Metroid Squid by Meg Lyman

~5×7″ gouache on matboard

SOLD

At conventions, I sometimes get requests for fan art. I am happy to do it, because it’s fun and inspiring. However, when I do, it’s always a cephalopod version of a well-known character, like a smurf or a superhero or the Metroid brain-eater thing (see above, done at a con, hence the crappy photo). I give it arms with suckers and make it “mine.” Also, it’s not my main body of work.

I was at Anime Weekend Atlanta this weekend, and it was a fairly good con. Not like prior years, but you know, the economy. The thing that bugs me about these cons (anime in particular) is that fan art is not only rampant and unoriginal, but it is exactly what the masses want. It is depressing to sit next to a table where someone is selling their “version” of some wildly popular character, which is really just that character in a new pose or with a slightly different shape – and that table is making far more sales than any table that sells original ideas. The fans love it. I don’t fault them for that, but the artists selling this stuff are at best uninspired, boring, and not growing as artists. Why should they, when they can sell others’ ideas? It is their loss, but it is sad nonetheless. Opinions?

p.s. I painted that black background and it is nearly flawlessly smooth. I had always heard of gouache’s magical matte finish, but had never achieved it… until now! Woot!

D. Jobby Mabob by Meg Lyman

8×8″ oil on panel

$100 – e-mail to purchase

Hey everyone! First of all, I’ll be at Anime Weekend Atlanta in a couple weeks. If you’re going, stop by the table! I’ll have my 2012 calendars for sale. Don’t worry – I’ll post here after I’m done with cons for the year.

Also, I just got back from a fabulous art class. I spent a week with a bunch of other crazy artist nerds painting fantasy scenes at Larry Elmore’s class. It’s my third class with him and I learn so much every time. Plus, he’s a fantastic guy. I’ll post the art we did once I get the finishing touches done. Which may be months.

Finally, I’ll be at Con on the Cob next month in Ohio. Woohoo!

p.s. the critter in this still life is a plush by Lexi.

The Devotee by Meg Lyman

8×10″ gouache on matboard

SOLD

Another con, another good time! If you’re going, stop by my table in Artists Alley and say “hi!”

In the meantime, check out my kick-butt octopus corset from Marvelous Mayhem! I hope to get better photos of it soon.

Steampunk Octopus by Meg Lyman

Notecard-sized gouache and ink on paper

SOLD

And actually made some cash and had fun! A rousing success!

This was the most fun I’ve had at a convention since Con on the Cob ’06. I’m glad I covered my expenses, but what really matters is being with all those awesome people. Highlights:

• Giggling girl art homework party
• Watching the AMAZING Pittsburgh fireworks from our room on the 22nd floor
• Seeing Tekfox do his DJ thing. He rocks the Drum and Bass genre.
• Receiving art from so many different cool people, via trades, gifts, and purchases
• Doing a commission of a squid-colored-like-a-puffin! I need to look into doing cephalopod in striking animal patterns. :D

And 8 of my 12 pieces sold in the art show (one to one of my favorite artists). I am overwhelmed with happy. Thank you, everyone!

Another quick digital sketch, companion to this one. Tried to increase the contrast, but also had a fun time exploring complimentary colors + opacity to create the shadows.

I am in crazy con preparation mode again. Anthrocon is next weekend! I have all my “preorders” done, meaning people who ordered small commissions to pick up at the convention. All I need to do now is pick out art show pieces and pack.

I have several step-by-step posts to show you in the near future. I have this “small character commission with no background” thing down to a science.

Shy Anteater by Meg Lyman

4×5″ gouache and ink on paper

SOLD

Wow, I’ve been quiet! It’s not for lack of motivation, though. I’ve been super busy. It’s convention season, and I’m getting ready for so much – asking for preorders, getting prints made and matted, updating prices and signs, and packing. I also just got back from Washington, where I visited my 98-year-old grandmother, who is a constant inspiration to me about how to life a happy life. I’ll show you some (hopefully) fantastic photos from the trip once I get them developed.

Plus I have 6 new little oil paintings to show you soon. They’re all half done because the oil takes so freakin’ long to dry. But it’s worth it.