Sketchbook work

Here is some recent work from my sketchbook.

some thoughts on my favorite band




random subjects




more random subjects

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The beauty of the polaroid

I've known for a while that I wanted to use photography in my illustration work but I hadn't fine tuned the approach to the point where I felt comfortable putting some work out into the world. I knew that I didn't want my shots to have too much realism and I certainly didn't want the perfection of a digital camera. That's why I chose a polaroid camera; the slightly out of focus image, the slightly desaturated subject, the expected and unexpected imperfections. For those interested, I have more background story in my blog.

Here are two finished pieces; I'm working on six others, I'll post them when they're completed.

subject/concept: "it's still winter"
materials: pen and prismacolor marker on a polaroid photo




subject/concept: "what's missing?..."
materials: pen and prismacolor marker on a polaroid photo



© 2008 joe blend. All rights reserved.

Small drawings on pre-treated paper

Almost a year ago, I covered a 9x12 piece of canvas textured paper with gouache. This treatment was to be the background for an illustration that never saw pen to paper. I stumbled upon that piece of paper last night and decided to cut it up into various pieces based on the lines and forms created by the paint. Then they were tucked away into my journal for future, random use.

Well, I couldn't resist the bold orange and red peeking out from the top of my journal so I committed myself to drawing simple contour/gesture drawings based on the patterns in the background. Here's what I came up with...

concept: "leadership"
materials: pen and gouache on canvas textured paper
dimensions: 6" x 2.75"




concept: "the way it used to be"
materials: pen and gouache on canvas textured paper
dimensions: 6.75" x 3"




concept: random flowers
materials: pen and gouache on canvas textured paper
dimensions: 6" x 1.50"




concept: flower and grass
materials: pen and gouache on canvas textured paper
dimensions: 6" x 3"



© 2008 joe blend. All rights reserved.

SFG: "Round"

Subject: spice rack
Materials: pen, prismacolor marker, and bay leaves on paper



© 2008 joe blend. All rights reserved.

An illustration with sketch studies

This is an illustration I created a few months ago but hit a roadblock when it came to applying color.

subject/concept: the travels of a modern day pioneer
materials: pen, graphite, and watercolor



character studies, some of which were used in the above illustration...



more studies...



© 2008 joe blend. All rights reserved.

A brief introduction

Just wanted to introduce myself to the group!

My name is Joe Blend and I'm a graphic designer for a national non-profit, as well as an independent illustrator. Here are a few samples of my work:

subject: coffee and Seattle, WA
materials: pen, graphite, and espresso on paper




subject: airplane bathroom
materials: pen and prismacolor marker on newsprint




subject: screw
materials: pen and graphite on handmade paper



All work © 2008 joe blend. All rights reserved.

You can view my complete portfolio as well as some random experiments, excercises, and articles at http://www.abstractlatte.com/ . I look forward to some great dialogue and to viewing some outstanding work!

Joe.