Grafix Jam - John Rios

Paul Shaffer

Well another year has nearly come to a close. Not sure if I’ll get a chance to blog again this year so, just in case, I thought I’d post one of my favorite projects from this year.

This is my caricature of Paul Shaffer. Most people know him from the Late Show with David Letterman. Paul is also as well known in the music industry as any major name you can think of. He’s kind of the “Bill Gates of the Keyboard.” He knows everyone in the business and everyone knows him. You should pick up his new book-available on amazon- and read for yourself. He’s had a pretty jaw dropping life so far.

This caricature of Paul was a commision I received. It’s a gift to Paul for his birthday from some friends of his. Now that I think of it, they’re friends of mine too so I guess you could say Paul and I hang in the same social circle….. Or NOT…Just kidding.

This year was a year filled with some of the most amazing celebrity encounters you can imagine. I’ve rubbed elbows with the likes of movie stars and  several rock stars that I could only dream about meeting. Now my artwork has dressed their stages, or will appear in their movie. Simply amazing to me. As I write this, I’m working on a new stage for a band that is very popular. Their tour hasn’t even started and from what I’ve seen, most of their shows are sold out. Crazy!!, I get to do this.

I hope that next year us just wonderful for us all. I hope your arms hurt from all the money you have to carry to the bank. I wish you all the best, health, love and all.

Russel Hantz from Survivor

Here is a sketch I did this morning of Russel Hantz, Survivor. Yes, I am one of those that think the man should have one. It really came down to a sort of popularity contest with the jury. He was less popular because of the things he did to the other players. The thing is, Survivor has been around for 19 seasons. those people know how the game is played.

Russel played an awesome game of Survivor. He out played them and I think they just couldn’t stand it. Maybe he could have been more humble, or kept some of his thoughts to himself a little more.That might have helped, but overall the man was the winner of survivor 19 to me.

Tiger Woods (

Of course I a had to do a caricature of Tiger Woods. Maybe not for the reasons you would think.

I had a long post here but decided to edit it. Long story short= Enough already with Tiger woods on every news station all day and night. NBC, CBS, ABC and FOX.. If you’ve forgotten, We have soldiers dyeing every day in two wars. People need jobs now more than ever in my life time.  This health care reform thing is going to bite us in the butt.

Look at all the names on this mocked up magazine. People cheating isn’t news, It’s common and the people that are doing it are people we have elected into the highest offices in this country or they’re supposed to be credible journalists. Tigers’ just a golfer…not our moral compass. I know all about what he did now and yes, it was awful, so lets move on.

ROCKY

This weekend I drew a caricature of Sylvester Stallone from the first Rocky. I can’t exactly put my finger on why I was inspired to do an illustration of Rocky now. It’s not the hot topic of the week or anything. I think it was because of what Rocky represents. Digging down and fighting to make it. The American spirit, patriotism and all things  that are inspirational. I chose this version because it represents Rocky before he made it, when he was still struggling. I think we are all struggling now and I hope this image of Rocky helps remind you that you can still make it, and inspires you.

Dragon detail

Dragon Detail

Here is my latest illustration, I just finihsed it three minutes ago. This illustration of a dragon flying off into the wild yonder clutching a warrior by the leg, is offically the illustration I spent the most time on in my life. I started over a month ago and have been working on it since. The thing you can’t tell from this image is that the dragon is huge. With the right printer, this could be output over 10′ tall. Every detail is there from the scales to the blood shot eyes, even the eyelashes on the warrior are there.

I am offering this piece as a limited eddition giclee print. Will print to any custom size up to 80″ tall. until I get it posted in my store you can call me for cost details and I will quote it based on your needs.- I can get the prints to you before Christmas yet if you call by the 18th-dec.

go to my web site for contact info. CLICK HERE

model Asphyxia

Every now and then it really hits me how wonderful the internet is. Case in point… This summer I became aware of a model/artist that goes by the name Asphyxia. If you haven’t seen her amazing images on the internet I have a feeling you soon will. There are thousands of models out there but this one really strikes a chord with me. She seems to have this almost magical command of her body and the ability to project so much emotion, artistic beauty and fierce attitude with her poses. I am a fan for sure and I hope you will be too.

If you’re a creative director, movie director, photographer or company that needs an amazing young talent to help bring attention with an edge to your next project, I highly recomend you check her out.

CLICK HERE TO SEE IMAGES OF HER

She has a myspace too, look her up.