frame in progress

This is my next commission and I've been working on painting a frame around the drawing. It has been a spontaneous process. I was going to paint the bottom corners silver but after painting the aged stone, I decided a copper look would be better. I still have to work out the center stone and tweak it all out when the piece is more complete. Since the drawing is unfinished due to absent reference material, I attacked the frame. I'll post an image of the entire drawing in the future!

"Midnight's Mist" 15" x 20" Acrylic/Oil

My finished commission. I tried a different approach with the acrylic under painting. Usually I'm pretty loose and aggressive but I took a more patient path blending out the acrylic with a stiff brush creating smoother transitions in some areas. Something I've never tried but I'm happy with the outcome.

Spectrum 19 submissions

Here are my entries for Spectrum 19 that I sent out in December. I'm hoping at least one will be accepted this year. You can see these images in better detail on my website.

Illuxcon 4, 2011

Illuxcon was once again an eye opening, mind blowing experience. Fortunately I have had the opportunity to attend and display my work two years in a row. Hopefully, I'll be going back next year. Speaking with the artists, being surrounded by so much of their amazing work is truly inspiring. It definitely makes me realize how much there is to learn, how much growth I have in myself and my art.

Two of my paintings sold which lead me to some commission work that I'm currently creating. Many thanks to Paul & LizAnn Lizotte and to Greg Obaugh for enjoying my work enough to purchase it! I had the opportunity to meet Zoe Robinson from Fantasy Flight Games and Lauren Panepinto from Orbit Books. I also had a portfolio review with Jon Schindehette, Art Director for D&D. Thanks for your time and advice guys!

The Event was held in Altoona, PA. from Thursday, Nov. 3 to Sunday, Nov. 6. Thursday was the Main Show set up and opening. The artwork was on display through Sunday. Friday after the show, I attended the Showcase held in the Ramada Ballroom which was pretty incredible. The Aftershow party in Grant Cooley, Michael & Paul Bielaczyc's room is always a blast. Too many double scotches on the rocks from the bar before hand for me though :) Thanks guys!

The Saturday Award Ceremony/Music Jam was at the Ramada Ballroom this year. I decided to perform a song I wrote for my little daughter for the 1st time live. I also jammed "Helter Skelter" by The Beatles with Mark Zug and Alan Pollack. Thanks to Mark Zug and everyone involved! I wish I had video of the Jam and more pics of the entire experience but here are a few below. Trust me, if you've never been to Illuxcon you need to attend. Pat & Jeannie Wilshire, I'll never be able to thank you both enough for what you've created and what you've done for my life.
My table at the Main Show. You can see more of my work on my website.
Alan Pollack painting away.
Steve Prescott's table. He lives in the same city but I never see him around!
Mark Poole's table. Glad I got to chat with him this year.
Joe Kovach's table. I rode up with him, Eric Fortune and Johnny Pham, an aspiring artist. Next to Joe is William O'connor.
John Jude Palencar's table.
Eric Velhagen's table and Tyler Jacobson.
Jeff Easley's table.
John Harris All the way from Europe! Wish I could've seen his painting demo.
Thomas Kuebler next to one of his amazing sculptures. Turns out his wife went to the same high shcool I attended.
Julie Bell & Boris Vallejo's table.

"Awakening Light" 15" x 20" Acrylic/Oil

This is my finished piece. I was able to complete it before my trip to Illuxcon 4. I'm happy to say that it sold. Many thanks to Paul and LizAnn for the purchase and also to Greg for purchasing my Eowyn painting. Stay tuned for a few words and photos from my Illuxcon trip on my next post! It was an awesome time!

My New Website!

I've been thinking about displaying my work on a website for the last couple years but I had to create a good body of work first before accomplishing that task. With countless hours of painting and help from my brother with the site design, I was able to do just that. Today I'm very excited to announce that the website has officially launched! soutchay.com

"Beholder" 12" x 24" Acrylic/Oil

Another completed portfolio piece. I will be bringing the original to Illuxcon 4 with me in November. The maquettes I built for reference helped me out tremendously! I'm sure I've stated this before but if you've never built a simple model for reference, you should experiment and take the time out to do so. It usually helps the painting process move fast and smooth. You can see the Beholder reference maquette in my previous post. Hope you all enjoy the piece! Big thanks to openimagestudio !