Appeared at DexCon 17, Hyatt Morristown, Morristown, NJ. Thanks to Vinny Salzillo, Avonelle Wing, Anthony "Tiny" Acampora, Darren Watts, and the Double Exposure staff for another great show. Special thanks to fellow artist and Double Exposure artist alley organizer Jack Parra along with our artist alley neighbors and convention attendees.

A framed digital print of the Stone's Throe cover will be on view at the 49th Annual Fence Show at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Main Gallery, Troy, NY. The Fence Show runs from May 22 to June 29, 2014.

A sample of the 106 sketch cards that I contributed to Topps' newly-released Star Wars Chrome Perspectives collectible card series will be on view at the 4th Annual Cohoes Artist Showcase being held at The Venue at St. Joseph's Church, 65 Congress Street, Cohoes, NY. This short but wonderful show is organized by the Choose Cohoes Arts Committee and coincides with Cohoes, NY's Heritage Days Festival.

A framed print of the Dinocalypse Now cover illustration will be part of the auction to benefit breast cancer research and the Choose Cohoes Arts Committee.

Thanks to Fred Neudoerffer, Kathy Klompas, and the Choose Cohoes Arts Committee for putting together such a fine selection of artists and thanks to Dan and Jen O'Neill for offering The Venue at St. Joseph's Church as the venue for the exhibit.

Took part in Free Comic Book Day from 10am-2pm at Dragon's Den, Poughkeepsie, NY and from 2:30pm on at Alterniverse, Salt Point, NY. Thanks to Zach, Dave, John, and the Dragon's Den team and Anthony, Cliff, and the Alterniverse team for the opportunity to share Free Comic Book Day with them and their customers. It was a terrific day. Looking forward to doing it again next year.

Appeared at A-Lot-A-Con, The Hunt College Union, SUNY Oneonta, Oneonta, NY. Thanks to Jared Townsend, Annika Beard, and the A-Lot-A-Con staff for a terrific day. As always, thanks to the attendees for their generosity and support. Best of luck to all of you who are graduating and moving on in the next year.

This was only the second year for A-Lot-A-Con. Hope to see this show growing and taking off in coming years.

Completed a cover illustration for Turtel Onli's Nog: War For Planet Nuba. This graphic novel is part one of a two-part epic from the Father of the Black Age of Comics. The story follows the titular hero Nog and his fellow heroes of Team Blanga as they battle to protect their home planet from forces determined to tear it apart. Stay tuned to OnliStudios.com for news and release information.

This year’s Annual Baby Boomer Collectibles and Toy Show at the Holiday Inn, Wolf Road, Albany, NY will take place on Sunday, April 6th. The convention will focus on the 50th anniversary of G.I. Joe, "America's Movable Fighting Man" and the world's first action figure. Those who buy tickets for the early preview also receive a limited-edition print with G.I Joe artwork by yours truly, John Hebert, and Paul Harding.

Also, the Toy Show will have its own 50th Anniversary Limited Edition G.I. Joe doll. This 1960s era Joe doll kitted out for jungle warfare will be limited to only 25 in number. I was asked to contribute the box art for this Toy Show/Albany Comic Con Limited Edition action figure and you can see a preview of the box art on the digital art page.

Visited the Van Corlaer Elementary School Autograph Club, Schenectady, NY. The Autograph Club at Van Corlaer Elementary School is a program designed to help the students study the importance of writing and reading by writing to celebrities, artists, authors, musicians, political figures, pop-culture personalities, and others and asking for an autographed photo along with a comment expressing the importance of reading. I was invited to spend this afternoon with the Autograph Club to discuss the fields of illustration and comic book art and, of course, to sign autographs for the students.

Thanks to teacher and club organizer Jennifer Paley for extending the invitation and for a tour of the Autograph Club's extensive collection. Thanks also to Van Corlaer staff members Kristen Olochnowicz, Greg Rice, Katherine Kirkpatrick, and Leanne Vacca. Special thanks to fellow guest Darrell Pinckney for helping to facilitate the get-together.

Thanks most of all to the students- Narayane, Chelsea, Angie, Bethany, Michael, Lorelai, Naved, Marvel, Selena, Jahnise, Jaden, Mackenzie, Giana Natalie, Lizette, Darryl, Jaeley, Mariah, Brady, Nahjiim, Kira, Bianca, Dylan, Alyssa, David, Liana, Kiara, Jennifer, Kalvyn, Kerianna, and Kalena- for their warm reception, thoughtful questions, and interest in the art of comic books and illustration. It was an honor to take part in this week's meeting and spend an afternoon with you all.

Special thanks to the customers and attendees for supporting Alterniverse and Toys For Tots.

Alterniverse will continue to collect toys until December 20th. All toys donated will be given to needy children in Dutchess County, NY so please donate.

Completed a Hela drawing which will be included in the Albany Comic Con 12 VIP print. The original art will be part of the charity auction with proceeds to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc.

Appeared at Metatopia, Hyatt Morristown, Morristown, NJ. Thanks to Vinny Salzillo and Avonelle Wing for being such gracious and generous hosts. Thanks to artist alley mate and fellow panelist Jack Parra not only for his hard work and companionship in artist alley but also for arranging the How To Work With Artists panel. Thanks also to Ed Bell and artist alley neighbor James Fry for joining me and Jack on that panel. They brought an invaluable wealth of experience and wisdom. Thanks to the Metatopia team and especially Darren Watts for asking me to take part in The Art of Cover Design, How To Work With Artists, Graphic Tips for Non-Designers, and Art On A Shoestring Budget panels. And special thanks to the convention attendees and those that took part in the art panel line.

The Metatopia 2013 panels schedule has has been posted. I will be taking part in 4 panels this year. Here are the details:

• Friday, 4:00PM - 5:00PM-D022: "The Art of Cover Design" presented by Hal Mangold, Jack Parra, John Carimando & Christian N. St. Pierre.
  What goes into making great, eye-catching cover art? Logos, text placement, shelf appeal - we'll cover all of them here! One Session; Serious, All Ages.
  
  
• Saturday, 12:00PM - 1:00PM- D042: "How To Work With Artists" presented by Ed Bell, Jack Parra, James Fry, & Christian N. St. Pierre.
  The panelists will touch on the process of how to find and approach artists, negotiate the contract, and then successfully work together. It's important that publishers get an artist's-eye-view of things so they can better understand what we do, the process, and the time involved and plan projects accordingly. One Session; Serious, All Ages.
  
  
• Sunday, 1:00PM - 2:00PM- D079: "Graphic Tips for Non-Designers" presented by Fred Hicks, Hal Mangold & Christian N. St. Pierre.
  Color, space, type - the secrets of good graphic design sometimes seem impenetrable to the non-initiated. Never fear, our panel is here to help!One Session; Serious, All Ages.
  
  
• Sunday, 2:00PM - 3:00PM- D082: "Art On A Shoestring Budget"
  presented by Hal Mangold, John Carimando, Jack Parra & Christian N. St. Pierre.
  Getting high-quality art is key to making a product look professional. How do publishers do it without breaking the bank? Our panel makes with the tips and tricks. One Session; Serious, All Ages.

Metatopia will take place Friday, November 1st through Sunday, November 3rd at the Hyatt Morristown, Morristown, NJ. This convention is a mecca for aspiring and professional tabletop game designers, artists, playtesters, and game enthusiasts from all over the country and is highly recommended for those who want to learn more about the industry and how to succeed in it. For more information visit the Double Exposure teams' Metatopia webpage.

Appeared at Council of Five Nations XXXVI, Proctor's Theatre, Schenectady, NY. Thanks to David Cheng, Brent McLean, the Council staff, and the Schenectady Wargamers Association for a terrific show. Thanks also to our vendor neighbors Sandra Quigley of Quigley's Cakes; Alyssa the Dice Witch; Eddie and Ian from Griggling Games; The Hull Breach team Devin and AJ; Seth, Jerry, and Mike from Cooper's Cave; Mr. Joshua's Collectibles & Consignment, and Zombie Planet.

As always, thanks to the convention attendees who brought the convention to life.

To find out more about this unique Upstate New York offering, and one of the oldest gaming conventions in America, visit the Council of Five Nations website or read this All Over Albany article about the history and purpose of the Council of Five Nations.

Blackjack creator and writer Alex Simmons has posted a preview of the cover mock-up for Blackjack: The King Is Dead. The cover dress- logo, title, text- is subject to change, but in large part that is the direction we're headed toward.

Alex is providing the script and I am providing the artwork for this Blackjack one-shot comic book. The project has been in the discussion phase for some time, but we've set the release date for early to mid-2014 since production on the artwork has officially kicked into high gear. So stay tuned for this next installment of Blackjack high-adventure that pits our hero against the forces of evil in 1920s Tibet.

Alex will be appearing at New York Comic Con this weekend. If you're going to the convention, stop by table C4 to learn more about Blackjack and Blackjack: The King Is Dead.

See a preview of the Blackjack: The King is Dead cover artwork on the Sequential Art page.

In unrelated news, looks like Evil Hat Productions' in production card game Zeppelin Armada has been renamed. It's now Zeppelin Attack! Evil Hat Productions' Brand Manager Chris Hanrahan has tweeted Jaqueline Frost 'The Ice Storm' Flagship card during a prototype play session at Big Bad Con. See the Jacqueline Frost Flagship card illustration sans layout here.

Atlas Games' The Contested Isle: The Hibernian Tribunal is now available. I contributed a set of 6 interior, pencil illustrations for this Ars Magica supplement, as well as the full-color center medallion cover illustration.

Completed a cover for Atlas Games' Transforming Mythic Europe. This Ars Magica supplement has been slated for a December 2013 release. Ars Magica Line Editor David Chart says, "This book describes the magic and activities necessary to transform Mythic Europe, whether by creating an island for magi to rule, integrating the Order of Hermes into wider society, or starting a technological revolution... Magi have not changed Europe because they have not yet chosen to... Your magi may choose differently."

You can see a larger preview of the cover and leave your comments on this Atlas Games Forum thread. Here is a preview of the Transforming Mythic Europe cover artwork.

Appeared at Fantacon 2013, Marriott Hotel, Wolf Road, Albany, NY. After a 20 year hiatus Fantacon returns! And I'm proud to have been part of it. Thanks to Tom Skulan, Tim D'Allaird, Broome Spiro, and all of the excellent Fantacon staff and volunteers for a wonderful show. Best wishes to all of the awesome conventioneers, as well. Hope to see this show back for a second go-round in 2014.

Oh Hell Yes! Evil Hat Productions' Fred Hicks tweets more art previews from the epic Zeppelin Armada card game. Ice Field, Psychic Amplifier, and Commando. This game is still in production so there is also a new version of the Boarding Torpedo card with updated layout and graphics (you may remember this card from an earlier post). See the illustrations for these cards in the Zeppelin Armada section of the Digital Art page.

Evil Hat Productions' Fred Hicks has tweeted more illustration previews from the Zeppelin Armada card game. Commando, Psychic Amplifier, and Ghost Projector are next in line, with more to come later. See more preview illustrations from Zeppelin Armada on the Digital Art page.

Atlas Games' Tales of Power is now available. I contributed a set of 4 interior, pencil illustrations for this Ars Magica supplement, as well as the full-color center medallion cover illustration.

Took part in the Illustration Master Class (IMC) at Amherst College, Amherst, MA. Thanks to the IMC faculty, staff, and special guests for a great week. Special thanks to Greg Manchess, Donato Giancola, Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell for their input and support. Thanks to Tor Books' Irene Gallo, Orbit's Lauren Panepinto, and Scott Allie from Dark Horse for their time and valuable guidance. Thanks also to the many other students in the trenches and especially Gene Snyder for the camaraderie and support.

Artist and creator of the world of Dinotopia James Gurney has posted a YouTube video documentary of some of the week's events at the IMC, complete with a ragtime soundtrack. Enjoy.

Prints of the Khan of Mars cover, the Dinocalypse Now cover, and their respective pencil drawings will be on display and for sale at this year's 3rd Annual Cohoes Artist Showcase being held at St. Joseph's Church, 65 Congress Street, Cohoes, NY. This short but wonderful show is organized by the Choose Cohoes Arts Committee and coincides with Cohoes, NY's Heritage Days Festival.

A framed print of Air Vader and a copy of the brand new Christian N. St. Pierre Sketchbook Volume 2 with an original sketch of the Cohoes Mastodon will be part of the auction to benefit breast cancer research and the Choose Cohoes Arts Committee.

Thanks to Fred Neudoerffer, Kathy Klompas, and the Choose Cohoes Arts Committee for putting together such a fine selection of artists and thanks to Dan and Jen O'Neill for offering St. Joseph's Church as the venue for the exhibit.

Evil Hat Productions' Fred Hicks has tweeted previews of the much-anticipated Zeppelin Armada card game. The mayhem includes Monkey Samurai Catapult, Boarding Torpedo, Maxim Guns, and Deep Cover Agent. See previews of the card illustrations, sans layout, in the Zeppelin Armada section of the Digital Art page.

Appeared at Spectrum Fantastic Art Live 2, Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City, MO. Thanks to Cathy and Arnie Fenner and especially to Shena Wolf and the SFAL staff for their tireless efforts in making this a great show. Thanks to fellow exhibitors Christopher Titus, Matt Tisdale, D. Ryan Allen, Byron Winton, and conventioneers Victor and John, Jerry, Shane, Sherri, Ryan, Susie, Randy, and Paul among many others.

Special thanks to Timothy Svoboda and family. Best of luck with your artwork, Tim.

On Saturday the folks at Spectrum reblogged a post from artist John Lee documenting his day at the convention. In this post he cites a Jon Foster oil painting demonstration and... Air Vader!!! Looks like the Dark Lord of the Sith and master of Death Star roundball has leaped his way into yet another heart. Thanks for posting the picture, John. Hope you enjoyed the show.

Framed digital prints of the Khan of Mars cover and the Perhapanauts Naree Pons One-Sheet are on view at the 48th Annual Fence Show at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Main Gallery, Troy, NY. The Fence Show runs from May 18 to June 16, 2013.

Took part in the second annual Free Comic Book Day mini-tour from 11-2pm at Excellent Adventures, Ballston Spa, NY and from 2:30-5pm at The Comic Depot, Wilton Mall, Saratoga Springs, NY. Thanks to John and Matt Belskis from Excellent Adventures and Darren and Kristi Carrara and the rest of the Comic Depot crew for another great day.

Also appeared at In Your Face Wrestling Celebrates Star Wars Day: May The Fourth Be With You, Ballston Area Community Center (BACC), 20 Malta Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY. The first 100 fans were treated to a complimentary Star Wars Day print featuring images culled from my contribution to the Treasure Chest Foundation 2010 fundraising effort. All of the fans were treated to an excellent exhibition of Star Wars and Sci-Fi fandom combined with wrestling expertise. Thanks to Scott Scarsdale and Brent Evans for having me on board for this great event.

Completed a cover illustration for BRW Games' soon-to-be released Adventures Dark and Deep Dungeons Masters Toolkit. This book is the second installment in a series of tomes from heart of writer Joseph Bloch. No release dates has been set yet, but keep your eye on on the BRW Games blog for news and updates. See the Adventures Dark and Deep Dungeon Masters Toolkit cover illustration on the digital art page.

Joseph Bloch and BRW Games are hard at work on a Kickstarter campaign to fund the third installment in the Adventures Dark and Deep series, Bestiary. Feel free to drop by and show your support for BRW's ongoing ode to Gary Gygax.

Race to Adventure (RTA) reaches the finish line!

Evil Hat Productions has announced the official wrap-up of their Race To Adventure Kickstarter campaign with the shipment of copies of the game to all US-based backers.

Race to Adventure and the Hollow Earth/ Dinocalypse Now supplement are now available for purchase by non-backers via the Evil Hat Productions website or you can inquire at your favorite local gaming store. Retailers should contact Alliance Game Distributors and ACD Distribution, among other game distributors, or contact Evil Hat Productions directly to inquire about how to get Race to Adventure into your store.

To coincide with the wrap-up, more Race To Adventure character portraits have been added to the RTA section of the Digital Art page. Four of the new portraits are characters done for RTA Kickstarter backers who supported the project at the $400 level and the other is a protrait of a new, regular character in the Spirit of the Century universe called Bulls-Eye.

See previews of all of the Race To Adventure illustrations in the digital art gallery. See previews of the actual Race To Adventure cards and game elements at Board Game Geek, and leave a comment for the Race to Adventure team.

Evil Hat Productions has posted a preview of an expansion card for the Race To Adventure game. Details on how this mystery card will be incorporated into game play are still forthcoming, so stay tuned. See a preview of the artwork in the Race to Adventure art section.

Appeared at Dreamation 2013, Hyatt Morristown, Morristown, NJ. Thanks to Vinny Salzillo, Avonelle Wing, Anthony "Tiny" Acampora, Darren Watts, and the Double Exposure crew for running a top-notch convention. Special thanks to Jack Parra for an excellent job in running artist alley and for the good company throughout the weekend. Last, but most importantly, thanks to all of the conventioneers and artist alley neighbors. You're always an essential part of a great Double Exposure event.

Evil Hat Productions reports the Race to Adventure games have arrived! Fans who supported the Race to Adventure Kickstarter campaign will get their copies soon. Watch Evil Hat's Fred Hicks as he unboxes a brand new Race to Adventure game at Race to Adventure Kickstarter update #22 to see what you'll get.

See previews of the Race To Adventure illustrations. See previews of the actual Race To Adventure cards and game elements at Board Game Geek, and leave a comment for the Race to Adventure team.

Appeared at Alterniverse, Salt Point, NY for their annual Toys For Tots event.

Thanks to Anthony, Crystal, Cliff, Jim, and the rest of the Alterniverse crew; the Toys For Tots team including local Marine Zack; and fellow guests Richard Clark, Ryan Browne, Eric Deschamps, David Rodriguez, and Jeff Bellio for a terrific day.

Alterniverse will continue to collect toys until December 20th. All toys donated will be given to needy children in Dutchess County, NY so please donate.

Attended Albany Comic Con 10, Holiday Inn, Wolf Road, Albany, NY.

Thanks to John and Matt Belskis, Rocco, and the ACC team for another great show, the biggest and best yet.

Special thanks to the conventioneers- the regulars and the new attendees- who make this show such a great event.

Attended Metatopia, Hyatt Morristown, Morristown, NJ.

Thanks to Vinny Salzillo, Darren Watts, and the Metatopia staff for putting on a wonderful event.

Took part in the "Evil Hat: How It Works" panel which delved into the inner workings of the Evil Hat Productions team of Fred Hicks and Rob Donoghue and introduced the cast of freelancers and their contributions. Thanks to Amanda Valentine, Fred, and Rob for the invitation to take part. Special thanks to Rob and Fred for their kind words and compliments.

All of the Double Exposure events, but especially Metatopia, provide an intense nuts and bolts approach to the business, and fun, of game creation and publishing. Hats off to Vinny and crew for a noble and commendable effort.

Congratulations to Hero Games: Star Hero 6th Edition has been nominated for two ENnie Awards: Best Supplement and Product Of The Year.

View my Star Hero art here.

One more reason to back Race to Adventure!

View the Race to Adventure!: Hollow Earth Expansion art here.

One of several reasons to back Race to Adventure!

View the Race to Adventure!: Dinocalypse Now Expansion art here.

Appeared at Heroes Convention, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC. Thanks to Matt Yocum, Greg Adams, Trimekka's Jan-Michael Franklin, Ritch Hall and the Hallboy Comics family, and Herc, Mike, and the 803 Studios crew for great conversation and inspiration.

And, as always, thanks to Wayne B, Keith, and Mel for all their support.

Completed a one-sheet poster for The Perhapanauts. In this poster Big, Arisa, and Choopie encounter the elusive Naree Pons against the backdrop of jungle-choked temple ruins.

Thanks to The Perhapanauts creators Todd Dezago and Craig Rousseau for asking me to contribute to the 'Haps lore.

The Perhapanauts Naree Pons one-sheet poster will be available starting this weekend at Heroes Convention, Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, NC from June 22-24. Check in with The Perhapanauts team at tables AA-401 and AA-402 for more details.

The Race to Adventure! Kickstarter starts NOW!

View the Race to Adventure! art here.

The framed digital print of the Air Vader drawing is on view and for sale at the 47th Annual Fence Show at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Main Gallery, Troy, NY. The Fence Show will be up until July 15, 2012.

Attended Albany Comic Con 9, Holiday Inn, Wolf Road, Albany, NY.

Thanks to John Belskis and the ACC team for another excellent show.

Thanks also to Blackjack creator Alex Simmons for bringing the Kids' Comic Con to the Albany Comic Con for the day and for asking me to take part in one of the workshops. It was a real pleasure and a great time sharing some of my experiences with the kids.

Completed a Thanos pencil drawing which will be included in the Albany Comic Con 9 VIP print. The original art will be part of the charity auction with proceeds to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc.

Dinocalypse Now has arrived!

Took part in aFree Comic Book Day mini-tour from 12-2pm at Excellent Adventures, Ballston Spa, NY and from 2:30-6pm at The Comic Depot, Wilton Mall, Saratoga Springs, NY. Thanks to John and Matt Belskis and Darren and Kristi Carrara for a great day.

Congratulations to Evil Hat Productions on a successful Dinocalypse Trilogy Kickstarter.

View the Dinocalypse Now cover art here.

Appeared at the Annual Baby Boomer Collectibles and Toy Show, Holiday Inn, Wolf Road, Albany, NY. Thanks to John Belskis for putting on another great show. Like John's Albany Comic Con, the Collectible and Toy Show is growing rapidly. Thanks also to fellow exhibitors sculptor Paul Harding and In Your Face Wrestling.

Where are we racing? TO ADVENTURE! Evil Hat Productions reveals the Race to Adventure! prototype at PAX East.

View more of the Race to Adventure! art here.

End Transmission Games reveals the cover of its Splinter: Core Rulebook. The first printed edition will debut at I-Con 31 this weekend.

View the Splinter: Core Rulebook cover art here.

The Dinocalypse Trilogy Kickstarter starts NOW!

View the Dinocalypse Now cover art here.

Visit the Dinocalypse Trilogy website.

View the Dinocalypse Now cover art without text here.

Evil Hat Productions unveiled the front box cover art for Race to Adventure!. Fred Hicks invites you to boost Evil Hat’s “like” tally on Facebook to see sneak peeks of upcoming projects as they hit milestones.

View the Race to Adventure! cover art without text here.

Pulpcover.com also posted a preview of the cover for Dinocalypse Now.

View the Dinocalypse Now cover art without text here.

Fred Hicks unveiled the cover for Dinocalypse Now, Evil Hat Productions' first foray into fiction. Watch for the Kickstarter campaign kick-off to begin on March 20th.

View the Dinocalypse Now cover art without text here.

Work begins on the cover for Dinocalypse Now, Evil Hat Productions' first foray into fiction. Evil Hat's Fred Hicks describes Dinocalypse Now as "a novel - possibly the start of a trilogy if it is well-received - set in the Spirit of the Century universe, as psychic dinosaurs from the distant past try to take over the present and rule the future. Chuck Wendig will be writing this one, with the pulp action and strange science dials cranked to eleven. Expect to see the heroes from Race to Adventure! put in an appearance, including our game’s classic love triangle, Jet, Sally, and Mack."

Evil Hat Productions' Fred Hicks posted more illustrations for the upcoming Race to Adventure! game. Visit Art Preview: Race to Adventure! for a closer look.

Find more illustrations from Evil Hat Production's Race to Adventure! here. This table top game is still in production. Stay tuned for more previews and news.

Evil Hat Productions' Fred Hicks posted more illustrations for the upcoming Race to Adventure! game. Visit Art Preview: Race to Adventure! for a closer look.

Find more illustrations from Evil Hat Production's Race to Adventure! here. This table top game is still in production. Stay tuned for more previews and news.

Illustration work officially begins on Evil Hat Productions' first card game product Zeppelin Armada. So what is Zeppelin Armada? Stay tuned for news and previews of this Spirit of the Century RPG tie-in.