The Lion-Arts.com Blog

Lion-Arts.com is Reinventing itself.

2011-10-25T06:54:00.002-04:00

The blog and my site have been neglected due to Full-Time work during the majority of 2011, but after attending "The Illustration Masterclass" in June & sitting with/collaborating & learning from one of the main Masters himself: "Iain McCaig" I found myself PASSIONATELY reinvigorated, more than ever for creating, continuing & furthering my personal artistic projects. Stay tuned... BIG THINGS are on the way! Art/Work that will (hopefully) inspire, move and undoubtedly take you somewhere new & exciting.

"Life is Better with an Alpaca"

2011-04-30T03:53:00.005-04:00

Here's a sample from "American Lifestyle Magazine" where my shots from Eastland Alpaca were published recently for the editorial "Life is Better with an Alpaca" =) Did the shoot last year when this issue was being assembled. Below the article are some additional shots I personally like which, for whatever reasons, didn't make the cut. =) Enjoy! =D

Recent Sketches & Doodles...

2011-04-23T23:47:00.006-04:00

Enjoy! All comments & thoughts welcome.

London, IS AWESOME!! =D

2011-02-27T21:13:00.009-05:00

Original Photography by yours truly.

Yours truly soaking-in the beauty of London.

Big Ben and the House of Parliament

The London Eye @Night!! AWESOME!! =D

Big Ben Lit up!

Random, beautiful street with shops -Closed on a Sunday early evening.

Fishy Lamppost. -Cool. Art & Design is incorporated into everything and everywhere.

The Legendary Gherkin Building!! Awe-some!

Lloyds is a pretty awesome building as well!

The London Towers Bridge & City Hall on the Right.

AWESOME Statue in St. Pancras Station. So cool! The detail in the sculptures at it's base are MIND-BLOWING!

More from inside St. Pancras Station. Beautiful.

Small part of the exterior of St. Pancras Station.

The famous: Harrod's Food Court. -I like the pig(s) on the signs haha.

The construction of London's next a-mazing building -The Shard. Awesome, it'll look like a giant... well, Shard of Glass sticking up from the skyline. Sweeeet.

Lloyds up close(r) -Very cool design.

The London Eye w/accompanying Christmas lights still up in Jan. Love it.

Just the Monument.

The view from my window at the Bed & Breakfast I stayed at. =) BEAUTIFUL sunset!!

Fast update from Europe!

2011-01-20T20:18:00.008-05:00

Well there's A LOT to explain, but my new job has already taken me around the world and I'll be in London tomorrow evening... er, later today Euro/UK time. Then in Vegas on Mon 'til Wed... I'm about to hit the hay here (dead-tired) but will try to blog again MUCH much sooner, but 'til then here's a slight update on a few pieces. Man... SOOoo much to mention... But please feel free to give any pointers, advice or creative criticism on these. Changes have already been made from Illuxcon 2010 in response to the advice I got there, but I'm holding off on showing those versions for now... Thanks! =D I'm gonna go run around London now...

Ecco slight update

Demon concept drawing is going 3D in ZBrush4 -My 1st ever sculpt in ZB4 WIP

Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole -Movie Review

2010-10-10T02:48:00.025-04:00

Just 3 words: GO SEE IT!!!

This post was due a while ago(!) but life's kept me busy. Regardless: Based on the first three books out of a series of fifteen written by Kathryn Lasky, 'Legend of the Guardians' is a beautiful, MUST-SEE Film! And it's not really "just for kids", as many an adult I've spoken with has assumed... and man, did their assumptions drastically change after viewing it! :)
Everything about this film is wonderful, awe-inspiring and evocative! Epic in scale, seriously JAW-DROPPING visually, you really won't believe your eyes... It's seriously unbelievable how real everything looks in this film -keep in mind none of it is live-action, solely rendered within the digital realm of high-powered computers, under the ridiculously talented and highly skilled hands of fellow digital artists.
Legends will no doubt stir emotions as you bond with the characters and start to view them more as individual identities rather than just 'talking owls'. Yet aside from talking with one another, they aren't really anthropomorphized animals. They use their respective appendages solely as God intended... with the only small difference being that they fashion small pieces of weaponry & armor to those appendages when applicable... and damn, do they put them to good use~! Haha.
Like so many stories, Legends adheres to a very classic, if not eternal "Campbellian" staples, which I won't bother to list here since most, if not all of you are familiar with that methodology... (and odds are, even if you think you aren't -trust me, you are. Watch any classic film or read any standard novel & you've got a strong grip on them). Legends is a classic. Who the hell said "Family films" have to be cheesy, boring, or most of all: non-violent?! :) Very much like this generations "The Secret of N.I.M.H." (Which, btw, should totally get this treatment i.e. a CGI remake -faithful to the original)
And while yes, you can safely assume good triumphs over evil (duh), there are many films that, while being "predictable", the twists, turns, and methods of reaching said climax are as diverse and imaginative as possible. How many films can you think of take place almost exclusively IN THE SKY? [Don't say Top Gun]
With thrilling chases & escapes, touching moments of love and loss, rather surprisingly spiritual, universal echos, and shockingly epic and historical references, trust me: This film is well-worth the asking price of admission. I've seen it twice, once in 2D and 3D -3D the second time was Toootally worth it! If you have the choice, see it in 3D and in IMAX. It won't be in theaters much longer! One of the BEST FILMS of 2010! On par with 'How to Train Your Dragon'. Click on the image below to check out the Trailer and official website.

My present state of mind ~Constans Renovatio~

2010-09-13T04:15:00.010-04:00

I just turned 28 last week & upon entering a new year of life, I've found myself looking to refocus my pursuits as well as savor the journey. Speaking of which, I just thought I'd share a short clip from a film that reflects my mindset currently. This, is a meaningful & touching clip from one of my most favorite films "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" Please watch, enjoy and be encouraged or inspired! It's NEVER too late to start all over again, or to make the best of that which God has allowed to enter our lives. ~To live in a constant state of Rebirth~

Another small clip from a film which I really enjoyed the core of, but have mixed feelings about on its whole; Vanilla Sky. This ending scene though, is wonderful & true. ...and the line about "...when we are both cats" makes a lot more sense if you've watched the film from the beginning. Ha. Enjoy the congruent theme. [Music is "Sigur Ros" - "Untitled # 4 (Njósnavélin)" or "The Nothing Song"]

Photo Shoot: 'UgLY in 3D' Fashion Show @ The Chameleon

2010-08-31T13:27:00.012-04:00

Friday, Aug. 27th at The Chameleon Club in Lancaster, PA saw Hair, Makeup, Fashion, Dance and "Ugly~Beauty" explode onto the scene with awesome beats courtesy of DJ FREEZ. It was a unique and exciting experience where the hair of several live models were dramatically transformed right before the eyes of the audience thanks to the incredibly talented, if not legendary: Leo Rodriguez and his team of hair stylists from DFB Studios. Makeup artistry was provided by Ines Justiniano (Fiance' to Leo & partner at DFB) and lastly, but certainly not least, the fashion was supplied by none other than famed Ford Model: Michael Tull and his exclusive line of "UgLY1" brand clothing, which can be seen and purchased at www.theugly1.com/

Please enjoy these highlights from the show.

Giant Stinson Beach Bubbles

2010-08-25T17:40:00.001-04:00

This is breathtakingly Beautiful~ and I just wanted to share it with all of you... enjoy.

Photo Shoot - Introducing: Jared Price - Actor

2010-08-22T17:03:00.003-04:00

Jared Price & I have known each other since the Fall of 2000. We attended the same university together my Freshman, Sophomore & Jr. years, and were also both very active members of the Tae Kwon Do, Martial Arts Team that met weekly on campus. While we've stayed in distant contact over the the past decade, it wasn't until very recently that we had the opportunity to team up again, only this time, it was for a photo shoot for headshots and the like as Jared's now returning to his first love of Acting! While we've both been pursing differing career goals over the years, little did we know our paths would converge for this type of fun and exciting project! We shot tons of images over a 2 day span and below are just a few of the highlights... Enjoy, & props to Jared! ~Break a leg man!

In the Pipeline...

2010-08-08T05:20:00.011-04:00

Well, it's been several months and almost a complete season since my last blog post, but it's birthed an entirely new Lion-Arts.com, newly commissioned work [I'm presently illustrating two forthcoming children's books] and much more. Expect bigger and better things from Lion-Arts.com and "The L-A.B" in more frequent succession from now on!
Below are several new pieces of art I'm currently working on. The first is a personal piece.

"Ecco The Dolphin" blew my mind as a kid! And after a next gen (well last gen, now - Sega Dreamcast & PS2) reboot for one of gaming's most intelligent adventure/action/puzzle series ever made, I've remained a life-long fan of one of the most beautiful game series ever created. I only wish a new version would be developed. Personally, I have some FANTASTIC ideas for a new game or even feature film. :) I'll post more snapshots of this piece before its completion. Feel free to share what you think of this WIP concept piece thus far!

Next is the first of many forthcoming illustrations for a new Christmas Children's book I'm illustrating. A WIP as well...

And finally, the very early stage of another children's book illustration, simply entitled, "The Flower Show"

Thanks for reading/viewing/visiting The L-A.B! I'll be sure to post more soon!
-Daniel

How To Train Your Dragon by Dreamworks Animation

2010-04-07T01:24:00.015-04:00

It's rare wheIt's RARE when an Animated film THIS GOOD comes along...
[Click on the Poster Image above to visit the Official Movie Website!]

Usually marking a decade with its name, tone and quality... i.e. '90s The Lion King, Aladdin, 80s The Secret of NIMH [-which was overshadowed by Don Bluth's other 3 smash '80s hits: The Land Before TIme, An American Tail and All Dogs Go to Heaven], '70s [Disney's] Robin Hood, '60s The Jungle Book, '40s Bambi, Etc... [I know I'm omitting a bunch of others from the 90s & late 80s The LIttle Mermaid - Toy Story etc...]

Overall though, it's still rare to find an animated film that has SO MANY great, if not flawless aspects to it, in so many differing departments: FANTASTIC Storytelling. STUNNING Visuals. BREATHTAKING Musical Orchestration. EXCELLENT Pacing. HILARIOUS Comedic moments. MOVING Characters. And perhaps most impressively -the one character you latch onto & care about the most is INCAPABLE of SPEECH!

How to Train Your Dragon's lovable and oh-so-endearing character "Toothless" doesn't utter a single syllable the entire film -He's an animal through and through, emoting through his huge, beautiful eyes, fluid facial expressions and charming body language -much like a Dog and/or Cat, but his loyalty is likened to that of Lassie... if Lil' Timmy could ride Lassie... The synergistic [or is that symbiotic?] bond shared between Toothless and his rider "Hiccup" is an increasingly charming one that brings the audience along for the ride -quite literally at times... This, is a film meant to be experienced on the big screen! Flying along with Toothless & Hiccup is like a full-on roller coaster ride from & in the Heavens. Evoking the genuinely breathtaking awe of flight SO thrilling and impressively you simply just want more of it! Thankfully though, the solid story is both intimate as well as illustrious -it's definitely NOT mindless eye candy and cheap action sequences like some current garbage that rhythms with "Smash of the Bisons". While the story of "Dragon" may not give you any real shocks or twists; "Zero to Hero" is a rather predictable plot, it's one that's just GENUINELY ENRAPTURING and simply downright FUN to experience! Its wonderful & heart-warming escapism is due to its SUPERLATIVE Execution/Presentation in all areas of storytelling and film making. The Voice-Over work, Foley/Sound FX and Musical Score are all TOP-TIER, breathing real life and sharp energy into both the characters and environments. Along with a truly climaxing & impressive ending, toootally Purchase-Worthy Soundtrack [I downloaded the entire Album from iTunes and YOU should too!] Endearing Characters, Awe-Inspiring Visuals/Animation and Heart-Touching, Evocative Storytelling through both the spoken and visually inferred
-How to Train Your Dragon is 2010's BEST FILM OF THE YEAR, THUS FAR -BY FAR!

HTTYD Deserves to win Best Animated Film of 2010 hands down! No other animated film this year will even be close. Even Dreamworks' own forthcoming "Shrek the Fourth"... meh. Sure, it'll be funny... if they haven't already spoiled all the best moments with the 2 Trailers they've shown us, but regardless, it clearly won't/can't have the same Heart, Charm & Thrills "Dragon" does.

GO SEE: "HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON" IN 3D AT AN IMAX MOVIE THEATER NEAR YOU!! If you've seen it in 2D, you owe it to yourself to go for the ride one more time on a screen that's bigger than your house/field of vision, blasted by speakers bigger than your car. * * * * * -That's 5 Stars my fellow movie fans, bloggers and peeps of discerning taste. =) Happy Watching!

Merry [belated] Christmas & a Happiest 2010!!

2009-12-27T12:29:00.013-05:00

Ah... I LOVE this time of year!! The music [yes I LIKE hearing Christmas music/"the same songs" over and over again], the lights and decorations, the food and the time spent with family, friends... and choice pets. =) . Not to mention the Christmas concerts, movies, specials and of course, digital shorts...! Liiiike this one!

I LOVE the Muppets [grew up watching the original show since I was a kid] and their sense of slapstick humor has never let me down; always puts a smile on my face. Enjoy! =)

The Death of Creativity & the Need for Renaissance

2009-10-01T13:58:00.006-04:00

In the following video, Sir Ken Robinson dares to speak truth that will spark the imagination and blaze a new trail of thinking which only one of conviction, passion and verve can. Professor Robinson dares to say: We, as "educated human beings" of this century, are educated out of being creative and innovative... or rather, that is to say most of us are anyway -sadly. Ken speaks my heart in a way I genuinely thought no one else on this earth did. For anyone who knows me, or even speaks with me for more than 15 minutes or so, they quickly come to know I'm PASSIONATE about Passion! Mostly because I've found mine, and can't imagine living otherwise from when I discovered it until the day I'll surely die! Discovering what you were born to do... Finding your mission in life... Knowing why I was created and placed on this earth (or at least part of why) is such a dynamic sensation of life-altering, resolute conviction... once someone experiences it, it permeates every fiber of their being and overflows from them in a visible, tangible manner for all to see. I hope you'll intently watch this entire video, it's a bit longer than those I've posted in the past, but is by far the most profound, useful and closest to my heart and way of thinking. Enjoy and please link back for others to hear this great thinker encourage us to break free from the shackles of mediocrity and benign, broken, antiquated ~education.

Breathtaking!

2009-08-11T01:51:00.005-04:00

FINALLY! I'm publishing a new post! However small it may be, at least I've finally taken the time to get back to my blog. I've been rather extremely busy as of late trying to make ends meet, looking for work, working on my site revamp and new artwork. But anyway, concerning this post: A friend of mine on Facebook recently shared an awesome link to a video on Youtube of one of the most impressive sights anyone on dry land might ever behold. If you're a fan of beauty, awe and oceanic life , then you'll love this video! The music's incredibly beautiful too! The song's called "Please Don't Go" by the musical group "Barcelona", you can buy it and other great songs by them on iTunes -My personal favorites from their most recent album "Absolutes" are "Please Don't Go","Falling Out of Trees", and "Come Back When You Can". Check 'em out after the video(s)! Enjoy.

After the previous video went live on youtube, the response to the song was HUGE! So huge in fact that the band decided to send out a big thank you video response to all of those who became fans and/or took an interest in their music due to the previous video. They weren't even aware that their music was being used in the video until friends and family told them about it. Ha, so cool how this all worked out though... watch & enjoy!

Creation/Nature is Mind-Blowing!!

2009-03-12T16:49:00.008-04:00

Watch this short 6min-ish video to the end, pick your jaw up off the floor and share it! Simply beautiful and awe-inspiring. (A Thank You goes out Jen Oliver for sharing this on Facebook!)

Currently Sketching: Chris Redfield vs. Hyena! [WIP]

2009-03-06T10:57:00.012-05:00

[Work In Progress]

Just been sketchin' the characters from the Resident Evil Games as subjects to practice the human form... I've got RE on the brain like crazy currently as the new one's about to release in ONE WEEK!! Woo!! Even if you've never played a video game before this one will blow your mind....! Just watch the trailer below! The producers have utilized new technology that only literally 3 other directors in the world have access to currently [Go here to learn about "The Virtual Camera" and how it was used] couple that with the Hollywood Symphony Orchestra preforming much of the soundtrack & much much more tech and art all makes this game a cinematic experience like no other (even by movie's standards) by which all others will be judged!
Well, I'll try to finish this sketch later today or tomorrow -not the best example of my drawing skills but it feels great to be getting back to basics.... practice makes... better!

It's about that time again...

2009-03-05T07:30:00.007-05:00

Time to laugh a little.

I found this video by total accident & these 14 secs of Panda Bear goodness made my day... er, at least hour. Hope you get a kick out it! In the meantime I'm slaving away at redesigning Lion-Arts.com -this new iteration's going to be pretty freakin' sweet! =) See you soon!

Current Work and "Haikulogies 2008"

2009-02-09T19:25:00.012-05:00

Below is a concept sketch for the Teddy Bear in the tribute image for Miles Lerman [far lower], and below that is another for a private commission. Bears seem to be a theme lately... Hmm. =) Enjoy!

Below are some of the pieces I've done to be published in the forthcoming book "Haikulogies 2008"
The book is the 1st in a new annual collection of Haikus written in eulogy form for famous people (& beloved famous animals) who've passed on in the previous year, accompanied by artwork of varying mediums & artists. I'm pleased to say I became a part of it from the very first one! =)

For John Alvin

For Miles Lerman

For Ling Ling the Panda Bear

For Heath Ledger

For Joshua Lederberg

For Sir Arthur C. Clark

For Gloria Shayn Baker

IlluXcon 2008 -1st ever

2008-11-17T17:45:00.003-05:00

IlluXcon... Wow! What an experience! IlluXcon 2008 was the first ever Con(vention) of it's kind (...so to speak) where some of the world's abosolute BEST Artists in Concept Art, Science Ficiton, and Fantasy were all under the same (relatively small, yet state-of-the-art) roof! Held in the beautiful Heritage Discovery Center in the shinning city of Altoona, PA, it was personal and intimate, fun, educational, inspiring and downright AWESOME!! Practically nowhere else would you have been able to see the faces of such talented, powerhouse-artists than there and coolest part of it all -everyone was SOoo nice!

Some of those present were:

Boris Vallejo & Julie Bell
along w/their son David & Tony Palumbo

Justin Sweet

Patrick Jones

Joe Devito

Greg Hildebrandt

Jordu Schell

Omar Rayyan

Christine Macternan

Tiffany Prothero

Michael Whelan

Lars Grant-West

& Dave Seely

It's been 1 complete week since I returned from Altoona, PA and I'm still coming off of all the world-famous artists I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting there. It was truely awesome

The Next Level of Art: Video Games -really!

2008-10-25T00:00:00.049-04:00

[Impressive Video Proof Below!]

Outside "developed" countries, the level of artistry in just about any recent video game would pretty much look like... uh -witchcraft. Haha. Ok, maybe that's a little extreme, but in all seriousness: A new era in an increasingly respected form of Art has emerged & it's only going to skyrocket from here...

It started w/"Pong" back in the '80s -two small vertical bars on either side of a TV screen moving up & down w/a clustered ball of pixels "bouncing" from one to the other (mimicking ping pong), & has now risen to a level of Cinematic Glory previously only seen in the most impressive modern films. Video Games now possess a full arsenal of: Traditional & Digital Artists & Animators, Full-Orchestra Soundtracks written by some of Hollywood's best Composers, Professional [famous] Writers, Directors, & Hollywood Actors [for voice acting, motion capture & even facial scans for accurate in-game replication]. And just like "flickering pictures" -the birth of modern films way back when- no one thought video games would evolve into the form of art they can & have become today, granted (like films) there's a heck of a lot of bad games out there -sadly the majority actually- yet overall, video games are truly coming into their own, maturing along w/the people who grew up w/them.

Today, Video Games make far much more money than movies & every major video game now has its own "trailer" (i.e. preview). Like films' these trailers are orchestrated, directed, thought-out previews for viewers & potential buyers alike to enjoy & get a feel for what the game experience &/or story will be like. Going beyond film though, video games give you -the player/viewer- control over so much, like: camera angle, pacing, action & choices made during the games stories... & so w/this level of interactivity & unprecedented realism, video games offer us an experience like no other w/nearly all the best aspects of film & traditional storytelling incorporated -we're now participants; active partakers in our chosen pieces of narrative entertainment -only just beginning to witness the level of emotional impact previously only experienced in film & theater! Video Games have come a long, long way in a very short amount of time & will only continue to be more impressive with increasing technology, talent & diversified artistry, continuing to become truly, stunning works of collaborative Art. ...Still don't believe me?
See for yourself below...!
Enjoy!

Resident Evil 5 (March 2009) Tokyo Game Show '08 Extended Trailer for 2008

Prince of Persia (Dec) 2008 Version TGS Trailer for 2008

Halo 3 2007 Premier Trailer/Ad

Gears of War 2 (Nov) Rendezvous with Death 2008 Trailer/Ad

Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones First Official Trailer for 2005

Resident Evil: Outbreak (2005) Opening Cinematic/Trailer

W E L C O
M E T O T
H E N E X
T L E V E L

The NEW Adventures of the Aflac Goat!

2008-09-25T18:10:00.013-04:00

So today was a 'NICE' day.

Mainly because I spent the better part of the morning in the company of some really great people from 'The Kaplan Thaler Group'! Creator's of The Aflac Duck! In an invitation only session I was able to mix and mingle w/many from KTG. From their founders Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Kovol (who were just awesome and quite refreshing!), to the kind ladies from HR (Hi Christine, Alison & Susan!!) to Joe and Dennis, their Studio Manager and Director of Graphic Services, respectively. Everyone was great and genuinely a real pleasure to meet and speak with. So in preparation for this fun event I put together some storyboards of a funny little idea I came up with from just enjoying the fruits of their past labors -namely the two videos in my previous post below :). So without further delay I give you: The ongoing adventures of the Aflac Goat!

Note: In the end, the gentleman sitting on the bench is intended to be the man from the very first Aflac commercial who asks: "Supplemental Insurance? What's that?" Only this time he's the one imparting the wisdom of Aflac. Also, you'll notice at the very end, standing in the park watching the duck chase the goat, is the heavier gentleman who always seems to be only one who notices the duck. It's all in a effort to create and keep continuity from the previous commercials while also adding a new dynamic of sorts by "villanizing" the goat a little -e.g. Wiley Coyote vs. the Road Runner. ;) Hope you enjoyed this fast mock-up! Perhaps more will appear in the future.

Humor me... this'll make you laugh!

2008-09-13T01:22:00.014-04:00

Ok, in all truthfulness... or should I say "truthiness", (if you know Stephen's character on "The Colbert Report" you get it) I haven't laughed this hard in a long time! These are just a few, fairly hilarious videos I stumbled upon while spending a little time onYoutube, and honestly the "waiter" one... oh man, I was in stitches, crying, sore abs -the whole 9 yards. Every time I watch it, I still laugh. Good stuff... we all need a healthy does of humor now and again... probably more often. Enjoy! :)

'07 Behold the wonder of: The "Nah" Goat!

"Nah, nah, nah." Ha, Love it. One of my favorite Aflac Commecials.

90's. Stephen Colbert & Steve Carell on what I believe is "The Dana Carvey Show"

Below is another good one -the very 1st Aflac Duck Commercial. The Duck brought the public recognition of Aflac from 2% in '99 (just prior to his intro duction, ahem) to 80% in '03!

'99. The 1st Aflac Duck Commercial