Grafix Jam - John Rios

I’m a huge fan of all things Superman. So I felt it my duty, almost a calling to pay homage to the ultimate super hero with my own version of the “Man of Steel.”

This illustration depicts Superman flying high over earth looking straight at the viewer of this illustration as if to say, “I’m coming to get you!”

The question has been asked, “does the world need Superman?” In my estimation we always will. He represents a beacon of hope, good will to all and the best of the American spirit.

I remember in my youth being mesmerized by the great Sophia Loren. Her exotic look and grace held everyone in a hypnotic trance while she moved across the screen. 

This is my first caricature of her. I plan to do another in the near future that captures that impossibly perfect smile.

Jack Black Rocks in an understatement. The man continues to break new ground and do things that no other entertainer, movie star, musician etc.. has done, with a level of professionalism, skill and talent that has proven to be “box office gold.”

I find myself less and less inspired by what “hollywood” and the music industry has to offer. It’s almost like the people that write the checks find talented people, say if you want to “make it” use our formula, get a 200 dollar hair cut and give the public our Canned soup variety of entertainment. Nothing wrong with Canned soup, I just prefer something made from scratch with some creativity. It’s rare anymore that real talent like Jack Black gets to the limelight. 

Thanks for the laughs Jack. Keep it up!

Here is another illustration of an American Olympian that has captured not only gold, but the hearts of everyone. I couldn’t resist illustrating that infectious smile and trying to capture some of that sweet, all american apple pie, little girl from down the street spirit. I hope she comes home to and gets all the love she deserves from her home town and the rest of America.

Shawn Johnson is an inspiration. The look on her moms face when she won gold, said it all for me.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO WALLPAPER PAGE. Hope it brings you inspiration.

CLICK HERE TO GET MICHAEL PHELPS WALLPAPER I decided to finish up this illustration of Michael Phelps, posted four days ago, with this version featuring his eight gold medals. This one will make my wall as a giclee print. I’m so inspired by him and our other athletes. There’s just something about seeing young Americans perform to an almost mythical level of perfection, It makes you proud.  When they’re finished competing and are interviewed, they’re articulate and humble and it makes you even more proud. I have another athlete in mind for my next illustration who has, I would assume, captured the hearts of Americans with those same qualities.  

You would literally have to be from another planet to not have heard of Michael Phelps in the last few days. With more gold than a Rodeo Drive jewelry store, Michael has been an inspiration and a beacon of hope for all Americans. 

This illustration captures, what is to me, the greatest moment of the Beijing Olympics. Taking on a the French team that was expected to beat them and shoving gold medals down their “stuff talking” throats.

God bless Michael Phelps and all of our olympians.

(Michael Phelps top Image 1024×768-wallpaper size)

Hello New York City. I wanted to be the first to tell you to get ready to fall in love with a Detroit Tiger. Pudge will be missed in Detroit but I’m sure I speak for many Tigers fans when I say, we wish him nothing but the best. 

This image of Pudge is 1024×768- desktop wallpaper size, if you’d like to use it as such.

See more of my art (including tigers art) in the gallery of grafixjam.com

The term Monsters of Metal or Monsters of Rock evoke a certain “larger than life, high energy, kick ass and take names imagery in my mind.” In this illustration I decided to illustrate the monster in a more “Rock God” pose. He could and can be screaming and thrashing but, he doesn’t need to. One look and you know you bought a ticket to the right show.

I remember the first time I heard the term Monster of Rock. Several bands where coming to the Pontiac Silver Dome. Van Halen, Metallica, Scorpions, Dokken, Kingdom Come. What an unforgettable show. Even though the Dome has to be the single worst place on the face of the earth to see a show for several reasons, at the end of that day, you felt like you had traveled to another place in time or another planet and seen something the world had never seen before. It was a Rock and Roll one-two punch with a few upper cuts and knock out.

One of my favorite people to draw caricatures of has to be Steven Tyler. The man has to be a favorite of all caricaturists more than likely. He comes with built in exaggerated features.

If anyone was born to be a rock-n-roll bands front man it has to be him. The way he moves across the stage while belting out the most creative lyrics ever written for a rock tune,  is truly a class in “the right way to rock an audience.” My cat is jealous of his moves.

CLICK HERE to download this image as a wallpaper

I met Ted back in 1991 and introduced myself with something profound like “hey Ted, I’m an artist.”  We talked on the phone a few weeks later about some samples I sent him and I’ve been creating art for him ever since.

This is the latest piece I created for Ted. If you catch his tour this summer you will see it prominently displayed on stage. I found a piece of video on youtube.com (ted nugent’s 6000th show at DTE in detroit) that shows the art pretty well, posted by DetroitDan2. Audio isn’t great but you can see how it is used.

Ted is one of those guys who you either love or hate. The man has an opinion and can articulate his point of view in a way that  leaves no doubt as to where he is coming from. I’ve had many conversations with him over the years. Whatever you think of him, I tell you this. The real Ted is a “Good Joe.” His guitar still puts a chill up my spine, and I’m proud as hell to have artwork be a part of nuge history.     Get a wallpaper of the art at tednugent.com. Go to the tour page and click on the “band” link. scroll down

Also found some great photos on “SF weekly.com all shook up” blog