FIT iMAges gain new life

Hey Folks.

It occurs to me that some of the news I've been burying on my Dreamcolony site may have, at least, some entertainment value here. A couple of the pieces that I did while many of you were present, continue to rear their heads, and some are threatening public appearance.

Remember the portraits we did for Murray—all those years ago? I had chosen "authors of strange fiction" ... and my connection with Dover puts me in good company to meddle with a lot of that kind of work. So when they propose a short story collection from one of the authors I portrayed, I show my portrait worked into a cover design as an option. It is so different for Dover, they love it. So I got a small check for an image I did over three years ago, and it will be a cover for an H.P. Lovecraft book. Cool Beans.

OK, and I am chipping away at pieces for my show in March... The first thing I did was finish a piece that's been hanging on my board since about November 06- The romance cover we did while working with Doreen- Ours had a Pirates of the Caribbean theme (How lucky for me). It was about 80% done, but that 20 was very unsettled, and until now, I always had something else with higher priority....

It is the first of four pieces I am creating (or in this case, finishing) for the show. Others will follow soon- comments or crits welcome-Both images are also visible at Dreamcolony.

Jeff A. Menges

Capstone Update

Hello All,
'Freak Like Me' is online at Sharing-books.com: http://www.sharing-books.com/index.php?option=com_bookshelf&task=bookPreviewPage&bookId=345

Sharing-books.com is a non-profit publisher, which specializes in alternative picture and childrens books. Please visit the site and browse their many titles.

Funds generated from this site is contributed to this charity:
http://www.roomtoread.org/

Society Drawing

The initial sketches.

Next Alumni Meeting

Happy New Year Everyone,

Just a reminder our next meeting is set for Wednesday, January 14th. Same building (we are checking availability of rooms) as last time.

For a kickoff we are starting at the Triple Crown around 5pm for the cancelled holiday party. After which time we will retire to a quieter spot for our meeting. Looking forward to catching up. Please feel free to bring any pieces you have been working on lately.

Need some input

Hey all you FITMAs—

I have come into a bit of a dilemma, which most of you may have thought about at one point or another. Though I never applied the idea to myself, I now find I am doing just that. I'm curious what you guys think about this issue. PLEASE RESPOND.

Here's the deal—

My painting is moving in a direction I'm really happy with. The latest piece was posted just a few days ago, on 1/1. (to give those of you who don't know me some idea what I do). I also create a lot of books on 19th century painting, and early 20th century illustration. This goes pretty well with my own painting...

Occasionally, I, been known to put out a coloring book, or some stickers, or even a glow-in-the dark tattoo book if the topic suits me. HEREIN LIES THE PROBLEM.

Some years ago in undergrad the talk was "working in variant styles could be poison to a career, it was fine to do, but you should really consider using a pen-name for your second style".

I'm beginning to feel that if someone was to want to hire me for a serious painting job, or to talk to me about a book, but then a search reveals all this light-weight material- you see what I'm getting at? Is this still a problem?

I have a House-of Horrors Tattoo book going to press in the next day or so, and I'm really thinking, the pen-name might not be a bad idea.

Thoughts?

Thanks-

Jeff

Happy New Year!

Wishes of health, happiness and good times.
Good luck with your race, this year!

Society of Illustrators Los Angeles - Illustration West 47

I just found out that this piece got accepted into Illustration West 47! 

OK, it's not THAT seasonal, but I just finished a big new piece...

And it does look cold...

Give me some feedback class, I'm out here on a friggan' island....

Hope to see you guys on the 14th.

Jeff A. Menges

Happy New Year

I hope you all have a happy, healthy, and super-productive 2009!