World Wide Woman (Wonder Woman)

That's a lot of W's in the title.

A looooong while ago, I drew this Wonder Woman image in like the spur of the moment and didn't do too much with it, just a quick sketch with colors on it, and it will not go away.  Everywhere I look online, I'm always finding it...and without credit or link backs...mostly because both my signature and watermark were and stay cropped off of it.  It keeps getting passed around in email blasts, flyers, facebook posts and profile images...all without my consent.  I guess I would be cool with it if people hadn't cropped out my name and all...but mostly since I drew it a while ago, I definitely do not like it.  If you're not familiar with it, here's the image:

I definitely do not like this image and it just won't go away.  So what better way to bury this image than to do a better one?  That's the thought anyway.  Plus, I feel as if I can draw much better now than what this image showcases.  So, I went on with the sketch:

It still has the same vibe, but with a more updated (very much updated) look to it.  

And then the inks and colors:

Also included, more watermarks and in a place where it would be difficult to crop out.  But doing that, it probably means that it wouldn't get shared as often as the previous one was.  I guess its better to have my name out there so people know who the artist is though.  Its very disconcerting to go online or to different blogs, or facebook/tumblr/twitter to see your image all filtered up and with your info cropped out.

As always, this illustration can be purchased in 11" x 17" size on glossy cover heavyweight paper at my Storenvy site.

So, lets share this image and help me in my quest to make all of my old sub-standard art die!

Stay blessed.

Without Wax,

-Charles

Young Justice

I LOVED the Young Justice cartoon that used to come on Cartoon Network.  It was like a grown up, more serious take on the Justice League and the Young Justice team.  It was sad to see it go before its time and to have less than stellar replacements...but then season 1 found its way onto Netflix, and I fell in love all over again.  So...this happened:

Wonder Girl, Bumblebee, Miss Martian, Supergirl & Batgirl

I usually just draw one or two characters in a semi static pose, so it definitely was a change of pace to do something action-y and with more characters, even though I definitely wanted to fit more in there.  I think the next piece that I do with more characters, I want to do it big, and to have it be like a 2 piece poster type thing...but I'll have to look into the logistics of that working out print wise.

After the inks and the colors, here is the final image:

As always, this 11" x 17" print is available at my Storenvy site.  I'm hoping that Young Justice pulls a Family Guy and comes back due to the demand of fans...but given the direction Cartoon Network is heading, I won't hold my breath.  Be blessed.

Without Wax,

-Charles

Selina Kyle

It's been a long while since I've drawn Catwoman...like a really long while.  If I were to guess, I would say somewhere around 4 years or so.  That means this was long overdue.  The drawing that I did 4 years ago was very similar, but it appears that I may have deleted it, so I can't really use it for comparison purposes.

But I know for certain that this one is better, just take my word for it.

I've noticed that recently my sketches has been looser and less refined than I used to do them.  I guess that means that I just fudge areas in sketching and will define them more when I'm inking and coloring them.  Good thing that I'm the only one completing my work from sketches to finishes, cause an inker and colorer would probably hate me.

I guess the sketch does serve its purpose though, I get the main figure down pretty much (even though some adjustments have to be made) and it gets the general idea across.  And below is the final image:

I think it came out pretty well.  I may go back in later and make the light source coming from outside the window more pronounced, but who knows.

If you would like to purchase this illustration as a high quality 11" x 17" print, you can do so (as well as view my other prints) on my Storenvy site.

Have an awesome weekend!

Without Wax,

-Charles

Neo Sailor Moon

Fighting evil by a futuristic techno Neo-Tokyo moonlight.  Winning love by daylight.

She's the one called Sailor Moon.

Not too long ago I drew a Neo Sailor Venus, and I thought that it would only be right if I drew an accompanying Neo Sailor Venus.  I probably should just stop being lazy and draw a full image with all of the Neo Sailor Scouts...which I will...eventually.

Below is the initial sketch that I came up with.  I was going to draw in Luna as well, seeing as how I drew in Artemis for the Sailor Venus one, but she didn't make it in.

And below is the final illustration:

And as always, if you would like to purchase this as an awesome 11" x 17" print, I shall direct you to my print purchase page!

Without Wax,
-Charles

Jubilation Lee

Besides the X-Men issue #1 drawn by Jim Lee, the cartoon from the 90s was my introduction to the Xmen.  I loved that cartoon...even though the animation definitely doesn't hold up today.  Ah, I lied.  I used to be an avid Marvel and X-Men trading card collector.  That was my introduction to the Xmen...but that's neither here nor there.  

Jubilee was one of my favorites...well besides the mainstays of Wolverine, Gambit, Rogue and Storm...and whenever she appeared, Psylocke.  Her "uniform" on the show was soooo 90s, so I thought that it needed revamping.  And well, thats what I did.

This is a part of the original sketch that I did, but something about her face just seemed skewed to me, and instead of trying to fix it over and over, I just drew the whole thing over again.

This is the revised sketch that I came up with.  There are parts of the original that I liked and tried to incorporate into this one, but overall, the redraw is better.

And here's the final version.  I'm still trying to mesh together this cel shading technique with the original way that I color.  I tried to use some Kirby Krackle, but changed it to how I would do it.  Happy accidents I suppose.  

If you would like to purchase this as an 11" x 17" print, feel free to browse the other images I have for sale as prints here.  

Without Wax,

-Charles

#NoFilter: Sugar, Spice & Everything Nice Edition.

If you've seen my Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn illustration from not too long ago, you should know that I'm pretty much a fan of the photo sharing community Instagram.  It has definitely helped me in meeting and learning about new artists as well as get my art out there.  So, here's another Instagram inspired sketch, featuring Cartoon Network's most famous set of triplets, the Power Puff Girls.

I mean seriously, how can you not like the Power Puff Girls?  

If you would like to purchase this illustration as a 17" x 11" print, you can do so either on here on my blog, or on my print purchase page!

Without Wax,

-Charles

The Forgotten Disney Princess

Atlantis: The Lost Empire never gets mentioned at all when the discussion of Disney animated movies come up.  Maybe it was because it was one of the few, if not only, Disney animated movies that was rated PG instead of G.  Looking at it today, I don't see how it was rated PG (especially since the movie ratings system is so lax today).  Maybe it was because of the term mercenary thrown around quite often towards the end, and maybe the one or two guns in the movie.  Anyways, I love the movie because of its visuals and its depiction of Atlantis...so you know what that means...impending fanart.

That background in there is more of a placeholder than anything.  I'll definitely be reworking that as well as other little things in the picture.  Hopefully I'll be having in progress shots soon as well as the final drawing...that is if I don't muck it up along the way.  

But while you're here, why don't you fancy yourself a print or two or like me on Facebook or follow me on Tumblr.

Without Wax,

-Charles

I Feel a Storm Comin' On...

A Storm drawing has been long overdue.  In all actuality though, I've had several Storm sketches, and none of them I liked at all....so they all have been subsequently scratched.  But this one I like, so I may finish this one. I took some liberties with her costume that I may or may not change when I finally ink and color this.  And you can never go wrong with drawing any of the X-Men against Sentinels.

Progress shots coming soon.

Without Wax,

-Charles

Calvin & Hobbes, colored

I think out of my recent drawings, I think this might be one of my favorite drawings...probably because Calvin & Hobbes was such a big part of my childhood.  I would love to do my own strip/comic based on it, but copyright stuff pretty much persuades me not to.  Anyways, the final image differs somewhat from the sketch in that I decided to flesh out the background a little bit, which had me delving into some unfamiliar territory with "speed painting".  And I learned that I suck at it, and I'm the slowest speed painter probably ever.  It all came together at the end though, which I guess is the most important part.

And as always, if you're interested in purchasing this particular print, you can find it under my Commissions & Prints link at the top of this blog.

And  if you're not already, make sure you follow me on Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook and Google+.

Without Wax,

-Charles

Calvin & Hobbes WIP

Just a work in progress shot of the Calvin & Hobbes illustration.  The background so far is up in the air, and hopefully it will come together the further along I go with it.  Welp, time to get back at it.

Without Wax,

-Charles

Sailor Scouts Sketch

I'm such a nerd...I just noticed the alliteration in my post title.

Anyways, I've been trying to get into the habit of drawing/sketching more, and there are a lot of sketches that I've done already that I'm not too happy about...and have subsequently been scrapped.  But I started on this one a couple of days ago, liked it, and kept on going with it.  Be sure to click on the pic to see it in higher resolution.

The Sailor Scouts!
Sailor Moon, Mercury, Jupiter & Mars

I've been thinking about doing a picture with not only just Sailor Moon, but the rest of the scouts too.  Doing them all in one pic would probably have been troublesome, unless I did a drawing with some proprietary canvas size.  I tried my best to stick to the 11 x 17 dimensions as I could, hoping that when this is finished, it would make a pretty decent print...as long as I don't mess it up.

Things in this image a more than likely to change as there are some spots I'm not too fond of, but be sure to keep your eyes here on this blog, and I'll update it with process pics!

Without Wax,

-Charles

Black Canary

Finally finished!  I just noticed now that I didn't post the updated sketch which shows the change in perspective.  Its a good thing that I sketched a new background too, because the last one was lazy and completely wrong on all levels.  I used to sketch something out, and ink and color it right away, but I found that sleeping on it and coming to it later with fresh eyes helps me greatly reduce errors and fix things that I didn't see wrong before. 

Also, I'm still working on the details of my online store.  In the past, I would just use a print on demand service for prints, but that means that I never really got an opportunity to see the quality of the prints, and I would get paid in pennies.  So, I'm going to be doing all of the printing and shipping myself, which should help out things a lot.  Of course, my blog will be polluted with ads about it when its done, so everyone will definitely know.  

As always, gotta keep that pencil busy!!

Without Wax,

-Charles

A Hard's Night Work (Complete)

This didn't come out exactly how I pictured it in my head, but I still like it.  The main thing is that I learned a lot while doing it.  I may go back and adjust some more things later on...but for right now, it is as is.  So many sketches to ink and color, so little time...

Without Wax,

-Charles 

The (Art) Drop

Every once in a while, there just needs to be an art drop with very little words to accompany said pictures. And thats what kind of post this is going to turn out to be.

But before we even begin the art drop, let me mention that Redux Deluxe is back!!

And will be back for good this time. After nearly a year-long hiatus, my graphic novel in progress is currently being updated. So please do me a solid and check it out! Its not everyday that you see comics and graphic novels about minority kids depicting them in a positive light without there being ignorance, profanity, or other stereotypes involved. And there's also anime/videogames/pop culture influences too...so hopefully there's something there for everyone!

Enough with the self plugs though...now on to the pics:

Since I've been working so hard on Redux Deluxe, I haven't had much time to draw anything really other than Redux Deluxe related stuff. I'm trying to work in some break time to draw other stuff...but commissions will always take a front seat to whatever else I'm working on (for the time being anyway). So if you would like to commission me for any artwork...whether its for logos, illustrations, pinups, posters, or whatever else...check out my Commissions page, or hit me up at Illumistrations(at)gmail.com.

Until next time!

Without Wax,

The 2011 Weblog Awards Have Come And Gone...

...and I didn't win.

But please believe that I'm not sad or salty about it at all...actually far from it. I wasn't even aware that people actually checked out my blog, let alone felt that it was Black Weblog Award worthy. So that's a huge point of excitement for me! And to be named in the same category as O Hell Nawl, man, its just been an honor. I've been loving every second of it. I'm not seeing this as a major accomplishment...but more as motivation...to be even better...and hopefully take that crown next year. In the coming year though, I have so much stuff planned, and I'm just trying to take myself, my brand (no matter how small it is) and my original ideas to new levels. Hopefully, I'll have my book published by the end of the year...and other things too.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Lets get to this art though!!

First up, is Fall Into The Gap. This one probably should have made my last post, but eh, it is what it is. Another summery type pic, of someone shopping at their favorite store on a sunny summer day.


The next, is Ebony Black, an ethnicity flip of the Disney character Snow White.


And by far my favorite, Ares, Female Goddess of War. This one definitely took me out of my comfort zone, and I learned a lot from doing this picture. I normally don't draw blood and gore...but I'm glad that it all came out well. I definitely plan on doing more Greek mythology drawings...as soon as I clear my plate of some stuff first.


So, this year...was only a stepping stone.

Always gotta keep that pencil busy. Always.


Without Wax,

Rock The Vote With 80s Nostalgia

Lets get the important stuff out of the way first: PLEASE VOTE FOR ME!!



I've been nominated for the 2011 Black Weblog Award for Best Comic/Gaming blog! So please please PLEASE cast that vote for The Illuminate Darkness Experiment as the best Comic/Gaming Blog! It would definitely mean a lot to me!!

Now with that out of the way...

I'm still doing my ethnicity flips of established cartoon characters. The first one in this post is Baroness from G.I. Joe. I used to love this show...especially the little segment after the cartoon where they tried to teach you some life lesson and ended it with "...and knowing is half the battle". Cobra!


This next one is an African-American flip of Inspector Gadget. This is one of those rare occasions where the image looks completely different in your head before you put it down on paper, but you still like it anyway. I think my favorite part of the image is definitely Penny and Brain. I love how they came out, and I just may do another drawing with only those two in it.


Don't forget to cast your vote for The Illuminate Darkness Experiment as the Best Comic/Gaming Blog of 2011!!


Without Wax,

Scribbles

I need to make more of a concerted effort to keep this blog updated. Whats crazy is, its not like I'm NOT drawing, its just that I'm not posting it here. From this point forward, I'm telling myself that I have to post back here at least once a week...especially since I've been drawing a lot more than normal recently.

But when I hoard art...that just means that there will be one huge post with art...which I guess is a positive. So, lets get to that:

African American She-Ra: Princess of Power:


African American Scooby Doo Detective Agency:


Mickey & Minnie Mouse:



African American Toni Starks (aka IronWoman):


African American female Naked Snake from Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater:


Nu'Bia, African American twin sister of Wonder Woman:


Darkwing Duck & QuiverWing Quack:


African American Samus, from Nintendo's Metroid:


African American Chun-Li from Street Fighter:


Captain Marvel:



Whew! That was a lot! But if you want to really keep up with me, I tend to update my Tumblr page more often and frequently. Follow me on there, and I'll do the same!!

Without Wax,

Tumbl With Me

Lately I've been slacking on this blog...I guess that's really not a secret. I need to get back into updating this one more frequently, especially considering that this is pretty much the only blog that I try to maintain on a pretty decent schedule. But...I do have another blog...on Tumblr. You can check that one out, because I update that one rather frequently....and artwork generally gets posted on there like within an hour after I'm finished. And I post sketches on there some times...which I never do pretty much elsewhere.

Okay, now that the wall of text is over...on to the pictures! First, I finished that Cleopatra sketch that I posted in my previous entry...now with colors!


And my favorite Transformer, Soundwave. I never really noticed this until I was drawing it, but Soundwave's head is pretty much the Decepticon logo...

I guess I'm getting better at these Transformer pictures...which is making me to seriously reconsider redrawing all of the older ones I've done.

And my favorite meteorologist...Ororo Munroe aka Storm of the X-Men.


So, then I was thinking, that there is a serious lack of good African American super heroes/heroines in comics in general. I mean, aside from a select few, the rest are pretty crap...and have ridiculous stereotypes. So, to fix that, I decided to re-imagine some super heroes as being African American. And the first was Batgirl:


And then I thought...why just stop at super heroes...why not just do other pop culture things like cartoons as well...and then this Scooby Doo picture came out. Its still unfinished, but I thought that I'd post it regardless:


And the others; Rogue, Wonder Woman, and Black Canary:




And I still have stuff thats sitting on my hard drive and sketch pad. I'm loving this sudden rush of creativity. And follow me on Tumblr and leave messages...and I'll be sure to return the favor!!

*EDIT* I can't believe that I forgot to post my African American Power Puff Girls piece!!!


Without Wax,