tiefling in desperation ran up a set of stairs that lead to the roof only to find Paggle's kidnappers but moments away from leaving with their prize. A beaten and unconscious Paggle!

Oh, the orange ring on the Warlord? Yeah, he is bloodied... and has no more healing surges left.

This is how I like my players, HAPPY! Happy like they are selling video games in 1980's comic book advertisements. You can clearly see the bandage on my right had where I pealed my knuckles just hours earlier as I left the house carrying way too many bags and boxes to help with the night's gaming experience.

I think that will do it for today! This has been enough of a distraction for now. I will be back next week with some art. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Rollbots Attack Poster - NOW IN COLOR!

You might remember the Roller Derby poster that I posted recently. It was the black and white line art stage of the process. I have had a chance to work on it further, and I have for you today the final colors for the Tallahassee Rollergirls Rollbots attack poster.

Rollbots Attack roller derby poster (W.I.P.) - Now in COLOR
© 2010 Christopher Burdett

I actually just got approval on the final layout of the poster with all text and content. There were some last minute corrections and changes to events. Once I get all the additional related versions of the poster done I will be sure to show it off here.

The ArtOrder Mutation Nation challenge is now over and all the pieces are up for review! Head over to ArtOrder to see everyone's hard work, some really awesome stuff this time around!

That's all for today. As of right now I am planning on something a little different and off subject for Friday. I hope you all find it as interesting as I do. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, April 12, 2010

Mutation Nation Drawings (Part 2)

Today I have for you the drawing from my Anglerphant submission for the Mutation Nation ArtOrder challenge. You might notice some slight changes from drawing to painting, but I think I stayed fairly true to the original.

Anglerphant - © 2010 Christopher Burdett

I spent a lot of time working and reworking the trunk lure. It kept coming off as rather suggestive. Not sure if it is any better in the final design... it just is thankfully obscured by it's own glow.

I had imagined these creatures getting so large that they stopped being able to move, only surviving by attracting prey. At some point they would eventually die and their giant armored carcass would dry out in the sun. I could see an adventure taking place were the heroes had to go into the body shell of a particularly large Anglerphant and clear out a gang of mercenaries that have turned it into their hide out. In a D&D / Gamma World crossover the adventurers are summoned to slay a dragon that lives in a nearby Anglerphant carcass. Who needs dungeons when there is a handy Anglerphant carcass just sitting out in a field...

That's all for today. Be sure to stop back by later in the week, I might have an update on something I have been working on as of late. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, April 9, 2010

ArtOrder Challenge - Mutation Nation (Part 3)

It is like they are multiplying... Today I bring you my third gene spliced creation for the ArtOrder challenge, Mutation Nation challenge. If you missed them before, you can find my official submission HERE, and my second creation HERE. I present to you my Anglerphant a combination of an angler fish and an elephant.

Anglerphant - Mutation Nation Challenge
© 2010 Christopher Burdett

I think this will be my last one for now (unfortunately). I have gotten busy on some projects and need to focus on them. I had to finish this one up in between some deadlines. I have a forth drawing in the works, but I am not sure when I will be able to get back to it... let alone the list of animal combination I have in my head. I am just thrilled I was able to get three completed! ...though everyone is only allowed one official submission.

That's all for today. I will be back next week with some more surprises and I will let you know when the Mutation Nation challenge goes live over on ArtOrder so you can check out all the other submissions! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Bloated Choppers - my life as a zombie

Felt like switching it up this morning. I am in the middle of several projects which are all screaming for my attention. I thought something fun (for me at least) was in order for the blog today...

I bring you a look back at my life as a zombie named Bloated Choppers on the set of All Souls Day: Dia de los Muertos. I'm in the credits! You can check and see that they misspelled my name... again... You might remember seeing a photo of me as the zombie before but I have some images I have never shared.

RAWR! I'm a ZOMBIE! I was responsible for the design, paint work and performance.

The zombie I was portraying was invisioned as having been a drowning victim that floated around for a while becoming swollen and rotten before being reanimated. Fun times! I worn lip retracters most of the time while in the makeup to give the proper look. By the end I got so use to pulling my lips back that I could do it without the retracters. I also usually had a mouth full of black cake icing to add to the drooling wreck that was my zombie face.

Two zombies are better then one! RAWR!

I am pictured above with my friend Camden Toy, I worked with Camden on both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. It was nice to be in front of the camera with him for once. On the last day of shooting I was able to do Camden's makeup (pictured above) and if that isn't enough, I did it while in my makeup.

Danny Trejo RAWR!

YES! The actual real life Danny Trejo. He was totally awesome to work with and a cool guy that has seen and done a lot in his life. He had a million stories and was ready for the camera on a moments notice. A real pleasure to be able to say I worked with Danny.

OM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM RAWR!

Spoiler alert! I eat people as a zombie. I also did all my own stunts and go shot a couple of times. There is even a little thing about me in the extras on the DVD if you are so inclined to watch it.

He coming to get you, Barbara...

I spent my 3oth birthday on the set of All Souls Day: Dia de los Muertos as Bloated Choppers and would not change that for anything.

That is it for today. As long as all goes according to plan I will be back here on Friday with something new! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, April 5, 2010

Art Show recap and round up

The big show opening was this past Friday evening. A big thanks to all that came out and showed their support both in person as well as on the internet. There was a great turn out and I could not have hoped for more! I even had a chance to finally meet fellow local fantasy artist Melissa Findley! I can now confirm she is an actual human and not a manifestation of the internet. Also, a huge thanks to my friends Jenn and Allen for making the trek up from St. Pete, you guys are awesome, it was great to see you both.

The night is still kind of a blur of crowds, music, parades, martial arts, fun and baked goods. Here are some photos from Friday. I should be putting up more over on my Facebook account soon. *UPDATE* If you have a Facebook account my additional photos to the opening can be seen HERE!

You need to have a good sign to direct traffic. Apparently my exclamation points were not prominent enough and folks kept looking for "Food Art".

I think people kept wondering why I had multiple drawings of the same thing in one frame...

The color side of the room...

The back and white side of the room...

Even Minotaur Lords need a good home to hang in.

It is hard to tell from this bad photo in a bad lighting, but I am super happy with how the Scuttling Grizzly prints.

RAWR! I fill the frame nicely!!!

The real reasons so many people showed up! OM NOM NOM NOM NOM! This case was very sparse come the end of the evening.

A shot of the crowds when they were at their lowest. I was outside most of the evening since it was so crowded inside.

Bacon & Bakin' certainly had a great night and I was happy to be a part of their grand opening at their new location. A big thanks to Mandy and Jackson for making me a part of it! Good luck at the new location!

I will see you all back here on Wednesday with hopefully something new. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, April 2, 2010

Art Show Set up (By the way, the show is TONIGHT!)

If you some how missed it, I have a show of selected works opening tonight and running the rest of April. I hung the work on Wednesday afternoon and everything is almost ready to go. There were a couple of hurdles... I apparently got all my measurements wrong when I was planning out the show... OOPS! It wasn't a complete nightmare, some quick adjustments and a little math solved the problem very quickly. Remember, measure twice put a hook on the wall once. Some furniture got moved around for me which then opened up some more wall space for me. I ran around yesterday and got two additional pieces ready to hang this afternoon before everything gets going. Here are some images that I took during the hanging process...

Just where my work belongs... on the floor behind furniture...

My drawings like to kick back, relax and enjoy the sweet life...

Holy crap! Stuff is actually one the walls... and crocked...

Best laid plans of mice and men...

I am really happy with how everything looks up on the wall. I have actually moved past the freaking out stage and entered the mild anticipation stage. If you are in the Tallahassee area I hope to see you at the show tonight! I will have buttons to give away. I will be sure to take lots more photos to share with you on Monday. Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com