News
about the alumni of SAS & IMC
Spellphabet game by Xin Xin
xin xin launches videogame
Congratulations to alum Xin Xin on creating her own videogame company and launching a new game, Spellphabet! The game is a spelling game for kids and it's free to try. It looks very cute, so go check it out!
Check out more of Xin's work here:
Xin Xin
Check out Spellphabet here:
apps.apple.com/us/app/spellphabet/id6482660876
Check out more of Xin's work here:
Xin Xin
Check out Spellphabet here:
apps.apple.com/us/app/spellphabet/id6482660876
Spellphabet game by Xin Xin
Incantation, by Lara Dann
Lara dann solo show at arch enemy arts
November 22, 2024
Congratulations to Lara Dann on her solo show "Coveted Connections" at Arch Enemy Arts in Philadelphia!
“COVETED CONNECTIONS is about longing for a connection that I cannot or have not had…Artistic and personal growth and transformation have been top of mind for me this year, and putting my feelings into the figures of this work solidifies them for me. There are a spectrum of expressions on topics ranging from serenity, beauty, pain, life, death, and narcissism all manifesting into something tangible for me…I am always learning through self discovery and experimentation with my materials, but perhaps the thing I am learning most right now is how to lean further into my own vision and my own internal mythology.”
The show is up until November 30th, so if you're in Philly stop by to see these gorgeous paintings in person!
Check out more of Lara's work here:
Lara Dann
Congratulations to Lara Dann on her solo show "Coveted Connections" at Arch Enemy Arts in Philadelphia!
“COVETED CONNECTIONS is about longing for a connection that I cannot or have not had…Artistic and personal growth and transformation have been top of mind for me this year, and putting my feelings into the figures of this work solidifies them for me. There are a spectrum of expressions on topics ranging from serenity, beauty, pain, life, death, and narcissism all manifesting into something tangible for me…I am always learning through self discovery and experimentation with my materials, but perhaps the thing I am learning most right now is how to lean further into my own vision and my own internal mythology.”
The show is up until November 30th, so if you're in Philly stop by to see these gorgeous paintings in person!
Check out more of Lara's work here:
Lara Dann
Lady Death, by Lara Dann
The Tie That Binds, by Lara Dann
The Spider and the Fly, by Lara Dann
Coveted Connections, by Lara Dann
Art by Reiko Murakami
reiko murakami solo show at keep contemporary
November 18, 2024
Congratulations to Reiko Murakami on her solo show, Socially Un/Acceptable, on view at Keep Contemporary in Santa Fe, NM! The opening reception for the show is this Friday from 5-8 pm.
Reiko Murakami is a Japanese born artist based in the US. Her work focuses on depicting complex emotions that words cannot fully describe. This body of work expresses the sense of entrapment and internal conflict from the perspective of one who finds a dichotomy in their biological and cultural identities. With the interpretation that a body is a burden to one’s freedom, these pieces challenge the societal expectations of social hierarchy.
Congrats Reiko!
Check out more of Reiko's work here:
Reiko Murakami
Congratulations to Reiko Murakami on her solo show, Socially Un/Acceptable, on view at Keep Contemporary in Santa Fe, NM! The opening reception for the show is this Friday from 5-8 pm.
Reiko Murakami is a Japanese born artist based in the US. Her work focuses on depicting complex emotions that words cannot fully describe. This body of work expresses the sense of entrapment and internal conflict from the perspective of one who finds a dichotomy in their biological and cultural identities. With the interpretation that a body is a burden to one’s freedom, these pieces challenge the societal expectations of social hierarchy.
Congrats Reiko!
Check out more of Reiko's work here:
Reiko Murakami
Inner Blossom by Reiko Murakami
Identity by Reiko Murakami
Legacy by Reiko Murakami
Mimicry by Reiko Murakami
Roots by Reiko Murakami
maryam gohar solo show at atelier gallerie 2112
November 4, 2024
Maryam Gohar has a solo show opening at Atelier Gallerie 2112 in Montreal on November 14th! The show is titled "The Rose and the Nightingale" and from the 14th to the 17th Maryam will have a selection of paintings from the past 3 years on display. Maryam, who was born in Shiraz, Iran, uses Persian and Japanese old paintings as backgrounds in her work, and her work focuses on the push and pull of femininity and sensuality. Congratulations Maryam!
Check out more of Maryam's work here:
Maryam Gohar
Maryam Gohar has a solo show opening at Atelier Gallerie 2112 in Montreal on November 14th! The show is titled "The Rose and the Nightingale" and from the 14th to the 17th Maryam will have a selection of paintings from the past 3 years on display. Maryam, who was born in Shiraz, Iran, uses Persian and Japanese old paintings as backgrounds in her work, and her work focuses on the push and pull of femininity and sensuality. Congratulations Maryam!
Check out more of Maryam's work here:
Maryam Gohar
Art by Jarel Threat
alumni at ix 2024
October 21, 2024
This week, from October 23-27, many SAS alumni and teachers will be showing their work at IX in Reading, Pennsylvania! IX is a yearly show that focuses on imaginative realism and showcases work by established artists as well as emerging ones. This year, there are 20 SAS alumni in the main show and 44 alumni in the weekend showcase. So stop by the Goggleworks (and the Doubletree) to see all of the incredible work that is on display!
Alumni in the Main Show:
Jennifer Hrabota Lesser
Christopher Burdett
Dan Cohen
Grant Cooley
Rain Delmar
Allen Douglas
Sarah Finnigan
Chuck Grieb
Oliver Harbour
Michael C Hayes
Makenna Karp
Serena Malyon
Scott Murphy
Tran Nguyen
Alessandra Pisano
Ethan Price
Kaysha Siemens
Jarel Threat
Drew Tucker
Alexandra Verhoven
Alumni in the Showcase:
Dianita
Alec Acevedo
Brit Austin
Linley Barba
Danny Bitton
Arthur Bowling
Amanda Brack
Bruce Brenneise
Stephen Burks
Josiah Cameron
Lauren Cannon
Amber Feng
Michael Flint
Katelyn Gagnon
Quintin Gleim
Julia Griffin
Ben Hill
Olivia Hintz
David Hoffrichter
Sonia Lai
Jessica Liu
Kat Lunoe
Kelly McKernan
Jeff Menges
Christine Mitzuk
John Molinero
Anthony Moravian
Sarah Morrison
Reiko Murakami
Stephen Najarian
Alex Ngo
Allen Panakal
Rachel Perciphone
Marian Pham
Nicole Pisaniello
Danny Schwartz
April Solomon
Burton Taylor
Colin Throm
Nickie VanMeter
Santiago Villegas
Thomas Wagamon
Jabari Weathers
Megan Wyreweden
This week, from October 23-27, many SAS alumni and teachers will be showing their work at IX in Reading, Pennsylvania! IX is a yearly show that focuses on imaginative realism and showcases work by established artists as well as emerging ones. This year, there are 20 SAS alumni in the main show and 44 alumni in the weekend showcase. So stop by the Goggleworks (and the Doubletree) to see all of the incredible work that is on display!
Alumni in the Main Show:
Jennifer Hrabota Lesser
Christopher Burdett
Dan Cohen
Grant Cooley
Rain Delmar
Allen Douglas
Sarah Finnigan
Chuck Grieb
Oliver Harbour
Michael C Hayes
Makenna Karp
Serena Malyon
Scott Murphy
Tran Nguyen
Alessandra Pisano
Ethan Price
Kaysha Siemens
Jarel Threat
Drew Tucker
Alexandra Verhoven
Alumni in the Showcase:
Dianita
Alec Acevedo
Brit Austin
Linley Barba
Danny Bitton
Arthur Bowling
Amanda Brack
Bruce Brenneise
Stephen Burks
Josiah Cameron
Lauren Cannon
Amber Feng
Michael Flint
Katelyn Gagnon
Quintin Gleim
Julia Griffin
Ben Hill
Olivia Hintz
David Hoffrichter
Sonia Lai
Jessica Liu
Kat Lunoe
Kelly McKernan
Jeff Menges
Christine Mitzuk
John Molinero
Anthony Moravian
Sarah Morrison
Reiko Murakami
Stephen Najarian
Alex Ngo
Allen Panakal
Rachel Perciphone
Marian Pham
Nicole Pisaniello
Danny Schwartz
April Solomon
Burton Taylor
Colin Throm
Nickie VanMeter
Santiago Villegas
Thomas Wagamon
Jabari Weathers
Megan Wyreweden
Primary Hughes' award winning piece, Tourmaline
Primary hughes wins awards in two competitions
October 10, 2024
Congratulations to Primary Hughes on winning "Best Figure & Portrait" in the PleinAir Salon Art Competition for his painting, Tourmaline! The competition is run by PleinAir Magazine, and David Etheridge (Gallery 1261) was the juror for the August Competition. Tourmaline was also previously selected as the winner of the July 2023 SmArt School art prize by Eric Skillman, so it's a multiple award-winning piece! Primary Hughes also won The Florence & Ernest Thorne Thompson Memorial Award from the Allied Artists of America 111th Annual Exhibition for his painting, Polaris. Congrats to Hughes on both of these awards!
Check out more of Primary Hughes' work here:
Primary Hughes
Congratulations to Primary Hughes on winning "Best Figure & Portrait" in the PleinAir Salon Art Competition for his painting, Tourmaline! The competition is run by PleinAir Magazine, and David Etheridge (Gallery 1261) was the juror for the August Competition. Tourmaline was also previously selected as the winner of the July 2023 SmArt School art prize by Eric Skillman, so it's a multiple award-winning piece! Primary Hughes also won The Florence & Ernest Thorne Thompson Memorial Award from the Allied Artists of America 111th Annual Exhibition for his painting, Polaris. Congrats to Hughes on both of these awards!
Check out more of Primary Hughes' work here:
Primary Hughes
Cover art by Sarah Morrison
Sarah morrison is arisia guest of honor
October 4, 2024
Today we're recognizing alumna Sarah Morrison for her recent career achievements. Sarah has been invited as the Artist Guest of Honor at Arisia Science Fiction Convention, taking place in Boston in January 2025! Sarah also illustrated the cover for Michael B Fletcher's new novel "Shadow Scent," to be published by IFGW Publishing on November 4th. Finally, Sarah illustrated the cover for "Death and the Dragon" by David Hankins, which was successfully funded on Kickstarter in September. Congratulations to Sarah on all of these accomplishments!
Check out more of Sarah's work here:
Sarah Morrison
Check out the "Death and the Dragon" kickstarter:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidhankins/death-and-the-dragon?ref=14p9aq
Today we're recognizing alumna Sarah Morrison for her recent career achievements. Sarah has been invited as the Artist Guest of Honor at Arisia Science Fiction Convention, taking place in Boston in January 2025! Sarah also illustrated the cover for Michael B Fletcher's new novel "Shadow Scent," to be published by IFGW Publishing on November 4th. Finally, Sarah illustrated the cover for "Death and the Dragon" by David Hankins, which was successfully funded on Kickstarter in September. Congratulations to Sarah on all of these accomplishments!
Check out more of Sarah's work here:
Sarah Morrison
Check out the "Death and the Dragon" kickstarter:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/davidhankins/death-and-the-dragon?ref=14p9aq
Phoenix, by Oliver Harbour
Oliver Harbour illustrates for marvel flair 2024
October 1, 2024
Congratulations to alumnus Oliver Harbour on his cards for Marvel Flair 2024! The trading card set was released on June 5th by Upper Deck, and Oliver painted 13 cards for the set. You can see the entire set on his website: oliverharbour.com/marvel/marvelflair2024
Congrats Oliver!
Check out more of Oliver's work here:
Oliver Harbour
Congratulations to alumnus Oliver Harbour on his cards for Marvel Flair 2024! The trading card set was released on June 5th by Upper Deck, and Oliver painted 13 cards for the set. You can see the entire set on his website: oliverharbour.com/marvel/marvelflair2024
Congrats Oliver!
Check out more of Oliver's work here:
Oliver Harbour
Cover illustration by Stella Spente
Stella spente's cover for vasas hemlighet
September 12, 2024
Congratulations to alumna Stella Spente on her book cover for "Vasa's Secret" (original Swedish title: Vasas hemlighet) by Cecilia Ekhem! The book was published by Lind&Co this June and Stella's cover is sure to catch readers' eyes. Great work Stella!
Check out more of Stella's work here:
Stella Spente
Check out Vasas hemlighet:
Lind&Co
Congratulations to alumna Stella Spente on her book cover for "Vasa's Secret" (original Swedish title: Vasas hemlighet) by Cecilia Ekhem! The book was published by Lind&Co this June and Stella's cover is sure to catch readers' eyes. Great work Stella!
Check out more of Stella's work here:
Stella Spente
Check out Vasas hemlighet:
Lind&Co
Illustration by Ellie Livingston for Magic: the Gathering
alumni art in MTG: Bloomburrow
September 3, 2024
This week we're recognizing alumni who recently illustrated cards for Magic: the Gathering! We found 19 alumni with cards in the recently released Bloomburrow set. Congratulations to all! And a special shout out to alum Ellie Jo Livingston whose very first cards were released in this set, and Michele Giorgi, whose first planeswalker was released!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
This week we're recognizing alumni who recently illustrated cards for Magic: the Gathering! We found 19 alumni with cards in the recently released Bloomburrow set. Congratulations to all! And a special shout out to alum Ellie Jo Livingston whose very first cards were released in this set, and Michele Giorgi, whose first planeswalker was released!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Illustration by Michele Giorgi for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Aaron Miller for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Danny Schwartz for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Iris Compiet for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Jarel Threat for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Josiah Cameron for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Julia Griffin for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Julie Dillon for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Justyna Dura for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Lie Setiawan for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Quintin Gleim for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Sam Guay for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Sarah Finnigan for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Scott Murphy for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Serena Malyon for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Sidharth Chaturvedi for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Wylie Beckert for Magic: the Gathering
Illustration by Zara Alfonso for Magic: the Gathering
Merchant of Truth, by Carissa Susilo
Winners of the July 2024 art prize
August 28, 2024
Our Judge for this round of the Art Prize was Lauren Panepinto, longtime Creative Director at Orbit Books.
It was another incredible turn out with hundreds of images sent in--and DOZENS of new portfolios. Congratulations to everyone who was able to send in a new portfolio or update their portfolio in this round.
Everyone who entered the Art Prize wins. Lauren Panepinto viewed all images submitted as portfolio updates and new portfolios. She saw each entry with the name of the artist attached. This helps build the recognition of your work as an artist.
Our Judge for this round of the Art Prize was Lauren Panepinto, longtime Creative Director at Orbit Books.
It was another incredible turn out with hundreds of images sent in--and DOZENS of new portfolios. Congratulations to everyone who was able to send in a new portfolio or update their portfolio in this round.
Everyone who entered the Art Prize wins. Lauren Panepinto viewed all images submitted as portfolio updates and new portfolios. She saw each entry with the name of the artist attached. This helps build the recognition of your work as an artist.
lauren panepinto's choices:
Merchant of Truth, by Carissa Susilo
winner: carissa susilo, merchant of truth
This is a fantastic piece that really nails the visual hierarchy. The composition is complex, and there’s a lot going on, but it never feels busy because everything in the composition is pointing towards the focal point (the hand) and then you follow the coins falling down, to the bright purple ribbon, down the arm, and over to the character’s face. That gives the piece a lovely sense of pace. It unfolds for the viewer and tells a story as it unfolds.The texture of the finish really comes through nicely. This is a great piece that would work fantastically as a book cover.
Embodied Exegesis, by Lyss Menold
Runner up: lyss menold, embodied exegesis
I admit this isn’t the first time I saw this piece— it really caught my eye when Lyss first posted it on instagram. It’s a very interesting composition that packs in a lot of story. The color palette really sells the cyberpunk setting, and there’s so many cool Easter eggs the closer you look (the hand in the rubble, the toxic symbol on the drum). I think the top is a little too empty (even if it is where the type is going to go, as a portfolio piece without type it would be ok to have a little more visual interest (more gradient or reflected light in the sky perhaps?). That’s not a big deal. My one little tweak here, if I was the AD, would be to move the focus from the top of the character’s head to the glow in the chest. I think you could know back the head & skin a bit and have the glow of the internal wires be the first thing that catches the viewer’s eye and that would make it a stronger piece. Extra points for cyberkitty tho!
Aurora Shifter, by Justyna Dura
Runner up: justyna dura, aurora shifter
What a great composition! It just jumped out at me even from thumbnail size — which is so important for visuals that need to work online. This is difficult anatomy & foreshortening and Justyna absolutely nails it. I love the overall restrained palette of the piece and then the magic color being pumped up. The hand is fantastic, and the spirals really whip the viewer’s eye around the piece. Really great movement and use of Glow Magic (TM). Another piece I was itching to put on a book cover asap.
Announcing the July 2024 Art Prize
ANNOUNCING OUR 9th JURIED PORTFOLIO COMPETITION! Lauren Panepinto—creative Director at Orbit Books will be the judge for this round of the art prize! She was the judge for the first art prize in July of 2020 and we are so happy to have her back.
How do you enter? The rules are all right here.
The Art Prize is all part of keeping your portfolio current on the SmArt School Alumni Portfolios page. We know it's hard to keep an online portfolio current, so we add this extra perk to help motivate everyone. And it's a really good thing for your work to be seen. When you submit your art, it will be shown with your name as Lauren reviews all entries. Getting your work in front of art directors is key. It is an art prize with special recognition for the winner, but everyone wins when their art gets out there and gets seen.
How do you enter? The rules are all right here.
The Art Prize is all part of keeping your portfolio current on the SmArt School Alumni Portfolios page. We know it's hard to keep an online portfolio current, so we add this extra perk to help motivate everyone. And it's a really good thing for your work to be seen. When you submit your art, it will be shown with your name as Lauren reviews all entries. Getting your work in front of art directors is key. It is an art prize with special recognition for the winner, but everyone wins when their art gets out there and gets seen.
Cover illustration by Sidharth Chaturvedi
Sidharth chaturvedi illustrates eragon
June 24, 2024
Congratulations to Sidharth Chaturvedi on his illustrations for the 20th anniversary edition of Eragon, by Christopher Paolini! Sid was hired to create over 50 traditional illustrations in oil paint or ink for this special edition. Sid illustrates the story beautifully with this impressive set of pieces that show his skill in both media. Congrats Sid!
Check out more of Sid's work here:
Sidharth Chaturvedi
Congratulations to Sidharth Chaturvedi on his illustrations for the 20th anniversary edition of Eragon, by Christopher Paolini! Sid was hired to create over 50 traditional illustrations in oil paint or ink for this special edition. Sid illustrates the story beautifully with this impressive set of pieces that show his skill in both media. Congrats Sid!
Check out more of Sid's work here:
Sidharth Chaturvedi
Illustration by Sidharth Chaturvedi
Illustration by Sidharth Chaturvedi
Illustration by Sidharth Chaturvedi
Illustration by Sidharth Chaturvedi
陰陽 (Onmyou) by Hope Doe
"character in context" at the A.r. Mitchell museum
June 6, 2024
"Character in Context" opens this Friday at the A.R. Mitchell Museum in Trinidad, Colorado, and many alumni, assistants, and teachers of the IMC and SAS have work in the show!
The A.R. Mitchell Museum says:
"This show celebrates the enduring importance of illustration in the contemporary art sphere and is a direct contrast and rebuttal to artificially created artwork. This exhibit features process work from each artist, from preliminary drawings to color studies, accompanying final artworks, which will all be available for public purchase. This is the largest collection of original illustrations for sale from living illustrators in the Western United States, and is the most comprehensive presentation of processes from living and working illustrators ever collected in one space."
The show runs through July 27th, so if you're in the Denver area go check it out!
Congratulations to all the SAS and IMC artists in the show!
We are so happy to be part of such an incredible community of talent.
All artists linked from their images above and below.
More about the show:
The A.R. Mitchell Museum
"Character in Context" opens this Friday at the A.R. Mitchell Museum in Trinidad, Colorado, and many alumni, assistants, and teachers of the IMC and SAS have work in the show!
The A.R. Mitchell Museum says:
"This show celebrates the enduring importance of illustration in the contemporary art sphere and is a direct contrast and rebuttal to artificially created artwork. This exhibit features process work from each artist, from preliminary drawings to color studies, accompanying final artworks, which will all be available for public purchase. This is the largest collection of original illustrations for sale from living illustrators in the Western United States, and is the most comprehensive presentation of processes from living and working illustrators ever collected in one space."
The show runs through July 27th, so if you're in the Denver area go check it out!
Congratulations to all the SAS and IMC artists in the show!
We are so happy to be part of such an incredible community of talent.
All artists linked from their images above and below.
More about the show:
The A.R. Mitchell Museum
"Queen of Sea and Starlight" by Dan Cohen
"Gila Dragon" by Danny Schwartz
"Hollywood Katie" by Reiko Murakami
"Joy March" by Hilary Clarcq
"The Seventh Vision" by Kaysha Siemens
"Lush Diviner" by Daniel Bitton
"Resonance" by Primary Hughes
"Salir" by Grant Cooley
"Chasing Smoke" by Sarah Finnigan
"Chinook Winds" by Serena Malyon
"A Stalking Game" by Daria Theodora
"Poseurs" by Anthony Palumbo
"The Builders" by Scott Brundage
"Big Red" by Julie Bell
Sketch for "The Piano" by Greg Ruth
"Mystic Redaction" by Donato Giancola
"Honor Horse" by Winona Nelson
"Plumb" by Cynthia Sheppard
"Spark Rupture" by Scott Fischer
"Last Battle of the CSS Alabama" by Greg Manchess
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Josiah Mark Cameron
alumni art in outlaws of thunder junction
May 28, 2024
This week we're doing another round of shout outs to alumni who recently illustrated cards for Magic: the Gathering! We found 15 alumni with cards in the recently released Outlaws of Thunder Junction set. Congratulations to all! And a special shout out to alum Jason Smith whose very first card was released in this set, and Josiah Mark Cameron, whose first physical card was released!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
This week we're doing another round of shout outs to alumni who recently illustrated cards for Magic: the Gathering! We found 15 alumni with cards in the recently released Outlaws of Thunder Junction set. Congratulations to all! And a special shout out to alum Jason Smith whose very first card was released in this set, and Josiah Mark Cameron, whose first physical card was released!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Jason Smith
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Kev Fang
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Danny Schwartz
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Iris Compiet
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Jarel Threat
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Julia Metzger
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Justyna Dura
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Michele Giorgi
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Quintin Gleim
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sarah Finnigan
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Scott Murphy
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sidharth Chaturvedi
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Ben Hill
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Wylie Beckert
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Lie Setiawan
Illustration for Star Wars: Legion by Candice Dailey
Candice Dailey creates art for Star wars: Legion
Congratulations to Candice Dailey on her recent work for Star Wars: Legion! Candice has worked on art for both the Star Wars: Legion and Star Wars: Armada tabletop games since being selected for the Star Wars Celebration Art Show in 2020. She also has created Star Wars posters for ACME Archives. Keep up the great work Candice!
Check out more of her work here:
Candice Dailey
Check out more of her work here:
Candice Dailey
Art by Candice Dailey
Illustration by Galen Dara
Alumni nominated for best professional artist hugo
May 15, 2024
Congratulations to alumni Galen Dara and Rovina Cai on being nominated for the Hugo award for Best Professional Artist! The Hugo Awards, first presented in 1953 and presented annually since 1955, are science fiction’s most prestigious award. The nominess and winners are voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Convention. We're so excited to see our alumni receiving such incredible recognition! In addition, SAS Teacher Dan Dos Santos is also nominated for Best Professional Artist. Congrats all!
Check out more of Galen's work here:
Galen Dara
Check out more of Rovina's work here:
Rovina Cai
Congratulations to alumni Galen Dara and Rovina Cai on being nominated for the Hugo award for Best Professional Artist! The Hugo Awards, first presented in 1953 and presented annually since 1955, are science fiction’s most prestigious award. The nominess and winners are voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Convention. We're so excited to see our alumni receiving such incredible recognition! In addition, SAS Teacher Dan Dos Santos is also nominated for Best Professional Artist. Congrats all!
Check out more of Galen's work here:
Galen Dara
Check out more of Rovina's work here:
Rovina Cai
Illustration by Rovina Cai
Cover illustration by Julie Dillon
Julie dillon illustrates books for the folio society
May 8, 2024
Congratulations to alum Julie Dillon on her recent work for The Folio Society! Julie has illustrated two different editions for The Folio Society: The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. The edition of The King of Elfland's Daughter is a centennial edition, and the first time the book has been fully illustrated. Julie's lovely illustrations bring both editions to life. Both books are available through The Folio Society's website, linked below. Congrats Julie!
Check out more of Julie's work here:
Julie Dillon
The Folio Society:
The King of Elfland's Daughter
The Song of Achilles
Congratulations to alum Julie Dillon on her recent work for The Folio Society! Julie has illustrated two different editions for The Folio Society: The King of Elfland's Daughter by Lord Dunsany and The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. The edition of The King of Elfland's Daughter is a centennial edition, and the first time the book has been fully illustrated. Julie's lovely illustrations bring both editions to life. Both books are available through The Folio Society's website, linked below. Congrats Julie!
Check out more of Julie's work here:
Julie Dillon
The Folio Society:
The King of Elfland's Daughter
The Song of Achilles
Illustration by Julie Dillon
Illustration by Julie Dillon
Illustration by Julie Dillon
"Exsanguinator Cavalry" by Quintin Gleim
Alumni win prizes in Infected by art
April 16, 2024
Congratulations to alumni Quintin Gleim and Ethan Price on winning awards in Infected by Art Volume 12! Quintin won the 5th place Grand Prize as well as Gold in the Digital category, and Ethan won Bronze in the Pen/Ink/Pencil category. In addition to Quintin and Ethan's prizes, 67 alumni were juried into the book! We're so proud our alumni made such a strong showing, it's incredible. Congratulations to everyone who made it into the book! A full list of alumni is below.
Congratulations to alumni Quintin Gleim and Ethan Price on winning awards in Infected by Art Volume 12! Quintin won the 5th place Grand Prize as well as Gold in the Digital category, and Ethan won Bronze in the Pen/Ink/Pencil category. In addition to Quintin and Ethan's prizes, 67 alumni were juried into the book! We're so proud our alumni made such a strong showing, it's incredible. Congratulations to everyone who made it into the book! A full list of alumni is below.
"Pale Flowers" by Ethan Price
Alumni in IBA Vol. 12:
Elisabeth Alba
Daniel Bitton
Michael Blank
Elijah Boor
Arthur Bowling
Bruce Brenneise
Christopher Burdett
Rovina Cai
Josiah Cameron
Jason Cheeseman-Meyer
hilaryclarcq.com/
Dan Cohen
Grant Cooley
Nikki Dawes
Kring Demetrio
Hope Doe
Diana Dworak
Christiane Ebrecht
Anastasia Eve
Kev Fang
Amber Feng
Sarah Finnigan
Tawny Fritz
Laura Galli
Melissa Gay
Quintin Gleim
Doruk Golcu
Sebastian Gomez
Chuck Grieb
Julia Griffin
Sam Guay
Oliver Harbour
Ben Hill
Olivia Hintz
David hoffrichter
Jennifer Hrabota Lesser
Primary Hughes
Makenna Karp
Iryna Khymych
Sonia Lai
Harkale Linai
Craig Maher
Ken McCuen
Lyss Menold
Julia Metzger
Christine Mitzuk
Reiko Murakami
Scott Murphy
Alex Ngo
Alessandra Pisano
Ethan Price
Rachel Quinlan
Bronwyn Schuster
Danny Schwartz
Kaysha Siemens
Gwenevere Singley
Lauren Raye Snow
Matthew Spencer
Alex Stone
Jarel Threat
Drew Tucker
Paolo Turchioe
Nickie VanMeter
Dianita Vargas
Alexandra Verhoven
Marta Witkiewicz
Grace Zhu
Elisabeth Alba
Daniel Bitton
Michael Blank
Elijah Boor
Arthur Bowling
Bruce Brenneise
Christopher Burdett
Rovina Cai
Josiah Cameron
Jason Cheeseman-Meyer
hilaryclarcq.com/
Dan Cohen
Grant Cooley
Nikki Dawes
Kring Demetrio
Hope Doe
Diana Dworak
Christiane Ebrecht
Anastasia Eve
Kev Fang
Amber Feng
Sarah Finnigan
Tawny Fritz
Laura Galli
Melissa Gay
Quintin Gleim
Doruk Golcu
Sebastian Gomez
Chuck Grieb
Julia Griffin
Sam Guay
Oliver Harbour
Ben Hill
Olivia Hintz
David hoffrichter
Jennifer Hrabota Lesser
Primary Hughes
Makenna Karp
Iryna Khymych
Sonia Lai
Harkale Linai
Craig Maher
Ken McCuen
Lyss Menold
Julia Metzger
Christine Mitzuk
Reiko Murakami
Scott Murphy
Alex Ngo
Alessandra Pisano
Ethan Price
Rachel Quinlan
Bronwyn Schuster
Danny Schwartz
Kaysha Siemens
Gwenevere Singley
Lauren Raye Snow
Matthew Spencer
Alex Stone
Jarel Threat
Drew Tucker
Paolo Turchioe
Nickie VanMeter
Dianita Vargas
Alexandra Verhoven
Marta Witkiewicz
Grace Zhu
“Steady” by Serena Malyon
Serena malyon wins chesley
April 9, 2024
Congratulations to Serena Malyon on winning the Chesley award for best unpublished color work! Her piece, Steady, was chosen by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists out of many strong entries. The piece is a personal piece, a good reminder to take time for personal work. Congrats, Serena, on this wonderful recognition! In addition, SAS teacher Greg Manchess won the Lifetime Achievement award!
Check out more of Serena’s work here:
Serena Malyon
Congratulations to Serena Malyon on winning the Chesley award for best unpublished color work! Her piece, Steady, was chosen by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists out of many strong entries. The piece is a personal piece, a good reminder to take time for personal work. Congrats, Serena, on this wonderful recognition! In addition, SAS teacher Greg Manchess won the Lifetime Achievement award!
Check out more of Serena’s work here:
Serena Malyon
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Carissa Susilo
Alumni magic cards in Murders at karlov manor
March 28, 2024
SmArt School and IMC alumni continue to impress us with their work for Magic: the Gathering! We found 20 alumni with cards in the recently released Murders at Karlov Manor set. Congratulations to all! And an extra special shout out to SAS and IMC assistant Daneen Wilkerson and alum Carissa Susilo, whose first cards were released in this set!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
SmArt School and IMC alumni continue to impress us with their work for Magic: the Gathering! We found 20 alumni with cards in the recently released Murders at Karlov Manor set. Congratulations to all! And an extra special shout out to SAS and IMC assistant Daneen Wilkerson and alum Carissa Susilo, whose first cards were released in this set!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Daneen Wilkerson
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Julia Metzger
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Sam Guay
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Aaron Miller
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Ben Hill
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Danny Schwartz
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Iris Compiet
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Jarel Threat
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Julia Griffin
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Julie Dillon
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Justyna Dura
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Lie Setiawan
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Lindsey Look
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Michele Giorgi
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Quintin Gleim
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Scott Murphy
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Serena Malyon
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Stella Spente
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Zara Alfonso
"Anna Dreaming" by Iryna Khymych
alumni in wow x wow group show
March 22nd, 2024
Today we're giving a shout out to alumni with work in WOW x WOW's current show, "The Becoming!" WOW x WOW is an online gallery specializing in New Contemporary Art from around the world. Curator Tim Maclean says he seeks out "artists who place a strong emphasis on narrative, who invest time and effort into evolving a unique aesthetic, who strive to develop and incorporate an elevated level of technical skill and whose imagery often contains a distinctively surreal slant."
Alumni Iryna Khymych, and Rachel Quinlan both have pieces in the show. Go check out all the wonderful work before the show ends on the 29th!
The Becoming at WOW x WOW:
WOW x WOW
Today we're giving a shout out to alumni with work in WOW x WOW's current show, "The Becoming!" WOW x WOW is an online gallery specializing in New Contemporary Art from around the world. Curator Tim Maclean says he seeks out "artists who place a strong emphasis on narrative, who invest time and effort into evolving a unique aesthetic, who strive to develop and incorporate an elevated level of technical skill and whose imagery often contains a distinctively surreal slant."
Alumni Iryna Khymych, and Rachel Quinlan both have pieces in the show. Go check out all the wonderful work before the show ends on the 29th!
The Becoming at WOW x WOW:
WOW x WOW
"Whisper" by Rachel Quinlan
"Red Warden" by Zachary Lank
Zachary lank in NYAA show at gallery poulsen
March 19th, 2024
IMC alumnus Zachary Lank is one of four artists featured in Gallery Poulsen's New York Academy show, on display now in Copenhagen! Zachary has five pieces in the show which will be on display until April 13th. Gallery Poulsen's NYAA graduate show stands as a cherished tradition, honoring a select group of burgeoning young artists from the blossoming figurative art scene of New York.
From Gallery Poulsen's write up of the show:
"Lank terms this series of works that is influenced by Roman friezes, religious paintings of the Quattrocento as well as the work of 20th century painters like Philip Guston, Stanley Spencer and the Mexican muralists Jose Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera, as his own “Titanomachy”. They are depictions telling a story of power and its limitations, thinking of the body as both a free subject and a prison."
Congratulations Zachary!
Gallery Poulsen represents acclaimed figurative artists worldwide, including SAS teacher Martin Wittfooth!
Check out more of Zachary's work:
Zachary Lank
The NYAA show at Gallery Poulsen:
Gallery Poulsen
IMC alumnus Zachary Lank is one of four artists featured in Gallery Poulsen's New York Academy show, on display now in Copenhagen! Zachary has five pieces in the show which will be on display until April 13th. Gallery Poulsen's NYAA graduate show stands as a cherished tradition, honoring a select group of burgeoning young artists from the blossoming figurative art scene of New York.
From Gallery Poulsen's write up of the show:
"Lank terms this series of works that is influenced by Roman friezes, religious paintings of the Quattrocento as well as the work of 20th century painters like Philip Guston, Stanley Spencer and the Mexican muralists Jose Clemente Orozco and Diego Rivera, as his own “Titanomachy”. They are depictions telling a story of power and its limitations, thinking of the body as both a free subject and a prison."
Congratulations Zachary!
Gallery Poulsen represents acclaimed figurative artists worldwide, including SAS teacher Martin Wittfooth!
Check out more of Zachary's work:
Zachary Lank
The NYAA show at Gallery Poulsen:
Gallery Poulsen
"Suplex the Mighty" by Zachary Lank
"Pink Warden" by Zachary Lank
"Water Warden" by Zachary Lank
First prize winner, "Howl" by Emily Hare
January 2024 smart school art prize winners
Congratulations to everyone who entered work for this round of the art Prize! It was a truly impressive collection of art, and you all made the judging very difficult! The judge for this round of the Art Prize--who reviewed all entries--was the creative director Christopher Everhart. Formerly of Mondo, he is now the creative director at Collectionzz. Below you can find the winners and all of Chris's comments.
Special congratulations to the winners!
We offer the Art Prize & Alumni Portfolios as FREE perks for alumni. We want our students to succeed! The next round of the SmArt School Art Prize will be in July. We'll have another great art director reviewing the entries. If you're an alumni, keep this in mind, let it be inspiration for your work.
Special congratulations to the winners!
We offer the Art Prize & Alumni Portfolios as FREE perks for alumni. We want our students to succeed! The next round of the SmArt School Art Prize will be in July. We'll have another great art director reviewing the entries. If you're an alumni, keep this in mind, let it be inspiration for your work.
Comments by art prize judge christopher everhart
"Firstly want to say it’s been great fun to take the time to review all this art. In our current state of art, technology and the dawn of AI it’s refreshing to see all these artists sharpening / pushing their craft.
There was a lot of really great work here. After taking the time to look through everything a few times these are the ones that caught my eye and stayed with me."
There was a lot of really great work here. After taking the time to look through everything a few times these are the ones that caught my eye and stayed with me."
Winner
"Howl" by Emily Hare
"Simple yet extremely dynamic composition. Ferocious and elegant characters. Beautiful rendering, great texture and lovely subtle line work. The color transition from black - red - white - grey is a really nice touch. This was the standout piece for me."
"Simple yet extremely dynamic composition. Ferocious and elegant characters. Beautiful rendering, great texture and lovely subtle line work. The color transition from black - red - white - grey is a really nice touch. This was the standout piece for me."
First prize, "Howl" by Emily Hare
runners up
"Refract" by Daniela Ivanova
"Beautiful rendering all around. Characters look great. The motion and lighting effects are really cool and well executed. Color is beautiful. Really lovely work."
"Beautiful rendering all around. Characters look great. The motion and lighting effects are really cool and well executed. Color is beautiful. Really lovely work."
1st runner up, "Refract" by Daniela Ivanova
"DeathNDecay" by Grace Fong
"Very strong and graphic composition. Rendering and texture beautifully executed. Narrative and atmosphere seamlessly woven in. Really strong piece."
"Very strong and graphic composition. Rendering and texture beautifully executed. Narrative and atmosphere seamlessly woven in. Really strong piece."
2nd runner up, "DeathNDecay" by Grace Fong
honorable mentions
"Anxiety" by Aaric Liu
"Lovely execution of the concept here. The broken glass and lighting effects is crafted really well. Great composition and layout."
"Lovely execution of the concept here. The broken glass and lighting effects is crafted really well. Great composition and layout."
Honorable mention, "Anxiety" by Aaric Liu
"The Witch" by Amanda Brack
"Really strong concept and layout. As a fan of the film Amanda really nailed a cool vibe and interesting composition."
"Really strong concept and layout. As a fan of the film Amanda really nailed a cool vibe and interesting composition."
Honorable mention, "The Witch" by Amanda Brack
"Submerged" by Amber Feng
"Really lovely illustration. The color and texture are great. The under water color transitions and subtle ripples are really nice."
"Really lovely illustration. The color and texture are great. The under water color transitions and subtle ripples are really nice."
Honorable mention, "Submerged" by Amber Feng
"The Veil" by Ethan Price
"Beautiful rendering, texture, mood and color."
"Beautiful rendering, texture, mood and color."
"Cornucopia" by Kring Demetrio
"Beautiful rendering, texture, mood and color."
"Beautiful rendering, texture, mood and color."
Honorable mention, "Cornucopia" by Kring Demetrio
This completes the January Art Prize listing. Congratulations to everyone who entered the prize by updating their portfolio, see you in July for the next round!
Diana Dworak's cover for "A Crown of Starlight"
Diana dworak illustrates first book cover
January 30th, 2024
Congratulations to Diana Dworak on her first book cover! Diana was commissioned by Del Rey/Penguin Random House UK to create the cover for "A Crown of Starlight" by Cait Corrain. The first SmArt School class that Diana took was Dan Dos Santos' class on illustration for book covers and advertising, and it's so wonderful to see her achieving her goals! Keep up the great work Diana!
Check out more of her work:
Diana Dworak
Congratulations to Diana Dworak on her first book cover! Diana was commissioned by Del Rey/Penguin Random House UK to create the cover for "A Crown of Starlight" by Cait Corrain. The first SmArt School class that Diana took was Dan Dos Santos' class on illustration for book covers and advertising, and it's so wonderful to see her achieving her goals! Keep up the great work Diana!
Check out more of her work:
Diana Dworak
Burt Silverman Portrait, by Joe Rubinstein
joe rubinstein wins 1st at watercolor exhibition
January 26th, 2024
Congratulations to Joe Rubinstein on winning first place in the National Watercolor Exhibition this past December! Three of Joe's pieces were accepted into the show, and his portrait of Burton Silverman won first place. In addition to being a fine artist, Joe is known for his work in comics, especially his tenure as inker for Marvel Comics' The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. Congrats Joe!
Check out more of his work:
Joe Rubinstein
Congratulations to Joe Rubinstein on winning first place in the National Watercolor Exhibition this past December! Three of Joe's pieces were accepted into the show, and his portrait of Burton Silverman won first place. In addition to being a fine artist, Joe is known for his work in comics, especially his tenure as inker for Marvel Comics' The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe. Congrats Joe!
Check out more of his work:
Joe Rubinstein
Christopher everhart from Collectionzz will judge the 2024 smart school January art prize!
January 9, 2024
Our Judge for this round of the Art Prize is Christopher Everhart, the new Creative Director at Collectionzz! Christopher was also a long time Art Director at Mondo and is Cofounder of Silent Giant. The world of artist-driven pop culture items just keeps getting cooler. At SmArt School & The IMC we want to help you get seen by the best art directors!
Collectionzz started as a way to help collectors connect and buy limited edition pop culture items. Now they commission original art.
Artist-driven pop culture items are a great area of illustration to get into because it's all about the artist! You can't get replaced by AI if it's all about the artist.
So send in your best and latest. Everyone wins by having their art seen, and one lucky person gets the $500 first prize.
Send your submissions in from January 1-January 21.
Click here for instructions on how to enter.
Our Judge for this round of the Art Prize is Christopher Everhart, the new Creative Director at Collectionzz! Christopher was also a long time Art Director at Mondo and is Cofounder of Silent Giant. The world of artist-driven pop culture items just keeps getting cooler. At SmArt School & The IMC we want to help you get seen by the best art directors!
Collectionzz started as a way to help collectors connect and buy limited edition pop culture items. Now they commission original art.
Artist-driven pop culture items are a great area of illustration to get into because it's all about the artist! You can't get replaced by AI if it's all about the artist.
So send in your best and latest. Everyone wins by having their art seen, and one lucky person gets the $500 first prize.
Send your submissions in from January 1-January 21.
Click here for instructions on how to enter.
Micah Epstein's cover for "The Oleander Sword"
Chesley awards finalists
January 5, 2024
Congratulations to the SAS alumni who are finalists for the Chesley Awards this year! The Chesley Awards are given by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists to exceptional works of Sci-Fi and Fantasy art. In addition to alumni nominated in several of the art categories (some in multiple categories!) this year, IMC alumnus Allen Williams is nominated for the Lifetime Achievement award! Amazing work all!
All alumni linked from their images above and below.
Congratulations to the SAS alumni who are finalists for the Chesley Awards this year! The Chesley Awards are given by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists to exceptional works of Sci-Fi and Fantasy art. In addition to alumni nominated in several of the art categories (some in multiple categories!) this year, IMC alumnus Allen Williams is nominated for the Lifetime Achievement award! Amazing work all!
All alumni linked from their images above and below.
Illustration by Bruce Brenneise
Illustration by Hilary Clarcq
Illustration by Julie Dillon
Illustration by Lauren Raye Snow
Illustration by Tran Nguyen
Illustration by Serena Malyon
Art by Allen Williams
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Julie Dillon
alumni magic cards in the lost caverns of ixalan
December 4, 2023
Today we have another shout out to SmArt School and IMC alumni who had Magic cards released in the recent set, The Lost Caverns of Ixalan! We found 14 alumni with cards in this set. Congratulations to all!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Today we have another shout out to SmArt School and IMC alumni who had Magic cards released in the recent set, The Lost Caverns of Ixalan! We found 14 alumni with cards in this set. Congratulations to all!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Stella Spente
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Quintin Gleim
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Aaron Miller
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Michele Giorgi
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Danny Schwartz
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Evyn Fong
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Jarel Threat
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Eelis Kytannen
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Lindsey Look
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Bruce Brenneise
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Alessandra Pisano
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Justyna Dura
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Lie Setiawan
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sidharth Chaturvedi
"Stasis" print by Zara Alfonso
Alumni art stores
November 28, 2023
This holiday season we want to share some of our alumni's art stores! A piece of original art, a print, or merch with art on it, any of these things makes a wonderful gift. It's a great way to support artists and also give something beautiful! Many of our alumni are currently offering sales as well. Check them out!
Zara Alfonso
Elisabeth Alba
Alessandra Pisano
Mia Araujo
Michael Blank
Tran Nguyen
Emily Hare
Kelly McKernan
Dianita Vargas
John Molinero
Serena Malyon
Ashly Lovett
Matthew Spencer
Brit Austin
Nickie Van Meter
Julia Griffin
Marta Witkiewicz
This holiday season we want to share some of our alumni's art stores! A piece of original art, a print, or merch with art on it, any of these things makes a wonderful gift. It's a great way to support artists and also give something beautiful! Many of our alumni are currently offering sales as well. Check them out!
Zara Alfonso
Elisabeth Alba
Alessandra Pisano
Mia Araujo
Michael Blank
Tran Nguyen
Emily Hare
Kelly McKernan
Dianita Vargas
John Molinero
Serena Malyon
Ashly Lovett
Matthew Spencer
Brit Austin
Nickie Van Meter
Julia Griffin
Marta Witkiewicz
Illustration by Scott Bakal for Liberty Magazine
Distinguished Alumnus Scott Bakal
November 16, 2023
Today we're profiling an alumnus who came to the IMC as an accomplished painter and illustrator: Scott Bakal. Scott is best known for his editorial illustrations, which have won awards from the Society of Illustrators, 3x3, Spectrum, American Illustration, and numerous other accolades. His illustrations are immediately recognizeable and convey difficult and complex ideas with grace and simplicity. His works are part of the permanent collections of several museums around the world, including the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Scott is also an active advocate for education and illustration. He has been on the Board of Directors at the Society of Illustrators, and is also a professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. One of the most wonderful things about the IMC is the community of artists all learning from each other, and we were honored to have Scott be a part of it!
Check out more of his work:
Scott Bakal
Today we're profiling an alumnus who came to the IMC as an accomplished painter and illustrator: Scott Bakal. Scott is best known for his editorial illustrations, which have won awards from the Society of Illustrators, 3x3, Spectrum, American Illustration, and numerous other accolades. His illustrations are immediately recognizeable and convey difficult and complex ideas with grace and simplicity. His works are part of the permanent collections of several museums around the world, including the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators and the Norman Rockwell Museum. Scott is also an active advocate for education and illustration. He has been on the Board of Directors at the Society of Illustrators, and is also a professor at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. One of the most wonderful things about the IMC is the community of artists all learning from each other, and we were honored to have Scott be a part of it!
Check out more of his work:
Scott Bakal
Illustration by Scott Bakal for Richmond Magazine
Illustration by Scott Bakal for Tor.com
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Julia Griffin
Alumni Magic cards in wilds of eldraine
November 7, 2023
Congratulations to all the alumni of SmArt School and the IMC who illustrated cards for the recently released Magic: The Gathering set, Wilds of Eldraine! We found 21 alumni with cards in this set. A special shout out to Julia Griffin, Danny Schwartz, and Andrea Sipl who all had their first cards in this set!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Congratulations to all the alumni of SmArt School and the IMC who illustrated cards for the recently released Magic: The Gathering set, Wilds of Eldraine! We found 21 alumni with cards in this set. A special shout out to Julia Griffin, Danny Schwartz, and Andrea Sipl who all had their first cards in this set!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Iris Compiet
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Danny Schwartz
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Andrea Sipl
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Wylie Beckert
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Alessandra Pisano
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Rovina Cai
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sam Guay
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Julie Dillon
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Eelis Kytannen
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Evyn Fong
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Zara Alfonso
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Michele Giorgi
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Scott Murphy
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Justyna Dura
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sidharth Chaturvedi
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sarah Finnigan
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Ben Hill
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Lie Setiawan
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Colin Boyer
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Serena Malyon
Lirael cover by Tommy Arnold
Tommy arnold illustrates covers for abhorsen editions
November 6, 2023
Congratulations to Tommy Arnold on his recent covers for the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix for Daphne Press Deluxe! Daphne Press is releasing new, luxurious limited editions of the beloved series (originally illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon) with beautiful wrap around covers by Tommy. Tommy is currently working on the cover for the third book. Also check our Tommy's great Muddy Colors article on his process for the cover of the 30th anniversary edition of the first book!
Check out more of his work:
Tommy Arnold
Check out Lirael:
Daphne Press
Congratulations to Tommy Arnold on his recent covers for the Abhorsen series by Garth Nix for Daphne Press Deluxe! Daphne Press is releasing new, luxurious limited editions of the beloved series (originally illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon) with beautiful wrap around covers by Tommy. Tommy is currently working on the cover for the third book. Also check our Tommy's great Muddy Colors article on his process for the cover of the 30th anniversary edition of the first book!
Check out more of his work:
Tommy Arnold
Check out Lirael:
Daphne Press
Sabriel cover by Tommy Arnold
A Vicious Game cover by Kim Dingwall
book covers by kim dingwall
November 3, 2023
Kim Dingwall has been knocking it out of the park recently with her book covers! Kim mostly illustrates covers for self publishing clients, but she has also illustrated the covers for The Halfling Saga series, which started out self published but was picked up by a traditional publisher after the first book blew up on TikTok. Self publishing is a growing market, and can be a good place to find work! Congrats to Kim on her eye-catching covers!
Check out more of her work:
Kim Dingwall
Kim Dingwall has been knocking it out of the park recently with her book covers! Kim mostly illustrates covers for self publishing clients, but she has also illustrated the covers for The Halfling Saga series, which started out self published but was picked up by a traditional publisher after the first book blew up on TikTok. Self publishing is a growing market, and can be a good place to find work! Congrats to Kim on her eye-catching covers!
Check out more of her work:
Kim Dingwall
Squaring the Earth cover by Kim Dingwall
A Promise Once Made cover by Kim Dingwall
Monsters, magic, and make believe show at SGA
October 30, 2023
On display now at the Savannah Gallery of Art is a show with art by several alumni and faculty! The show, "Monsters, Magic, and Make Believe," is curated by former IMC special guest BROM, and features pieces by Rebecca Guay as well as alumni Elisabeth Alba, Scott Murphy, Quintin Gleim, Brian Bowes, and Scott Bakal. It's wonderful to see the Savannah art scene growing and also showcasing fantasy illustrators. The show is only up for one more day, but if you're in Savannah you can still see it! Congrats to everyone in the show!
On display now at the Savannah Gallery of Art is a show with art by several alumni and faculty! The show, "Monsters, Magic, and Make Believe," is curated by former IMC special guest BROM, and features pieces by Rebecca Guay as well as alumni Elisabeth Alba, Scott Murphy, Quintin Gleim, Brian Bowes, and Scott Bakal. It's wonderful to see the Savannah art scene growing and also showcasing fantasy illustrators. The show is only up for one more day, but if you're in Savannah you can still see it! Congrats to everyone in the show!
Odette, by Elisabeth Alba
Illustration by Scott Bakal
Embrace, by Quintin Gleim
Dune Messiah cover, by Hilary Clarcq
Hilary clarcq illustrates dune messiah
October 26, 2023
Congratulations to Hilary Clarcq on her illustrated edition of Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert from The Folio Society! For this edition Hilary created 8 color illustrations, 10 black and white chapter headings, as well as the cover and slipcase. The Folio Society's edition of the first book in the series was illustrated by SAS teacher Sam Weber, and in Hilary's cover for Dune Messiah she uses Alia's black veil to refer back to Sam's final illustration for Dune. Hilary's passion for the story shows in her lovely illustrations!
Check out more of her work:
Hilary Clarcq
Check out Dune Messiah:
The Folio Society
Congratulations to Hilary Clarcq on her illustrated edition of Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert from The Folio Society! For this edition Hilary created 8 color illustrations, 10 black and white chapter headings, as well as the cover and slipcase. The Folio Society's edition of the first book in the series was illustrated by SAS teacher Sam Weber, and in Hilary's cover for Dune Messiah she uses Alia's black veil to refer back to Sam's final illustration for Dune. Hilary's passion for the story shows in her lovely illustrations!
Check out more of her work:
Hilary Clarcq
Check out Dune Messiah:
The Folio Society
Illustration by Hilary Clarcq for Dune Messiah
Illustration by Hilary Clarcq for Dune Messiah
Illustration by Jana Heidersdorf for The Buried Giant
Jana heidersdorf illustrates the buried giant
October 25, 2023
Congratulations to Jana Heidersdorf on her illustrated edition of The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro from The Folio Society! The gorgeous edition is the very first time the story has been fully illustrated, with 7 color illustrations and 4 black and white images all by Jana. Jana's evocative illustrations bring this powerful story to life!
Check out more of her work:
Jana Heidersdorf
Check out The Buried Giant:
The Folio Society
Congratulations to Jana Heidersdorf on her illustrated edition of The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro from The Folio Society! The gorgeous edition is the very first time the story has been fully illustrated, with 7 color illustrations and 4 black and white images all by Jana. Jana's evocative illustrations bring this powerful story to life!
Check out more of her work:
Jana Heidersdorf
Check out The Buried Giant:
The Folio Society
Illustration by Jana Heidersdorf for The Buried Giant
Illustration by Jana Heidersdorf for The Buried Giant
Alumni at IX 2023
October 16, 2023
This coming weekend a bunch of SAS and IMC alumni (and faculty) will be showing work at IX in Reading, PA! IX is a yearly show that focuses on imaginative realism and showcases work by established artists as well as emerging ones. Congratulations to everyone showing work! If you're in the area stop by to see some amazing art!
Alumni in the main show:
Dan Cohen
Grant Cooley
Rain Delmar
Allen Douglas
Chuck Grieb
Michael C. Hayes
Jennifer Hrabota-Lesser
Kaysha Siemens
Daria Theodora
Jarel Threat
Drew Tucker
Alexandra Verhoven
Rebecca Yanovskaya
Alumni in the showcase:
Rachel Agner
Chris Ams
Brit Austin
Linley Barba
Christina Bindon
Daniel Bitton
Tyler Broussard
Christopher Burdett
Paige Carpenter
Sarah Finnigan
Michael Flint
Katelyn Gagnon
Melissa Gay
Doruk Golcu
Julia Griffin
Oliver Harbour
Ben Hill
David Hoffrichter
Leah Kellaway
Serena Malyon
Jeff McDonald
Kelly McKernan
Jeff Menges
Anthony Moravian
Reiko Murakami
Steven Najarian
Alex Ngo
Allen Panakal
Nicole Pisaniello
Rachel Quinlan
Elizabeth Rose
Dan Rossi
Danny Schwartz
Gwenevere Singley
Matthew Spencer
Nickie VanMeter
Dianita Vargas
Daneen Wilkerson
This coming weekend a bunch of SAS and IMC alumni (and faculty) will be showing work at IX in Reading, PA! IX is a yearly show that focuses on imaginative realism and showcases work by established artists as well as emerging ones. Congratulations to everyone showing work! If you're in the area stop by to see some amazing art!
Alumni in the main show:
Dan Cohen
Grant Cooley
Rain Delmar
Allen Douglas
Chuck Grieb
Michael C. Hayes
Jennifer Hrabota-Lesser
Kaysha Siemens
Daria Theodora
Jarel Threat
Drew Tucker
Alexandra Verhoven
Rebecca Yanovskaya
Alumni in the showcase:
Rachel Agner
Chris Ams
Brit Austin
Linley Barba
Christina Bindon
Daniel Bitton
Tyler Broussard
Christopher Burdett
Paige Carpenter
Sarah Finnigan
Michael Flint
Katelyn Gagnon
Melissa Gay
Doruk Golcu
Julia Griffin
Oliver Harbour
Ben Hill
David Hoffrichter
Leah Kellaway
Serena Malyon
Jeff McDonald
Kelly McKernan
Jeff Menges
Anthony Moravian
Reiko Murakami
Steven Najarian
Alex Ngo
Allen Panakal
Nicole Pisaniello
Rachel Quinlan
Elizabeth Rose
Dan Rossi
Danny Schwartz
Gwenevere Singley
Matthew Spencer
Nickie VanMeter
Dianita Vargas
Daneen Wilkerson
Frostmourn, by Daneen Wilkerson
alumni work for d&d
October 9, 2023
A shout out today to the alumni who have work in recent Dungeons & Dragons releases! A number of artists did work for Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants, including SAS and IMC assistant Daneen Wilkerson. This is Daneen's first piece for D&D! Other artists in the book include Jabari Weathers, Josiah Cameron, and Christopher Burdett. Bruce Brenneise and Christopher Burdett also contributed art to the recent D&D Planescape! Congratulations to all!
You can find more of their work here:
Daneen Wilkerson
Jabari Weathers
Josiah Cameron
Christopher Burdett
Bruce Brenneise
A shout out today to the alumni who have work in recent Dungeons & Dragons releases! A number of artists did work for Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants, including SAS and IMC assistant Daneen Wilkerson. This is Daneen's first piece for D&D! Other artists in the book include Jabari Weathers, Josiah Cameron, and Christopher Burdett. Bruce Brenneise and Christopher Burdett also contributed art to the recent D&D Planescape! Congratulations to all!
You can find more of their work here:
Daneen Wilkerson
Jabari Weathers
Josiah Cameron
Christopher Burdett
Bruce Brenneise
Giant Holding up the Sky, by Jabari Weathers
Fire Giant Forgecaller, by Josiah Cameron
Fomorian Deep Crawler, by Christopher Burdett
Portal to Ysgard, by Bruce Brenneise
"Noxious Ghoul" front, by Jarel Threat
Jarel threat illustrates secret lair card
October 2, 2023
Congratulations to Jarel Threat on his first Secret Lair card, Noxious Ghoul, for Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair x Creepshow! The drop is inspired by old-school horror comics, and Jarel's card features his chilling cover painting on the front and a comic page by him on the back. Jarel's experience as both a fantasy painter and a comic artist make him the perfect choice for the Creepshow drop! Jarel also recently illustrated a new version of Black Lotus, one of the most famous magic cards of all time, for Eternal Weekend. Congrats Jarel!
You can find more of his work here:
Jarel Threat
Congratulations to Jarel Threat on his first Secret Lair card, Noxious Ghoul, for Magic: The Gathering's Secret Lair x Creepshow! The drop is inspired by old-school horror comics, and Jarel's card features his chilling cover painting on the front and a comic page by him on the back. Jarel's experience as both a fantasy painter and a comic artist make him the perfect choice for the Creepshow drop! Jarel also recently illustrated a new version of Black Lotus, one of the most famous magic cards of all time, for Eternal Weekend. Congrats Jarel!
You can find more of his work here:
Jarel Threat
"Noxious Ghoul" back, by Jarel Threat
Cover for "The Great Change" by John Anthony di Giovanni
John anthony di giovanni illustrates The great change
September 29, 2023
Congratulations to John Anthony di Giovanni on his recent work for both Subterranean Press and Magic: The Gathering! John illustrated the cover and interiors for The Great Change (and Other Lies) by Joe Abercrombie, the lettered edition of which has already sold out. This is his third book for Joe Abercrombie and Subterranean Press. John also had several cards in the recent Magic: The Gathering set, Tales of Middle Earth. So much great work, congrats John!
You can find more of his work here:
John Anthony di Giovanni
The Great Change (and Other Lies) available here:
Subterranean Press
Congratulations to John Anthony di Giovanni on his recent work for both Subterranean Press and Magic: The Gathering! John illustrated the cover and interiors for The Great Change (and Other Lies) by Joe Abercrombie, the lettered edition of which has already sold out. This is his third book for Joe Abercrombie and Subterranean Press. John also had several cards in the recent Magic: The Gathering set, Tales of Middle Earth. So much great work, congrats John!
You can find more of his work here:
John Anthony di Giovanni
The Great Change (and Other Lies) available here:
Subterranean Press
"We Contain Multitudes" by Ken Cunningham
Ken Cunningham interview in beautiful bizarre
September 27, 2023
Congratulations to Ken Cunningham on his write up and interview in Beautiful Bizarre! The article by Bella Harris features Ken's series of paintings at Abend Gallery. Ken draws on his past experience as a dance artist to focus on the interaction between bodies and space and emotion. Bella Harris writes "there’s fragility and intensity to each silhouette and emotion seemingly bleeds from their expression and body language." Congratulations Ken!
You can read the full article here:
Beautiful Bizarre
You can find more of Ken's work here:
Ken Cunningham
Congratulations to Ken Cunningham on his write up and interview in Beautiful Bizarre! The article by Bella Harris features Ken's series of paintings at Abend Gallery. Ken draws on his past experience as a dance artist to focus on the interaction between bodies and space and emotion. Bella Harris writes "there’s fragility and intensity to each silhouette and emotion seemingly bleeds from their expression and body language." Congratulations Ken!
You can read the full article here:
Beautiful Bizarre
You can find more of Ken's work here:
Ken Cunningham
Paige carpenter wins best in show at dragoncon
September 19, 2023
Paige Carpenter's painting, "Mara," won Best in Show this year at the DragonCon art show! The piece depicts a main character from her upcoming fantasy novel. Paige's painting was chosen out of pieces from 93 different artists. Congratulations Paige!
You can find more of her work here:
Paige Carpenter
Paige Carpenter's painting, "Mara," won Best in Show this year at the DragonCon art show! The piece depicts a main character from her upcoming fantasy novel. Paige's painting was chosen out of pieces from 93 different artists. Congratulations Paige!
You can find more of her work here:
Paige Carpenter
"Mara" by Paige Carpenter
2023 Smart school art prize winners announced
Once again congratulations to everyone who entered. The judge for this round of the Art Prize--who reviewed all entries--was the illustrious art director Eric Skillman @ericskillman . He is a high level art director best known for his work at the Criterion Collection @criterioncollection . He provided wonderful commentary about his choices. It is all included below.
Special congratulations to the winners!
We offer the Art Prize & Alumni Portfolios as FREE perks for alumni. We want our students to succeed! The next round of the SmArt School Art Prize will be in January. We'll have another great art director reviewing the entries. If you're an alumni, keep this in mind, let it be inspiration for your work.
Special congratulations to the winners!
We offer the Art Prize & Alumni Portfolios as FREE perks for alumni. We want our students to succeed! The next round of the SmArt School Art Prize will be in January. We'll have another great art director reviewing the entries. If you're an alumni, keep this in mind, let it be inspiration for your work.
Comments by the art prize judge Eric Skillman
Okay! This was much harder than I thought it would be! Easy to select the top tier of favorites, very difficult to whittle it down to three (let alone one!) I keep swapping my choices around—talk to me next week and any one of these top four might be my #1 pick, or any of the honorable mentions might edge out one of these. But purely as a snapshot of my preferences at this particular moment in time, here’s my picks:
WINNER
Primary Hughes, “Tourmaline”
I mean, first of all, the colors. The energy of the piece! The balance between abstraction and realism is beautifully done, the flat graphic accents deployed beautifully. It has the feeling of an impossible kind of high fashion, built from flowers and coral reefs and explosions, all anchored by an imperious yet vulnerable gaze. Beautiful work.
--A note from SmArt School--
Primary Hughes ALSO has a show now at Modern Eden Gallery! Modern Eden is in San Francisco & Exhibition Dates: September 9–October 5, 2023-Opening Reception: Saturday September 9, 6-9 pm
Modern Eden Gallery
I mean, first of all, the colors. The energy of the piece! The balance between abstraction and realism is beautifully done, the flat graphic accents deployed beautifully. It has the feeling of an impossible kind of high fashion, built from flowers and coral reefs and explosions, all anchored by an imperious yet vulnerable gaze. Beautiful work.
--A note from SmArt School--
Primary Hughes ALSO has a show now at Modern Eden Gallery! Modern Eden is in San Francisco & Exhibition Dates: September 9–October 5, 2023-Opening Reception: Saturday September 9, 6-9 pm
Modern Eden Gallery
Primary Hughes, “Tourmaline”
RUNNERS UP
Reiko Murakami, “The Cranes”
I love the delicacy of this piece, the fragility of it. The way the cranes read as a pattern on the fabric, until they don’t. The way the eye finally lands on the hands in the center, the gentle pressure of the mother’s thumb holding her child’s hand… Lovely, subtle storytelling.
I love the delicacy of this piece, the fragility of it. The way the cranes read as a pattern on the fabric, until they don’t. The way the eye finally lands on the hands in the center, the gentle pressure of the mother’s thumb holding her child’s hand… Lovely, subtle storytelling.
Reiko Murakami, “The Cranes”
Kristina WermoongRey, “Fliers of Gy”
The limited color palette here makes this gold almost glow. A composition this busy could easily fall apart, but the visual rhymes hold it together—the verticals in the pendulums and the railings, the circles with the swoop of the wings. It’s perfectly balanced, but not so perfectly as to become sterile—unexpected choices like the way the staircase inverts halfway up keep it lively.
The limited color palette here makes this gold almost glow. A composition this busy could easily fall apart, but the visual rhymes hold it together—the verticals in the pendulums and the railings, the circles with the swoop of the wings. It’s perfectly balanced, but not so perfectly as to become sterile—unexpected choices like the way the staircase inverts halfway up keep it lively.
Kristina WermoongRey, “Fliers of Gy”
Jerome Stueart, “The Blueberry Dance”
Just so damn charming. The loose, scratchy lines, the playful watercolor, the gleeful abandon of the little naked fairy-bear and his goldfinch pal… Simple but so effective. Pure joy on the page.
Just so damn charming. The loose, scratchy lines, the playful watercolor, the gleeful abandon of the little naked fairy-bear and his goldfinch pal… Simple but so effective. Pure joy on the page.
Jerome Stueart, “The Blueberry Dance”
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Patricia Pria, “Letting Go”
Patricia Pria, “Letting Go”
Harkale Linai, “The Diva Makes Her Entrance”
Harkale Linai, “The Diva Makes Her Entrance”
Kaysha Siemens, “Artemis of the Spears”
Kaysha Siemens, “Artemis of the Spears”
Anastasia Eve, “Crystal Reeds”
Anastasia Eve, “Crystal Reeds”
Lauren Cannon, “Kindled”
Lauren Cannon, “Kindled”
This completes the July Art Prize listing. Congratulations to everyone who entered the prize by updating their portfolio.
Maryam Gohar's "Woman Life Freedom" Exhibition in New york
August 31, 2023
Maryam Gohar's work will be on display at the Spring/Break Art Show in New York City Thursday, Sept 7th--Monday, Sept 11th, 11AM - 7PM, with an opening night reception Wednesday, Sept 6th, 5PM - 8PM. Congratulations Maryam! This is an especially powerful show. Maryam created the work in Iran during the protests. She has been risking her life to exercise creative freedoms that so many of us take for granted. Very powerful.
Maryam Gohar
Spring/Break Art Show
Maryam Gohar's work will be on display at the Spring/Break Art Show in New York City Thursday, Sept 7th--Monday, Sept 11th, 11AM - 7PM, with an opening night reception Wednesday, Sept 6th, 5PM - 8PM. Congratulations Maryam! This is an especially powerful show. Maryam created the work in Iran during the protests. She has been risking her life to exercise creative freedoms that so many of us take for granted. Very powerful.
Maryam Gohar
Spring/Break Art Show
Zara Alfonso Illustrates cover for Neon Ghosts by Daniel B. Greene
Zara's image was part of a kickstarter drive that raised more than 200k for the publication of a hardcover edition of Neon Ghosts! Congratulations Zara! Zara also won the SmArt School art prize in January of 2022, as selected by Rob Jones of Mondo. See more of Zara's work here.
Learn more about the book at the kickstarter here
Learn more about the book at the kickstarter here
Lauren Snow Nominated for a world fantasy award
July 31, 2023
Congratulations to Lauren Snow on being nominated for a World Fantasy Award! She's in great company with a number of legendary fantasy artists. Find out more about the award here. The winner will be announced at the World Fantasy Convention in October. Lauren says, "So much of the work I have produced that drew the attention of the judges was produced in my mentorships at SmArt School. I have so much credit to give Sam Weber, Greg Manchess, and all my incredible and supportive classmates. I'm really grateful for you all!"
Check out more of her work, and follow her socials to see what she does next:
Lauren Snow
Congratulations to Lauren Snow on being nominated for a World Fantasy Award! She's in great company with a number of legendary fantasy artists. Find out more about the award here. The winner will be announced at the World Fantasy Convention in October. Lauren says, "So much of the work I have produced that drew the attention of the judges was produced in my mentorships at SmArt School. I have so much credit to give Sam Weber, Greg Manchess, and all my incredible and supportive classmates. I'm really grateful for you all!"
Check out more of her work, and follow her socials to see what she does next:
Lauren Snow
tex buss solo show on view at copro gallery
July 28, 2023
Congratulations to Tex Buss on her show, entitled "Fugue State" at Copro Gallery, running through July 29. Copro is a great gallery for figurative, narrative art in Santa Monica, California. Tex is an accomplished painter and tattoo artist. In 2021 she won the SmArt School Art Prize, as chosen independently by BOTH jurors. Her tie to SmArt School is that she took a painting mentorship with Martin Wittfooth.
Check out more of Tex's work and follow her socials to keep up with what she does next:
Tex Buss
Copro Gallery
Congratulations to Tex Buss on her show, entitled "Fugue State" at Copro Gallery, running through July 29. Copro is a great gallery for figurative, narrative art in Santa Monica, California. Tex is an accomplished painter and tattoo artist. In 2021 she won the SmArt School Art Prize, as chosen independently by BOTH jurors. Her tie to SmArt School is that she took a painting mentorship with Martin Wittfooth.
Check out more of Tex's work and follow her socials to keep up with what she does next:
Tex Buss
Copro Gallery
Eric Skillman from the criterion collection will judge the 2023 smart school July art prize!
Enter the SmArt School July Art Prize! Click here for instructions on how to enter. The prize is open to all alumni of SmArt School & the IMC for free.
The Judge--who will see all entries--is Eric Skillman. He is a Brooklyn-based designer, art director, and writer, best known for his work with the Criterion Collection, where he has been firmly ensconced since 2002. He has won numerous awards as an art director including from the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and an Eisner Award. The Criterion Collection is dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films. They commission brilliant new cover art for the rerelease of their films. So all alumni should enter this round of the art prize. Submit your entry from July 1 to July 21.
Check out the Criterion Collection:
The Criterion Collection
The Judge--who will see all entries--is Eric Skillman. He is a Brooklyn-based designer, art director, and writer, best known for his work with the Criterion Collection, where he has been firmly ensconced since 2002. He has won numerous awards as an art director including from the Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and an Eisner Award. The Criterion Collection is dedicated to publishing important classic and contemporary films. They commission brilliant new cover art for the rerelease of their films. So all alumni should enter this round of the art prize. Submit your entry from July 1 to July 21.
Check out the Criterion Collection:
The Criterion Collection
Image by Jean Labourdette
Jean Labourdette showing at roq la rue Gallery
June 17, 2023
Congratulations to alumnus Jean Labourdette who will have a solo show at Roq La Rue gallery in November 2023. He also just had one of his recent works in the Roq La Rue 25th anniversary show, up through May 27. Jean is another accomplished painter who came to SmArt School to learn something new with Martin Wittfooth in his digital sculpting class "Blender from a Painter's Point of View". We look forward to seeing where Jean takes his paintings now that he has learned this powerful imaging tool.
Check out more of his work here:
Jean Labourdette
Roq La Rue
Congratulations to alumnus Jean Labourdette who will have a solo show at Roq La Rue gallery in November 2023. He also just had one of his recent works in the Roq La Rue 25th anniversary show, up through May 27. Jean is another accomplished painter who came to SmArt School to learn something new with Martin Wittfooth in his digital sculpting class "Blender from a Painter's Point of View". We look forward to seeing where Jean takes his paintings now that he has learned this powerful imaging tool.
Check out more of his work here:
Jean Labourdette
Roq La Rue
"Community Zoo" by Esao Andrews
distinguished alumnus esao andrews
April 25, 2023
Today we're profiling another alumnus who came to SmArt School as an accomplished painter: Esao Andrews. He recently took Martin Wittfooth's class “Blender From a Painter’s Point of View”. Esao is an a painter and illustrator who has had solo shows on both coasts and created murals, album covers, comic covers, and skateboard designs. In 2019 he had a retrospective at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum in his hometown of Mesa, AZ. His surreal and haunting paintings are a natural fit in both the fine art and illustration worlds. Many students come to SmArt School to start their careers, and some, like Essao, join SmArt School as professionals. Even the most accomplished artists can benefit from a community of learning.
Check out more of his work:
Esao Andrews
Today we're profiling another alumnus who came to SmArt School as an accomplished painter: Esao Andrews. He recently took Martin Wittfooth's class “Blender From a Painter’s Point of View”. Esao is an a painter and illustrator who has had solo shows on both coasts and created murals, album covers, comic covers, and skateboard designs. In 2019 he had a retrospective at the Mesa Contemporary Arts Museum in his hometown of Mesa, AZ. His surreal and haunting paintings are a natural fit in both the fine art and illustration worlds. Many students come to SmArt School to start their careers, and some, like Essao, join SmArt School as professionals. Even the most accomplished artists can benefit from a community of learning.
Check out more of his work:
Esao Andrews
"Perched Athena" by Esao Andrews
"Aperture" by Esao Andrews
Illustration by Victo Ngai for the Kama Sutra of Vatsyayana
distinguished alumna Victo ngai
April 20, 2023
In today's post we're recognizing distinguished alumna Victo Ngai. Victo was already a tremendously accomplished illustrator before she enrolled in Martin Wittfooth’s course ‘Blender from an Artist’s Point of View’. Victo says of the experience:
“I am thankful to SmArt School as it gives me the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the best of the best, try out new techniques and experiment with unfamiliar art media. My past semester with the great Martin Wittfooth has been very fruitful, and I plan on returning for more classes to enrich my creative arsenal!”
In 2014 Victo was named one of Forbes 30 under 30 in Art and Style, and her work has received multiple gold medals from the Society of Illustrators. Her work is iconic and instantly recognizable, whether it is in a children's book or on a billboard. Some of her recent projects include covers for the popular Percy Jackson series, a fully illustrated edition of the Kama Sutra Vatsyayana for the Folio Society, and illustrating "Shining a Light," a picture book celebrating important AAPI figures. With so much already under her belt we can't wait to see what she does next!
Check out more of her work:
Victo Ngai
In today's post we're recognizing distinguished alumna Victo Ngai. Victo was already a tremendously accomplished illustrator before she enrolled in Martin Wittfooth’s course ‘Blender from an Artist’s Point of View’. Victo says of the experience:
“I am thankful to SmArt School as it gives me the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by the best of the best, try out new techniques and experiment with unfamiliar art media. My past semester with the great Martin Wittfooth has been very fruitful, and I plan on returning for more classes to enrich my creative arsenal!”
In 2014 Victo was named one of Forbes 30 under 30 in Art and Style, and her work has received multiple gold medals from the Society of Illustrators. Her work is iconic and instantly recognizable, whether it is in a children's book or on a billboard. Some of her recent projects include covers for the popular Percy Jackson series, a fully illustrated edition of the Kama Sutra Vatsyayana for the Folio Society, and illustrating "Shining a Light," a picture book celebrating important AAPI figures. With so much already under her belt we can't wait to see what she does next!
Check out more of her work:
Victo Ngai
Percy Jackson cover by Victo Ngai
Illustration by Victo Ngai for Shining a Light
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Tran Nguyen
Alumni illustrating recently released magic cards!
April 16, 2023
Congratulations to all the alumni of SmArt School and the IMC who illustrated cards for the recently released Magic: The Gathering set, March of the Machine! We were blown away to find 21 alumni with cards in this set, truly impressive work from all!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Congratulations to all the alumni of SmArt School and the IMC who illustrated cards for the recently released Magic: The Gathering set, March of the Machine! We were blown away to find 21 alumni with cards in this set, truly impressive work from all!
All alumni linked from their images above and below:
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Alessandra Pisano
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Bruce Brenneise
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Jarel Threat
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Eelis Kyttänen
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Julie Dillon
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Justyna Dura
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Lie Setiawan
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Martina Fačková
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Nicholas Elias
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sarah Finnigan
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Scott Murphy
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Serena Malyon
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sidharth Chaturvedi
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Rovina Cai
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Ernanda Souza
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Stella Spente
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Michele Giorgi
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Colin Boyer
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Wylie Beckert
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Zara Alfonso
Four of Wands by Craig Maher
Craig maher illustrates tarot of the vampires
April 10, 2023
Congratulations to alumnus Craig Maher on his illustrations for the Tarot of the Vampires written by Charles Harrington from Llewellyn Worldwide! The illustration for the Four of Wands was also included in Infected by Art Vol. 10. This is Craig's first tarot deck for Llewellyn and it will be released in August this year.
Preorder the deck here:
Llewellyn Worldwide
Check out more of Craig's work here:
Craig Maher
Congratulations to alumnus Craig Maher on his illustrations for the Tarot of the Vampires written by Charles Harrington from Llewellyn Worldwide! The illustration for the Four of Wands was also included in Infected by Art Vol. 10. This is Craig's first tarot deck for Llewellyn and it will be released in August this year.
Preorder the deck here:
Llewellyn Worldwide
Check out more of Craig's work here:
Craig Maher
Two of Cups by Elisabeth Alba
Elisabeth alba illustrates tarot of the owls
April 7, 2023
Congratulations to alumna Elisabeth Alba on her illustrations for the Tarot of the Owls written by Pamela Chen from Llewellyn Worldwide! The deck came out in January and debuted at #1 on Amazon's new tarot releases. This is Elisabeth's second tarot deck for Llewellyn Worldwide and she is currently working on a third.
The deck is available here:
Llewellyn Worldwide
Check out more of Elisabeth's work here:
Elisabeth Alba
Congratulations to alumna Elisabeth Alba on her illustrations for the Tarot of the Owls written by Pamela Chen from Llewellyn Worldwide! The deck came out in January and debuted at #1 on Amazon's new tarot releases. This is Elisabeth's second tarot deck for Llewellyn Worldwide and she is currently working on a third.
The deck is available here:
Llewellyn Worldwide
Check out more of Elisabeth's work here:
Elisabeth Alba
US Army medal by Lucas Durham
Lucas durham designs medal for us mint
April 4, 2023
On March 6, 2023 the United States Mint released a 2.5 ounce silver medal honoring the US Army as part of their Armed Forces Silver Medal Series. Alumnus Lucas Durham designed the medal's obverse (heads side) while participating in the Mint's Artistic Infusion Program. This is the second of Lucas' designs used by the US Mint, the first being the reverse (tails side) of the 2018 Congressional Gold Medal honoring the crew of the USS Indianapolis.
You can read more about the medal on The Mint's press release.
And check out more of Lucas' work here: Lucas Durham
On March 6, 2023 the United States Mint released a 2.5 ounce silver medal honoring the US Army as part of their Armed Forces Silver Medal Series. Alumnus Lucas Durham designed the medal's obverse (heads side) while participating in the Mint's Artistic Infusion Program. This is the second of Lucas' designs used by the US Mint, the first being the reverse (tails side) of the 2018 Congressional Gold Medal honoring the crew of the USS Indianapolis.
You can read more about the medal on The Mint's press release.
And check out more of Lucas' work here: Lucas Durham
Airi Kervinen "Portrait Study"
Airi Kervinen Wins the January Art Prize!
February 24
The winners of the Art Prize are in! Paul Suntup of Suntup Editions has made his choices. Airi Kervinen won the $500 first prize! Read on for Paul Suntup's choices for honorable mentions and special mentions, and to hear his comments about the judging.
This round of the prize was another incredible turn out with hundreds of images sent in--and DOZENS of new portfolios. Congratulations to everyone who was able to send in a new portfolio or update their portfolio in this round. Paul viewed them all.
The Alumni Portfolios page becomes better every round. It is a genuine resource for art directors looking for talent. Take a moment and click through it. If you know the name of an artist in the group, type it in the search bar to get to their portfolio. Enjoy some inspiration.
Here's what our juror, Paul Suntup, Publisher of Suntup Editions, had to say about all the wonderful submissions and how he chose his winners.
"It was a challenge narrowing the submissions down to a single winner because there were many great pieces. In some ways, it’s strange to judge art because on the one hand, my selections are partly based on what I like and dislike in terms of artistic style. But it’s just that. My personal taste in art. That says nothing about the gravity of the other pieces which were submitted and not chosen.
On the other hand, as a publisher who works with artists all the time, I cannot help but look at the art from that vantage point as well. Through the lens of someone who hires artists regularly for publication in an edition of a novel.
Having said all that, my choice for the winner is "Portrait Study" by Airi Kervinen. I feel this peice can work within the pages of the book, as the cover or as a standalone painting on the wall. What appealed to me are the painterly brush strokes, the use of light and the technical skill. It draws you in and holds you for a moment while you take in the emotions."
The winners of the Art Prize are in! Paul Suntup of Suntup Editions has made his choices. Airi Kervinen won the $500 first prize! Read on for Paul Suntup's choices for honorable mentions and special mentions, and to hear his comments about the judging.
This round of the prize was another incredible turn out with hundreds of images sent in--and DOZENS of new portfolios. Congratulations to everyone who was able to send in a new portfolio or update their portfolio in this round. Paul viewed them all.
The Alumni Portfolios page becomes better every round. It is a genuine resource for art directors looking for talent. Take a moment and click through it. If you know the name of an artist in the group, type it in the search bar to get to their portfolio. Enjoy some inspiration.
Here's what our juror, Paul Suntup, Publisher of Suntup Editions, had to say about all the wonderful submissions and how he chose his winners.
"It was a challenge narrowing the submissions down to a single winner because there were many great pieces. In some ways, it’s strange to judge art because on the one hand, my selections are partly based on what I like and dislike in terms of artistic style. But it’s just that. My personal taste in art. That says nothing about the gravity of the other pieces which were submitted and not chosen.
On the other hand, as a publisher who works with artists all the time, I cannot help but look at the art from that vantage point as well. Through the lens of someone who hires artists regularly for publication in an edition of a novel.
Having said all that, my choice for the winner is "Portrait Study" by Airi Kervinen. I feel this peice can work within the pages of the book, as the cover or as a standalone painting on the wall. What appealed to me are the painterly brush strokes, the use of light and the technical skill. It draws you in and holds you for a moment while you take in the emotions."
Paul then went on to choose more work he wanted to recognize, with honorable mentions and special mentions.
Honorable Mentions
Honorable Mention 1: Marta Witkiewicz "Winter Rose”
"I am a fan of black and white art, and felt this piece was expertly executed. It is delicate and complex at the same time."
"I am a fan of black and white art, and felt this piece was expertly executed. It is delicate and complex at the same time."
Marta Witkiewicz "Winter rose"
Honorable Mention 2: Elijah Boor "The Right One”
"This piece is haunting. There is a limited color pallet which is used so effectively but focusing the attention on the cube, with the shadowy and unnerving image of the girl appearing behind it. This would be a perfect book cover for me, or as a frontispiece."
Elijah Boor "The Right One”
special mentions
"Finally, a few others which caught my attention and which I felt worth mentioning. As I said, it was a difficult choice to make:"
Burton Taylor "Keep Back the Dark"
Burton Taylor "Keep Back the Dark"
Serena Malyon "Luna"
Serena Malyon "Luna"
David Natale "The Iris Garden"
David Natale "The Iris Garden"
"Thank you to the artists and everyone involved in this contest."
--Paul Suntup
--Paul Suntup
Once again, congratulations to everyone who entered the January Art Prize. The Art Prize is a competition free to all SmArt School and IMC alumni. We're already looking forward to the next Art Prize in July, where another leading art director, editor, or gallery director will take a look at all entries.
January art prize
December 30, 2022
Announcing Paul Suntup, publisher Suntup Editions, will be the juror for the January Art Prize! The prize is open to alumni of SmArt School and the IMC, directions for how to apply are here. We are so happy to have Paul Suntup as juror for this round of the prize! Suntup Editions started in 2016 and has already become a major publisher of exquisite artist editions.
Remember, you can send your submissions in from JANUARY 1-JANUARY 21. We look forward to seeing everyone's new art!
Suntup Editions
Announcing Paul Suntup, publisher Suntup Editions, will be the juror for the January Art Prize! The prize is open to alumni of SmArt School and the IMC, directions for how to apply are here. We are so happy to have Paul Suntup as juror for this round of the prize! Suntup Editions started in 2016 and has already become a major publisher of exquisite artist editions.
Remember, you can send your submissions in from JANUARY 1-JANUARY 21. We look forward to seeing everyone's new art!
Suntup Editions
Emily Hare’s 2023 Art Calendar
Emily hare’s 2023 art calendar
November 22, 2022
Check out SmArtSchool alumna Emily Hare's 2023 Monsters Calendar and greetings cards, on sale until December 7th! Emily will also be bringing her world, Strangehollow, to DnD 5e! Congratulations!
Check out more of her work:
Emily Hare
Check out SmArtSchool alumna Emily Hare's 2023 Monsters Calendar and greetings cards, on sale until December 7th! Emily will also be bringing her world, Strangehollow, to DnD 5e! Congratulations!
Check out more of her work:
Emily Hare
Rebecca Yanovskaya illustration for "Endymion"
Lavishly illustrated book by rebecca yanovskaya
November 21, 2022
Congratulations to IMC alumna Rebecca Yanovskaya on her illustrations for "Endymion or The State of Entropy" by Kurt R. Ward! The book is lushly illustrated with Rebecca's images of gods, goddesses, and dreamscapes. It is now available on Amazon.
Check out more of her work:
Rebecca Yanovskaya
Congratulations to IMC alumna Rebecca Yanovskaya on her illustrations for "Endymion or The State of Entropy" by Kurt R. Ward! The book is lushly illustrated with Rebecca's images of gods, goddesses, and dreamscapes. It is now available on Amazon.
Check out more of her work:
Rebecca Yanovskaya
Rovina Cai illustration for "Coraline"
Lavishly illustrated edition by rovina cai
November 11, 2022
Congratulations to Rovina Cai on her illustrations for the sold out Red Thread Edition of "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman from Lyra's Books! Rovina's brilliant idea to have a red thread running through every illustration brings the book together in a wonderful and unique way.
Check out more of her work:
Rovina Cai
Check out more Lyra's Books:
Lyra's Books
Congratulations to Rovina Cai on her illustrations for the sold out Red Thread Edition of "Coraline" by Neil Gaiman from Lyra's Books! Rovina's brilliant idea to have a red thread running through every illustration brings the book together in a wonderful and unique way.
Check out more of her work:
Rovina Cai
Check out more Lyra's Books:
Lyra's Books
Hilary Clarcq illustration for "Dark Matter"
lavishly Illustrated edition by Hilary clarcq
November 11, 2022
Congratulations to Hilary Clarcq on her incredible illustrations for "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch from Suntup Editions! The artist edition, featuring a gorgeous wrap-around cover (the last two images) and 6 full color interior illustrations by Hilary, is available through Suntup's website.
check out more of Hilary's work:
Hilary Clarcq
Congratulations to Hilary Clarcq on her incredible illustrations for "Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch from Suntup Editions! The artist edition, featuring a gorgeous wrap-around cover (the last two images) and 6 full color interior illustrations by Hilary, is available through Suntup's website.
check out more of Hilary's work:
Hilary Clarcq
August 19, 2022
The winners of the Art Prize are in! There was an incredible turn out with hundreds of images sent in. It is wonderful so many artists were inspired to get their best work out there and seen--with the special bonus of getting seen by the great jurors of this round, Adam Auerbach and Kirsten Anderson.
We first created the Alumni Portfolios page in the spring of 2020 because conventions and exhibition venues were closing and artists needed a way to get their work in front of people. Now the Alumni Portfolio page still serves the same purpose of bringing exposure. And it gets stronger. With each round of updates and new portfolios the site becomes more powerful as a resource for anyone looking for artists.
So congratulations to everyone who entered!
And, without further ado, here are the choices of the jurors:
Kirsten Anderson
Owner/Curator of Roq La Rue Gallery
As a galleries and arts writer, I constantly critique work. Usually it's quite easy for me as I have lightning judgement- but that was put to the test with this particular contest. Everything was so great! I could see every artist's work on the cover of a book. So I decided to use a few criteria to help me finally pick after looking through the images at least 10 times. I used a combination of skill in rendering the figure, imaginative imagery, composition, and asking if it compelled me to want to know more about the narrative.That said- I feel sad I could only pick out three out of this group! I noticed I tended to be drawn to the more “simplistic" pieces. As much as I enjoyed the really dense, information packed fantasy pieces and several would inspire me to pick up something that had that image on it- I was more struck by economy of imagery to convey emotion, grace, and atmosphere.
The winners of the Art Prize are in! There was an incredible turn out with hundreds of images sent in. It is wonderful so many artists were inspired to get their best work out there and seen--with the special bonus of getting seen by the great jurors of this round, Adam Auerbach and Kirsten Anderson.
We first created the Alumni Portfolios page in the spring of 2020 because conventions and exhibition venues were closing and artists needed a way to get their work in front of people. Now the Alumni Portfolio page still serves the same purpose of bringing exposure. And it gets stronger. With each round of updates and new portfolios the site becomes more powerful as a resource for anyone looking for artists.
So congratulations to everyone who entered!
And, without further ado, here are the choices of the jurors:
Kirsten Anderson
Owner/Curator of Roq La Rue Gallery
As a galleries and arts writer, I constantly critique work. Usually it's quite easy for me as I have lightning judgement- but that was put to the test with this particular contest. Everything was so great! I could see every artist's work on the cover of a book. So I decided to use a few criteria to help me finally pick after looking through the images at least 10 times. I used a combination of skill in rendering the figure, imaginative imagery, composition, and asking if it compelled me to want to know more about the narrative.That said- I feel sad I could only pick out three out of this group! I noticed I tended to be drawn to the more “simplistic" pieces. As much as I enjoyed the really dense, information packed fantasy pieces and several would inspire me to pick up something that had that image on it- I was more struck by economy of imagery to convey emotion, grace, and atmosphere.
Runner up #1: Carissa Susilo “Water Tiger” - This is a fairly straightforward image of a tiger- but the rendering and “weight" of the actual tiger is perfection and a sheer delight to look at. It's not easy to make it look so effortless.
'Water Tiger' by Carissa Susilo
Runner up #2: Brit Austin “Its Only Forever, Not Long At All” - what I liked about this is that it quickly caught my attention and I found the expression on the Goblin King’s face so entrancing. I liked the capture of a mischievous and slightly malevolent character without the artist just straight up drawing David Bowie as Jareth.
'It's Only Forever, Not Long At All' by Brit Austin
Winner: Lauren Raye Snow "Home”. I eventually settled on this piece as it's the piece I felt I would most likely exhibit in my gallery. I liked the formal almost “Madonna and child” portraiture aspect of it, including a masterful capture of expression in the face. I also wanted to know more about the strangeness of the armadillo which kept me engaged with the piece.
'Home' by Lauren Raye Snow
Adam Auerbach
Art Director at Berkley / DAW / Penguin Random House
Thank you for the opportunity to view this amazing work! It was tough to narrow this down to three images.
Queen of the Sea, by Dan Cohen, is a strong runner up for me. I love the color and the lighting on the Queen’s face, as well as the intensity of her expression. I also really like how she‘s framed by those two lionfish-like fins. There is a lot of imagery, but everything reads and feels unified by the color palette.
Art Director at Berkley / DAW / Penguin Random House
Thank you for the opportunity to view this amazing work! It was tough to narrow this down to three images.
Queen of the Sea, by Dan Cohen, is a strong runner up for me. I love the color and the lighting on the Queen’s face, as well as the intensity of her expression. I also really like how she‘s framed by those two lionfish-like fins. There is a lot of imagery, but everything reads and feels unified by the color palette.
'Queen of the Sea' by Dan Cohen
For my other strong runner up, I’m choosing Bear Language, by Galen Dara. I love how this image is stylized in such a sophisticated way. The silhouettes are clear and graphic, but there is so much detail. The color and setting are very evocative.
'Bear Language' by Galen Dara
My pick for the winner is The Ecstasy of St. Joan, by Lauren Raye Snow. This is a beautifully painted portrait. There is so much emotion in Joan of Arc’s expression. Her hands and face look very natural. In this image, she reads as a real, believable person. I could immediately tell who portrait was depicting, which is so important in illustration. The pose, imagery, and armor give the viewer the necessary information. I’m a book designer, and so I also must note that the iconic, strong, and simple composition would look great on a jacket.
'The Ecstasy of St. Joan' by Lauren Raye Snow
Congratulations to all the runners up and to Lauren Raye Snow--who won both first prizes! Kirsten and Adam worked independently as they decided their winners and runners. This is a pretty amazing endorsement of Lauren's work.
Art for Magic: the Gathering by Galen Dara
Alumni illustrating Recently released magic cards! Continued
July 31, 2022
So many SmArt School and IMC alumni have started illustrating Magic Cards! Here we CONTINUE the shout out to alumni of our programs who had their first MTG card released since 2019. We spotted 14 artists in our last announcement--that announcement started in March (you can see those 14 artists if you scroll down). Now we spotted SEVEN more! Magic is a prestigious client. The art plays a big role in the game and Wizards of the Coast--who create Magic: The Gathering--have always given prominent credit to the artists they work with. So big congratulations to all the SAS & IMC alumni who started illustrating magic cards recently. Particular congratulations to Galen Dara, who just had her first ever card announced as part of the prestigious Secret Lair series. And check out art by all the alumni we just spotted in these recent sets:
Wylie Beckert
Ernanda Souza
Alessandra Pisano
Sam Guay
Reiko Murakami
Tommy Arnold
So many SmArt School and IMC alumni have started illustrating Magic Cards! Here we CONTINUE the shout out to alumni of our programs who had their first MTG card released since 2019. We spotted 14 artists in our last announcement--that announcement started in March (you can see those 14 artists if you scroll down). Now we spotted SEVEN more! Magic is a prestigious client. The art plays a big role in the game and Wizards of the Coast--who create Magic: The Gathering--have always given prominent credit to the artists they work with. So big congratulations to all the SAS & IMC alumni who started illustrating magic cards recently. Particular congratulations to Galen Dara, who just had her first ever card announced as part of the prestigious Secret Lair series. And check out art by all the alumni we just spotted in these recent sets:
Wylie Beckert
Ernanda Souza
Alessandra Pisano
Sam Guay
Reiko Murakami
Tommy Arnold
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Wylie Beckert
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Ernanda Souza
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Tommy Arnold
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Sam Guay
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Reiko Murakami
Art for Magic: The Gathering by Alessandra Pisano
Art by Judd Mercer
Abend Gallery carrying work by several artists who studied at smart school--Including Judd Mercer with a solo show
June 16,2022
Abend Gallery in Denver has been an important gallery showing imaginative realism and representational painting since the 1990's. It's great to see many alumni showing at Abend. Congratulations particularly to Judd Mercer who had a solo show at the gallery this March! Judd produced some of the work in his solo show before studying at SmArt School--we are always proud that SmArt School is a place where established artists can come to learn We're proud that SmArt School is a place for beginners and artists at all different levels, too. Other alumni with art at Abend Gallery now are: Hilary Clarcq, Corina St Martin, Bernard Lee, Jessica Libor, and Primary Hughes. Congratulations to them all!
--In addition, it is our pleasure to announce that the owner and curator of Abend Gallery, David Ethridge, will be the special guest in Ray Bonilla's oil painting class next semester. Students can hear about David Ethridge's vision with Abend Gallery as well as about the solo show Ray, himself, is having at Abend this fall, and students' work will be displayed in that class.
Check out Ray's mentorship:
Ray Bonilla: Impactful Light and Color in Oil Painting
Check out these links to more art by these SmArt School alumni with work at Abend Gallery:
Judd Mercer
Bernard Lee
Jessica Libor
Hilary Clarq
Corina St Martin
Primary Hughes
Check out Abend Gallery
Abend Gallery
Abend Gallery in Denver has been an important gallery showing imaginative realism and representational painting since the 1990's. It's great to see many alumni showing at Abend. Congratulations particularly to Judd Mercer who had a solo show at the gallery this March! Judd produced some of the work in his solo show before studying at SmArt School--we are always proud that SmArt School is a place where established artists can come to learn We're proud that SmArt School is a place for beginners and artists at all different levels, too. Other alumni with art at Abend Gallery now are: Hilary Clarcq, Corina St Martin, Bernard Lee, Jessica Libor, and Primary Hughes. Congratulations to them all!
--In addition, it is our pleasure to announce that the owner and curator of Abend Gallery, David Ethridge, will be the special guest in Ray Bonilla's oil painting class next semester. Students can hear about David Ethridge's vision with Abend Gallery as well as about the solo show Ray, himself, is having at Abend this fall, and students' work will be displayed in that class.
Check out Ray's mentorship:
Ray Bonilla: Impactful Light and Color in Oil Painting
Check out these links to more art by these SmArt School alumni with work at Abend Gallery:
Judd Mercer
Bernard Lee
Jessica Libor
Hilary Clarq
Corina St Martin
Primary Hughes
Check out Abend Gallery
Abend Gallery
Art by Hilary Clarcq
Art by Corina St Martin
Art by Jessica Libor
Art by Bernard Lee
Art by Primary Hughes
June 11, 2022
Announcing the Jurors for the July Art Prize! We will have two esteemed jurors for this round of the prize: Adam Auerbach, Art Director at Berkley / DAW / Penguin Random House and Kirsten Anderson Owner/Curator of Roq La Rue Gallery. Both jurors will see all submissions. How do you enter? This competition is open exclusively to SmArt School and IMC alumni, and it's free. You can find all the info you need to know HERE.
We are so happy to have these two wonderful jurors reviewing alumni work.
Kirsten Anderson created Roq La Rue and she is the one who coined the term "pop surreal". Roq La Rue continues to be a cultural force in Low Brow, Pop Surreal, and Imaginitive Realism.
Adam Auerbach is a long time art director at one of the great publishers and he has a rich focus on Fantasy and Sci-fi book covers.
We're looking forward to seeing all the new work by alumni and seeing who our jurors pick as the outstanding entries. Entries start on July 1 and close on July 21.
Announcing the Jurors for the July Art Prize! We will have two esteemed jurors for this round of the prize: Adam Auerbach, Art Director at Berkley / DAW / Penguin Random House and Kirsten Anderson Owner/Curator of Roq La Rue Gallery. Both jurors will see all submissions. How do you enter? This competition is open exclusively to SmArt School and IMC alumni, and it's free. You can find all the info you need to know HERE.
We are so happy to have these two wonderful jurors reviewing alumni work.
Kirsten Anderson created Roq La Rue and she is the one who coined the term "pop surreal". Roq La Rue continues to be a cultural force in Low Brow, Pop Surreal, and Imaginitive Realism.
Adam Auerbach is a long time art director at one of the great publishers and he has a rich focus on Fantasy and Sci-fi book covers.
We're looking forward to seeing all the new work by alumni and seeing who our jurors pick as the outstanding entries. Entries start on July 1 and close on July 21.
Art by Julie Dillon for Magic: The Gathering
Much alumni art in recent magic card releases!
May 19, 2022--updated through May 24
It's hard to keep track of ALL the Smart School and IMC alumni who are now doing Magic cards! Here we're featuring artists who had their first card for MTG released after 2019. Some of them were doing MTG before studying with us--we are proud to work with accomplished illustrators trying to raise their game. Some of the others came to our programs at more of an entry level. It is just exciting to see so many different parts of the alumni community represented. Check out art by and links to: Colin Boyer, Jarel Threat, Martina Fačková, Eelis Kyttänen, Julie Dillon, Khurrum Maqbool, Bruce Brenneise, Rovina Cai, Ben Hill, Stella Spente, Evyn fong, Zara Alfonso, Michele Giorgi, and Marcela Medeiros. --a bunch of them just had their very first Magic card released recently. Congratulations to all of these artists!
Julie Dillon
Jarel Threat
Colin Boyer
Martina Fačková
Bruce Brenneise
Eelis Kyttänen
Khurrum Maqbool
Marcela Medeiros
Rovina Cai
Stella Spente
Ben Hill
Evyn Fong
Zara Alfonso
Michele Giorgi
It's hard to keep track of ALL the Smart School and IMC alumni who are now doing Magic cards! Here we're featuring artists who had their first card for MTG released after 2019. Some of them were doing MTG before studying with us--we are proud to work with accomplished illustrators trying to raise their game. Some of the others came to our programs at more of an entry level. It is just exciting to see so many different parts of the alumni community represented. Check out art by and links to: Colin Boyer, Jarel Threat, Martina Fačková, Eelis Kyttänen, Julie Dillon, Khurrum Maqbool, Bruce Brenneise, Rovina Cai, Ben Hill, Stella Spente, Evyn fong, Zara Alfonso, Michele Giorgi, and Marcela Medeiros. --a bunch of them just had their very first Magic card released recently. Congratulations to all of these artists!
Julie Dillon
Jarel Threat
Colin Boyer
Martina Fačková
Bruce Brenneise
Eelis Kyttänen
Khurrum Maqbool
Marcela Medeiros
Rovina Cai
Stella Spente
Ben Hill
Evyn Fong
Zara Alfonso
Michele Giorgi
Art by Jarel Threat for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Colin Boyer for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Martina Fackova for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Bruce Brenneise for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Eelis Kyttänen for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Rovina Cai for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Marcela Medieros for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Stella Spente for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Evyn Fong for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Khurrum Maqbool for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Ben Hill for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Zara Alfonso for Magic: The Gathering
Art by Michele Giorgi for Magic: The Gathering
Painting by Rick Price
Rick Price's Artwork featured in Arch Enemy Arts' 2022 Spotlight Showcase
April 12,2022
Rick Price's painting 'Hellboy (Tilda version)' was on view in the Philadelphia gallery Arch Enemy Arts through March, and now it's displayed in the online exhibition on the gallery's website. Rick's painting was selected to be included in the Arch Enemy Arts 2022 Spotlight. Each year the pop surreal, imaginitive realism, and lowbrow specializing gallery sends out an open call in the fall, receiving hundreds of art submissions from around the globe. Congratulations to Rick for being selected for this exhibition in one of the nation's leading galleries in these genres!
Check out more of Rick's work
Arch Enemy Arts 2022 Spotlight Showcase
Rick Price's painting 'Hellboy (Tilda version)' was on view in the Philadelphia gallery Arch Enemy Arts through March, and now it's displayed in the online exhibition on the gallery's website. Rick's painting was selected to be included in the Arch Enemy Arts 2022 Spotlight. Each year the pop surreal, imaginitive realism, and lowbrow specializing gallery sends out an open call in the fall, receiving hundreds of art submissions from around the globe. Congratulations to Rick for being selected for this exhibition in one of the nation's leading galleries in these genres!
Check out more of Rick's work
Arch Enemy Arts 2022 Spotlight Showcase
ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE January ART PRIZE!
February 24, 2022
The January Art Prize is in! The juror, Rob Jones, Cofounder of MONDO and founder of Animal Rummy, decided on a single winning image. He combined his selection with a very thoughtful and provocative explanation of how he came to the decision. That writing is below. Definitely read it!
But now
The January Art Prize is in! The juror, Rob Jones, Cofounder of MONDO and founder of Animal Rummy, decided on a single winning image. He combined his selection with a very thoughtful and provocative explanation of how he came to the decision. That writing is below. Definitely read it!
But now
Zara Alfonso Wins the January Art Prize!
Zara Alfonso "Medusa Portrait"
Congratulations to Zara Alfonso! Zara won the January Art Prize with “Medusa Portrait”. In addition to winning the $500 prize, and the recognition that this prize represents, the Juror, Rob Jones, has said that he would like to commission Zara for a project!
Check out more of Zara’s work here
Check out Rob’s projects: Mondo Animal Rummy
And here is the description, by the juror Rob Jones, about how he selected Zara Alfonso's "Medusa Portrait" as the winner:
"My illustration hero was/is Sergio Aragones. I admire the obvious zeal his works exhibits, the energy.
To keep that energy up, this was his method. If he needed to draw a train, he would walk to the library to read about and study trains.
No notes.
After a couple of hours, he leisurely walked home. Upon arrival, he drew a train.
Whatever stayed in his head was determined to be the most identifiable aspects of the subject. Everything became inaccurate, yet felt accurate. Sergio isn’t Kim Jung Gi, he’s using the fuzz from the walk to allow for something new. Uninterrupted from his head to pen, he managed to imbue lifeless elements like this with personality. All of it having energy another reference-heavy method might hamper.
Anyway, I looked at all of the entries in January. This is the one I remembered after a month long walk back from your library. I had to stop at other libraries along the way.
There’s great Medusas/gorgons in other portfolios, but I’ve never seen one like this.
It’s a good lesson. We’re all doing the same versions of what someone else did before us. Make it as much your own to get noticed.
Here, I like that her face is completely non-threatening, but her left side has power/danger juxtaposed against it. It reminds me of a gentle version of Peter Tosh’s song “Stepping Razor”. Most folks go nuts with 5 or 6 snake heads, but here there’s only 2. They feel as effective as 5 or 6. I like the braid, it shows the person is in control of the power versus a wild frizz of snakes that usually accompanies a Medusa depiction.
Lots of great work. Here’s some advice: Be friendly, be fast, and be really good. Cover those bases and you’ll get waived into home plate a lot more often. I hope everyone enjoyed that awkward sports analogy."
Rob Jones
Check out more of Zara’s work here
Check out Rob’s projects: Mondo Animal Rummy
And here is the description, by the juror Rob Jones, about how he selected Zara Alfonso's "Medusa Portrait" as the winner:
"My illustration hero was/is Sergio Aragones. I admire the obvious zeal his works exhibits, the energy.
To keep that energy up, this was his method. If he needed to draw a train, he would walk to the library to read about and study trains.
No notes.
After a couple of hours, he leisurely walked home. Upon arrival, he drew a train.
Whatever stayed in his head was determined to be the most identifiable aspects of the subject. Everything became inaccurate, yet felt accurate. Sergio isn’t Kim Jung Gi, he’s using the fuzz from the walk to allow for something new. Uninterrupted from his head to pen, he managed to imbue lifeless elements like this with personality. All of it having energy another reference-heavy method might hamper.
Anyway, I looked at all of the entries in January. This is the one I remembered after a month long walk back from your library. I had to stop at other libraries along the way.
There’s great Medusas/gorgons in other portfolios, but I’ve never seen one like this.
It’s a good lesson. We’re all doing the same versions of what someone else did before us. Make it as much your own to get noticed.
Here, I like that her face is completely non-threatening, but her left side has power/danger juxtaposed against it. It reminds me of a gentle version of Peter Tosh’s song “Stepping Razor”. Most folks go nuts with 5 or 6 snake heads, but here there’s only 2. They feel as effective as 5 or 6. I like the braid, it shows the person is in control of the power versus a wild frizz of snakes that usually accompanies a Medusa depiction.
Lots of great work. Here’s some advice: Be friendly, be fast, and be really good. Cover those bases and you’ll get waived into home plate a lot more often. I hope everyone enjoyed that awkward sports analogy."
Rob Jones
"Wednesday" By Adam Benet Shaw
Adam Benet Shaw is a finalist in southwest art magazine's artistic excellence 2021
February 16, 2022
Adam Benet Shaw is profiled in Southwest Art magazine as one of their finalists in the Artistic Excellence 2021 competition. Check out the nice interview with him in the link to the magazine below. Congratulations to Adam! His painting "Wednesday" helped win the honor.
Southwest Art
Adam Benet Shaw
Adam Benet Shaw is profiled in Southwest Art magazine as one of their finalists in the Artistic Excellence 2021 competition. Check out the nice interview with him in the link to the magazine below. Congratulations to Adam! His painting "Wednesday" helped win the honor.
Southwest Art
Adam Benet Shaw
Janqing Low now showing at dacia gallery in New york
February 11, 2022
Yanqing Low's first show at a New York City gallery is running now at Dacia Gallery. The group exhibition "Carpe Diem" will be on view until February 13th. Congratulations to Yanqing!
Dacia Gallery
Yanqing Low
Yanqing Low's first show at a New York City gallery is running now at Dacia Gallery. The group exhibition "Carpe Diem" will be on view until February 13th. Congratulations to Yanqing!
Dacia Gallery
Yanqing Low
Charis Loki illustrates the cover of 'The Jade setter of Janloon'
January 29,2022
This is Charis's first time working with Subterranean Press. The cover is a full wrap around and also sports text designed by Charis. Congratulations Charis!
See the newly updated portfolio by Charis Loke
Check out the book The Jade Setter of Janloon
This is Charis's first time working with Subterranean Press. The cover is a full wrap around and also sports text designed by Charis. Congratulations Charis!
See the newly updated portfolio by Charis Loke
Check out the book The Jade Setter of Janloon
From ImagineFX Magazine: Chuck Grieb in his studio
Chuck Greib is ImagineFX Magazine 'Artist in Residence' for january
January 27, 2022
ImagineFX Magazine -- "The world's best-selling art magazine that inspires you to draw and paint digital & traditional art" features Chuck Grieb this month, in a tour of his studio and his work. Congratulations Chuck! You can also see more of Chuck's illustrations in his newly updated portfolio.
Article on Chuck Grieb
ImagineFX Mag
Newly updated portfolio by Chuck Grieb
ImagineFX Magazine -- "The world's best-selling art magazine that inspires you to draw and paint digital & traditional art" features Chuck Grieb this month, in a tour of his studio and his work. Congratulations Chuck! You can also see more of Chuck's illustrations in his newly updated portfolio.
Article on Chuck Grieb
ImagineFX Mag
Newly updated portfolio by Chuck Grieb
Dan Cohen's work featured in surreal salon 14
January 24, 2022
The fourteenth annual Surreal Salon exhibition at the Baton Rouge Art Gallery in Louisiana will feauture 2 paintings by Dan Cohen. Congratulations to Dan on being selected to be part of this prestigious pop surreal/lowbrow juried exhibition for 2 years in a row. Show closes January 27.
Check out the Surreal Salon 14
Check out the newly updated portfolio by Dan Cohen
The fourteenth annual Surreal Salon exhibition at the Baton Rouge Art Gallery in Louisiana will feauture 2 paintings by Dan Cohen. Congratulations to Dan on being selected to be part of this prestigious pop surreal/lowbrow juried exhibition for 2 years in a row. Show closes January 27.
Check out the Surreal Salon 14
Check out the newly updated portfolio by Dan Cohen
ken cunningham illustrates special artist's edition of the handmaid's tale
January 19, 2022
Suntup Editions just announced their publication of The Handmaid's Tale, illustrated by Ken Cunningham. The author, Margaret Atwood, had selected Ken from a short list of illustrators that Suntup presented to her. Check out many illustrations from the project in Ken's Alumni Portfolio (link below). Congratulations to Ken for connecting artistically with the vision of the author on this iconic book to produce this special edition!
Ken Cunningham
More about the book here: Suntup Editions
Suntup Editions just announced their publication of The Handmaid's Tale, illustrated by Ken Cunningham. The author, Margaret Atwood, had selected Ken from a short list of illustrators that Suntup presented to her. Check out many illustrations from the project in Ken's Alumni Portfolio (link below). Congratulations to Ken for connecting artistically with the vision of the author on this iconic book to produce this special edition!
Ken Cunningham
More about the book here: Suntup Editions
January art Prize
Rob Jones photographed by Alison Narro
rob jones co-founder of Mondo will judge this January's art prize!
Enter the prize between january 1, and january 21, 2022. Click here for all the details.
December 24. 2022
We are very happy to announce Rob Jones as the juror for the next art prize! He will review all submissions to the prize and the winner he picks will also win $500. Your work will automatically be entered into the prize when you submit your images to create a new alumni portfolio or update an existing one. This competition is open to people who have completed a SAS mentorship above the beginner level or attended the IMC.
Rob is the Co-Founder of Mondo. In 2007 Mondo started working with major artists and movie studios to forge beautifully designed special edition movie posters. Now Mondo has a global staff working with--to quote from their website "incredible artists who share our passions to create posters, soundtracks, toys, apparel, books, games and collectibles for Classics -- pop culture past & present that share a rare unexpectedly vivid and timeless quality."
Jones is also the founder of Animal Rummy, which he describes as "mostly me making posters for Jack White."
More about Mondo here
More about Animal Rummy here
Greg Ruth, past teacher at SAS and IMC, has done many projects with Mondo. See them here
Wylie Beckert, who studied at the IMC, has a recent poster with Mondo here
We are very happy to announce Rob Jones as the juror for the next art prize! He will review all submissions to the prize and the winner he picks will also win $500. Your work will automatically be entered into the prize when you submit your images to create a new alumni portfolio or update an existing one. This competition is open to people who have completed a SAS mentorship above the beginner level or attended the IMC.
Rob is the Co-Founder of Mondo. In 2007 Mondo started working with major artists and movie studios to forge beautifully designed special edition movie posters. Now Mondo has a global staff working with--to quote from their website "incredible artists who share our passions to create posters, soundtracks, toys, apparel, books, games and collectibles for Classics -- pop culture past & present that share a rare unexpectedly vivid and timeless quality."
Jones is also the founder of Animal Rummy, which he describes as "mostly me making posters for Jack White."
More about Mondo here
More about Animal Rummy here
Greg Ruth, past teacher at SAS and IMC, has done many projects with Mondo. See them here
Wylie Beckert, who studied at the IMC, has a recent poster with Mondo here
michele giorgi's first magic card coming out
December11
Congratulations to Michele! His first card to be released is 'Oglor, Devoted Assistant' part of the Innestrad set.
Check out more of Michele's work: Michele Giorgi
Congratulations to Michele! His first card to be released is 'Oglor, Devoted Assistant' part of the Innestrad set.
Check out more of Michele's work: Michele Giorgi
Justyna Gil gets ImagineFX Magazine's 'Artist of the month' plus a great interview about her new Magic Cards
December 1, 2021
ImagineFX Magazine --with it's byline "The world's best-selling art magazine that inspires you to draw and paint digital & traditional art" --is featuring Justyna Gil as Artist of the Month for December! In addition Justyna has a great interview about her most recent illustrations for Magic the Gathering in Hipster's of the Coast. The article includes is a deep dive, including sketches and a discussion of process. Congratulations to Justyna!
ImagineFX Magazine
The Hipster's of the Coast Article
Justyna Gil
ImagineFX Magazine --with it's byline "The world's best-selling art magazine that inspires you to draw and paint digital & traditional art" --is featuring Justyna Gil as Artist of the Month for December! In addition Justyna has a great interview about her most recent illustrations for Magic the Gathering in Hipster's of the Coast. The article includes is a deep dive, including sketches and a discussion of process. Congratulations to Justyna!
ImagineFX Magazine
The Hipster's of the Coast Article
Justyna Gil
Zara Alfonso first magic card released
November 28, 2021
Congratulations to Zara Alfonso! Her first illustration for Magic the Gathering were just recently released. Four of her illustrations were featured on cards in the Innistrad set.
Check out more of her art Zara Alfonso
Congratulations to Zara Alfonso! Her first illustration for Magic the Gathering were just recently released. Four of her illustrations were featured on cards in the Innistrad set.
Check out more of her art Zara Alfonso
Agam nieman painting on view at the sebastopol center for the arts
November 23,2021
Agam's 'Neurtral Zone, 3am' is in the group show "Extraction: Art at the Edge of the Abyss" on view through November 29th. Congratulations to Agam!
Check out the exhibition https://www.sebarts.org/extraction-gallery
More by Agam Nieman
Agam's 'Neurtral Zone, 3am' is in the group show "Extraction: Art at the Edge of the Abyss" on view through November 29th. Congratulations to Agam!
Check out the exhibition https://www.sebarts.org/extraction-gallery
More by Agam Nieman
ARthur Haywood's art currently on exhibit in paris
November 21, 2021
Arthur Haywood's work will be on view in a group show at Fondation des Etats-Unis in Paris from November 3rd-28th. A Philadelphia-based artist, it's wonderful to see Arthur showing internationally. Congratulations to Arthur!
Learn more about Fondation des Etats-Unis --arts residency programs
See more of Arthur Haywood's work
Arthur Haywood's work will be on view in a group show at Fondation des Etats-Unis in Paris from November 3rd-28th. A Philadelphia-based artist, it's wonderful to see Arthur showing internationally. Congratulations to Arthur!
Learn more about Fondation des Etats-Unis --arts residency programs
See more of Arthur Haywood's work
Marta Witkiewicz "Enchanted" Nominated for Best Monochrome, Unpublished
17 Chesley award nominations go to SAS and IMC alumni!
The Chesley Awards are an honor given by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists, meant to recognize the best in the field. This year so many of the nominations went to artists who have studied at SmArt School or the IMC! In addition, three of our current teachers at SmArt School and one of the multi-year guest artists at the IMC were also nominated for individual artworks or lifetime achievements. All the alumni artwork nominated is shown below. Each image links to more of their art. Congratulations to all the alumni nominated!
Tommy Arnold 'Harrow the Ninth' Nominated for Best Cover: Hardcover Book
Iris Compiet 'The Dark Crystal Bestiary' Nominated for Best Cover: Hardcover Book
Corinne Reid Encounters with the Imaginary Vol. 3, Nominated for Best Cover: Hardcover Book
Rovina Cai 'The Fourth Island' Nominated for Best Cover: Paperback or Ebook
Ben Zweifel 'The Thousand Deaths of Ardor' Nominated for Best Cover: Paperback or Ebook
Francesca Resta 'Clarkesworld #169' Nominated for Best Magazine Illustration
Iris Compiet 'The Dark Crystal Bestiary' Nominated for Best Interior Illustration
Micah Epstein 'The Case of the Somewhat Mythic Sword' Nominated for Best Interior Illustration
Lindsey Look “Sublime Epiphany” Core Set 2021 MtG WotC, Nominated for Best Gaming Related Illustration
Jabari Weathers 'Dissident Whispers' cover Whisper Collective, Nominated for Best Gaming Related Illustration
Wylie Beckert 'A Clockwork Orange' (MONDO poster), Nominated for Best Product Illustration
Bruce Brenneise “Garden of Solitude" Nominated for Best Color Work: Unpublished
Rachel Quinlan “Luminous” Nominated for Best Color Work: Unpublished
Danny Schwartz “Lily court” Nominated for Best Color Work: Unpublished
Ashley Hankins “Unmasked” Nominated for Best Monochrome: Unpublished
Alan Williams, Nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award
Scott Brundage "Stacy McGee Takes on the Horror" at the Norman Rockwell Museum
Norman Rockwell Museum Exhibition "Enchanted: a history of fantasy art" featuring many alumni and teachers from SAS & IMC closes on Halloween
October 29, 2021
There are only a couple days left to see the work of IMC "honored easels" Scott Brundage & Anthony Palumbo, as well as IMC alumni Lindsey Look, Alessandra Pisano, Elisabeth Alba, Allen Williams, and Justin Gerard hanging among historic greats of illustration and narrative painting including: Maxfield Parrish, N. C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Dean Cornwell, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, and Gustav Dore in a beautiful museum presentation. This sweeping exhibition of the history of fantasy art also includes many SAS and IMC teachers: Donato Giancola, Dan dos Santos, David Palumbo, Cynthia Sheppard, Scott Fischer, & Greg Manchess--as well as IMC core teachers: Julie Bell and Boris Vallejo. It also features many of the guest artists who taught at the IMC in past years: Iain McCaig, Mike Mignola, Brom, James Gurney, Charles Vess, Micheal Whelan, Karla Ortiz, Peter de Seve, and Brian Froud. It is great to see so many of the artists in our community considered of historical importance to the genre of fantasy art. The exhibition runs through October 31. The Norman Rockwell Museum is located in Stockbridge, MA, and this show is absolutely worth a trip. Congratulations to all the alumni in the show!
Norman Rockwell Museum
IMC Alumni & Honored Easels in the show:
Scott Brundage
Anthony Palumbo
Lindsey Look
Alessandra Pisano
Elisabeth Alba
Allen Williams
Justin Gerard
Norman Rockwell Museum
IMC Alumni & Honored Easels in the show:
Scott Brundage
Anthony Palumbo
Lindsey Look
Alessandra Pisano
Elisabeth Alba
Allen Williams
Justin Gerard
Justyna Gil's latest Magic cards to be released tomorrow
September 23, 2021
Justyna's art has now been featured on eight cards for Magic: The Gathering. Her latest will be part of the Innistrad: Midnight Hunt set, to be released September 24, 2021. Congratulations Justyna!
Justyna's Magic Cards
Justyna Gil
Justyna's art has now been featured on eight cards for Magic: The Gathering. Her latest will be part of the Innistrad: Midnight Hunt set, to be released September 24, 2021. Congratulations Justyna!
Justyna's Magic Cards
Justyna Gil
Announcing the Winners of the july Art Prize!
July 10, 2021
Time to announce the winners of another HUGE round of the Prize! More than 200 artworks were submitted to our fabulous two jurors: Shelly Bond, legendary comics editor, and Matthew Gardocki, Director and Curator at La Luz de Jesus Gallery, a seminal gallery of low brow & pop surreal. Both jurors chose their winners entirely independently and Shelly Bond chose her winners based on individual art works while Matthew Gardocki selected winners by the body of work of the artist. Congratulations to everyone who entered this round of the contest. It has been you are making a powerful Alumni Portfolios page.---and remember that we'll be doing this prize again with the January portfolio updates.
Time to announce the winners of another HUGE round of the Prize! More than 200 artworks were submitted to our fabulous two jurors: Shelly Bond, legendary comics editor, and Matthew Gardocki, Director and Curator at La Luz de Jesus Gallery, a seminal gallery of low brow & pop surreal. Both jurors chose their winners entirely independently and Shelly Bond chose her winners based on individual art works while Matthew Gardocki selected winners by the body of work of the artist. Congratulations to everyone who entered this round of the contest. It has been you are making a powerful Alumni Portfolios page.---and remember that we'll be doing this prize again with the January portfolio updates.
Shelly Bond's first prize winner:
Tex Buss, 'Delivery'
Winner of the first $300 purse!
Shelly Bond's Runners Up:
Anastasia Eve 'The Garden of Eden'
& Ashley Hankins 'Blood and Tines'
Matthew Gardocki's First Prize Winner:
Tex Buss
Winner of the second $300 purse!
Matthew Gardocki's Runners Up:
Marta Witkiewicz
& Ethan Price
Again-congratulations to everyone who got new work together to present to the jurors, we look forward to seeing more work by everyone in the community in our next round.
Sharon Sayegh wins the Bernadette award from the national association of women artists
July 10,2021
Sharon Sayegh's painting 'The Dinner Party' has won the $500 Bernadette Award from National Association of Women Artists and has also recently been interviewed on the podcast 'Creative Brick Road'. Congratulations Sharon!
Sharon Sayegh
National Association of Women Artists
The Creative Brick Road
Sharon Sayegh's painting 'The Dinner Party' has won the $500 Bernadette Award from National Association of Women Artists and has also recently been interviewed on the podcast 'Creative Brick Road'. Congratulations Sharon!
Sharon Sayegh
National Association of Women Artists
The Creative Brick Road
sam guay's magic card to be released July 23
July 6, 2021
Sam Guay's first card for Magic the Gathering will be part of the new Adventures in Forgotten Realms set. Congratulations Sam!
Sam Guay
MTG Adventures in Forgotten Realms
Sam Guay's first card for Magic the Gathering will be part of the new Adventures in Forgotten Realms set. Congratulations Sam!
Sam Guay
MTG Adventures in Forgotten Realms
July Art Prize Entries open July 1-July 21
June 29,2021
For this edition of the art prize we will have two jurors and two first prizes!
SHELLY BOND is the editor of the Eisner award-winning series Bitter Root, Fables, and The Sandman: Overture. She's also the Editor-in-Chief of OFF REGISTER and BLACK CROWN with her husband, artist Philip Bond. A former DC/Vertigo Executive Editor for over two decades she has worked with scores of artists and writers in many capacities including commissioning hundreds of covers.
MATTHEW GARDOCKI is the Director and Curator for La Luz de Jesus gallery. La Luz de Jesus opened in 1986 and is one of the foundational galleries of pop-surreal/lowbrow movement, giving a start to greats like Mark Ryden. Today La Luz de Jesus showcases mainly figurative, narrative paintings as they continue their mission of bringing underground and counter-cultural art to the masses.
The Prizes:
How to Enter:
Everything you need to know is on this page:
https://www.smarterartschool.com/smarter-art-market-specs.html
Best of Luck to all of our alumni! We are very excited to see everyone's new work. Daneen will be doing much of the image wrangling and communications for this edition of the prize, but the email is the same. If you have any questions, talk with Daneen at [email protected]
For this edition of the art prize we will have two jurors and two first prizes!
SHELLY BOND is the editor of the Eisner award-winning series Bitter Root, Fables, and The Sandman: Overture. She's also the Editor-in-Chief of OFF REGISTER and BLACK CROWN with her husband, artist Philip Bond. A former DC/Vertigo Executive Editor for over two decades she has worked with scores of artists and writers in many capacities including commissioning hundreds of covers.
MATTHEW GARDOCKI is the Director and Curator for La Luz de Jesus gallery. La Luz de Jesus opened in 1986 and is one of the foundational galleries of pop-surreal/lowbrow movement, giving a start to greats like Mark Ryden. Today La Luz de Jesus showcases mainly figurative, narrative paintings as they continue their mission of bringing underground and counter-cultural art to the masses.
The Prizes:
- Both jurors will see all portfolio updates
- Each juror will select their own first place prize winner and two honorable mentions.
- The two first prize winners will each win $300.
- All winners will be announced on the SAS Instagram and on the Alumni News page of the SAS website
How to Enter:
Everything you need to know is on this page:
https://www.smarterartschool.com/smarter-art-market-specs.html
Best of Luck to all of our alumni! We are very excited to see everyone's new work. Daneen will be doing much of the image wrangling and communications for this edition of the prize, but the email is the same. If you have any questions, talk with Daneen at [email protected]
Alexandra Verhoven 'Reveling in Bloom' at Modern Eden gallery
Alexandra Verhoven, tex buss, Primary huges, and dan cohen in modern eden gallery portrait show
June 21, 2021
On view through July 3, this is the ninth year of the Portrait Show at Modern Eden. Past editions have included many of the luminaries of field. We are particularly proud to hear that Alexandra Verhoven's painted her piece in the show during her mentorship with Brad Kunkle and Martin Wittfooth. Congratulations to Alexandra, Tex, Primary, and Dan!
Modern Eden 'The Portrait Show IX'
Alexandra Verhoven
Tex Buss
Primary Hughes
Dan Cohen
On view through July 3, this is the ninth year of the Portrait Show at Modern Eden. Past editions have included many of the luminaries of field. We are particularly proud to hear that Alexandra Verhoven's painted her piece in the show during her mentorship with Brad Kunkle and Martin Wittfooth. Congratulations to Alexandra, Tex, Primary, and Dan!
Modern Eden 'The Portrait Show IX'
Alexandra Verhoven
Tex Buss
Primary Hughes
Dan Cohen
Justin Gerard 'The Lair of the Sea Serpent' at the Norman Rockwell Museum
‘Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration’ exhibition at the Norman Rockwell Museum features many IMC alumni—as well as SAS and IMC teachers and guest artists
June 16, 2021
Lindsey Look, Alessandra Pisano, Elisabeth Alba, Allen Williams, and Justin Gerard —all of whom studied at the IMC— have their work hung among historic greats of illustration such as Maxfield Parrish, N. C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Dean Cornwell, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, as well as many contemporary luminaries in the field, in this lush and sweeping history of fantasy art. An outstanding number of artists from the SAS and IMC community are on display now at this premier museum for illustration. Two artists who occupied honored easel status at the IMC: Scott Brundage and Anthony Palumbo, plus many SmArt School faculty: Donato Giancola, Dan dos Santos, David Palumbo, Cynthia Sheppard, Scott Fischer, & Greg Manchess. IMC core teachers Julie Bell and Boris Vallejo are also featured. In addition, many of the guest artists who taught at the IMC in past years have works on exhibition: Iain McCaig, Mike Mignola, Brom, James Gurney, Charles Vess, Micheal Whelan, Karla Ortiz, Peter de Seve, and Brian Froud. It is a huge and beautiful exhibition and it is wonderful to see so many of the artists in our community considered of historical importance to the genre. The exhibition runs through October 31. The Norman Rockwell Museum is located in Stockbridge, MA, and this show is absolutely worth a trip. Congratulations to all the alumni in the show!
Norman Rockwell Museum
Lindsey Look
Alessandra Pisano
Elisabeth Alba
Allen Williams
Justin Gerard
Lindsey Look, Alessandra Pisano, Elisabeth Alba, Allen Williams, and Justin Gerard —all of whom studied at the IMC— have their work hung among historic greats of illustration such as Maxfield Parrish, N. C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Dean Cornwell, William-Adolphe Bouguereau, as well as many contemporary luminaries in the field, in this lush and sweeping history of fantasy art. An outstanding number of artists from the SAS and IMC community are on display now at this premier museum for illustration. Two artists who occupied honored easel status at the IMC: Scott Brundage and Anthony Palumbo, plus many SmArt School faculty: Donato Giancola, Dan dos Santos, David Palumbo, Cynthia Sheppard, Scott Fischer, & Greg Manchess. IMC core teachers Julie Bell and Boris Vallejo are also featured. In addition, many of the guest artists who taught at the IMC in past years have works on exhibition: Iain McCaig, Mike Mignola, Brom, James Gurney, Charles Vess, Micheal Whelan, Karla Ortiz, Peter de Seve, and Brian Froud. It is a huge and beautiful exhibition and it is wonderful to see so many of the artists in our community considered of historical importance to the genre. The exhibition runs through October 31. The Norman Rockwell Museum is located in Stockbridge, MA, and this show is absolutely worth a trip. Congratulations to all the alumni in the show!
Norman Rockwell Museum
Lindsey Look
Alessandra Pisano
Elisabeth Alba
Allen Williams
Justin Gerard
Martina Fačková is Imagine FX Magazineartist of the month
March 25, 2021
Martina has been getting lots of great attention to her work. The piece in Imagine FX follows closely a review by Hipsters of the Coast praising her Magic cards for the Kaldheim series. Martina also has had two pieces selected for this year's Infected by Art annual, both achieving the honor of unanimous selection by all the jurors involved.
Martina Fačková
Imagine FX
Hipsters of the Coast
Infected by Art
Martina has been getting lots of great attention to her work. The piece in Imagine FX follows closely a review by Hipsters of the Coast praising her Magic cards for the Kaldheim series. Martina also has had two pieces selected for this year's Infected by Art annual, both achieving the honor of unanimous selection by all the jurors involved.
Martina Fačková
Imagine FX
Hipsters of the Coast
Infected by Art
Hilary Clarcq wins the jack gaughan award at boskone 58
February 18, 2021
The New England Science Fiction Association presented the award during Boskone this last weekend. Hilary says of receiving the award "This honor feels even more special because my 2016 SAS mentor, Scott M. Fischer, is a prior recipient. I have also monitored two classes with Dan Dos Santos (another prior recipient). And it looks like a few other SAS alum are also on the list of recent winners. I'm grateful to NESFA for the award and to programs like SAS, which set off the trajectory of my ongoing artistic journey."
Check out Hilary's website here
Check out Hilary's Instagram here
More about Boskone 58
More about The New England Science Fiction Association
The New England Science Fiction Association presented the award during Boskone this last weekend. Hilary says of receiving the award "This honor feels even more special because my 2016 SAS mentor, Scott M. Fischer, is a prior recipient. I have also monitored two classes with Dan Dos Santos (another prior recipient). And it looks like a few other SAS alum are also on the list of recent winners. I'm grateful to NESFA for the award and to programs like SAS, which set off the trajectory of my ongoing artistic journey."
Check out Hilary's website here
Check out Hilary's Instagram here
More about Boskone 58
More about The New England Science Fiction Association
ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE second SAM Portfolio PRIZE!
February 10, 2021
Time to announce the winners of another HUGE round of the Prize! Sixty three artists submitted more than 250 artworks. Juror Jeremy Cranford had total freedom in selecting one winner but he went above and beyond by selecting not only a first prize winner, but also two honorable mentions and providing commentary about his choices. We are super grateful for this dedication from a great art director in reviewing the work of artists in the SAS and IMC community. Congratulations to everyone who entered this round of the contest. It has been great seeing all of your work. ---and remember that we'll be doing this prize again with the July portfolio updates.
Time to announce the winners of another HUGE round of the Prize! Sixty three artists submitted more than 250 artworks. Juror Jeremy Cranford had total freedom in selecting one winner but he went above and beyond by selecting not only a first prize winner, but also two honorable mentions and providing commentary about his choices. We are super grateful for this dedication from a great art director in reviewing the work of artists in the SAS and IMC community. Congratulations to everyone who entered this round of the contest. It has been great seeing all of your work. ---and remember that we'll be doing this prize again with the July portfolio updates.
Message from the Juror, Jeremy Cranford, Art Director at Blizzard Entertainment:
I always feel quite honored and humbled when chosen to be on a jury. The first time looking at batch of over 250 + images is a bit overwhelming. There are so many good images it’s easy to find something to really enjoy in each one, but then I must get to work and start critiquing them on what I feel is important. Which has the composition, the drawing, the rendering of color & light, the concept / narrative and then something I call the “X factor”. Something an image has that’s hard to put it to words but has some originality and just feels cool. While using these fundamentals as my yardstick the judging process still gets tricky. I end up thinking: “Wow, what a cool drawing, but the values are off.” “What a great composition but too bad that part of the drawing is off.” That process continues until I’m down to my final three favorite images out of the batch which I will show to you now.
First Prize: Elizabeth Peiro 'Vin'
Winner of the $500 purse!
Jeremy's notes:
I really like the active composition, the drawing is solid, the values are solid and it has fun sense of mystery and feeling that something is about to happen.
I really like the active composition, the drawing is solid, the values are solid and it has fun sense of mystery and feeling that something is about to happen.
First Honorable Mention:
Dane Cozens 'The Fishing Trip'
Jeremy's notes:
I like this for several reasons. The use of a strong diagonal and big vs. small in the composition. Great colors and values but most of all this one really had a great story and used the perfect POV for telling the story.
I like this for several reasons. The use of a strong diagonal and big vs. small in the composition. Great colors and values but most of all this one really had a great story and used the perfect POV for telling the story.
second HONORABLE MENTION: Bruce Brenneise ‘Great Salt City’
Jeremy's notes:
I really like the sense of scale here and even the super saturated colors work for me but mostly his one was all about the X-factor status. The image takes me back to the magic and sense of wonder that I find appealing in the works of Moebius or in films like “Nausica of the Valley of the Wind”.
I really like the sense of scale here and even the super saturated colors work for me but mostly his one was all about the X-factor status. The image takes me back to the magic and sense of wonder that I find appealing in the works of Moebius or in films like “Nausica of the Valley of the Wind”.
Congratulations again to everyone who entered!
paige Carpenter's 2022 Llewellyn Astrological calendar now available for pre-order
February 2, 2021
"The World's Best Known, Most Trusted Astrology Calendar" has now been illustrated by Paige Carpenter and is available on Amazon for pre-order.
Check out more of Paige's art, including some of her work that will be included in the calendar on her portfolio page:
Paige Carpenter
Order the calendar Here
"The World's Best Known, Most Trusted Astrology Calendar" has now been illustrated by Paige Carpenter and is available on Amazon for pre-order.
Check out more of Paige's art, including some of her work that will be included in the calendar on her portfolio page:
Paige Carpenter
Order the calendar Here
Dan Cohen'S painting now SHOWING IN SURREAL SALON 13 AT BATON ROUGE GALLERY CENTER OF CONTEMPORARY ART
Dan Cohen's work will be included in Surreal Salon 13 a show curated by Thinkspace. The show is on view at the Baton Rouge Gallery in Louisiana through January 28, 2021. Thinkspace is a gallery and curatorial group based in Los Angeles. They have been an important force in the Pop Surreal and Contemporary Symbolist art movements for the last decade and a half.
More art by Dan Cohen
See the online exhibition: here
Baton Rouge Center for Contemporary Art: here
More about Thinkspace: here
More art by Dan Cohen
See the online exhibition: here
Baton Rouge Center for Contemporary Art: here
More about Thinkspace: here
Lucas Film's Star Wars Celebration art show features Candice Dailey's art
January 14, 2021
Candice Daily was one of only 22 artists selected by Lucas Film to represent the 2020 Star Wars Celebration Art Show. Check out her work among some of the other winners on the Star Wars Celebration website.
Star Wars Celebration Art show here
More art by Candice here
Candice Daily was one of only 22 artists selected by Lucas Film to represent the 2020 Star Wars Celebration Art Show. Check out her work among some of the other winners on the Star Wars Celebration website.
Star Wars Celebration Art show here
More art by Candice here
Melissa gay's work from artist's residency now featured in online exhibition at light grey art lab
January 9, 2021
The exhibition called "Together", features art from the artists who were selected for the Light Grey Art Lab's Iceland and Norway artist residencies in 2019. Melissa's image is of an ancient arctic fox she encountered while participating in the residency. Light Grey Art Lab is an illustration-focussed gallery in Minneapolis that hosts residencies , art camps, and art camp international programs to places such as Iceland, Norway, Scotland, Japan, and various National Parks.
See the exhibition here
More about Light Grey Art Labs
More art by Melissa Gay
The exhibition called "Together", features art from the artists who were selected for the Light Grey Art Lab's Iceland and Norway artist residencies in 2019. Melissa's image is of an ancient arctic fox she encountered while participating in the residency. Light Grey Art Lab is an illustration-focussed gallery in Minneapolis that hosts residencies , art camps, and art camp international programs to places such as Iceland, Norway, Scotland, Japan, and various National Parks.
See the exhibition here
More about Light Grey Art Labs
More art by Melissa Gay
Covenant, Allen William's first art book kickstarter ending soon
January 2, 2021
Covenant: The Art of Allen Williams kickstarter ends January 7th. Allen has done a lot of concept work for movies and has also won many awards for his illustrations. This book allows a look into his other work. It is described as "The personal graphite, pencil and oil works of Allen Williams collected in a beautifully produced book." As of this writing it has been (predictably) very successful, earning more than four times it's goal so it's time to see what stretch goal treats will be unlocked for the people who get in on it now.
Allen's kickstarter here:
Covenant, The Art of Allen Williams
Check out more of Allen's art here:
Allen Williams
Covenant: The Art of Allen Williams kickstarter ends January 7th. Allen has done a lot of concept work for movies and has also won many awards for his illustrations. This book allows a look into his other work. It is described as "The personal graphite, pencil and oil works of Allen Williams collected in a beautifully produced book." As of this writing it has been (predictably) very successful, earning more than four times it's goal so it's time to see what stretch goal treats will be unlocked for the people who get in on it now.
Allen's kickstarter here:
Covenant, The Art of Allen Williams
Check out more of Allen's art here:
Allen Williams
Hope Doe
|
Kaysha Siemens
|
Sarah Finnigan
|
Joseph Weinreb
|
Haven Gallery Little Big V exhibition shows sas/imc alumni
December 18, 2020
Hope Doe, Kaysha Siemens, Sarah Finnigan, and Joseph Weinreb all have work in the show running from December 12, 2020 through January 10, 2021. You can find the artwork on the Haven site and on the online art platform Artsy.
Hope Doe
Kaysha Siemens
Sarah Finnigan
Joe Weinreb
Haven Gallery
Artsy
Hope Doe, Kaysha Siemens, Sarah Finnigan, and Joseph Weinreb all have work in the show running from December 12, 2020 through January 10, 2021. You can find the artwork on the Haven site and on the online art platform Artsy.
Hope Doe
Kaysha Siemens
Sarah Finnigan
Joe Weinreb
Haven Gallery
Artsy
Ken Cunningham's work showing soon in surreal salon 13 at baton rouge gallery center of contemporary art
December 12, 2020
Ken's work will be included in Surreal Salon 13 a show curated by Thinkspace. The show is on view at the Baton Rouge Gallery in Louisiana January 5-28, 2021. Thinkspace is a gallery and curatorial group based in Los Angeles. They have been an important force in the Pop Surreal and Contemporary Symbolist art movements for the last decade and a half.
Ken Cunningham
Baton Rouge Gallery Center for Contemporary Art
Thinkspace
Ken's work will be included in Surreal Salon 13 a show curated by Thinkspace. The show is on view at the Baton Rouge Gallery in Louisiana January 5-28, 2021. Thinkspace is a gallery and curatorial group based in Los Angeles. They have been an important force in the Pop Surreal and Contemporary Symbolist art movements for the last decade and a half.
Ken Cunningham
Baton Rouge Gallery Center for Contemporary Art
Thinkspace
Iryna Khymych's art featured in a special promotion for the book the invisible life of addie larue
Dec 1, 2020
People ordering advance copies of this New York Times Bestseller received a set of postcards featuring character art, including this work by Iryna.
Iryna Khymych
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
People ordering advance copies of this New York Times Bestseller received a set of postcards featuring character art, including this work by Iryna.
Iryna Khymych
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
"No Strings Attached" which sold recently through 33 Contemporary
Maryam Gohar showing with online gallery 33 Contemporary
November 25, 2020
Maryam's work has bee featured regularly by the group Poets and Artists. Now she's showing through founder Didi Menendez's online gallery 33 Contemporary.
Maryam Gohar
More of Maryam's work at 33 Contemporary
More about Poets and Artists
Maryam's work has bee featured regularly by the group Poets and Artists. Now she's showing through founder Didi Menendez's online gallery 33 Contemporary.
Maryam Gohar
More of Maryam's work at 33 Contemporary
More about Poets and Artists
rovina cai illustrated the latest book of the bestselling folk of air trilogy--being released for sale today
November 24,2020
2020 has been a big year for Rovina. Among other projects, the King of Elfhame marks the publication of the third book that includes both her cover and interior illustrations. She also won a gold award in the Books category this year in Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.
Rovina Cai
See more art form King of Elfhame and read an interview with Holly Black about the book here
Buy The King of Elfhame at your local bookstore (they need your help) or here
More about Spectrum here
2020 has been a big year for Rovina. Among other projects, the King of Elfhame marks the publication of the third book that includes both her cover and interior illustrations. She also won a gold award in the Books category this year in Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art.
Rovina Cai
See more art form King of Elfhame and read an interview with Holly Black about the book here
Buy The King of Elfhame at your local bookstore (they need your help) or here
More about Spectrum here
"Vendarla" kickstarter with art by mike miller ending November 25
November21, 2020
This is a well reviewed game designed by Hameed Moore and illustrated by Mike Miller and the Kickstarter is only live for a few more days.
Mike Miller
Check out the game here
Purple Pheonix's glowing review of the game here
This is a well reviewed game designed by Hameed Moore and illustrated by Mike Miller and the Kickstarter is only live for a few more days.
Mike Miller
Check out the game here
Purple Pheonix's glowing review of the game here
Tommy Arnold NOMINATED FOR A 2020 CHESLEY AWARD
November 18, 2020
Tommy Arnold was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Cover: Hardback Book by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. He was nominated for his illustration for Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. Tommy's work on this series has been winning huge accolades. Earlier this year his cover illustration for Harrow the Ninth was honored by being selected to also grace the cover of Spectrum 2020: The Best In Contemporary Fantastic Art.
Tommy Arnold
More about the Chesley Awards here
About Tamsyn Muir's Books here
Tommy Arnold was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Cover: Hardback Book by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. He was nominated for his illustration for Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir. Tommy's work on this series has been winning huge accolades. Earlier this year his cover illustration for Harrow the Ninth was honored by being selected to also grace the cover of Spectrum 2020: The Best In Contemporary Fantastic Art.
Tommy Arnold
More about the Chesley Awards here
About Tamsyn Muir's Books here
Melissa Gay NOMINATED FOR A 2020 CHESLEY AWARD
November 17, 2020
Melissa Gay was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Gaming Related Illustration by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. She was nominated for this piece entitled "Summer Dandelion" that was done for the Olde Fae card game, a project by the Changeling Artist Collective.
Melissa Gay
Old Fae Card Game here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Melissa Gay was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Gaming Related Illustration by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. She was nominated for this piece entitled "Summer Dandelion" that was done for the Olde Fae card game, a project by the Changeling Artist Collective.
Melissa Gay
Old Fae Card Game here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Martina Fackova NOMINATED FOR A 2020 CHESLEY AWARD
November 16, 2020
Martina Fackova was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Color Work: Unpublished by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists for this piece entitled "Spellbinding Terror".
Martina Fackova
More about the Chesley Awards here
Martina Fackova was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Color Work: Unpublished by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists for this piece entitled "Spellbinding Terror".
Martina Fackova
More about the Chesley Awards here
Tran Nguyen NOMINATED FOR A 2020 CHESLEY AWARD
November 15, 2020
Tran Nguyen was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Cover: Hardback Book by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists for her cover of The Storm Crow.
Tran Nguyen
More about the Chesley Awards here
Tran Nguyen was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Cover: Hardback Book by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists for her cover of The Storm Crow.
Tran Nguyen
More about the Chesley Awards here
Bruce Brenneise NOMINATED FOR A 2020 CHESLEY AWARD
November 13, 2020
Bruce Brenneise was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Color Work by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists for his illustration "If Stones Could Cry".
Bruce Brenneise
More about the Chesley Awards here
Bruce Brenneise was nominated for a 2020 Chesley award in the category of Best Color Work by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists for his illustration "If Stones Could Cry".
Bruce Brenneise
More about the Chesley Awards here
Emily Hare NOMINATED FOR A 2020 CHESLEY AWARD
November 12, 2020
Emily Hare was nominated for Best Product Illustration this year by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. She got nominated for the 2020 calendar she produced as part of her successful Kickstarter campaign (that earned triple her funding goal).
Emily Hare
Check out her Dragon 2020 Kickstarter here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Emily Hare was nominated for Best Product Illustration this year by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. She got nominated for the 2020 calendar she produced as part of her successful Kickstarter campaign (that earned triple her funding goal).
Emily Hare
Check out her Dragon 2020 Kickstarter here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Magic Card illustration by Wylie Beckert Nominated For a 2020 Chesley
November 11, 2020
Wylie Beckert was nominated for Best Gaming Related Illustration this year by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. She got nominated for her Magic Card 'Rosethorn Acolyte".
Check out more of Wylie's work here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Wylie Beckert was nominated for Best Gaming Related Illustration this year by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. She got nominated for her Magic Card 'Rosethorn Acolyte".
Check out more of Wylie's work here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Reiko Murakami Nominated for a 2020 Chesley Award
October 30, 2020
Reiko was nominated for Best Magazine Illustration this year by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. The Chesley nomination is for her cover of Lightspeed Science Fiction and Fantasy Issue #104.
Check out Reiko’s work here
buy Ligthspeed #104 here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Reiko was nominated for Best Magazine Illustration this year by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. The Chesley nomination is for her cover of Lightspeed Science Fiction and Fantasy Issue #104.
Check out Reiko’s work here
buy Ligthspeed #104 here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Allen Williams, Ophelia and the Faun
Allen Williams Nominated for three 2020 Chesley Awards
October 29, 2020
Allen Williams kicks off our shout outs to all the SAS and IMC alumni who got Chesley Award nominations this year. To be nominated for a Chesley by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists is a great show of community respect. Allen got not one, not two, but THREE nominations, including for Lifetime Achievement. His other nominations were for: Best Interior Illustration and Best Unpublished Monochrome Work.
Check out Allen's work here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Allen Williams kicks off our shout outs to all the SAS and IMC alumni who got Chesley Award nominations this year. To be nominated for a Chesley by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists is a great show of community respect. Allen got not one, not two, but THREE nominations, including for Lifetime Achievement. His other nominations were for: Best Interior Illustration and Best Unpublished Monochrome Work.
Check out Allen's work here
More about the Chesley Awards here
Rachel Quinlan Wins a Chesley for best product illustration
October 27, 2020
Rachel Quinlan won the 2020 competition for the best product illustration with her tuck box for the card game "Olde Fae" from the Changeling Artist Collective. The Chesley Awards are given by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. They are one of the most prestigious community recognitions of talent in the industry, with winners decided by the ASFA community.
Get the award winning game here
Learn more about ASFA and the Chesley Awards here
Rachel Quinlan's SAM portfolio and links here
Rachel Quinlan won the 2020 competition for the best product illustration with her tuck box for the card game "Olde Fae" from the Changeling Artist Collective. The Chesley Awards are given by the Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists. They are one of the most prestigious community recognitions of talent in the industry, with winners decided by the ASFA community.
Get the award winning game here
Learn more about ASFA and the Chesley Awards here
Rachel Quinlan's SAM portfolio and links here
Christine Mitzuk is the Primary artist for Bezier Games' ultimate Werewolf Extreme
October 18, 2020
As the primary artist, she just completed art for over 80 characters, as well as two box cover paintings, environment backgrounds, and the graphic elements on front and back of the cards in this new edition of the now classic game.
To see more about the game, available in 2021, click here
Follow Christine's work on Ultimate Werewolf on Instagram here
Christine Mitzuk
As the primary artist, she just completed art for over 80 characters, as well as two box cover paintings, environment backgrounds, and the graphic elements on front and back of the cards in this new edition of the now classic game.
To see more about the game, available in 2021, click here
Follow Christine's work on Ultimate Werewolf on Instagram here
Christine Mitzuk
Joseph Weinreb's Solo Show at Haven Gallery
October 10,2020
Running until October 17, the exhibition entitled "We're Not Meant to Remember" is Joe's first solo show at Haven Gallery on Long Island in New York. Twelve of his paintings will be on display.
Check it out here: Haven Gallery
Joe Weinreb
Running until October 17, the exhibition entitled "We're Not Meant to Remember" is Joe's first solo show at Haven Gallery on Long Island in New York. Twelve of his paintings will be on display.
Check it out here: Haven Gallery
Joe Weinreb
Clark Huggins' New "Reckless Deck" a massive success
October 3, 2020
It's already earned $186,000--more than ten times Clark's fundraising goal! Check it out at the link below. This new project, “Psyche”, is available on Kickstarter only until October thirteen.
Reckless Deck 'Psyche' on Kickstarter here
Clark Huggins
It's already earned $186,000--more than ten times Clark's fundraising goal! Check it out at the link below. This new project, “Psyche”, is available on Kickstarter only until October thirteen.
Reckless Deck 'Psyche' on Kickstarter here
Clark Huggins
Arthur Haywood Featured in Fine ARt Connoisseur Magazine article "Three to Watch"
September 13, 2020
The article is in the September, 2020 issue of Fine Art Connoisseur. The magazine website also included a video interview with Arthur Haywood and two other artists: Zoey Frank and Richard T. Scott. They are in discussion with Peter Trippi from Fine Art Connoisseur and Betty Standish from the Wethersfield Academy of the Arts.
See the magazine here
See the interview here
Arthur Haywood
The article is in the September, 2020 issue of Fine Art Connoisseur. The magazine website also included a video interview with Arthur Haywood and two other artists: Zoey Frank and Richard T. Scott. They are in discussion with Peter Trippi from Fine Art Connoisseur and Betty Standish from the Wethersfield Academy of the Arts.
See the magazine here
See the interview here
Arthur Haywood
martina Fackova's first magic card is now released and she's nominated for a chesley award
September 4, 2020
Congratulations to Martina Fackova on the publication of her first card illustration for the game Magic the Gathering. Congratulations also for her recent nomination for a prestigious Chesley Award given by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists.
More about her Magic Card here
More about the Chesley Awards Nominees here
Martina Fackova
Congratulations to Martina Fackova on the publication of her first card illustration for the game Magic the Gathering. Congratulations also for her recent nomination for a prestigious Chesley Award given by the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists.
More about her Magic Card here
More about the Chesley Awards Nominees here
Martina Fackova
Three paintings by Ethan Price featured in arcadia contemporary gallery's current exhibition
August 21, 2020
For this show, located in Los Angeles, Arcadia Contemporary provides an excellent virtual viewing experience. Check it out here. The exhibition runs through September 15th.
Congratulations Ethan!
Ethan Price
For this show, located in Los Angeles, Arcadia Contemporary provides an excellent virtual viewing experience. Check it out here. The exhibition runs through September 15th.
Congratulations Ethan!
Ethan Price
Doug Hoppes 'Dark Art' Kickstarter ends Soon
August 19, 2020
Congratulations to Doug on already achieving more than double his goal! Check out the project here
Doug Hoppes
Congratulations to Doug on already achieving more than double his goal! Check out the project here
Doug Hoppes
Tanya Harsch released a book based on her recent museum exhibition
August 16,2020
"Sebbie, an Exhibition of Puppetry Paintings," a solo exhibit of 20 paintings by Tanya Harsch, opened at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham, Massachusetts last year. A book based on the show is now available.
Find out more here
Tanya Harsch
"Sebbie, an Exhibition of Puppetry Paintings," a solo exhibit of 20 paintings by Tanya Harsch, opened at the Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in Waltham, Massachusetts last year. A book based on the show is now available.
Find out more here
Tanya Harsch
Sean Price "Art of Price" Kickstarter Until August 20
August 12,2020
Sean Price's Kickstarter has already more than doubled its goal. You can check it out here, and you can also find out more about Sean Price on the Rusty Skill-It podcast.
Congratulations Sean!
Sean Price's Kickstarter has already more than doubled its goal. You can check it out here, and you can also find out more about Sean Price on the Rusty Skill-It podcast.
Congratulations Sean!
Announcing the winners of the first SAm Art Prize!
July 29,2020
Sixty eight artists submitted a total of more than 200 artworks in the first SAM Art Prize. The response was overwhelming and Juror Lauren Panepinto went above and beyond by selecting not only a winner, but also several honorable mentions and she provided commentary about her choices, some of which is included below.
Congratulations to everyone who entered by submitting a new portfolio or updates!
Sixty eight artists submitted a total of more than 200 artworks in the first SAM Art Prize. The response was overwhelming and Juror Lauren Panepinto went above and beyond by selecting not only a winner, but also several honorable mentions and she provided commentary about her choices, some of which is included below.
Congratulations to everyone who entered by submitting a new portfolio or updates!
Overall Winner: Francesca Resta
Lauren's Notes--
This was hard! There was a lot of great work submitted, and it was very hard to narrow down to one piece. I could pick completely different pieces depending on whether I was wearing my Art Director of Bookcovers Hat, my Gallery Curator Hat, or my Personal Fan of Art Hat, so I chose the piece that most appealed to all three at once: Selkie Niji by Francesca Resta. This piece would make both a great book cover and a fine art piece. I love the texture in it, and the nuance of emotion, but I especially appreciate the visual hierarchy: there’s a lot going on here, in a limited palette, but it catches the eye and then draws it in confidently.
This was hard! There was a lot of great work submitted, and it was very hard to narrow down to one piece. I could pick completely different pieces depending on whether I was wearing my Art Director of Bookcovers Hat, my Gallery Curator Hat, or my Personal Fan of Art Hat, so I chose the piece that most appealed to all three at once: Selkie Niji by Francesca Resta. This piece would make both a great book cover and a fine art piece. I love the texture in it, and the nuance of emotion, but I especially appreciate the visual hierarchy: there’s a lot going on here, in a limited palette, but it catches the eye and then draws it in confidently.
Honorable Mention 1: Eelis Kyttan
Lauren's Notes--
I really like this composition, and I would put it on a book cover in a heartbeat. The design of the background really supports the strong visual hierarchy well, and there’s a lot of world building in this piece that tells you there’s story here without screaming it at you.
I really like this composition, and I would put it on a book cover in a heartbeat. The design of the background really supports the strong visual hierarchy well, and there’s a lot of world building in this piece that tells you there’s story here without screaming it at you.
Honorable Mention 2: Charis Loke
Lauren's Notes--
I love this piece for it’s really interesting color palette, nice mix of graphic and painterly textures, and strong composition. I itch to put type over this piece so badly and turn it into a book cover.
I love this piece for it’s really interesting color palette, nice mix of graphic and painterly textures, and strong composition. I itch to put type over this piece so badly and turn it into a book cover.
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Series Honorable Mention: Mike Miller
Lauren's Notes--
Shoutout for a solid body of work. I really love the Boy on the Tower, and Girl with the Sword, and the Child Devil with the Cat. These need to be on middle grade book covers. Great compositions, storytelling, color, and sense of humor.
Thanks to everyone who made judging really hard! There are so many other pieces I’d love to shout out to!
Shoutout for a solid body of work. I really love the Boy on the Tower, and Girl with the Sword, and the Child Devil with the Cat. These need to be on middle grade book covers. Great compositions, storytelling, color, and sense of humor.
Thanks to everyone who made judging really hard! There are so many other pieces I’d love to shout out to!
Dan Cohen's latest mural in Portland
July 27, 2020
Recently the windows of a business boarded up due to Covid 19 become Dan Cohen's surface for a commission in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in Portland, OR. Congratulations to Dan for this commission bringing art to the closedown and art to the movement.
Dan Cohen
Recently the windows of a business boarded up due to Covid 19 become Dan Cohen's surface for a commission in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in Portland, OR. Congratulations to Dan for this commission bringing art to the closedown and art to the movement.
Dan Cohen
annual Enchanted brush Exhibition at the Mazza Museum Features dan Watson
July 15, 2020
Dan Watson will have two of his works shown in his first museum show in the Dudley and Mary Marks Lea Gallery of the Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio. The show runs from July 10 through August 7. This year the show will be held online, exclusively. Enchanted Brush is a yearly exhibition curated by the artist Dan Chudzinski. Find out more below. Congratulations to Dan!
Dan Watson's work in the show: Here
More about the Enchanted Brush annual exhibition: here
Dan Watson
Dan Watson will have two of his works shown in his first museum show in the Dudley and Mary Marks Lea Gallery of the Mazza Museum in Findlay, Ohio. The show runs from July 10 through August 7. This year the show will be held online, exclusively. Enchanted Brush is a yearly exhibition curated by the artist Dan Chudzinski. Find out more below. Congratulations to Dan!
Dan Watson's work in the show: Here
More about the Enchanted Brush annual exhibition: here
Dan Watson
Primary Hughes Showing at Modern Eden
July 10, 2020
Steven (Primary) Hughes' opens his debut exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco July 11. Congratulations!
More about the exhibition here
Primary Hughes
Steven (Primary) Hughes' opens his debut exhibition at Modern Eden Gallery in San Francisco July 11. Congratulations!
More about the exhibition here
Primary Hughes
Announcing our first juried portfolio competition!
June 26, 2020
Your work will be entered automatically when you update your SAM portfolio or create a new portfolio page this July. Lauren Panepinto—creative Director at Orbit Books will review everyone’s portfolio updates and new portfolio submissions to decide who wins the prize, which includes the following:
—Their win announced on all our media platforms
—£75 (about $100) gift certificate for high quality brushes from Rosemary Brushes
—A free lecture of their choice from the SAS fall lecture series.
In addition, every person who updates their existing portfolio this July will be able to add two more images to their SAM portfolio (see below).
—Their win announced on all our media platforms
—£75 (about $100) gift certificate for high quality brushes from Rosemary Brushes
—A free lecture of their choice from the SAS fall lecture series.
In addition, every person who updates their existing portfolio this July will be able to add two more images to their SAM portfolio (see below).
How do you send in a new portfolio?
Just email me these things between July 1 and July 21:
- up to six images of your artwork (1mb-3mb each)
- a bio
- a bio photo
- links to all your sites and socials (promote yourself!)
- a notation of which IMC or SmArt School program(s) you took part in
How do you update an Existing Portfolio?
Just email me these things between July 1 and July 21:
Feel free to email me with any questions, and best of luck!
Matt Mitchell
- New images (1mb-3mb each)
- Tell me if you want me to take down any of your existing images on your SAM page—only keep your best work in your portfolio!
- You can now show up to eight images, total, of your artwork.
- You can also update your bio, links, and bio photo.
Feel free to email me with any questions, and best of luck!
Matt Mitchell
Illustration by Rovina Cai, winner of the gold award in the Books category
We spotted 22 ImC & Smart school alumni who won entry into the spectrum juried annual this year
June 15,2020
Each year Spectrum aims to showcase the best talent in the fields of science fiction and fantasy. This year it includes at least 22 alumni of the IMC or SmArt School. This list doesn't include our teachers and honored easel artists at the IMC, some of whom won entry. Congratulations to everyone! Spectrum 27: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art will be out this fall.
Steve Argyle
Tommy Arnold
Wylie Beckert
Bruce Brenneise
Rovina Cai— Winner of the Gold award in the Books category
Hilary Clarcq
Galen Dara
Eric Deschamps
Hope Doe
Allen Douglas
Micah Epstein
Justin Gerard
Chuck Grieb
Ben Hill
Howard Lyon
Aaron Miller
Reiko Murakami
Tran Nguyen
Alessandra Pisano
Vincent Proce
Cynthia Sheppard
Allen Williams
More about Spectrum 27 here
Buy Spectrum 27 it at a local store or here
--also, if I missed anyone, please let me know: [email protected]
Each year Spectrum aims to showcase the best talent in the fields of science fiction and fantasy. This year it includes at least 22 alumni of the IMC or SmArt School. This list doesn't include our teachers and honored easel artists at the IMC, some of whom won entry. Congratulations to everyone! Spectrum 27: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art will be out this fall.
Steve Argyle
Tommy Arnold
Wylie Beckert
Bruce Brenneise
Rovina Cai— Winner of the Gold award in the Books category
Hilary Clarcq
Galen Dara
Eric Deschamps
Hope Doe
Allen Douglas
Micah Epstein
Justin Gerard
Chuck Grieb
Ben Hill
Howard Lyon
Aaron Miller
Reiko Murakami
Tran Nguyen
Alessandra Pisano
Vincent Proce
Cynthia Sheppard
Allen Williams
More about Spectrum 27 here
Buy Spectrum 27 it at a local store or here
--also, if I missed anyone, please let me know: [email protected]
Tran Nguyen gets the cover of ImagineFX July Issue
June 1, 2020
There's an in depth interview with Tran inside. Great coverage.
ImagineFX July 2020, issue 188 here
Tran Nguyen
There's an in depth interview with Tran inside. Great coverage.
ImagineFX July 2020, issue 188 here
Tran Nguyen
IMAginefx magazine, May Issue, Features three of David Calabrese's illustrations
May 30, 2020
The lead image of his work, shown in the FXPosé section, is the illustration he created during IMC 2019.
Find ImagineFX issue #186 here
David Cabrese
The lead image of his work, shown in the FXPosé section, is the illustration he created during IMC 2019.
Find ImagineFX issue #186 here
David Cabrese
Tommy Arnold's Painting will be the cover of this year's Spectrum
May 22, 2020
The cover of Spectrum 27: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art will feature SmArt School and IMC alum Tommy Arnold's illustration, originally done for Tor Books' Harrow the NInth.
Tommy Arnold's site here
More about Spectrum here
Buy it at a local store or here
The cover of Spectrum 27: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art will feature SmArt School and IMC alum Tommy Arnold's illustration, originally done for Tor Books' Harrow the NInth.
Tommy Arnold's site here
More about Spectrum here
Buy it at a local store or here
Allen Panakal "Ancient Ones" Kickstarter ends Wednesday, May 20.
May 15, 2020
It's stretch goal time! Allen's book is fully funded and going for a victory lap.
Check it out here
Allen Panakal
It's stretch goal time! Allen's book is fully funded and going for a victory lap.
Check it out here
Allen Panakal
illustration by Arthur Bowling
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Illustration by Ben Hill
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Arthur Bowling and BEn Hill Both win Juried contest for inclusion in: Writers of the Future
May 11, 2020
Read more about the ongoing illustration contest and see the recently published 36th edition of Writers of the Future here.
Ben Hill
Arthur Bowling
Read more about the ongoing illustration contest and see the recently published 36th edition of Writers of the Future here.
Ben Hill
Arthur Bowling
Matthew Huntley's Kickstarter "Vigilant Lioness"
May 5, 2020
The campaign ends soon, on Sunday, May 10.
To learn about the book and help make it happen, click here
Update May 11, 2020
Congratulations to Matthew Huntley! His Kickstarter was a success.
The campaign ends soon, on Sunday, May 10.
To learn about the book and help make it happen, click here
Update May 11, 2020
Congratulations to Matthew Huntley! His Kickstarter was a success.
new Netflix series "The Midnight Gospel" features work by gregery miller
May 1, 2020
Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward just released a new show on Netflix, The Midnight Gospel. Gregery Miller (IMC 2019) was a background artist on the series and designed the worlds of multiple episodes with his team.
The show: Here
Great Indywire Review here
Gregery Miller's Patreon Page Here
Gregery's profile Here
Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward just released a new show on Netflix, The Midnight Gospel. Gregery Miller (IMC 2019) was a background artist on the series and designed the worlds of multiple episodes with his team.
The show: Here
Great Indywire Review here
Gregery Miller's Patreon Page Here
Gregery's profile Here
Scott Brundage's New Book
April 24, 2020
"Where'd My Jojo Go?" by Jill Esbaum, Pictures by Scott Brundage
For sale here
Kirkus review here
Great interview with Scott with lots of good images of the book in progress on the author Jill Esbaum's blog here
Scott's profile on SAM: Scott Brundage
"Where'd My Jojo Go?" by Jill Esbaum, Pictures by Scott Brundage
For sale here
Kirkus review here
Great interview with Scott with lots of good images of the book in progress on the author Jill Esbaum's blog here
Scott's profile on SAM: Scott Brundage
Arthur Haywood Mural Proposal
April 20, 2020
Arthur Haywood had a mural up for public vote until April 22. Click here to see the proposal and learn more about The DaVinci Art Alliance, who sponsored this mural competition in Philadelphia.
Arthur Haywood had a mural up for public vote until April 22. Click here to see the proposal and learn more about The DaVinci Art Alliance, who sponsored this mural competition in Philadelphia.