The Art of Valerhon

Thor in Asgard

2012-01-14T18:48:00.000-08:00

Fan piece of Thor and Odin with Asgard backdrop. Just something for fun.

Model: Chris Hemsworth

Ganymede and the Eagle

2012-01-14T14:30:00.000-08:00

The story of a young man named Ganymede who the god Zeus falls in love with and carries to Mount Olympus to serve as cupbearer to the gods. Model: Jake Gallaspie.

Cassandra

2012-01-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

Book cover for the marvelous Kerry Greenwood's novel by the same title for Clan Destine Press. The Trojan Horse in her story is the size of a real horse, and made of bronze.

Check out: Clan Destine Press http://clandestinepress.com.au/blog

Heaven's Embrace

2012-01-06T16:57:00.001-08:00

Model: Felix D'Eon

I was in the mood to do something blue and with a lot of energy.

Wolf Gifted

2012-01-01T15:07:00.001-08:00

Fan art created for Anne Rice, inspired by her new novel Wolf Gift released February 14. 2012.

The time is the present.

The place, the rugged coast of Northern California. A bluff high above the Pacific. A grand mansion full of beauty and tantalizing history set against a towering redwood forest.

A young reporter on assignment from the San Francisco Observer . . . An older woman welcoming him into her magnificent family home that he has been sent to write about and that she must sell with some urgency . . . A chance encounter between two unlikely people . . . An idyllic night—shattered by horrific unimaginable violence, the young man inexplicably attacked—bitten—by a beast he cannot see in the rural darkness . . . A violent episode that sets in motion a terrifying yet seductive transformation, as the young man, caught between ecstasy and horror, between embracing who he is evolving into and fearing what he will become, soon experiences the thrill of the wolf gift.

As he resists the paradoxical pleasure and enthrallment of his wolfen savagery and delights in the power and (surprising) capacity for good, he is caught up in a strange and dangerous rescue and is desperately hunted as “the Man Wolf” by authorities, the media, and scientists (evidence of DNA threatens to reveal his dual existence) . . . As a new and profound love enfolds him, questions emerge that propel him deeper into his mysterious new world: questions of why and how he has been given this gift; of its true nature and the curious but satisfying pull towards goodness; of the profound realization that there may be others like him who are watching—guardian creatures who have existed throughout time who possess ancient secrets and alchemical knowledge. And throughout it all, the search for salvation for a soul tormented by a new realm of temptations, and the fraught, exhilarating journey, still to come, of being and becoming, fully, both wolf and man.

Invoking the Emerald

2011-09-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Something for fun.

Claudia and Louis

2011-09-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

Anne's Rice's vampires from her first vampire novel: Interview with the Vampire.

Claudia and Louis are traveling the world now that they're out from under the thumb of the vampire Lestat.

Claudia: Sarah
Louis: Collin and Matt Bomer
Original Reference: Marcus J. Ranum

Thor

2011-05-21T23:55:00.000-07:00

Thor
2011 May

Just something for fun. Inspired by the Thor film, but I wanted the style to be more mythic than pop-culture. I tried to make him look like Chris Helmswort, but with Thor's red hair.

Legolas

2011-03-26T17:33:00.000-07:00

Model: Martin Challinor
Lens: Gilles Crofta

The iconic Elf from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of The Rings

Legolas is a prince of the Wood Elves, but he is of a different race of Elves, the Sindar or "Grey Elves". With his father, he settled among the Wood Elves to return to a simpler lifestyle. In this scene he is in his home, the Woodland Realm of Mirkwood, practicing with the bow. In moments, his father Thranduil will summon him to court and tell him that the creature Gollum has escaped, and that he is to meet with Elrond of Rivendell to discuss the matter. This will set his feet upon the path of joining the Fellowship of the Ring.

Legolas wears shoes rather than boots, and his step is so light that he can walk on snow and leaves without disturbing them.

Gulliver

2011-03-12T14:18:00.000-08:00

Idea and ref shots: Luis Rafael
Model: Dale Rowse

Lucifer

2011-02-26T19:13:00.000-08:00

2011
Model: Jared Leto

A challenge to myself to work with bright and diffused light.
Not for sale.

Delphic Women: Medea

2011-02-25T12:23:00.000-08:00

Cover for the upcoming novel by Kerry Greenwood, one of three books in a trilogy I have been commissioned to cover. By Clan Destine Press.

Figure model: Ida Mary Walker

Border Stock: aegean-prince.deviantart.com

Oh Rocky!

2011-01-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

Model: Stephan
Reference: Gilles Crofta Photographer

The beefcake pose of the model demanded an outrageous setting, so this is what sprang to mind.

Tarot: The Devil

2011-01-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

Model: Nathan Lewis

Tarot Card Concept.

Aztec Stars

2011-01-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

Commission featuring Octavio P. Perez
Reference: Jim Oblak

I haven't done Aztec art, so this is my first attempt. I was constrained by the speccific pose of the photo reference, but the client, as always, gave me free-rein on concept. I saw an Aztec creation scene where the stars are being formed.

Morgoth and Ungoliant

2010-12-17T20:04:00.001-08:00

Model: Bobby Momenteller

Morgoth is wrapped in shadow and the web of his ravenous and increasingly belligerent "ally", the great spider Ungoliant. She, having drained the silvery tree of Telperion, now drains the light from the golden tree Laurelin. Together, the two will plunge Aman and Middle Earth into darkness.

A fruit will survive both trees - from them will be made the sun and the moon.

From "The Silmarillion" by J.R.R. Tolkien.

I used different techniques for this work, which is likely my last for 2010. Next year I intend to be more experimental in both technique and subject.

The model in this piece is the very talented Bobby Momenteller. I look forward to shooting him in studio early next year.

Catwoman

2010-12-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

Model reference by Robert James.
For my friend Adam's Christmas present.

Winter King

2010-11-25T08:20:00.000-08:00

Model: Nathan Lewis
Photography: Valerhon

Black Angel

2010-10-23T23:39:00.000-07:00

Model: James Edward Becton III
Ref. Photographer: PhotoFreedom Photoznyc

Upcoming Editorial TBA

Elrond of Rivendell

2010-09-19T07:22:00.000-07:00

Model: Nathan Lewis
Photog/Styling/Location: Valerhon
September 2010

BoyWonder

2010-09-04T13:47:00.000-07:00

Based on Robin, the sidekick of Batman. I wanted to do something a little more erotic and contemporary with this shot, suggestive of the relationship between the two heroes and invoking the mansion grounds of Bruce Wayne. Masked and unmasked versions.

Model: Nathan Lewis
Photog/Styling: Valerhon

Sanctum Sanctorum

2010-08-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

Dr. Strange summons power in his sacred place.

Model: Nathan Lewis
Photog: Valerhon

Out of the Black Land

2010-08-31T13:08:00.001-07:00

Book cover by the same title by Kerry Greenwood. Released through Clan Destine Press.
www.clandestinepress.com.au

Order the book!

Mercy

2010-07-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

An image from a dream I had.

Trial by Steel

2010-07-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

The Master teaches his student just how much he doesn't know. For my friend model Alex Kovas - who is both figures in this shot. He's a brilliant performance artist who uses animals as his inspiration.

See Alex's work on youtube: www.humanimals.co.uk

Photgrapher of figures: Erik Erxon - www.ErikErxon.com
Original makeup: Beatriz Lopez - www.BeatrizLopez.com

Wolverine Unbound

2010-06-08T16:31:00.001-07:00

The young Wolverine, at his origin, escaping from a medical facility. New palette technique.

Model: Kevin Gadzalinski
Reference Photographer: Robert James

Ravens of Jericho

2010-05-29T11:44:00.001-07:00

Cover image for my friend Adam Ditchburn's upcoming CD - "Ravens of Jericho"
Excellent, soulful music. Buy it at his store at

www.adamditchburn.com

Burning Love (Eros 2010)

2010-05-20T00:21:00.001-07:00

Huntress

2010-04-15T16:55:00.001-07:00

You probably can't outrun her.

Commission for actor/writer Claudia Christian, who is the beautiful model.

Wing and the Shy-teh

2010-04-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wrap-around book cover for fantasy author Shytei Corellion, for her upcoming novel "Merehr"
Commission

Wander on Talatha

2010-03-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

One of the five main characters in my graphic novel, the seductive shape-shifter who can read the thoughts of its target and become their ideal lover. Also exists in a fairy-sized form when threatened. He stands on a distant ancient world named Talatha.

His name is Wander.

Theseus

2010-03-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

According to myth, Athens had been conquered by King Minos of Crete. He demanded - every nine years - seven youths, and seven maidens from Athens. After arriving on his island, he imprisoned them in the Labyrinth where the half-man, half bull Minotaur was confined. There, the Athenians would serve as the monsters' food.

Theseus, son of Posiedon and Aegeus (both god and human lay with his mother Aethra the same night) volunteered to take the place of one of the youths. He sailed to Crete with the other sacrifices, promising that when the ship returned to Athens, it would bear either a white sail - indicating he'd killed the Minotaur, or a black one, indicating he failed and died.

Through the love of Minos' daughter, Ariadne, Theseus was able to defeat the Minotaur, ending the scourge on his homeland. He promised Ariadne that he'd marry her, but abandoned her on the island of Naxos on the way home. She cursed him with forgetfulness, and instead of hoisting a white sail, the ship returned to Athens with the black one.

His father, Aegeus, waited on the cliff for sign of his son's fate, and when he saw the black sail, he threw himself into the sea that is now called Aegean. Theseus went on to be King himself.

In this scene, Theseus moves through the Labyrinth, unfamiliar territory, looking for the monstrous Minotaur. In the myth, he finds it sleeping and kills it. I prefer the thought that its stalking him through familiar halls.

The model is Alexey Sharpe.
Reference photographer: The incomparable Hotsnapz!

Eywas Children

2010-03-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

Fan art of the James Cameron film "AVATAR"
Basically tried to put as many elements in as possible without overbalancing the composition, and to work with bioluminescence.

Na'vi model: Kevin Gadzalinski
Kevin's photographer: Robert James

Emerald Jinna

2010-03-01T12:14:00.001-08:00

She emerges from the lamp as the sun sets.
Commission for Gigi the Priceless One!

Pan With Syrinx

2010-02-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

Syrinx is a nymph who Pan, in his perpetual lust, sees and pursues. Trapped against a river, Syrinx begs the river nymphs to save her. They change her into hollow reeds. Pan cuts the reeds and fashions them into his pan-flute, which bears her name.

Syrinx is also the root of the word "syringe"

Commission for Kevin and Maureen. Kevin is the model.

Conan the Cimmerian

2010-01-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

A young Conan wreaks havoc in the temple of the bat god.
Model: Ryan Healy

Lilith II

2010-01-24T11:37:00.000-08:00

A Vision of Narnia

2010-01-12T19:17:00.001-08:00

Snow Goddess

2010-01-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

The Snow Goddess summons down the moon and from its light creates birds of pure white. In the foreground, a shaman gives worship to her wintery manifestation.
Created for Tommy.

The beautiful female model is Erisa - from the stock of Jessica
The male model in foreground is Steve

Chiron

2009-12-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

Chiron is the Centaur who tutors such heros as Achilles, Jason, Theseus, Ajax and Heracles. In this scene, he is giving a lecture, but his students have become distracted, leaving him behind.

I've been wanting to to a centaur for a while now., so here it is.

Model: Eugene Charlesworth.

Prince Rameses

2009-12-06T12:43:00.000-08:00

Before he is Pharaoh, The Prince sits on his father's throne and dreams of glory.

Model: Billy Payne
Ref Photographer: James C. Lewis

Green Lantern

2009-12-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

My take on the DC comic book hero.

The Morrigan

2009-11-25T15:38:00.000-08:00

The Morrigan is the Celt goddess of war and strife, one of the original Tautha De Danann tribe of immortals who defeated the Fir Bolg after arriving in Britain in great flying ships. A dark and often heartless goddess, her ravens circle the battlefield while she enflames battle-lust on whichever side she favors.

Commission. Model: Claudia Christian

Excalibur

2009-11-21T14:00:00.001-08:00

Excalibur is the magical sword bestowed on King Arthur by the Lady of the Lake whose edge none could resist, and whose scabbard, when laid upon a wound, could heal.

In this scene, the Lady of the Lake offers the sword of kings to Arthur while he is bathing in the lake. He does not waste time accepting this magical gift. In the background, the apple-tree cloaked isle of Avalon appears from the mist. When Arthur dies some years from now, his body will be borne here by many queens.

It is said he will rise one day when Britain is in its greatest need.

Lord Winter

2009-11-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

Something for the holidays. It's a concept character piece for my upcoming graphic novel.

The model is my friend Darko Ranogajec from Zurich.

Merry Yule!

Cyclops

2009-11-16T20:18:00.000-08:00

I work with a lot of photographers and models. We always become friendly, but occasionally we become friends. For models, it's not their looks. Frankly, while I admire beauty like everyone else, its a non-essential part of a person to me. What IS essential in my friendships are the three "i"s - intelligence, imagination and integrity. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to run across those three qualities combined in one person.

You can imagine how excited I am to be working with two such individuals on the same project - and . Robert James is a master of bringing an ethereal presence to his models, and Kevin is a veritable whirlwind of groovy energy who I've known since my start in this newest phase of my art creation.

In the coming months I'll be releasing a series of works involving Kevin as the subject, greatly assisted by the skillful lens of Robert. The first is an interpretation of the X-man Cyclops. There's more to come, probably a little more erotic than this first work, but Cyk seemed like a good place to start.

Thanks guys for the fun collaboration. You rock.

Rebel Hell

2009-11-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

A rebel angel lands in Hell.

Delphin

2009-11-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

The Delphin heals an ailing baby blue whale in the depths of the ocean.

Commission.

Model: Delphin
Model reference by Oblakphoto

Shiva Dances

2009-10-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Commission for Photographer Manuel Rico, based on his photo. Was a fun challenge.

Tiger, Tiger

2009-10-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

Painting of my friend Eldon Thiele who provided the photo reference.

Check out Eldon's Zwerg music site: http://www.zwerg.ca/

Tarot Series: Black Majik

2009-10-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

Another in the tarot series with photographer Grant Sims who is fascinated with the legends of Stonehenge and wanted a white cat with wings. The model, Christine, had lost her white cat recently, so he wanted to add that to the work.

I used an image by the particularly gifted photographer Robert James as reference for the sacrificial victim. BE SURE to check out his superb collection!

Model: Christine Carollo

Fey-o-wolf

2009-10-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

In the heart of the forest, the spirit-world roams, protecting the fey creatures that live there.
Done for Luthien Nightwolf, a fantasy artist of wonderful wolf-beings. Check her out at:

http://www.artofaewendor.com

Used great wolf reference from http://drezdany-stocks.deviantart.com/

Vigil

2009-10-07T07:41:00.000-07:00

He waits, in vain, for them to return.

Another American Gothic

2009-10-05T14:06:00.001-07:00

Happy Samhain, Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, and etc.

The Elves Contemplate War

2009-09-22T15:29:00.000-07:00

I imagine that elves - at least this particular tribe - takes war seriously, and contemplates going to war with a great deal of thought and emotion. This image just emerged from a dream I had and since Autumn is my favorite season, is a herald to the changing of the leaves.

Models: Kevin, Danny, Bojan

Misha's Bloodhound

2009-09-22T15:24:00.000-07:00

Birthday Commission for Misha

Tarot Series: Hanged Woman

2009-09-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Hanged Woman is suspended from the branches of the tree, not in death or pain, but in serene release. She has put herself at the mercy of gravity, letting go of all attachments and allowing a fresh perspective to emerge.

Another commission for photographer Grant Sims for his Tarot Series. The model is Jenna.

Love Hurts

2009-08-29T18:09:00.000-07:00

Commission for my web-designer friend Chuck. Model: Meena S.

Cinderella

2009-08-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

A new take on Cinderella, who's definitely on top of Prince Charming and holding his leather shoe on her lap. Commission for Photographer Grant Sims.

Freya

2009-07-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

Freya is the Norse goddess of love, beauty, war, death and fertility. Among the fairest of the goddesses in Asgard. Freya is usually depicted with blond hair, but I preferred Claudia's natural auburn to contrast the white horse.

Commission for Actress Claudia Christian, who is also the model.

Fame's Angel

2009-07-16T09:28:00.001-07:00

Fame's angel is melancholy. He represents that the regrets fame brings. In the background, the shooting star of fame has almost faded. In the forground, the face of the famous continue to move on the television screen despite the fact that older celebrities are disgarded. It's no consolation that a celebrity is worth more dead than alive, with the flood of money going to those who cling to the shooting star.

Goldilocks

2009-07-16T09:26:00.001-07:00

Commission for Grant Sims for his Erotic Fairytales project. Model is Cheri Vegas.

Apollo

2009-06-09T13:37:00.000-07:00

"I am the son of the King concealed in a swan
offspring of deceit who speaks only the Truth
driver of the fire-spoked everlasting sun
whose rays limn the faces of all beardless youth

I am the avenger of the honor of mothers
my arrows rain down as plague-silver sleet
and yet---a gentle-light healing to others
the dreamer of futures that all men must meet

I am the tenth voice among the nine sisters
leader of Helicon's heavenly choral
poor Daphne ran when I once tried to kiss her
and hid her rare beauty inside of the laurel

I am the god who was once overpowered
by the sweet embrace of a young man I found
Each drop of his blood I formed into a flower
after the jealous west-wind struck him down

I am he who guided the hand of Paris
pierced the heel of Achilles, battle-crazed
in the war began by the words "to the fairest"
whose city-walls, with Posiedon, my labors once raised

I am the brother of the sister-moon mysterious
twin of the shadow who hunts in the fog
she, caught bathing, then grew so furious
that the voyeur was torn apart by his dogs

I am the lord of silver-words always prized
through time and memory, poem and song
remember me when light gets caught in your eyes
and sing this paen at the break of dawn.

I am Apollo."

Closeup preview of an art editorial and interview I did for Apollo Male Models magazine, August 09 issue. The phenomenal photographer who shot the references is Hotsnapz
the model is John May. The entire spread will be featured once it's released in print.

http://www.apollomalemodels.com/

Red

2009-05-14T19:21:00.000-07:00

The werewolves have a tale they tell their children to make them behave. It involves a hairless wolf in a red cape that kills them, cuts them up, and puts them in her picnic basket.

No, it's not Sarah Palin.

Commission for Grant Sims
Model: Kerri, werewolf is freehand

Souls On Fire

2009-05-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Commission for Models Jacques G and Hayley
Original Photography: Hotsnapz

Faun

2009-04-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

Fauns are, in Roman mythology, the equivalent of Greek Satyrs. They are spirits of the wild forest. This one is covered with many animal totems as the energies of the faery woods bathes him in otherworld light. The butterfly signifies the beauty of nature, the serpent his strength. The scorpion represents his ability to harm those who harm the woods, and the eagle his wide-flung senses. The spider grants him wisdom while the honeybee on his forearm warns of his sexual potency.

Speedpaint, for relaxation.

Tarot Series: The Universe

2009-04-25T18:55:00.001-07:00

Commission for Photographer Grant Sims

Valerhon.com and the Graphic Novel

2009-04-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

My major project this year is the creation of my own graphic novel. The apocalyptic story is centered around a group of characters who find their lives are being erased by some unknown adversary. I'm currently developing the characters' appearances. I'll be posting info about the characters, concept art, and such, on this blog.

Also, I have a new web domain - valerhon.com. Check it out.

Thanks all!

V

Solitude

2009-03-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, I saw the Superman films with Christopher Reeve and was literally lifted to a new level of imagination. Whatever your feelings about the films now, they were groundbreaking. Not only in the area of special effects, but in opening the door to the superhero genre that continues today.

In this painting, the son of the planet Krypton stands in the cold solitude of the North Pole. His Fortress of Solitude bristles its crystal spires in the distance. He's taking a breather from the hectic business of saving human beings from themselves.

This is fan art.

Boba Fett

2009-03-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends Jeff really digs Star Wars (so do I, but to a lesser degree) and he asked me to do Boba Fett over a year and a half ago. Better late than never, eh Jeff?

Dryad

2009-03-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Based on a dream I had of a burning, abandoned church. Dryads were being released from the wood that once made up their trees. The model is actress Claudia Christian.

The Empress

2009-02-21T09:10:00.000-08:00

The Empress sits on the shore of the sea, a bridge between ocean and land. She is the force of fertility, of motherhood and the infinite energy of nature. Her appearance sometimes heralds marriage, but in a broader sense, she represents a flowering of creativity and abundance. She is also a muse - unlocking the bounty of the mind and the imagination to create art or other great works.

This was commissioned work for Photographer Grant Sims as part of his Tarot series.

Eros the Devourer

2009-02-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

Love is a drug. When you're in love, you literally see the world in a whole new way, through the eyes of your beloved. Love is sweet and beautiful, but it is also dark and needy and obsessive. Hungry. Desperate.

This shadow of the god Eros doesn't use a bow and arrow (though he keeps the memory of his sweet-love arrows tattooed on his bow-arm. He's still golden-winged, but these wings descend on you when you fall under his spell. They close around you in a wall of feathers, and then you feel the prick of Cupid's arrow as he sinks his fangs into you.

The pleasure. . .the desire is maddening and mad as he drains your blood and all of it's love-chemicals. Then he offers his blood to you, one of Eros the Devourer's incubi who burns with the fever of his beauty and follows him hopelessly through the night.

Harry Potter - Senior Year

2009-02-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

Or "Gryffindor Rulez!"

"You might belong in Gryffindor,
Where dwell the brave at heart,
Their daring, nerve and chivalry
Set Gryffindors apart"

Those who follow my work know that I like to treat the subject matter of my art in ways that may not be typical or orthodox. When I decided on Harry Potter for my next work, I focused on Harry as an Athlete. When you think about it, Harry is not only a Wizard extraordinaire, he's also a star player for one of Hogwart's sports teams. Not to bad for an orphan living among uncaring muggle relatives. He's a jock with a brain, an aptitude for magic, an courage to fight a seemingly unstoppable enemy who murdered his parents.

I'm personally in awe not just of the brilliance of Rowling's storytelling, but in her attitudes which forms the engine of that storytelling. The cherry on the top of the sundae was her revelation that Dumbledore is (was) gay. Though this pronouncement seemed late for the politically inclined, for me it sealed the good intentions of this author to share her vision of a world where anything is possible, and where religious dogma (or the struggle against it) had no place. I find that remarkably enlightened in this era of materialistic fever.

I chose to create Harry as an adult, and my imagining (whether HP purists like this or not) was of him after his last game of quidditch in his senior year. The reason for this choice is Daniel Radcliffe, the actor. Not because he's hot, but because he's bold. If you've seen him in the stage-play Equus, you know what I mean. This guy is a serious actor and I'm sure we'll see him break out of the HP mold and create some fascinating roles.

Harry Potter's impact on our culture is still to be seen. J.K. Rowling crafted a story about a boy almost everyone could relate to, and it brought magic into the mainstream in a way never seen before. Christian Fundamentalists tried to have the books banned everywhere - a testament to the power of the ideas inside a remarkably well-written and consistent series of novels.

I know the jockstrap with the Hogwarts school heraldry is over the top, but I knew early on I wouldn't paint him naked - there's plenty of slash art out there that goes down that road. Also, his body is a bit more muscular than it should be.

A Riff For Gaea

2009-01-24T12:04:00.001-08:00

Or "The Fool"

The fool is on a journey, seeking his fortune. He's young, confident, and retains enough of his childhood innocence to go boldly into the world. He is borne by wings of his own creation, adventuring through his inner world, for his journey is also a spiritual one.

At his feet is his familiar, his inner animal, his totem, and a symbol of his purity. As he plays his riff for Gaea in a wild joy, his spirit in the grass sings.

A somber stone head looks on. A totem of his tribe, a marker of the border of his homeland. He's on his own now and he has no thought he will ever see this marker again.
On the horizon are beautiful, but ever-deadly clouds, a harlequin watches, awaiting the fool with its grasp. It will wrest his heart from him with velvet gloves and false faces, but the tiny roar of his lionheart will remind him who he really is, and his heart will renew itself. He will travel through the underworld and be reborn.

Eventually he will return home, no longer a fool, but a hero.
His heart will leap at the sight of the stone head. He'll sing as he enters his homeland, the lion-cub now a majestic maned lion, a reflection of his strong and mature heart.

His village will fear him, for they banished him in the first place for being strange, but he renders mercy and saves them from the calamity they are in. Though he is appreciated by few, he is content.

And somewhere among those people, a young fool will see the hero resting from his labors and will be inspired to go out into the world and seek his fortune.

Tarot Series: Strength

2009-01-17T17:12:00.000-08:00

Strength sits on her throne of ice. It is padded with the pelts of the slain stained blood red. Behind her, two bears, symbols of her might, are poised in battle, but her staff of rulership stands between them, controlling where their ferocity is directed. The domain that surrounds her is endless ice, snow and glacial walls, making it difficult for the weak of heart to approach her.

When she appears, Stength is reminding you of own willpower and you must use that to solve your current challenge. Exercise that thing that allows humanity to use its energy for higher purposes. Strength reminds us too that if we cannot control our impulses, they will control us.

Part of the Tarot Series commissioned by Photographer Grant Sims.

I am the Tiger

2009-01-02T07:42:00.000-08:00

I met a guy last year who's profile quoted an obscure song by ABBA that was a mainstay of mine for a time called "I am the tiger". We collaborated on a number of pieces, the most memorable being "Mourning Babel" which remains one of my own personal favorites. Jake is a smart, creative, somewhat angsty guy who is also a on-again, off-again member of the Furry Community. Furries are people who very closely identify with animals to the point of fusing their human identities with animal totems.

Personally, I view furries in the same way I view the two-spirits of Native American culture and the transgendered of our modern society. They are spirits of one form embodied in a different one. In another time and place, during the flowering of the Celtic culture, furries would have been considered magical -- visitors from the deeper worlds of the Sidhe.

Jake's totem is named Acey. He's a white tiger with Jake's characteristic red hair. Jake recently asked me if I would create this image for him - and keeping in mind that he wanted it to still look like him, not as the more Egyptianesque "Furry World I" painting we collaborated on. This is the result. I put him next to a white tiger and worked to bring the two creatures together as much as possible.

There have been comments on the furry penis sheath, much to my amusement. It shows the sly fixated relationship some people have with the penis. Sometimes you guys (and gals) are just too easy.

This is officially the last piece of art I did for 2008 on New Years Eve. I hope 2009 brings great opportunity to all.

Lust

2008-11-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

First in a series entitled "Deadly Sins" and also a subset of the Elemental Series featuring actress Claudia Christian, who commissioned this piece.

Lust stands in Hell's Lake of Fire, wings of shadow and fire, body filigreed with gold and rubies created by Satan himself. In the foreground, souls who's chief vice was lust writhe in incomprehensible pleasure as they burn for eternity. Behind her, her strange family of Sins look on with admiration to her burning beauty. In the background, Hell's capital city is lit by the clustered damned. The towering effigy of Satan stands in the far background,a monolith alive with incandescent presence.

You might notice that the Satanic figure bears a slight resemblance to a devilishly handsome model we all know Joshua Seven.

A small piece of trivia: I had the flu and was feverish during the creation of this work.

Dancing In Heaven

2008-11-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

This work is titled "Dancing In Heaven" and gives us a snapshot of Hermes dancing with a soul above a young new world where that soul will be reborn. Hermes has no helmet or caduceus - this is his off-time to have fun with friends he's made during the ages in which he guides their souls to the afterlife.

The photographer and model is Felix d'Eon. Felix takes classical nudes to a whole different level. Not content to simply emulate earthbound statues, he and his cohorts also recreate classical poses one would find in the works of Michaelangelo, Da Vinci and other Masters. In his most clever works, he defies gravity to create images of freedom and flight.

Power of Three

2008-11-12T22:22:00.000-08:00

This is really one of my favorite commissions just because the image that formed in my mind was so strong that it made it through to the end work pretty much intact. A male initiate to two beautiful female witches.

In the foreground is the trunk of our male initiate. It's filled with clothes he'll never wear again- the vestiges of his old life.

Too, there is a cask in which sparkles the liquid sands of the planet Talitha, useful in summoning creatures of power.

His magic book lays on his trunk, a seeing-stone glimmers behind while a bottle of truth serum waits to be used in a ritual that will strip the initiate bare of his very sense of self in order that he become a proper conduit for magic.

An altar is filled with energized crystals and radiant potions - they will provide energy for his trip into the worlds beyond where he will find his familiar.

In the background, a jeweled idol holds an eternally burning frame. The statue was once an initiate who failed to properly handle the magical energies and they petrified him.

Outside, the moon rises full through the pines - awaiting the incantations that will draw its light down into the crescent diadem on the initiates brow and throw wide his mind to the power of femininity.

He awaits the ritual with terror and longing.

The models are Meena, Kevin and Misha - my fourth commission for Meena

Peace

2008-11-10T22:06:00.000-08:00

The angel of Peace arrives, bearing a standard of his mandate. A peace talisman is entwined around the end of a pennant stained with the blood of war and violence. He arrives with the snow of winter - for winter causes warring nations to withdraw from battle and hunker down during the freezing season, plotting a return to war when the life-giving season of spring arrives. He balances the orb of harmony on his arm, for the moment it falls, the inevitable moment of broken peace comes.

Model: Rob Richards

Purgatory

2008-11-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

"Purgatory" is a commission with Grant Sims for his Tarot Series. In this image, the powers of darkness and light struggle in Purgatory, whose stasis environment causes the struggle to be eternal.

"Let There Be Light"

2008-10-09T17:39:00.000-07:00

The first divine command ever given by God, according to Genesis, is this: "Let There Be Light."

So, I reason, God exists in absolute darkness - since light is not yet born. Darkness. The first element on the Periodic Table.

What was God doing during the last day of non-existence? Sleeping? Dreaming? Or fully conscious and thinking while floating in this vast void where nothing exists but darkness.

God, being an artist, is contemplating a design. A physical universe that can be seen, heard, smelt, touched, felt.

"What do I want in this scheme? Gotta have trees. Gotta have stars. Forget about the snorgborm, Let Us create instead this other creature and name it Dragon. Dragon. Yeah, sounds way cooler than a fire-breathing snorgborm.

God KNOWS how long God spent thinking things up.

I imagine God going to sleep on the night preceding the first day, head on hands and gazing up into the Darkness and getting the last details right.

I wonder if God wondered if all the variables, details and consequences of this great Idea (for it is not yet a creation) had all been accounted for. Then I suppose God nodded off.

God wakes up at12:00 a.m. on January 1, 1. Gets up. Doesn't get dressed - there's no cotton plants or sheep for wool. And Polyester is untold millenia in the future.

No worries - nudity's no big thing to God.

God takes a last look around at the vast, infinite night that has existed since his birth and then utters, for the first time in history:

"Let There Be Light."

I can imagine the angels, beautiful, sexless, caught in the majesty of this first Divine command. Light igniting inside them. Light that would reveal the later creations to the eyes rather than the mind of God. The angels flew around. "Oh, THAT's what you look like! Love the wings." Well, maybe not so gay.

The model is Bobby Momenteller, a good friend of mine who is a true Renaissance Man. The phenom Photographer of the refs is Peggy of Peggy C Photography.

It took seven days to finish this work.

Queen of the Star Sword

2008-10-09T17:38:00.000-07:00

Commission piece for Meena S

The Queen of the Star Sword waits in the sacred henge with the sword that will awaken those who sleep beneath the sacred stones and free the world from darkness.

Cthulhu

2008-10-09T17:27:00.000-07:00

Speedpaint of one of my favorite Presidential Candidates.

The Goblin King

2008-10-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

No one can blame you
For walking away
Too much rejection (na na)
No love injection
Life can be easy
It's not always swell
Don't tell me truth
hurts, little girl
'Cause it hurts like hell
But down in the underground
You'll find someone true
Down in the underground
A land serene
A crystal moon, ah, ah

It's only forever
Not long at all
Lost and lonely
That's underground
Underground

Daddy, daddy, get me out of here
Ha ha I'm underground
Heard about a place today
Nothing never hurts again
Daddy, daddy, get me out of here
Ah ha I'm underground
Sister sister,
please take me down
Ah ah I'm underground
Daddy, daddy, get me out of here

No one can blame you
For walking away
Too much rejection (na na)
No love injection

But down in the underground
You'll find someone true
Down in the underground
A land serene
A crystal moon, ah, ah

It's only
It's only forever
It's not long at all
The lost and the lonely
That's underground

This is a fan art piece of Jareth, the Goblin King of the film Labyrinth, enjoying some me-time.

Tarot Series: The Sun

2008-09-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

The Sun is the source of light, of clarity and of perception. While the Moon drifts through the subconscious, the Sun shines in the eyes of the waking mind. When the Sun rises in a reading, shadows and obfuscation is scattered - the answer to your questions is right in front of your nose and discovery is right around the corner. Look on the bright side.

This is a commission with Photographer Grant Sims for his Tarot series. The models' name is, appropriately, Candle. I designed the card back to capture the feminine energy of the face cards.

This Is Sparta!

2008-09-20T23:45:00.000-07:00

Model: Benjamin Stone

A tribute to the graphic novel "300" by Frank Miller.

Grail

2008-09-17T05:19:00.000-07:00

This pieces is called "Grail"

It's a commission by Meena S. The model is her boyfriend Kevin - the same model as her other commission "Ladon". As Ladon was dark and earthy, I went for hot and energetic with this one and played with lightning. Since Meena's hanging both of these prints in her home, I wanted a contrast. I'm not sure how her boyfriend will receive the corset I created as part of the angel's costume, but Kevin's a cool dude.

The subject matter of the painting is the Grail, the cup that Christ purportedly drank from at the Last Supper.

Sayuri

2008-09-05T21:01:00.000-07:00

"Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden is one of my favorite books of all time. The story details the life of a nine-year old Chiyo who lives with her fisherman father and her dying mother in a small "tipsy" house by the Sea of Japan. Her father, unable to afford to care for his wife and children, sells his daughters Chiyo and Satsu to a wealthy man named Mr. Tanaka in hopes that the girls will have a better life than he can supply.

The sisters are soon separated in Gion, the Geisha quarter of Kyoto - Chiyo to an okiya (Geisha house) and Satsu to an unsavory house of prostitution in the pleasure district.

Chiyo attempts to escape the okiya, where, like Cinderella, she works for Mother, the owner, and is persecuted by the jealous Hatsumomo, a successful geisha who sees in Chiyo a rival, mainly because Chiyo has blue-grey eyes inherited from her mother that gives her a striking appearance. Her attempts to escape leads to an encounter with a man called the Chairman who Chiyo falls in love with.

Escape from the okiya is not in the cards. Chiyo is trained as Geisha and the rest of the book details her life in this mysterious world.

Geisha means "artist." Despite the American concept of a geisha as a prostitute, they are instead respected performers, skilled with music with a string instrument known as the shamisen. They are also masters of conversation and dancing, as well as performing tea ceremonies.

In this painting, Sayuri prepares to go out to visit clients at various tea-houses throughout Gion. The tools of her trade, from kimono to shamisen to cosmetics and fans surround her. I've symbolically included scrolls and a quill to pen her memoirs. Outside the okiya's windows, the cherry blossoms are in bloom and Kyoto waits across the canal. She's weeping for the life she wants and cannot have, and the man she loves but who never seems to see her.

Closing Down Purgatory

2008-09-03T00:56:00.000-07:00

I was thinking about religion the other day. I remembered a story I heard about how unbaptized children who died supposedly dwell in purgatory - a realm of non-existence. I'm not certain if this is still Catholic canon, but the very idea that a child could be judged as unworthy of attaining Heaven is one of those absurdities in life.

It's the whole "Original Sin" thing. The concept that humans are born spiritually broken and cursed to die because of the choice of an ancient ancestor that made the mistake of eating from the wrong tree. Have you ever known a child? More importantly, do you remember ever being one? I do.

The fact is, children are born perfect. Every child of every ethnicity. They know nothing of sin. They are without guile. If they see someone with different skin color, they are intrigued, not fearful. They find delight or at least fascination in everything they see. Growing up changes everything.

Anyway, my point is that the world would probably be a hell of a lot more harmonious if we could trash the idea that we all are polluted with original sin and that you only have to look at a group of children playing to see how alike we all are. It would be groovy if people could all teach their children that they are part of a family. As that song by the Beloved goes:

"well aren't we all part of a family?
And hasn't our family suffered enough?"

In this painting, the last child in purgatory is protectively carried by an angel guarding the realm. Purgatory has just been condemned and they're going to tear it down. Behind the Purgatory Angel are the open gates and paradise, welcoming the children home at last. A rainbow - the eternal promise of God not to destroy humanity in another disaster, fills the sky.

The floor still burns with the afterglow of the souls of children that once stood here.

A note: Since angels were created, and not born, the Purgatory Angel has no navel, but instead his holy name is inscribed on his stomach. I also wanted to do two sets of wings.

The models of this piece is Ryan Healy, an awesome model friend of mine from Georgia. He has a Vin Diesel look to him, which I think really came out in the painting. The boy he's holding is his own son.

The Messenger

2008-08-28T21:17:00.000-07:00

This painting is the result of a collaboration with a model friend of mine from Switzerland named Darko. He's been waiting a long time for it - and he's been patient throughout. Thanks man.

The last painting was very dark, so I wanted to push myself in the opposite direction with The Messenger, and really try to capture the sense of the radiance of angelic skin.

Khalytrya's Dream

2008-08-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Khalytrya is a goddess born from a mortal boy who is possessed by the feminine spirit of Death. She is not merely a goddess of death, but of all mortals who are abandoned by society - from homeless people in the subways of New York City to children in mental institutions.

Khalytrya has a strong sense of balance. She swiftly punishes those who harm the downtrodden. She believes that society has become a monolith that crushes humanity, so is acting to bring down the old order and lead the downtrodden into a better life.

Like her brother Sairronde, the god of Desire and dreams, she has her own realm. It's known as the Floating World where vampires, ghouls and other undead live in a pleasant society of opportunity and justice.

Khalytrya is also called Sonji in her persona as the undead Geisha who entertains those about to die and records the story of their lives before taking them into undeath with her.

In this scene, Khalytrya is dreaming. She dances in the glade of her brother Sairronde, in which grows a narcotic poppy, bringer of dreams. Behind her, Sairronde appears in his guise of the Fairy King. The berries of his realm which trap you forever in Faery grow in profusion around the goddess of Death. A swarm of undead butterflies, black and ceaselessly fluttering, orbit her. The poppy forms a hand that holds a living butterly, a symbol of her own soul.

Ladon

2008-08-21T23:37:00.000-07:00

At the western border of the world there is a garden which is tended by beautiful nymphs with golden hair who are each tied to a tree with golden apples. Their sweet singing calms Ladon, their dragon-like guardian in the garden of Evening.

This scene has Ladon with a nasty spear gliding through the mythic golden apple trees. In time, Heracles will arrive to steal one of the apples and battle Ladon. Ladon will survive the encounter, but the theft will be successful.

This is a commission. My patron didn't want anything specific, so this is what I came up with. This is one of a set of two paintings that feature the same model, Kevin. I spent a long time on the forest textures and scales.

Check out the symbolism - I've left a number of easter eggs for you to find.

Meena commissioned the work. The model is her husband Kevin.

Queen of Cups

2008-08-21T01:24:00.001-07:00

She is the embodiment of the feminine element, and of female intuition. She is surrounded by the ocean of emotion. In her hand, a cup holds star-water that wets your parched throat and cleanses the pain from your spirit. The Queen of Cups moves through the crenelated sea-caves of your mind, quietly, deeply urging you to trust your intuition. Heed her call.

Model: Estie
Photographer: Grant Sims

Edward Cullen

2008-08-12T19:39:00.000-07:00

When a young woman named Bella moves from Phoenix with her mother to Forks, Washington, her mundane life is about to radically change. Moving in with her estranged father, Bella begins attending the local high-school, trying to adapt to life in a small town. At school she sees the beautiful Edward Cullen and his siblings, teens with supernatural beauty and clearly the privilege of the wealthy.

Bellas first meeting with Edward gets off on the wrong foot. He shows a clear dislike for her, avoiding her to the point where he disappears for days. When he returns, Bella discovers the reason behind his strange behavior - he's a vampire, and he desires her blood so badly that its all he can do to restrain himself from hunting her.

This begins a remarkable novel by Stephenie Meyer called Twilight. She unveils the story of Edward and the other vampires who live in the almost perpetual rainy Pacific Northwest - vampires dedicated to abstinence of human blood. Hundreds of years old, Edward masquerades as a student in the High School during the day, and hunts animals for their blood when the hunger overcomes him.

In this scene, Edward stands drenched in the forest, his bronze hair and caramel-hued eyes catching the light and reflecting it back. Somewhere in the mist, his adversary stalks, awaiting the moment to pounce - for vampires are not the only creatures that live here.

The model for Edward is Jesper.

Thor and Sif

2008-08-02T19:34:00.000-07:00

One of the more interesting Norse gods are Thor, the god of storms and combat, and his beautiful wife Sif whose golden hair is legendary. Jealous of Thor, or maybe just in the mood to piss him off, Loki the trickster god decides to cut off all of Sif's hair. Thor, when he sees his shorn wife, freaks out. He tracks down Loki - no easy task since Loki's a shapechanger. Thor threatens to break both of Loki's kneecaps and worse, but Loki talks his way out of it, promising he'll make things right.

Loki goes down below the earth where theSons of Ivaldi live. Small, dwarf beings covered with gems and shadows. At Loki's request, they begin to fashion the most beautiful headdress for Sif, on which there are thousands of fine hairs made of magically crafted gold. One this wig is finished, it's presented to Sif. Further, the Ivaldi forge other marvels to bribe the other gods - A spear, Gugnir, which does not miss its mark, given to Odin. Skidbladnir, a wondrous ship that could sail through any weather, and folded up neatly in the god Freyr's pocket.

In this painting, Sif and Thor sit in nuptual bliss, her new hair of white gold spilling down her shoulder. Thor has a tankard of mead made with blood and his hammer Mjolnir sits at his feet. Sif wears only pieces of her armor while her icey sheld reflects strange reflections and her dragon-handled sword leans against the couch.

Underneath the lovers is the skin of a goat. They have already feasted on its flesh. In the morning, Thor will strike this skin with his magical hammer and the goat will spring back to life. It will be hitched to his chariot.
In the background outside the abandoned abbey window, the lands of midgard (middle earth) are ablaze in autumn gold while the mountains of Asgard. home of their fellow gods, rise into the heavens.

Thor is often portrayed as red-haired, but I went for a darker contrast to the silvery hair of Sif. I used one of my favorite palettes to give a golden feeling to the work.

This piece is a collaboration between myself and Hugh Plummer and his girlfriend Erika V. I feel their obvious sensual chemistry translates well from the reference photo to the final painting. The reference photo was snapped by the talented Simon Barnes of Hotsnapz.

Peter and Tink

2008-08-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

or, "Neverland Jam"

Peter Pan and Tink jam together in the mystical moonlit evening in Neverland.

Peter Pan reference photographer: Dawn Morgan

Winter contemplating Spring

2008-08-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Winter kneels at the well of spring as the last snow falls. In only a few weeks, spring will come to this place, turning all the trees green and the well will reflect the promise of summer. He contemplates his travel to the southern hemisphere where he will begin his rule for another winter there.

The model for this piece is Joshua Seven. a model and all around groovy guy with good taste in music. His musculature combined with his flawless skin gives Josh a quality that made me think of winged winter. I also really like his hand - for me, its the dominant focal point of this piece. Thanks for the collaboration Joshua.

The photographer of the original reference photo of Josh is Stan Boulten.

Atlas Telamon

2008-08-02T19:22:00.000-07:00

The first gods from Greek mythology were the Titans (that is, after Eros) - primordial and elemental creatures which ruled the universe. In time their children, the Olympians, were born. These younger gods, led by Zeus, rebelled against the ancient order and a war was fought that shook the foundations of existence.

Zeus and his siblings prevailed. Those Titans who aided the Olympians were allowed to remain free (for a time, anyway) - but those who stood against Zeus were harshly dealt with. Many were banished to Tartarus, the endless pit of darkness. One, Atlas, was condemned instead to stand on the rooftop of the world and, with his back, support the celestial heavens so that sky and earth didn't merge again.

He stood for ages bearing this great weight until he was visited by a son of Zeus, the hero Heracles, who was on one of twelve missions decreed by the gods. One of these labors was to collected the golden apples of the Hesperides, nymphs to whom Atlas was related. Atlas agreed to obtain the apples for Heracles if the son of Zeus would bear the weight of the Heavens for a while.

Of course, Atlas, relieved of his age-long burden, rather enjoyed his newfound freedom. He obtained the apples, but when he returned he told Heracles that he, Atlas, would return the apples. Heracles, probably breaking out in a cold sweat at the prospect of being left with this burden, stayed cool. He agreed that Atlas should take the apples, but asked a small favor - that he be allowed to adjust his cloak as a pad on his shoulders so that the Heaven's would rest more comfortably there.

Atlas agreed, taking back the Heavens to allow for the adjustment. Heracles took the apples and took off.

It makes you wonder if Atlas was a dim-bulb, or was it that, after so many ages of holding up the celestial sphere, he'd become a creature of habit. Maybe he was like the institutionalized inmate who, outside prison, doesn't know what to do with himself.

One final myth takes pity on Atlas. Athena, pitying the Titan for his endless punishment, showed him the head of the slain gorgon Medusa and turned him to stone. He became a mountain bearing the same name.

This painting is a collaboration with photographer Michael Kilgore. The model is Tyler Peter