The Woodbox is a restaurant whose reputation is growing rapidly as one of the best places to eat in the Waikato and is rated in cuisine's top 40 restaurants in New Zealand.
The things you do for a free T Shirt!
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Photo shoot at the Woodbox.
BUCK ROGERS Artwork Added to Gallery pages
via paulshipper.com
You will also notice I have added a direct link to purchase a print of this artwork on the gallery page.
In celebration of 30 years of Buck Rogers the print is only available for 30 days with an extremely limited run of only 30 prints.
Gil Gerard and Erin Gray both own a copy, so if you are a fan of the cult show head on over and buy a print now before they all go!
Posted via web from ps|studio's posterous
Buck Rogers 30th Anniversary Poster Art Print- Story by Michael French
Buck Rogers : The 30th Anniversary : An Appreciation In the 21st Century:
Words and photos by Michael French.
Illustration by Paul Shipper.
I grew up watching “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century” in the early 1980s. Although Star Wars was more popular, “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century” was the closest thing to Star Wars on television and the star fighters were really cool. For its time, the show was very entertaining and groundbreaking in television visual effects. Over the years, the show fell into obscurity.
In 2007, I heard a passing mention that three of the major cast members from the show would be at the Dragon Con convention held annually in Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. I bought a pass to Dragon Con for the first time just so I could meet Buck Rogers himself, Gil Gerard, his companion Wilma Deering, played by Erin Gray and Felix Silla, who played the robot Twiki. They were the kindest celebrities I had ever met. I acquired their autographs, of which one particular print now hangs in my office at work. I also attended their panel discussion and enthusiasm for “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century” was rekindled.
I went home and using my film training, cut a new trailer for the original “Buck Rogers” film. To date, it has garnered almost 50,000 hits on YouTube.com. In 2008, I heard Erin Gray would be returning to Dragon Con. I went back and met her again. This time, I took a photo with her, which was a real treat. I also presented her with a DVD copy of the trailer I had made. Later, she approached me in the lobby and talked to me for about ten minutes about a book she wanted to recommend to me! She was a class act!
I knew that 2009 would be the 30th Anniversary of “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century.” I also had the sinking feeling that neither Dragon Con or Universal Studios would do anything to recognize it. I decided something had to be done, especially when I learned that both Gil Gerard and Erin Gray would be attending the convention. I contacted Paul Shipper, my friend and accomplished artist. I knew I wanted to present them with new artwork in a commemorative poster style. He took it from there and in record time created a fun and retro-modern poster for the 30th Anniversary of “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century,” capturing the likenesses of Gil Gerard and Erin Gray perfectly.
I created an anniversary logo, had the drawing professionally printed on art paper and put in a temporary frame. On Saturday, September 5, 2009, just a few days shy of the 30th Anniversary of the original air date of the first episode, I walked into the Dragon Con Walk of Fame and presented the print to Gil Gerard and Erin Gray in person. They seemed very pleased with the gesture and gave me their business cards so I could mail prints to them. I can now rest easy knowing that the stars of “Buck Rogers In the 25th Century” were recognized properly for their contribution to science fiction television.
Special thanks to Michael for allowing me to share this story with you all.
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REMINDER :: Paul Shipper's Original Art Sale ends August 31st
REMINDER :: Paul Shipper's Original Art Sale ends August 31st. http://bit.ly/ntESD
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Empire Espresso - For the best coffee in TA!
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The Film Artwork of Paul Shipper - Ape On The Moon
I’ve chosen to interview a very talented illustrator with a traditional illustration style. Admittedly, on a contemporary illustration blog, this is somewhat an illegal undertaking according to my own rules. However, I am very supportive of the use of traditional techniques used by Paul Shipper, in contemporary movie art. Originally from the UK, now based in New Zealand, Paul is adamant that traditional styles still be used on film posters, and I would agree, especially in the case of certain epics, science fiction and fantasy films, promotional material, and so on.
His work style is also particularly relevant in the contemporary illustration world that is seeing an increasing divergence away from digital media. I asked him a few questions about his illustration background, technique and current plans.
How did you get into the illustration you do?
When I was young, I spent a lot of time drawing. I would get posters from the local video shop to adorn my bedroom walls. I loved the art on the posters. I studied them and redrew my own versions in my scrapbooks. After years of collecting posters, I realized that 90% of the posters had the same signature on them. It was of course Drew Struzan. This was the point I realised that a job like this could exist, that you could get paid to create works of art to promote film, and I found my dream to follow.
I will be the first to admit I am not there yet. My dream lives on despite technological shifts and changes in peoples perception of the modern film poster. I am still holding fast to my original dream of creating traditional illustrated key art for film campaigns. During my quest I have had the opportunity to work with some great clients includingPenguin Books NYC, Sports illustrated, GQ magazine, Topps inc. In 2007 on the 30th anniversary of Star Wars I received my first official Star Wars work from Lucasfilm.
What kind of training do you have?
I have a BA in illustration and animation. Three years of tutors attempting to alter my due course. I am such a stubborn cat at times. especially when it comes to my aspirations and dreams.
My training really came from years of drawing and painting, studying the works of my inspiration, and sheer determination to making a dream become reality.
Can you explain your work process and the tools you use?
Once a job comes through it all starts with some research on the subject. This includes sourcing reference to work be it from the clients specifications or self generated reference.
The next stage involves brainstorming ideas. I sketch and think about it a lot. Ideas will come when least expected. Once I have settled on a concept I begin sketching it out. It can be a fast process, very rough outlines regarding the content of the illustration. The compositional ideas. Once I have settled on a concept, I sit down to the computer and Photoshop. This is where I really start to compose my work. Using my gathered reference files and sketches, they are imported into Photoshop, moved around and re-sized. I play with colour ideas using my original sketch outlines as a reference . This process can be quite labour intensive but it is the best way that I have found for creative composition in my work flow.
A lot of the time this rough digital comp is not that rough at all and some would argue that it is a finished piece of work. Occasionally if the project supports it a pencil rough is submitted based on the digital comp. My roughs are submitted to the client for approval of composition, colour concept and content. When I hear from the client I will usually be required to make some adjustments. I have been known to get the go ahead from my first rough concepts. All feedback is taken on board and more comps are sent for signing off.
When the all clear is given from the client it is time to prepare for the final illustration. Crescent illustration board is primed with Gesso. Usually slapped on to create textures on the board that is relative to the job at hand . I hate it to be too smooth. I want the brush strokes to really show through in the finished art.
A print of the approved rough is created and placed in my projector. This part of the process gets some flak from people who really don’t understand the process. They think you are cheating in some capacity. The reality of it is that the image you get on your artboard really isn’t good enough to ‘trace’ verbatim. It just gives me a chance to outline where the content of the picture resides. An outline of a head perhaps and an indication of the scale and where the main features need to be. Then comes the underdrawing. Using a 6H pencil I will begin detailing the artboard.
This pencil stage takes time and the utmost concentration. If I am working on a well known property like Star Wars, then the likenesses have to be spot on. I love to draw and this is one of the greatest parts of the process for me. When I am working on the underdrawing I always get a sense of satisfaction. Once I am happy with the underdrawing I fix it with workable fixative.
I use an airbrush to get the bulk of the colour onto the page. I use it in a fairly loose way and even though I control things as much as I can I don’t mInd the odd happy accident. It all adds to the look and feel of the artwork. Keeping it real, tangible and as organic a process as possible.
Colours are blended together starting with the lighter hues, the yellows, oranges then working through the colour palette of the concept through to the darks and sometimes even black. It is about now that I may add in some splatters to the art. Flicking complimentary colour onto the surface using brushes and even old toothbrushes. This takes away the smoothness of the airbrush work a little bit, bringing the colours together in a harmonious way.
Once I am happy with my airbrush work it is time to get stuck in with my colored pencils. This is like drawing the whole illustration all over again, just like the underdrawing. Refining the art, bringing life and depth to the myriad of airbrushed colour on the page. This process takes a deal of time, honing the illustration with fine lines and definition. I usually start with light colours for highlights and lighter areas of the illustration. White is top of the list. If I start with darker colours it is harder to bring in the lighter colours into the piece in my experience. On a personal note: I always begin with my favourite part of the illustration. If there are faces I will start right there.
Once all the colored pencil work is complete I might get the airbrush out again for any glows using opaque whites or parts that may need pulling back with darks. The process is very much an organic one with necessity playing a huge part dependent on the job at hand and what my gut instinct tells me. A lot of standing back and looking is involved. Sometimes I take breaks away from the painting and come back to it with fresh eyes and re evaluate. Once the painting is completed i will spray with fixative to preserve.
ⓒ Paul Shipper, 2009
What is keeping you busy at the moment?
I try hard to keep busy with my projects, recently illustrating Star Wars for Wizards of the Coast, and some privately commissioned art for fans. I have been designing and painting a few posters for my local racing club here in Te Awamutu, New Zealand. They have gone down really well In the community advertising the race days and are be being seen and acknowledged by the official racing bodies here in New Zealand. I have heard on the grapevine that I may talk at a conference this year about marketing race days.
The state of art for film is an important area of concern for Paul. ‘I feel that although there is a market for the heavily photoshopped poster artwork, there is still a definite market for the traditionally illustrated film poster.
I have been compiling a list of releases that I feel have deserved better poster art. My intentions are to get my list online and have the public vote on which poster needs an overhaul. Once a month the campaign with the most votes will make it to my drawing board to be illustrated by hand and then presented back to the public. I hope to raise more awareness to the studio executives who seem to be ruling out the power of the traditionally illustrated poster’.
All the best with that, Paul!
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You can read the original article here: http://apeonthemoon.com/2009/08/06/film-artwork-of-paul-shipper/
What does ps|studio's studio look like?
For those of you who were wondering what the studio actually looks like…Here are a couple of panoramas.
ps|studio is an illustration, photography and design studio operating in the Waikato
www.psstudio.co.nz
My essential illustration kit
Airbrush. Pencils. Paint. Brushes.
Photos from the studio.
Taken with my iPhone.
ps|studio is an illustration, photography and design studio operating in the Waikato
www.psstudio.co.nz
Once Allies. Under drawing.
Once Allies - Star Wars Galaxy 4 - Topps Trading Cards - New Visions -
You will believe a man can fly...
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I saw this video some time ago and was blown away. Someone just resent the link to me and wanted to share. These guys are completely fearless. Awesome to watch them Fly!
Indy 5 is in first gear...
Wow. Awesome News. Indiana Jones 5 has just been listed on IMDB. In pre production. I can only wish to have some kind of involvement this time round after missing out on Indy 4... So if anyone is considering hiring an illustrator to create iconic images of the man in the hat on his 5th outing, please, do consider contacting me...
Apologies for the blatant plug...
PS.
"Dooku Falls" The moment Dooku turns to the darkside to become Darth Tyranus...
A new Star Wars illustration was commissioned by Corey Rogers, a Star Wars fan who found my "Once Allies" in the Star Wars Galaxy Series 4 card set recently.
He was compelled to get in touch and wondered if he could commission me to paint companion piece to the "Once Allies" base card illustration. The Galaxy 4 art I created showed a young Dooku alongside Jedi Master Yoda, in battle, on the same team. It was a play on the fact that Yoda mentions in Episode II that Dooku was once his apprentice... that was the main catalyst for the painting.
Upon receiving his email, I read the outline of what he had in mind, "in which Count Dooku, now Darth Tyrannus, is opening a Sith holocron with his new master, Darth Sidious." it sounded great and I really liked the idea of showing the next key moment in Dooku's story, that being his fall to the Dark Side.
So these illustrated scenes are from strories that actually pre-date the Star Wars prequel films.
Hope you enjoy them, and Corey, your painting is on its way to you!
Latest Racing Poster Artwork now online.
via paulshipper.com
Here is my latest poster art for Waipa Racing T/A to promote their Te Awamutu Cup Ladies Day event.
Click on the poster for a closer look over at www.paulshipper.com
monKeyArtAwards: Less should be more... You would think... Woah. 24 Harry Potter Posters!
Wonder if some people need to be reminded of the phrase "Less is more"... Remember when one, (sometimes) two or three well designed one sheets were just enough to get the point across...and make us giddy with excitement to see the film they promote? Now it seems we are bombarded with so many for one film... How about next time we create one poster and make it completely AWE-INSPIRING, BEAUTIFUL, EXCITING, and, well, just full to bursting with plain AWESOMENESS!...
SWNZ - Star Wars New Zealand - Interview coming soon
via swnz.dr-maul.com
Interview with SWNZ (Star Wars New Zealand) is coming soon... will keep you posted!
Posted via web from ps|studio's posterous
Made For Each Other - One Sheet Illustration
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'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' Stills - MSN Movies
via movies.msn.com
The New Harry Potter Film Poster Just released - Can't help but think this is another missed opportunity. Shame. Will add it to my list of Films that deserve better Key Art...
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KISS BREAST CANCER GOODBYE ®
After seeing a Vargas style illustration on my blog late last year, Tammy Gail sought me out to help create this years Glam a-Thon girl for her upcoming Breast Cancer Charity Event...It will take place this October at Las Olas Blvd, Florida USA and as Tammy explained to me:
“the event takes place outdoors in a fabulous shopping area in Florida filled with great shops, restaurants and plenty of sunshine”.
It was a real pleasure working with Tammy and the team and I wish them all the success with their glam doll strut through Florida’s shopping mecca!
Glam A-Thon Press Release:
UNLEASH YOUR FASHION FABULOUSITY….
AND DEVILISH HIGH HEELS….AT THE MOST EXTRAORDINARY Glitterati Event On The Planet!
Strap on your stilettos, lacquer your locks, and gloss for the Glam Cam…the pink carpet awaits…But before you go further you must be WARNED:
Glam A-thon is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in your life. Our flirty fashionistas are chic and quirky; all the while being treated like the rock stars they were born to be.
But with this blissful treatment comes responsibility; only the FABULOUSLY hip, fashionably chic and socially cool will be mingling at the Glam A-Thon. We just checked…and YOUR name is on the A-list.
Glam-A-Thon is an ADDICTION.
You might not understand it at first, but you absolutely MUST read on.
Attempting to break into this soiree may seem harder than scoring a private session with Madonna’s Pilates instructor. But don’t give up! It’s time to gather your girls, get your Glam Teams organized and create a Glam Team name that stirs up your UNDENIABLE GLAMOUR , WICKED SENSE OF HUMOR and TRENDSETTING OUTRAGEOUSNESS.
You will select one Glam Girl from your Team to be your Queen. If yours is the winning Team, your Queen will be crowned the 2009 Glam A-Thon Queen.
Glam Girls ALWAYS get what they want.
It’s your time to Steal the Spotlight. And, really, how fabulous is that?
Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye ®
October 10, 2009
Las Olas Boulevard
Delicious Details to Follow
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Latest Artwork...
Glam-A-Thon Girl
Logo illustration for Breast Cancer Research Charity Event, Florida, USA