Fun Art Fridays: Awesome Optimus Prime!

"Autobots... transform and roll out!"

This super-cool illustration of Optimus Prime was created by Greg Kleid, one of our awesome background artists. Greg drew this as a present for his nephews and we just had to post it. Man, I wish I had an uncle as cool as Greg!

Illustration © Greg Kleid

Fun Art Fridays: The Thundercats' Mumm-Ra

"Ancient Spirits of Evil, transform this decayed form into Mumm-Ra the Ever Living!"

Now that I got that out of the way... Mumm-Ra is one of the all-time coolest villains! He starts off looking like a pathetic old man hobbling around in mummy rags, and with a few choice words becomes the baddest baddie the Thundercats have ever faced. Of course, in reality they usually beat him pretty easily, but we're talking about my distorted childhood memories here!

This guy's been a long time coming, so I hope you like him. I like Mums so much that I also did a warm-up sketch, which I've included below. Enjoy!



Just like my heroic team shot, these dudes are part of a larger drawing I’m doing for fun. Next up... Ma-Mutt!.

Until then... "Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: The Thundercats' Jackalman

Here comes Jackalman, the club-wielding (and sometimes mace-swinging) evil mutant jackal!

The evil mutants were the perfect examples of incompetent lackeys, and Jackalman here was no exception. These bumbling baffoons were always screwing up Mumm-Ra's evil plans. Speaking of Mumm-Ra, looks like he's up next!

Just like my heroic team shot, these dudes are part of a larger drawing I’m doing for fun. Remember to check back next week for Mumm-Ra.

Until then... "Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: The Thundercats' Vultureman

Watch out for Vultureman, the I-have-no-idea-what-the-heck-his-weapon-is evil mutant vulture!

Seriously, this is the weapon that came with the toy, but what is it? Some type of bird claw on a stick? Or maybe a bird cage cleaner?

Anyway, like my heroic team shot, Vultureman is part of a larger team drawing. Again, I'll be posting each villain as I finish, then the whole image once it's done. Next up is Jackalman!

"Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: The Thundercats' Monkian

Did you see the new images for Cartoon Network's Thundercats revamp?

I wasn't sure at first, but I think the new designs are growing on me. I'll have to reserve final judgement until I see the new show, but that news lit a fire under me to finish up my Evil Mutants illustration. So this week I'm posting my take on the mace-wielding Monkian!

Just like my heroic team shot, these dudes are part of a larger drawing I’m doing for fun. Next week I'll post my Vultureman, followed by Jackalman, Mumm-ra, his dog Ma-Mutt, and then the final team shot.

Until then... "Thundercats HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"

Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: Mega Man Rocks!

I've been feeling nostalgic for simpler times lately, so I decided to draw one of my favorite characters from one of my favorite NES games... Mega Man! I spent way too many hours of my youth playing the first 3 games. =)

I've also included my WIP sketches below... Hope you like!



Illustration © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: Galin Modric

This character is the result of yet another fun exercise I did for the Design-A-Character group over on Deviant Art. The idea behind this challenge was to design a character based off of a provided name –- in this case, the name is Galin Modric.

So many things came to mind when I heard the name... a dark-ages wizard, a soul-stealing grim reaper, or a sci-fi bounty hunter (just to name a few). I chose to go with the latter. So, here you have it... Galin Modric, sci-fi bounty hunter extreme! Enjoy!



Copyright © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: Robo Alien Insect Dude!

This dude started as a doodle in my sketchbook one night... then I just kept adding lines here and there while at lunch or on the phone, etc. Sometimes it's just relaxing for me to draw without any sort of end plan for an image. Plus, I always love the chance to sketch on paper again!

I added some quick grays for a background in Photoshop. I may end up coloring him in the future, time permitting of course. We'll see...

Copyright © Joe Costantini

Fun Art Fridays: GPK Family Portrait

I thought I'd share a recently finished GPK style portrait I created. It was based off of a Garbage Pail Kid from the original series, Jolly Roger. Below you'll see the initial pencil sketch, color rough done in photoshop, and final oil painting on canvas. I wanted to make it fairly large, so it ended up being around 24 x 30. I'm really happy with how it came out. Enjoy!





Illustrations © Mark Pingitore

Fun Art Fridays: Beach Girl

Summer is here! And what better way to celebrate than by donning a bathing suit and going for a swim? Since I'm not a big beach goer myself, it's much more fun for me to draw those who prefer to soak up the sun and sand.

Enter this sketch, which was a doodle that turned out better than I had expected. This impossibly long-haired beach girl is making sure her suit is in top form. Her style is loosely based on the style of Leiji Matsumoto, a favorite artist of mine.

Have a great weekend and enjoy the summer!

Copyright © Sarah Gencarelli

Fun Art Fridays: Cheeseburger & Fries!

Move over Cholesterol. Stand aside Trans Fats. Here comes Frankie French Fry and Charlie Cheeseburger in the next Fast Food sensation... Artery-Clogging Action Time!

These guys are the result of another fun exercise I did for the Design-A-Character group over on Deviant Art. The idea of this challenge was to design a character based off of a food item -- in this case I chose my favorite "bad-for-you" meal, a cheeseburger and fries! Mmmmmmmmmm…

The above image is a shot of my dynamic duo racing into action! Below are my WIPs of both Charlie Cheeseburger and Frankie French Fry's initial designs. I created Charlie first, then decided to design Frankie -- because what’s a burger without the fries, right? Anyway, hope you like these dudes. ;)




Is anyone else getting hungry all of a sudden? =P

Copyright © Joe Costantini