Monday, May 19, 2014

Spectrum Live 2014

A little over a week ago, I was in Kansas City, as foretold. It was a lot of fun, and Spectrum Live, a convention of artists and for artists, is definitely growing every year. It is still quite small compared to any comic convention I've ever attended, but that can actually be a good thing. It allows people to walk around and actually spend the time to look at art, talk to the artists, and not feel pushed around and herded like cattle. Which is never terribly appealing, and a reality in almost every convention out there, except this one.
As in past years, that is to say, both of them, it was host to the brightest stars in fantasy art, and around every corner was another masterpiece of the genre, being touted by its humble creator. Also I was there, doing my best not to look too humble in such vaunted company. As proof, I have a shot of my booth from the show floor here.
 
This photo is courtesy of the moderately tall and extremely Internet famous Noah Bradley. This may be one of his finest works.

During the convention hours, I had the chance to work on only one piece, a detailed drawing that I could manage while talking and drawing, and not worry about the difficult stuff. Like perspective, or anatomy. Or much lighting, or texture. But it was a lot of fun, and I thought it turned out pretty well, so I wanted to include it here, so you can observe what art looks like when an artist only pays half his attention to a drawing.
 

Anyway, I flew into town Thursday night, and that evening and the next three days were kind of a blur. For such a relaxed convention, it's amazing how fast it seems to go by. Days filled with awesome art, and some great conversation, and nights filled with much of the same. And a little alcohol as well. It's always a privilege to see such good people in the business that has been my life's pursuit, and it's never enough time spent with them when it's all over, and time to pack up and leave. And while all the booth setup is a lot of work, and the packing up after the fact even more so, I can't wait to do it again.

Which will be in August, at Gencon.