Thursday, June 30, 2011

Roses


TOM- 'When I'm down, I just draw some roses, on a pretty piece of paper'

Those are lyrics to a song by Mos Def, entitled 'Roses'. I used those words as a jumping off point for this new illustration. I think it's a really great song and it always sparks some visuals in my head when I listen to it, so I thought I'd finally realize it on paper. I had fun and I hope you dig it!

If you don't know it, check out the whole song here.

Thanks for reading and have an awesome holiday weekend!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Tan Lines

TOM - Here's a continuation from my last beach post. If there's one thing you see quite a bit outside this time of year, it's funny looking tan lines. Guys look like they have painted on shirts and chicks have those bra strap imprints, gotta love it! Anyway, that was the inspiration for this new piece. I know, I know, my art is soooo deep.


If you're curious, here a quick look at my process for creating this one. As you can see, it started off as a real rough ball point pen sketch.


It's hot and sunny out there people, get out and enjoy! Thanks for reading and I'll talk to you soon!

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Roc-Roc-Rockaway Beach!

TOM - Summer is in full swing here in NY and I'm loving it! My favorite time of year for sure, full of bike riding, outdoor events, and of course, the beach! My particular beach of choice here in NY is Rockaway beach in Queens. Yep, the one The Ramones sang about. The image above is one of more to come inspired by summer, so expect to see more 'beachy' images soon. Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

It starts with a sketch

TOM - Thought I'd use this time to share some process 'before and after' type shots to show how I usually start an illustration. There's always a sketch, in fact before the sketch, there is often a 'thumbnail drawing', a really small scribble like drawing which usually only I can make out. From that thumbnail is where the sketch usually comes out of. Here is a look at a sample of some from the last few months...



Sometimes the sketch acts as a blueprint which I could then build upon and change as much as I feel it should...


...other times, the sketch really has all the information it needs, then the challenge is trying to maintain that energy and essence in the final...





...other times, it's just a matter of only using certain elements of the sketch and changing direction and expression to make a stronger image.


Hope that was somewhat enjoyable. If you liked this, let me know, I have tons of folders full of process sketches that I can keep posting periodically.


Until next time!










Thursday, May 12, 2011

Group Show in Brooklyn!



TOM - This Saturday I will be participating in a group show with some fellow friends and artists here in Brooklyn. I will have a few brand new drawings on display, including the black and white piece shown above. I might even have some prints of the colored version as well... If you're around this Saturday evening, come by and say hi!


Here's all the info:


A THEMEless ART show opening RECEPTION

Featuring the work of:


Brittany Bartley

C.M. Duffy

Greg Hedderman

Neal Iannone

Thomas Pitilli


At LAUNCHPAD -- 721 Franklin Ave. BK, NY
Saturday at 8:00pm - Sunday at 12:30am


OPENING RECEPTION will feature LIVE prose and poetry readings by authors and writers along with LIVE music