Fatal Error

New Artwork Appearing in Nth Zine #7

2012-01-19T21:36:00.002-05:00

Here is a new illustration for a short story appearing in the SF mag Nth Zine. The story, by Stephen L. Antczak, is about a robot nanny with delusions of grandeur!

Nth Zine site here then click on the link at their site for a pdf version of the mag.

Stormtrooper Candy Jar

2012-01-01T16:53:00.002-05:00

I am loving this Stormtrooper candy jar I got for Christmas thanks to son Adam. It is on my art table. Looks great!

My New Toy: RoboCop Figma by Max Factory

2011-12-31T23:16:00.008-05:00

When I saw some promotional material for this action figure in July 2011 I had to have it. It finally arrived December 26, 2011 and meets all expectations.

It is six inches tall with nice articulation points for plenty of poses. It also comes with a clear plastic stand with pose bar function. Five different pairs of hands are included along with gun, flame effect, alternate leg accessory featuring leg holster extended, and a battle-damaged head.

Ordered through Toyfreakz.com

Awkward!

2011-11-27T21:59:00.003-05:00

Deleted Scene...

2011-11-22T21:37:00.002-05:00

Warped!

2011-11-21T21:57:00.001-05:00

In Memoriam: Gene Colan - Marvel Artist Extraordinaire

2011-08-06T14:23:00.005-04:00

I have been meaning to post about the passing of Gene Colan since the moment I heard the sad news. What an inspirational and talented artist this was. My favorite work by Gene Colan is the cover of Iron-Man number 1 seen here. It is so iconic to me that when I discovered a t-shirt design with this image on it I had to have it.

Gene Colan had a way of portraying motion in his comic art that was truly unique. This picture showing DareDevil, which Colan contributed heavily to in the Silver Age, hopefully shows what I mean. The impression of previous stages of movement behind the character is very creative and he did it best!

Another venue where Marvel showcased "Genial" Gene Colan's art was the horror title Dracula. His method of portraying the mystical and transformative were so well done. His style stood out to me as a kid who had aspirations for art.

Here is a link to the Gene Colan website where you can see covers from his Tomb of Dracula run.

I had heard he was ill and there were fund raisers etc. for him, but to learn of his death has had me reminiscing for a couple of months now. A truly unique and wonderful artist who added so much to the Silver Age of comics and to my life through his inspirational art.

In Search of Starship Troopers

2011-06-06T21:12:00.015-04:00

I see that there is a trailer for the upcoming videogame Halo 4. I must say I got very excited upon hearing of the trailer, although the game won't be released until "Holiday 2012". Halo is the modern incarnation of my childhood dream of the armored space warrior as first revealed to me through the writings of Robert A. Heinlein in Starship Troopers. I was lucky enough to find Heinlein at just the right age, 12 or 13, and his works influence me til this day. While my boys were growing up I would read to them nightly, and, although the books were probably too mature for their elementary school years, it seemed the right thing to do. It was tough to live in the George Lucas Skinner Box I created, so, my apologies kids...Books that contained dashes of gore, fealty and treachery in equal parts. I read aloud the John Carter of Mars series, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and, of course, a part of my science fiction literary canon, Starship Troopers. The scars will reveal themselves surely when they have their own children.

For me, the theme of armored space warrior was first portrayed in the Heinlein manner onscreen in the movie "Aliens", a perfect and unexpected sequel to a movie made seven years previous. The Colonial Marines embodied many of Heinlein's soldiers' attributes and attitudes so it remains one of my all-time favorite action movies.

Image from Roughnecks

I must also make mention of the short-lived animated TV series Roughnecks which spun-off from the big screen adaptation of Starship Troopers. These Roughnecks were a fitting sequel of sorts to the troopers in the Heinlein novel. Again, the children were subjected to watching the elusive run of the series when we could catch it.

And lo, there occurred the second year of a new century and Halo was released. Here was Heinlein indeed! In a video game! To be able to immerse yourself in first-person armor suit action, fighting, among other aliens, bugs from the beyond! Great and so appealing to a Starship Troopers aficionado.

So, when I see today the news of a trailer promising further adventures of Master Chief, I am happy. Playing Halo is zen to this particular Heinlein fan! On this same note, I just finished The Forever War by Joe Haldeman, a science fiction classic which I had not read until last week. It deserves to be mentioned in any cosmos-trekking warrior's litany of space armor sagas. Very different...and like, so 70's man...

All Star Superman

2011-06-04T23:34:00.005-04:00

Image Copyright DC and Frank Quitely

I just finished reading the 12 issue series All-Star Superman published circa 2008 by DC. Thoroughly enjoyable and deals with some interesting topics including mortality. The art by Frank Quitely I was only vaguely familiar with and found it fit perfectly with the narrative by Grant Morrison. I would highly recommend the series. It can be found collected in two volumes containing issues 1-6 and 7-12. If you can't locate it, use the great American resource of your public library. They are usually connected with each other and can order mostly any graphic novel you are interested in as an inter-library loan. I am currently reading the entire Akira series...huge 7 volume set of 80's manga...checked out from my library. Can't wait.

I was especially touched by the Bizarro world story. I found it a very worthwhile story within the series. I am curious to see the animated movie based on All-Star Superman as I've heard very positive buzz.

An Interview with me on "At Your Library"

2011-05-21T21:05:00.002-04:00

This is a much better link to the interview with me for At Your Library. The interview is rather long and I am a little dry, but it does give some insight into my influences and inspirations.

An Interview with me on "At Your Library"

2011-05-04T20:20:00.006-04:00

Here is an interview with me performed at the Groton Public Library as part of their celebration of Star Wars. They invited me to show my art in one of their meeting rooms as May 4th is Star Wars Day and it was felt my science fiction art would be complementary to the festivities.

The interview was hosted by Barbara Clark-Greene who made me feel quite at ease and did a great job.

Here is the link: At Your Library. It is hard to navigate, but use the scrolling menu to locate
"@ your Library - Science Fiction"

From the scrolling menu items navigate to At Your Library: Science Fiction

Detail from Space Legend

2011-04-28T21:32:00.004-04:00

Image copyright Randall Ensley
All Rights Reserved

In honor of the last flight of Endeavour, here is detail from the image "Space Legend" drawn to commemorate John Glenn's return to space travel last century.

Ides of March Coin

2011-03-16T22:39:00.006-04:00

I was born on the Ides of March, but haven't done too much research into exactly what it is. It is basically the middle of any month in the Roman calendar, the 15th on some months, the 13th on others. The Ides of March is associated with military festivals in honor of the god Mars. Most infamously, it is the date Julius Caesar was betrayed and murdered by his cabinet of ministers, led treacherously by his bff Brutus.
Civil war ensued in the power vacuum and this is a link to an article on the commemorative coin impressed by Brutus' forces. The coin has a great design and perhaps shows Brutus' hubris, as his image is on the obverse of the coin. A rarity for a living leader...
This reminds me, I would like a coin press to mint my own novelty coins...I have seen them in the past at Renaissance Fairs and it looks like a blast. Very interesting!

Link:
Eid Mar coin

Dystopia Now

2011-03-05T17:56:00.004-05:00

Of course the Executives live on high whilst the common man toils below. Into the air-car Bartholomew!

Boskone 48

2011-02-18T19:46:00.009-05:00

Top to bottom:
Golgotha sketch in progress
Final Frontier
Psychosis comic art
Cain's Legacy

All art copyright Randall Ensley All Rights Reserved
Prints sold via email to me: randallensley@hotmail.com

I will be exhibiting my science fiction art at Boskone 48 this weekend. The con and art show are solid New England SF mainstays and I am proud to be included. Among the art I am showing are these four illustrations among others. I know Hugo Award winning artist Bob Eggleton has art in the show and I am very excited about seeing his gallery.
Gregory Manchess is the guest artist. Exciting! Below is a link to a previous Greg Manchess post.
If you are in Boston this weekend, February 18-20, 2011 and love art, science fiction and thought provoking panels, Boskone will be held at Boston Westin Marriot.

Link below:

Boskone 48
Gregory Manchess

In Memoriam: Len Lesser of Seinfeld and Kelley's Heroes Fame

2011-02-16T22:35:00.003-05:00

RIP Len Lesser 1922-2011
Image Search Len Lesser

The Power of Gold

2011-02-12T08:20:00.005-05:00

There's a lot of art lessons to be learned from this great shot of a chunk of gold (actually a gold crystal.) I found the image on the Wikipedia photo of the day area a few weeks ago and it's been hanging on my desktop since then. The detail is amazing and is certainly a study for those drawing metal surfaces, weapons, armor, etc.
Shiny!
It is revealed in more detail on the Wikipedia site linked below:

Gold Crystal Image of the Day : navigate to the January 30, 2011 picture.

In the Mist

2011-02-09T18:56:00.006-05:00

Image copyright 2010 Randall Ensley

Here is an updated view of the image posted earlier of a work in progress.

Earlier post here.

Boskone 48

2011-02-08T21:38:00.003-05:00

I have had the pleasure to have my art work shown in two previous Boskone Art Shows and I am about to appear in a third. I am so grateful for my friend, NESFA member Dave Cantor's, help in transporting the art to Boston and helping me with this year's registration. I will be showing a brand new piece, a study for an upcoming work, which I feel stands on it's own.
This year's feature artist is contemporary American master Gregory Manchess, whom I have posted about previously. Such talent!
If you are in Boston, MA the weekend of February 18-20, 2011, please stop by Boskone for great science fiction panels and art show.

Links:

Boskone 48

Gregory Manchess blog post

Don Davis: Space Artist Extraordinaire

2011-02-04T20:29:00.006-05:00

All art copyright Don Davis.

In the 70's I was reading comic books and UFO magazines at a prodigious rate. I graduated to Famous Monsters of Filmland and various space-themed magazines and books. Omni, Starlog, Carl Sagan, Gerard O'Neill and other space futurist genre media were influential in my view of art. I developed an appreciation for specific artists during this span, among them Chesley Bonestell, Virgil Finlay, Don Davis, Frank Frazetta and more. I can remember always drawing, even from an early age and the space art I was exposed to, I began to explore in my own drawings, in my crude way.
Don Davis' art I really enjoy for his hyper-realism. He takes you "there" in his images and puts the viewer in the state of actual observer. I can remember his "High Frontier" paintings vividly. I have more appreciation for him the more I delve into his impressive biography.
His art is iconic and part of the modern culture of space and science art. I hope you'll visit his website.
Don Davis Space Art

Highly Detailed Picture of the Orion Nebula

2011-02-01T20:18:00.005-05:00

This image, taken by the MPG/ESO telescope, shows the Orion Nebula in stunning detail. I was surprised to see that the image was taken from an earthbound telescope. Amazing!

Links below:
Orion Nebula ESO pic
European Southern Observatory website

Hygienic Art Show XXXII

2011-01-31T22:34:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday was the annual Hygienic Art Show opening night. This marks, probably, the tenth straight year that I have participated in the show. The opening night is great and packed with people, although this year, maybe too many. Or the line just wasn't moving or something. I still haven't been to the whole show. I basically snuck downstairs where there were less crowds, thoroughly perused the artwork, went outside to watch some seriously cool fire-dancing, and split.
The Hygienic Art Gallery is located in downtown New London, CT. Last year I was lucky enough to run into Doc Hammer of Venture Bros. fame as he was taking down a piece he had in the show. It is always interesting and open to all with no entry fee, censorship, no judges, juries, etc. Just free expression a la Salon Des Independants.
Below is a preliminary sketch of this year's piece in the show. It is a study for something...I just don't know quite what yet. I got the idea after attending the amazing M.C. Escher show last fall at the New Britain Museum of American Art.

Art Copyright 2011 Randall Ensley. All Rights Reserved.

Derek Dubois: Film Maker and Author

2011-01-31T21:50:00.002-05:00

Check out the interesting website of Rhode Island film maker Derek Dubois. Very creative!

Derek Dubois website

The Science Fiction Art of Stephen Hickman

2011-01-21T20:57:00.006-05:00

The Astronomer Prince
© Stephen Hickman
HOME | BACK
© 2008 Stephen Hickman

Image copyright Stephen Hickman
All Rights Reserved

One of my favorite science fiction artists has always been Stephen Hickman. I am an avid SF reader and his art adorns many of the book covers in the Science Fiction section of bookstores. Famous for his Tolkien, Lovecraft and own creations, I am just learning tonight that his art is on over 400 book covers. Amazing!

I had the pleasure of meeting him at the 2006 Writers of the Future awards where he was part of a week long artists workshop given to the Illustrator winners. What good advice he gave and interest he displayed in the aspiring artists!

Here is a link to his website:
Stephen Hickman

And here is a link to a summary bibliography of his work
Stephen Hickman book cover bibliography

Nuclear Skull

2010-11-21T22:44:00.003-05:00

Art Copyright 2002 Randall Ensley

Here is a new version of an old skull. I found this illustration while going through sketchbooks, scanned it, fiddled with it in Illustrator and Photoshop and Voila!

Final Frontier

2010-11-17T18:05:00.006-05:00

Final Frontier copyright 2002 by Randall Ensley

View my original artwork, Final Frontier, online at the below locations.

Final Frontier in Epilogue Gallery 2002

Final Frontier at Skulladay Blog 2009

Final Frontier at Strange Horizons

The Expanding Universe

2010-07-06T20:43:00.005-04:00

In 1925 astronomers thought that the Milky Way galaxy was the universe. They believed the "nebulae" they were viewing were star clusters and gas clouds within the Milky Way. 85 years ago Edwin Hubble postulated, and proved, that these nebulae were distant galaxies and our Milky Way was one of an incalculable number of galaxies comprising the universe. This is a fairly recent discovery and makes me wonder what beliefs we take for granted now will be altered in the coming decades.

Links:
Edwin Hubble Wiki

Foxwoods Training School featured on WFSB - Better Connecticut

2010-06-18T22:53:00.005-04:00

Teresa LaBarbera from WFSB came to the Foxwoods Training School to get a behind the scenes look at dealer training. The cameraman did a fantastic job and the whole experience was fun. Teresa was very nice and did and great job featuring the dealers, students and instructors at the school.
Here is a link to the piece: Foxwoods Training School

In Progress

2010-05-16T13:09:00.003-04:00

This is a still of a panel-in-progress of the protagonist and his friend walking through a misty city. The city and landscape will be added next...let's see what happens.

Sad News: Meinhardt Raabe September 2, 1915 – April 9, 2010

2010-04-09T21:08:00.005-04:00

One of the last munchkins from the Wizard of Oz, Meinhardt Raabe, the Coroner who pronounced the Wicked Witch of the East dead, died at age 94 from a heart attack. His most famous proclamation -

"As coroner, I must aver
I thoroughly examined her
And she's not only merely dead
She's really, most sincerely dead!"

Attack of the Robots

2010-03-29T21:04:00.005-04:00

The top one is a bendable robot who looks (to me) like a Cylon knock-off. The bottom picture shows two toys from an "Air Raider?" series. I just had to have them...didn't I? Purchased in the '80's. The bottom toys are approximately 1.5 inches tall.

It’s Time…

2010-03-27T22:31:00.000-04:00

It’s Time…

Robot Force

2010-03-20T18:57:00.004-04:00

As it turns out I own way too many of these 2-inch plastic robots than I remember. This makes six, all in different poses and looking buff, ready to rumble. If only I had these guys as a kid...I bought them at age 25! My children have benefited from my affliction over the years.

Check out the posts tagged "My Robot Toys" for more vintage mechanical pleasure.

Moon

2010-03-19T21:59:00.002-04:00

Gee, the movie "Moon" was pretty good. I just finished it and would have to describe as Philip K. Dick meets Kubrick. Very good lunar surface depiction! Rotten Tomatoes reports about 4.5 million dollar box-office. Bummer. I think it was in very limited release for some reason.

Robby the Robot

2010-03-17T16:53:00.004-04:00

This Robby graces my desk at work. He is just visiting for this photo.

Just Another Day at Work

2010-03-14T21:47:00.005-04:00

The ultimate hostile take-over. Beware the Ides of March.

Red Plastic Toy Heaven

2010-03-14T18:38:00.007-04:00

This Red Robot is the companion to the blue robot, the subject of an earlier post. They came together in a collection that also had a unique hovercraft, a white body with red rotors helicopter and an "AT-AT"-like, green with red legs, plastic walking "tank". Circa 1985-ish. They all connect and "transform" into a larger unit. Was I in my 2o's when I purchased it? Yes. And look how I've kept them. Like heirlooms. Molded plastic crown jewels. I have heard some spas in Europe will treat my condition for the right price.

Lost in Space Robot

2010-03-11T20:28:00.006-05:00

A five-inch tall wind up featuring one of my bubble-brained ninnies. I have to recommend that you visit the following link to Dr. Smith's Robot Insults - unbelievably comprehensive and you can't help but hear in your imagination the good Doctor hurling these aspersions in his unique way.
This toy is another favorite. So far, they are all my favorite. Hoarder mentality.

Dr. Smith's Robot Insults

Push Button Robot Action!

2010-03-09T20:29:00.006-05:00

OMG, I played with this toy for untold hours as a kid. It is articulated at all the joints and when you push the bottom up it releases the tension and he goes crazy. The detail is fantastic and I especially like the separate red plastic pieces inlaid into his torso and attached to his head. The maker's mark reveals that it was made by Kohner Bros. and I sold a companion giraffe push-bottom toy on Ebay this summer. Circa 1967-69.

Wind-Up Self-Righting Robot

2010-03-08T18:38:00.003-05:00

Not self-righteous, but self-righting, this guy has stuck with me for 25 plus years. He's charming and durable.

Zeroids

2010-03-07T19:50:00.005-05:00

Don't be frightened. Gaze in wonder at one of the Zeroids, a group of 3? robot galactic guardians each equipped with different functioning accessories. This fellow's name, I do not recall, but I did spend countless hours playing with it and its spring action claw, magnetic fist, karate chop action and...it's treads were powered by battery. A Great Toy. This one I would place at 1972, place of purchase West Virginia? or 1971 San Diego, CA. We will never part.

Robot Swagger

2010-03-06T20:33:00.007-05:00

I'm not trying to impress you, but I must say, I have an impressive collection of Robots. My wife, I am certain, will be singled out for sainthood for just putting up with all of my stuff, of which the above photo is proof. Now multiply that by about a thousand to include little spacemen, rocketships, army men, etc. and you'll get an idea of what she has to deal with. Above: a 2 inch by 2 inch plastic gem circa 1985, purchased I believe in Denton, TX, or environs thereabouts. This is the first in a series of posts detailing my robots. I love them all.

Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla. BFF?!?

2010-03-03T22:02:00.004-05:00

Mark Twain and Nikola Tesla were BFF? Color me amazed. This picture from 1894 shows Twain in Tesla's lab getting his geek on. I had not heard about this friendship pairing until tonight and raced to the internet to find out "Whaaaa?" and, lo and behold, there are numerous stories online detailing their camaraderie. Wow. And what a great picture!

Sad News: Robert McCall Passes Away

2010-03-01T21:20:00.003-05:00

io9

Earlier post on Robert McCall. What a great space and science fiction artist.

ABC.com - Lost - LOST Untangled

2010-02-24T21:21:00.001-05:00

ABC.com - Lost - LOST Untangled

Posted using ShareThis

Rollerball Soundtrack LP Art

2010-02-22T20:45:00.005-05:00

Yes, finds like this excite me. I am an irredeemable geek. Image grabbed from a great website LP Cover Art for Soundtracks - its filled with album art. It will excite your neurons!

Rollerball Soundtrack LP Art

Project Progress

2010-02-21T20:00:00.005-05:00

Image Copyright Randall Ensley

What's happening with me and the secret project? Well, I have tons of reference materials and probably all that I need to put the finishing touches on the dream (for me) project. I have had some focus and psycho-art problems...the project is so awesome it is hard to look straight into; like looking into the sun! I have some good and wild material and concepts and just have to put pen to paper and finish.
My prolificacy, never my strongest suit, has certainly been subdued and just have to get over it and grab my pens. Comics Mentor website and facebook page have been helpful. I am almost emerging from dormancy.

Boskone Report/Science Fiction Art

2010-02-20T19:25:00.002-05:00

Jeff Patterson, the creator of Gravity Lens Weblog, one of my most long-standing and loyally followed blogs, recently participated in the Boskone Art Show. This is a link to an article written by Jeff on SF Signal detailing his experiences. Boskone has had a great art show each time I have attended and exhibited. It is a very good con experience with informative, thought provoking panels and art that is easily recognizable from numerous science fiction and fantasy book aisles.
Boskone Report

Science Fiction Art Rocks! My main passion! Check out the Virgil Finlay images please.

Science Fiction Art of John Berkey
Astrona
Lines and Colors
Virgil Finlay Images

What Is It With You?

2010-02-16T20:13:00.001-05:00

What Is It With You?

Doc Hammer: Encounter at the Hygienic

2010-02-15T19:55:00.007-05:00

Image Copyright Cartoon Network

I hope you all got a chance to go to the Hygienic Art Show XXXI over the past couple of weeks and if you did you got to see an oil painting by Adult Swim's Venture Bros. co-creator, Doc Hammer. In addition to being a musician and media producer, Doc Hammer is a fine artist who's recent works include a series of oil paintings showing females languidly posed in quasi-religious settings. One of those pieces was on display at the Hygienic.
When I was taking down my art on Sunday, Valentine's Day, I looked over and was surprised to see Doc Hammer taking his art down as well. I was a little starstruck, but did go over and introduce myself and had a very pleasant conversation. What a nice guy and I wish him continued success in all his endeavors!

Mouth Drawing via Gurney Journey and Words and Pictures

2010-02-10T16:07:00.003-05:00

A very good post on some of the history of drawing the male mouth/lips in comics and cartooning on the blog Words and Pictures.

I was prompted to visit the link after seeing it referenced on Dinotopia author/illustrator James Gurney's blog Gurney Journey.

Basil Gogos Tusken Raider

2010-02-06T07:26:00.008-05:00

At the last New York Comic Con, I was fortunate enough to meet one of my favorite artists, Basil Gogos, who is probably best known for his covers in the 60's and 70's for Famous Monsters of Filmland. I noticed on Google Analytics that some recent visitors to this blog got here via searches for "Basil Gogos Tusken Raider", so especially for them here is a scan of my copy of FMOF signed by the great Basil Gogos. What a pleasure to meet him and talk with him. There is a recent book showcasing his art titled Famous Monster Movie Art by Basil Gogos with an introduction written by Rob Zombie. I don't have it yet, but it is on the wish list.

And just for a moment I would like to reflect on the costume design for the original Star Wars. What an achievement, from the now iconic Darth Vader costume to the Tusken Raiders, various droids and, my personal favorite, X-Wing Fighter Pilot uniform - just great! Some, me included, were disappointed by the recent prequels (I mean really, Midichlorians?), but let's give George Lucas the credit for the ability to turn vision into reality. No small feat and there is a great behind-the-scenes documentary "Empire of Dreams" which will leave your head shaking at what went into the making of the movie. Highly recommended.

Hygienic Art XXXI

2010-02-04T20:18:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture from the Hygienic Art XXXI opening night featuring me and Jim Doyle.

Add a Forcefield to Your Day! You Can Do It!

2010-02-01T19:12:00.003-05:00

Add a Forcefield to Your Day! You Can Do It!

To comic artists and burgeoning creators, I recommend you visit the blog Comics Mentor. Very reassuring and plays the role of unconditional encourager to your efforts. Good advice offered daily.

Star Wars Money

2010-01-29T20:22:00.003-05:00

Please forgive me for not recalling where I first saw this image. Whoever is responsible, you are awesome! I saw it somewhere online about a year ago and saved the jpg image for sharing but don't know who to credit. Get it? Credit?

Science Fiction Art - Jonny Quest Robot Spies on Steroids

2010-01-27T21:23:00.003-05:00

Hey, I'd be running too. This art, or maybe now a variation on it sans robots and replaced by air platform military assassins, will be appearing in some concept art for a current project. This is inspired by just about every science fiction cliche from my age 3-9 year old TV viewing, including the War of the Worlds, Jonny Quest, etc. Wish the robots were just a little more creepier and insectoid-y 'cause bugs freak me out.

Quick Update

2010-01-26T22:15:00.003-05:00

Not much to post today, but do want to let local CT artists know about the 67th Annual Connecticut Artists Exhibition coming up at the Slater Museum in Norwich, CT. Google it for the prospectus - it's a juried show limited to two entries per artist. I think entries are due the weekend of February 14th.
Also, the Hygienic Show mentioned below is this Saturday 1/30/10 and ANYONE and ANYTHING can get in...just show up Saturday morning and hang your work then go to the awesome opening that night! Fun!
Last week was the deadline for the Connecticut Commission on Arts and Tourism Visual Artist Grant. It is open for entries once every two years and this is the fourth time I've applied. Eight years and so far no luck. Maybe this year? I hope so 'cause I'll use the funds to enter more shows, cons, etc. Maybe purchase some needed tools of the trade?
And...LOST is only one week away from the final season. I am super excited. Team DHARMA.

Michael Cho

2010-01-25T22:34:00.004-05:00

Art Copyright Michael Cho and DC Comics

Contemporary comic artist and illustrator Michael Cho has a unique style that keeps me waiting for his next posts on his blog. The one above is a definite Kirby homage but he makes it his own. Visit Michael Cho's blog by clicking on the above image. His post about this illustration of Darkseid and his preliminary sketches show his process at work.

And don't forget...the Hygienic Art Show opening is this Saturday. Fun Times in New London, CT.

'Space diver' to attempt first supersonic freefall - space - 22 January 2010 - New Scientist

2010-01-23T16:29:00.001-05:00

'Space diver' to attempt first supersonic freefall - space - 22 January 2010 - New Scientist

I've been wondering why the spike on my blog for people searching for "world record skydive height" and "colonel joe kittinger". As it turns out someone is about to try and break Colonel Joe's record sometime next year. The whole Kittinger/Pre-Astronauts/Man-High program has been fascinating to me since I first heard of it a few years ago and also would like to find contact information for Colonel Joe Kittinger. If anyone knows how I might reach him, I'd be obliged if you let me know. I've posted a few times before about this miracle feat from 1960. Kittinger was so high above the earth that he could see the curvature of the planet...then, he jumped...

Thanks!

Hygienic Art XXXI

2010-01-22T22:16:00.003-05:00

The annual no-holds barred Hygienic Art show is coming up in downtown New London, CT. Opening night is Saturday January 30, 2010 and it is always fun. It is a packed house with the line going around the corner to get in, but that adds to the excitement level. If you've never been but always heard about it please go...it's fun! I've put something in it every year for the past 8 or so. Let's go!

Rhythm of the Heat

2010-01-21T19:57:00.005-05:00

This is an "olde" sketch from my Denton, TX days that is my impression of a postcard I got in Houston and forever intertwined in my head with the Peter Gabriel song The Rhythm of the Heat. The image from the postcard I am in love with, but don't think I have the original hanging around anymore. It portrays, as I remember from the blurb on back of the card, the winner of a wrestling match being carried on the shoulders of his buddy. Over the years I have drawn this particular image with all types of pastels, pencils, pens, etc and in a multitude of sizes. This red and black one is one of my favorites.

Jack Kirby Art - Julius Caesar

2010-01-20T19:03:00.004-05:00

Et Tu Kirby? This is a great link courtesy first from Drawn! who grabbed it from the Jack Kirby Museum website. Costume designs for a stage production of Julius Caesar by Jack Kirby. Great, and I would never have heard about it except for Drawn!

Apocalypse Fans Unite

2010-01-19T19:26:00.004-05:00

The dream of all us Omegaman and Earth Abides fans caught on film. Grab your book of Eli and watch this video that a team of Italian astronomers captured of the near-Earth crossing asteroid discovered last week as it zipped by Earth. Now don't go all running to Dick's or Walmart just yet, the danger has passed, but do stock up on some bottled water at the very least. The video is "can't miss" for all astronomy fans. It's great! You can almost hear the "woosh" sound as it whizzes by.

Wired Science

We Are All Connected

2010-01-18T13:46:00.005-05:00

This concept, that we are all connected, has been resonating large with me since the new year. It is popping up everywhere, in my reading, viewing, listening, etc. One interesting place where this concept came up is "S ymphony of Science" which produces mash-ups and songs out of scientific meanderings, most often of Carl Sagan. It's like Moby meets Stephen Hawking. So, check out their site and listen to the song, "We Are All Connected." I liked it. I went further and bought a song called "A Glorious Dawn" from itunes to help support the Symphony of Science effort.

http://shewalkssoftly.com/

2010-01-17T20:59:00.004-05:00

http://shewalkssoftly.com/

I advise all visitors of my blog to visit a very interesting place - SheWalksSoftly blog. It is chock-full of cool art, robots, Russian military Santa Claus iconography...well, everything and more. The author posts regularly and you won't be disappointed.

New Sketch...Will be Homage to Tissot

2010-01-15T19:58:00.003-05:00

Pardon the quality...just sharing a new sketch that could be my next drawing. Hygienic Art Show?

Basil Gogos Wolfman

2010-01-14T17:44:00.003-05:00

Copyright Universal Pictures and Basil Gogos

I believe I have posted previously regarding my ardor for the art of Basil Gogos. He is most widely known for his cover art on numerous "Famous Monsters of Filmland" magazines from the 1960's and 70's (an impressionable time for me.) Basil is still productive and look at this lovely piece for the new Universal Pictures movie, The Wolfman. Awesome!

I had the chance to meet Basil Gogos at last year's New York Comic Con and it was a pleasure. I knew that Basil would be there based on the online program prior to my attendance, so I brought an old copy of Famous Monsters with me. It was especially great because the cover I had him sign was Star Wars related, featuring a Gogos Tusken Raider! My best memories from the two NYCCs I have attended all center around meeting and speaking with artists who inspired me over the years, especially from my youth.

I found out about the new Wolfman art courtesy of io9.

Rollerball Tokyo

2009-11-10T21:06:00.003-05:00

This is a cool poster that I have not come across before, courtesy of Nostalgia on Wheels blog. Once again, if you haven't read the short story "Roller Ball Murder" by William Harrison, please do so. Yummy!

Don Ivan Punchatz - Sad News

2009-11-02T18:42:00.005-05:00

Image copyright estate of Ivan Punchatz and id software.

I learned through Drawn! of the passing of great illustrator Don Ivan Punchatz. It was the illustrators of the 70's, along with 50's illustrator Virgil Finlay, who have had the most visual influence on my art. Don Ivan Punchatz, along with Bob Peak, created images that are burned on my cortex - Great Imagination. I did not know until tonight that he was responsible for the box art to the video game "Doom" and illustrated the original "Star Wars" movie poster.

Here is a link to the obituary at Spectrum.

This makes me more conscious of my artistic inactivity and realization that there is a limited time to get the visions from between my ears and onto paper.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

2009-10-23T21:55:00.002-04:00

So, I just read Dr. Jekyll and Mister Hyde to get prepared for Halloween. It was much shorter than I realized, only about 100 pages, and Hyde is not how I was pre-programmed to view him. He is not at all like the Hyde in League of Extraordinary Gentlemen graphic novels. The book is great, and I learned a lot about Robert Louis Stevenson in the foreword.

LOST Countdown Clock

2009-09-15T20:18:00.001-04:00

Billy Blastoff

2009-09-10T21:08:00.003-04:00

Here are some pictures of a classic vintage space toy circa 1968-69 that I played with for endless hours as a kid. It was called Billy Blastoff and "Billy" actually powered his vehicles through a motor in his backpack (two "AA" batteries.) Absolutely great - I was much more into this style of space toy as opposed to Major Matt Mason.
These are going, going, gone on eBay, and readers of this blog realize I am selling like loads of the formative toys on my youth on the Internet. I will tag the posts EBAY and you will see, once again, that I am the self-anointed King of the Nerds.

Desert Crash

2009-09-05T20:53:00.005-04:00

Detail from a current panel posted to show the progression from the original sketches in older posts below...search tag "Look Out" for original concept.

Holy Ape Paratroopers!

2009-08-29T11:59:00.005-04:00

As can be seen above and from following my eBay exploits, I owned just about every bit of Planet of the Apes paraphernalia ever created. This was a great one, a POTA ape paratrooper. As I don't remember seeing many airplanes in the movies I guess they shot him out of a gigantic slingshot from Ape City to terrorize humans in the Forbidden Zone.

Baby and Hand Grenade

2009-08-20T21:31:00.002-04:00

I don't know if I have posted a similar image earlier, but here is the most recent iteration of "Baby and Hand Grenade", originally a stencil created in Denton, TX, sprayed on Fry St. and elsewhere in the summer of 1989. It has now been updated to the digital age.

The Amazing James Gurney

2009-07-29T20:31:00.006-04:00

I should have posted about this as soon as I saw it last month. For those who haven't visited illustrator James Gurney's blog "Gurney Journey" please do so. Very informative and educational. Always something interesting.

This post is an amazing demonstration of an Abraham Lincoln drawing.

Abe in Two

Valhalla, I am Coming

2009-07-10T18:10:00.004-04:00

Robert Plant became a Commander of the British Empire today. Hammer of the Gods.

High Resolution "Final Frontier"

2009-06-05T20:57:00.005-04:00

Click on the above thumbnail for a high resolution image of my illustration "Final Frontier." Technical pen on paper 10 in. x 13.5 in.

Desert Chase

2009-05-27T20:33:00.001-04:00

They want to talk with this guy real bad, but I don't think things will end well for them...

Crystal Skull

2009-05-16T21:27:00.005-04:00

These are some inked on vellum sketches for a character that would be too bizarre for the story they were drawn for. The character is still odd, you just can't see his brains now.

Virgil Finlay Space Man

2009-05-14T18:48:00.005-04:00

Me, a big Virgil Finlay fan, I don't remember ever seeing this illustration by my idol and biggest influence. It is perfect! Showing the 1950's version of the ideal fit for a space traveler. Love the books piled behind our intrepid astronaut.

Look Out!

2009-04-28T19:51:00.005-04:00

Anybody remember Spinball Wars and Inferno from 1970's British Comics? They were Rollerball "homages" that had interesting art.
I remember them well and drawing my own motorcycle crashes now. Death, Gore, Fun!

Satan Said Draw and Devil's Scrapbook

2009-04-28T19:39:00.004-04:00

As messed up as my art is, there is always something way more disturbing a click away.

Free Comic Book Day

2009-04-09T19:56:00.004-04:00

Okay, there is just a few weeks left until Free Comic Book Day. I will be appearing at Sarge's Comics in New London, CT the first Saturday in May 2009. That is May 2, 2009. It is always fun and the best thing is...Free Comic Books! and an occasional toy action figure. I will sell prints and discuss my art with anyone who stops by. I also want to show something new I am working on (hint rollerball.)
See you at Sarge's Comics.

Steampunk Wedge Antilles

2009-03-31T20:16:00.003-04:00

Courtesy of io9 post and the maker Sillof.com Please enjoy this thoroughly cool pic of SteamPunk Star Wars pilot Wedge Antilles.

Rollerball Anyone?

2009-03-30T19:33:00.006-04:00

In my quest to bring you all things Rollerball, please check out the above. I don't speak the language but I am pretty sure this says "Rollerball." Love the flames! And the font is definitely an attempt at the font used on the US released movie posters. Very creative.

Facial Expression Generator

2009-03-25T22:35:00.000-04:00

Check this out...

You Asked For It. More Planet of the Apes Piggy Banks!

2009-03-13T17:48:00.008-04:00

One of the great things about Google Analytics is how you can research what key words people use to find your blog. Recently people have found "Fatal Error" by searching for Dr. Zaius piggy banks, along with searches for "world record skydive", Rollerball, science fiction art, randall ensley, and "character design sheets." The world record skydive search is great because it takes you to my posts about Colonel Joe Kittinger and his amazing skydive of 1960 from a high-altitude balloon to test escape strategies for military jet pilots. He jumped from approximately 102,000 feet and was the first person "high" enough to see the curvature of the earth. Not Jerry Garcia.

LINK to eBay auction on the above banks.

Lars Edwards Trailer for Art Spiegelman's "Be a Nose!"

2009-03-04T19:22:00.002-05:00

Wow! My buddy Lars Edwards animated the book trailer for the new Art Spiegelman book "Be A Nose!" and it is up to 194,000 hits on YouTube! I am proud of my boy!

Link to trailer(watch in HD)

Watchmen

2009-02-27T19:33:00.002-05:00

Yes, Yes, I am very excited about the release of the Watchmen movie. I purchased the graphic novel collection way back in the late 1980's in Denton, TX (the home of happiness.) I was an immediate fan and proceeded to tell anyone who I thought would be interested how great it was. And now, the supposedly unfilmable movie is just a week away.
Seriously, if you haven't read the book, it is great. The artwork of Dave Gibbons really impressed me (and still does.) Don't just see the movie, read the graphic novel. Just like Moby Dick, The Great Gatsby, etc., there is just so much you can cram into two and a half hours. And a lot of nuance will be missing, but the movie should be viewed as a stand-alone effort. The trailers look terrific and seem to capture the mood and characters. Let's Go!

Amazing Video of "Sprites"

2009-02-23T21:50:00.004-05:00

Okay, I see a lot of cool thing searching the web, but this was totally cool. It is high speed photography of sprites, which are associated with thunderstorms and form 30 to 60 miles above the surface of the earth. Watch the whole video as the really good stuff is halfway in. The entire video is only 37 seconds long and shows an event which happens at one-tenth the speed of light.
Link below:
Sprites

Dr. Zaius Piggy Bank

2009-02-21T17:40:00.008-05:00

Yes, it is time for the ebay retro-homage to my childhood again. Nice bank, no coins included.
Planet of the Apes was my first real science fiction crush. I had just about every toy related to the movie.
Goodbye Zaius, Goodbye...

Ebay link to item

Greg Manchess Art Demonstration

2009-02-18T18:29:00.004-05:00

Photo from Mikaya Press

As mentioned in the "Sad but Glad" post below, I was fortunate enough to meet artist Greg Manchess over the weekend at Boskone 46. He was very nice and offered many helpful hints about art and painting. I squeezed as much as I possibly could into 5 minutes with him as we stood in front of a panel displaying my art.
I want to link to both his website and a video demonstration presented by Massive Black on YouTube which shows some of his oil painting process in the painting "Above the Timberline." Even if you aren't an artist, this should prove entertaining and enlightening (and it is only about 6 minutes long.) More on this demo at ConceptArt.org

Links:
"Above the Timberline" Demonstration
Greg Manchess Website
Sad but Glad

Older Posts

2009-02-18T17:51:00.002-05:00

Remember to check out the "older posts" section of the blog located at the bottom of the page. Also, feel free to comment on any post! I'd love to hear from you. Yes, you!

The Prisoner on AMC (Free!)

2009-02-17T20:01:00.004-05:00

Full episodes of the original TV series, The Prisoner, are available on AMC for free. Highly recommended viewing. Judge for yourself. Link below:

The Prisoner on AMC

Sad but Glad

2009-02-15T20:37:00.003-05:00

I sold E.V.A. 5.0 today at the Boskone 46 Science Fiction Convention in Boston, MA. Sad that I will no longer have the piece in my possession, but glad that someone enjoyed the piece enough to say "Mmmm, me want." Also sold 6 prints, so almost broke even. Sigh.
Boskone was more fun for me than last week's New York Comic Con and more inspirational. I got to meet Greg Manchess and we spent a quality 5 minutes together checking out my art on display and getting some important insight from a master.
Also picked up some pointers and/or new ways of thinking about digital art from Dave Seeley and Stephan Martiniere. As I always say, "the best is yet to come" and I still feel it!
Also, picked up "Saturn in G Minor" from the Hygienic Art Show today. It was great to lurk behind onlookers and hear their comments as they saw the piece during opening night a couple of weeks ago. I always get a kick out of being incognito and listening to people's reaction to my art. It does help keep the excitement level up for me.

Key of Pain

2009-02-11T18:09:00.003-05:00

What limited success I have had as an illustrator and artist has been due in large part to this illustration, Key of Pain, which first appeared in the science fiction magazine The Leading Edge for the short story Key to Pain.
It won 3rd place in the 65th Annual Connecticut Artists Exhibition, has been accepted in some juried art shows and has been reprinted a few times, including in the Association of Science Fiction Artists (ASFA) quarterly publication.
It will be on view this weekend in Boston at the NESFA science fiction convention, Boskone 46, art show. It will also be available for sale along with prints of the piece. Hope to see you in Boston!

New York Comic Con 2009

2009-02-09T22:42:00.005-05:00

Well, I went to New York Comic Con this past weekend and had an OK but not great time. I did make up for last year's biggest regret of not meeting James Steranko. I waited patiently and finally met the great one and had him sign a B&W poster of Nick Fury and Shield.
I also got to meet another living legend and inspiration of mine, Basil Gogos, master illustrator and cover artist for numerous Famous Monsters of Filmland magazines.
So, fun but just OK, not great.
My artwork will be appearing at Boskone Art Show this weekend. Some originals will be for sale for the first time. Own a piece of Randall Ensley! (so to speak...)

Ewwww!

2009-01-29T18:21:00.007-05:00

Art copyright Randall Ensley 2009

Please comment if compelled.

Science fiction art.

Boskone 46 February 13-15, 2009

2009-01-25T21:13:00.003-05:00

Boskone is a great northeast convention focusing primarily on science fiction art and hard science fiction. This year's Special Guests include Tor Books Art Editor, Irene Gallo, and award winning science fiction and fantasy artist Stephan Martiniere. Irene Gallo posts regularly on her very informative blog The Art Department; a blog which I have mentioned previously as a great illustration information resource and host for interesting posts.
Stephan Martiniere is a science fiction and fantasy artist extraordinaire, whose work you have definitely seen on about 100 book covers, including Writers of the Future Volume XXIII in which I have two interior illustrations, Prime Time and Saturn in G Minor.
If all goes well I would like to get in the art show and pop up for a day in Boston sometime during the festivities.
Boskone is hosted by NESFA.