Imaginism Studios Blog

Brazil Workshop with Bobby Chiu, Stephen Silver, and Francisco Herrera!

2012-01-26T12:33:00.006-05:00

Imaginism Studios at Bande Dessinée, Angoulême!

2012-01-25T00:03:00.001-05:00

Winter Sale is back. $100 off Schoolism

2011-12-28T19:52:00.003-05:00

*What is a self-taught class? It means you can activate the class whenever you chose. At which time you would have 100 days to finish the course. You can also watch the previous critiques of other students assignments. The only difference is that you won't receive personal critiques on your own assignments.

Christmas Herald

2011-12-21T14:19:00.006-05:00

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and POSITIVE New Year!
xo Kei

*print

MIB3 trailer

2011-12-14T20:33:00.005-05:00

You can see one of the creatures Tbear and I designed at around 17 sec mark. It's the blurry one in the tank :)

I'll post concept art pics after the film comes out and I get the ok.

Bobby

'The Perfect Bait' is Now Available on the App Store!

2011-12-12T13:46:00.002-05:00

You asked for it. We listened.

The Black Keys for Rolling Stone

2011-12-08T12:33:00.001-05:00

The Black Keys for Rolling Stone! I'd like to say thank you to Steven at RS for thinking of me for this one.

Ever since I was 15 I dreamed of painting for Rolling Stone. This is my fourth painting for them and I hope to do many more. Besides the personal high of painting for RS, I am a fan of The Black Keys and have been listening to their music for years, so painting them for RS was quite the honor.

A Christmas Shopping Message from the Purchasing Dept.

2011-11-29T21:25:00.004-05:00

Hi everybody!

First of all, we'd like to thank you all for your patronage of our site, our blog, and our store this past year! We are truly humbled and grateful for everyone's support!

As you know, the holiday season is fast approaching and always, if you choose to visit our online store for your gift-giving ideas, we will always ship your purchases for FREE worldwide via Canada Post regular airmail.

As advised by Canada Post, due to the increased postal volume during this time of year, to ensure that your purchase will arrive to you before Dec. 24, please kindly complete your order by December 2.

If you have any questions regarding holiday shipping, please do not hesitate to email us at purchasing[@]imaginismstudios.com!

Happy Holidays!

Purchasing Dept.

The Perfect Bait is now available

2011-11-28T00:00:00.006-05:00

My new book "The Perfect Bait" is now available on www.theperfectbait.com. For a limited time there is free shipping world wide and you get access to the audiobook version as well. If you like the book, share this please :)

Bobby

Here's some reviews and testimonials.

One thing that I've learned knowing the author and that his book The Perfect Bait wholeheartedly confirms, is that Bobby Chiu knows what he's talking about. Having developed an art style and built a career for myself, I've done much of what Bobby lays out, but had I this book my path would have been much more clear. Though not any easier mind you. You're still going to have to work your tail off. Bobby gives a usually unpleasant dose of reality but with an optimistic enthusiasm that makes his book truly motivational.

Bill Presing
billpresing.blogspot.com
Cartoonist / Pixar Animation Story Artist

The Perfect Bait is a tremendous amalgam of philosophical and practical knowledge which can only be dispensed by a true master artist in Bobby Chiu. In it Bobby selflessly imparts the knowledge, truths and systems that have made him the sought-after talent that he is. His candid and honest views are based on real-life experience and is a source of genuine inspiration. The Perfect Bait is a benefit to us in the art community and more importantly, it contains useful tools that transcend art that can help us improve our daily lives

Louie del Carmen
www.louiedelcarmen.com
Dreamworks Story Artist

Bobby has done it once again in The Perfect Bait, combining both inspiration, perspiration and aspiration. With a series of interviews with the art industry's top professionals -- combined with his own experiences -- Bobby has written a most inspiring and knowledgeable how-to book. In this five step method, The Perfect Bait is the perfect book for aspiring artists.

Marcelo Vignali
vignalistudio.blogspot.com
Sony Pictures Animation
Production Designer / Illustrator

If I could have heard this when I began my career it would have been a game changer. It's what I wanted to know at the start and would have needed along the way.

Bobby filled it with wisdom and insight beyond his years and importantly it is backed up by the solid experience and skill of your self and those he interviewed. I will be giving this as a gift to any artist beginning a career and when asked by parents or students where to find advice, this will be number one, if not the only one. I am truly impressed. This should be listened to by every art student. I definitely will be sharing it with my students when it is released. Most importantly, it is something you will not only want to listen to once, but repeatedly over and over as your career progresses. I'm sure it will inform and influence many artists just as you have already.

Werner Zimmermann
wernerzimmermann.ca
Life drawing teacher / Educator

The Perfect Bait is an inspiring and informative audiobook for visual artists. In this book, Bobby have generously shared some philosophies that extremely useful not only for those who want to pursue an art career but to professional artists alike.

Listen to it with positive mind and I'm sure you'll find wealth of gems that you can use in your career and life in general. I personally will listen to it more than once. Definitely something that I wish I had own years ago.

Charles Santoso
www.charlessantoso.com
Concept Artist/ Art Director, Animal Logic

This audiobook is a real asset for anyone who is serious about a career in visual arts. Bobby has compiled some of the best practical (and inspirational) information for success in this field. If you're looking to make an impact in this industry, you need to listen to this.

Everett Downing
www.edowning.com
Pixar Animator

There is a lot of great practical advice in this book. I found the last two sections to be particularly useful to someone wanting to build a career in the arts. It's stuff that isn't talked about enough in art schools, so its good to know someone is putting that information out there.

Alex Woo
www.woohoopictures.com
Pixar Story Artist / Pixar Gesture Drawing Instructor

Happy Thanksgiving! Schoolism Black Friday Sale starts Tomorrow

2011-11-24T15:32:00.003-05:00

PoseBook by Silver

2011-11-22T12:28:00.001-05:00

I wanted to share with you a great new resource that I created for all types of artists. here is a link to the website to watch a video and links to the app.
video
female PoseBook
male PoseBook
How does an artist get better at drawing? Very simple, by drawing. That practice,the act of being inspired and finding new approaches is what moves an artist to the next level.

The purpose of this book is to provide you with images to inspire you. A book dedicated to help guide every artist, to learn about, construction, form, balance anatomy, proportion, folds in clothing, gesture, silhouettes, portraiture, lighting, hands, perspective, and contrast.

New Bobby Chiu Original Watercolor for Charity Auction

2011-11-17T00:00:00.004-05:00

CTN expo in Burbank. Table 40-41

2011-11-14T11:42:00.001-05:00

CTN expo is happening this weekend. One of our favorite shows. It's quickly become a must for people wanting to get into the feature animation industry.

Oils back in Effect

2011-11-10T16:30:00.002-05:00

Been working with some traditional Oil Painting again recently between projects. I have a lot of pieces scheduled in the next months. Will be updating on the progression throughout. Here's one for now, before going into the 'color' stage.

This technique used is the dutch flemish technique which is taught by Tom Fluharty from Schoolism. It is a great technique to build your confidence in oils first with tonal work before going into colour. If you are interested in this, go ahead and check out the class, there is a lot of great info to be learned.

Happy Halloween 2011!

2011-10-30T21:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone! The Imaginism crew spent the day carving pumpkins with our 4 wonderful artists that are participating in our 30 day In-House workshop.

So much fun!

Bobby

Leisl & Po by Lauren Oliver

2011-10-26T13:17:00.020-04:00

A while back, I had the pleasure of illustrating this wonderful childrens book, "Leisl & Po" by Lauren Oliver. Its finally in stores and now I can show you some of the art inside. It is a unique story about a girl, who is visited by a ghost that tells her her dead father is stuck on Limbo and that only she can help him cross over...
I heard the book has been getting alot of praise from the children's book industry, and I am just happy and proud to be a part of it.

Some preliminary sketches..

from Youtube..

If you'd like to know more about Lauren Oliver and her books here is her site :
www.laurenoliverbooks.com

Also, I would like to send a BIG THANK YOU to the fine people at Harper Collins for being such great people to work with~ And to Lauren, for writing a terrific book!

-Kei

Kei Acedera Drawing

2011-10-07T11:34:00.003-04:00

A drawing of Kei Acedera.

FYI: Kei, Chanp and I will be at the NY Comicon next weekend! Come by and say hello. Table U15 & 16

The Familiars - "Secrets of the Crown" Released!

2011-09-26T03:14:00.008-04:00

Recently the new children's novel that I have been busy with drawing and painting late 2010 to Early 2011, has been released now.

You can purchase a copy of it either in your local Chapters, Indigo, Borders, or Barnes and Noble or Amazon.

On Amazon.com, you can purchase it as a hardcover book or an e-book on kindle.

After illustrating the first book, the adventure continues in book two of 'The Familiars - Secrets of the Crown'. The book will be a continuation of the first book.

When human magic disappears suddenly from Vastia, it falls on the familiars, Aldwyn the telekinetic cat, Skylar the know-it-all blue, jay, and Gilbert the gullible tree frog--to find the Crown of the Snow Leopard, an ancient relic that can reverse the curse. They learn that the only way to do this is by following in the purple paw prints of Aldwyn's father, who'd gone missing while searching for the Crown years earlier. This magical spirit trail extends into the Beyond, where our heroes encounter new enemies and danger, while Aldwyn learns about his mysterious past.

Full of high-flying adventure and heartwarming friendships, SECRETS OF THE CROWN shows how great it is to be familiar with The Familiars!

Here are a selected few illustrations that I worked on - all of them were done traditionally, in total I have completed about 20 illustrations for the book:

Follow @the_familiars on twitter for more future updates on the series.

Micro Rhino

2011-08-22T13:20:00.003-04:00

Last week I posted a Micro Elephant and a lot of people thought that it was cute but they aren't as cute as the Micro Rhinoceros.

The "Micro Rhino" lives in the thick jungles of the Congo. The best way to lure out this very shy creature is by offering its favorite food... chocolate chip cookies.

Micro Elephant

2011-08-15T13:37:00.002-04:00

The "Micro Elephant" lives in the thick jungles of the amazon. They are timid creatures due to their small size and inability to defend themselves. Very rarely scene with the untrained eye.

-Bobby

Shark and Spotted Tobi

2011-08-08T11:01:00.003-04:00

In celebration of Shark Week last week. :)
Ball point pen drawing with a quick pass with Photoshop

The Spotted Tobi is a gentle, friendly creature that smells out tasty vegetation and roots that grow underground.

Bobby

Gary Clark Jr. for Rolling Stone

2011-08-02T10:31:00.001-04:00

I did this painting last week for the music reviews section of Rolling Stone. It was a quick turnaround. I was called for the job at 3:00 p.m. last Thursday, and the final was due 3:00 p.m. Friday, the following day.

I truly enjoy every chance I get to paint for Rolling Stone, and I enjoy working with the art directors as well. For me, painting musicians for Rolling Stone is a dream come true, it's something I've always wanted to do.

I really enjoyed my time while working on this piece. Like the "blues", I just went for it, painted with emotion and feeling . . . and over all, my goal was to capture character and mood.

It's not caricature, but just as exciting for me. For me the challenge for capturing a person's essence and character is even greater when not caricatured, and so it's fulfilling for me to paint a piece like this and try to capture what I was seeing in my head.

I enjoy seeing how the work looks in print.

These are a few of my really quick thumbnails. The point of these were to help me come up with a nice framing, or composition and because of my short turn around, it had to be done quickly.

This is my color sketch, working out types of colors that I wanted to use.

This is an earlier phase in the painting that I saved to share some of the block in and process.

Tigeera

2011-08-01T14:16:00.002-04:00

Tigeera is the giant prehistoric missing link between Tigers and Fish.

A late night sketch I did after finishing work in the wee hours of the morning.

Bobby

San Diego Comicon 2011

2011-07-18T12:54:00.005-04:00

Hey all,

For those of you that will be looking for us at San Diego Comicon...

Imaginism Studios will be at Table G6 & G7
Come here first to get the full selection of prints and get them signed.

Schoolism will be at Booth 2042
Come here second to get portfolio critiques and/or watch free demos by one of the Schoolism teachers: Stephen Silver, Anthony Jones, Alvin Lee, Kino Scialabba and Bobby Chiu

We plan on being there on preview night as well. We will try to bring some originals to sell for that night :)

See you there!

Mawsey Toad

2011-07-13T01:24:00.004-04:00

Here's a collaboration piece with Thierry Lafontaine (Senior painter at Imaginism Studios)

Designed by Bobby Chiu & Thierry Lafontaine
Painted by Thierry Lafontaine
Medium: Acrylic on Board
12"x12"

"The Mawsey Toad is a result of mating a Mawsey with a One-Eyed Toad.

It is often used by shamans to develop their ability at soul gazing. They claim that staring into the deep, silvery blue eyes of the Mawsey Toad allows one to gaze into the mind of one's enemy."

The Elephobi Rodent

2011-07-05T11:47:00.002-04:00

Saw an Elephobi Rodent last night. Their slow actions make it much easier & fun to sketch.

The Elephobi is the slowest and heaviest animal in the rodent family but the extremely thick skin and sheer weight of the Elephobi rodent keeps this slow beast protected from any predators.

Average weight: Male 60 tons, Female 45 tons
Top speed: 3 mph/hr

Early Bloom - ImagineFX 72

2011-06-29T09:35:00.001-04:00

Title: Early Bloom

Once every ten years, before the red flowers of the Rutilus Tree fully bloom, the Blossoming Dissimulic will come out of its nest inside the tree to feed. The bright red hairs on its antlers resemble Rutilus flowers and attract a huge array of little critters from the forest. This one week of feeding will sustain the Dissimulic as it hibernates until the next Rutilus blossom.

---------------------------------------------------------
This painting was done for the cover of ImagineFX 72. The whole issue is on creatures so I was more than excited to do the cover! I also added an hour long tutorial of the making of the cover. It's on the dvd that comes with the magazine. Big thanks goes out to Claire & Paul for being such a joy to work with. Look for it in your local bookstore or buy the issue HERE

We'll also have a few prints of "Early Bloom" at San Diego Comicon.

Close-Ups

Wallpaper 1200x1600

The Boy Who Lived

2011-06-27T12:21:00.012-04:00

New painting by Kei Acedera. Titled: The Boy Who Lived.
For the Harry Potter tribute show at Nucleus Gallery
Click HERE to view more awesome entries for the show.

Elephant Mouse

2011-06-20T10:55:00.003-04:00

A gift for a friend.

Elephant mice are born the size of walnuts but grow to 3 times the size of African elephants.

Ball point pen on paper.

Bobby

New Schoolism class: Creature Design with Anthony Jones

2011-06-03T13:20:00.009-04:00

*NEW CLASS - Creature Design with Anthony Jones is now open for registration!

3 creatures: Horkin Crane, Silva Amicus and Amphibious One Eyed Squirrel

2011-05-25T07:45:00.002-04:00

Species: Silva Amicus

The appearance of the Silva Amicus is great sign of a healthy forest. It's a spiritual creature born from the fruit of a Rutilus Tree which can only bare fruit once every 10,000 years. The Silva Amicus helps to heal injured animals by feeding them the pedals off it's head. Once all the pedals are gone, the Silva Amicus will merge back into the tree from which it came.

Species: Horkin Crane

This creature is called a Horkin Crane because of its habit of not only spitting (like it's distant cousin the camel) but it actually horks up a big loogie and then spits at you.

It's the missing link to how horses actually evolved from birds at one point!
Unfortunately this drawing is the only known image of the elusive creature.

ball point pen with some ink and gouache.

Here's a collaboration piece with Thierry Lafontaine (Senior painter at Imaginism Studios)
Designed by Bobby Chiu & Thierry Lafontaine
Painted by Thierry Lafontaine
Medium: Acrylics
"The Amphibious One Eyed Squirrel is a result of mating an Aqua Squirrel with an One Eyed Toad. It has very powerful hopping abilities and swims extremely quickly in water. It's looked at as a spiritual creature to certain tribes and is used in many ceremonies. It is said that if you lick the eye of the creature, you'll be able to see into the future for a good 5 to 15 minutes."

Imaginism Studios' In-House Workshop

2011-05-15T04:12:00.028-04:00

We are excited to announce that Imaginism Studios is accepting 4 artists for a super exclusive experience to move in the Imaginism House in Toronto, Canada and will go through an intense and super fun workshop for 30 days straight. Everything you'll need will be provided for you. Bed, furniture, food, computers etc.

CLICK FOR MORE INFO

Mouse Puppy

2011-05-12T10:28:00.000-04:00

Mouse Puppy

Mouse Puppies are shy animals and only appear when someone very pure of heart is near by.

--------------------------------
Here's a new wallpaper I made for a friend of mine. 1600x1200.

Sending positive vibes everyone

Bobby

Charity Auction Bidding Starts Today!

2011-05-05T16:24:00.016-04:00

Hi everyone, bidding has started today for our online charity auction "A Gift for Nature".

Together as independent artists we have donated 3 pieces of original works to help raise money for two lovely animal rehabilitation centers in Brazil. All proceeds (minus shipping expenses) will be split between these two centers. As a studio, we have always been inspired by the spirit and charm of animals in our lives, some we are fortunate to have as pets and some we see running freely in the wild. During a recent visit to Brazil, Bobby and Kei visited the animal rehabilitation center there and had a chance to see all of these animals saved from their hard past.

Bidding is starting at the price of $0.99! Please click on the following images to be lead to our auction page for bidding.

"Bear Interrupted"
by Kei Acedera
9'' x 12.25''
Gouache on Paper
VIEW AUCTION

"Animal Mind Control"
by Bobby Chiu
5'' x 6.5''
Pen, Inks and Gouache on Paper, Framed
VIEW AUCTION

"Newborn"
by Chanp & Bobby Chiu
7.75'' x 10''
Acrylic & Oils on Board
VIEW AUCTION

100% of proceeds and sales (minus shipping costs) from this art auction will be donated to support this cause. To find out more information about these organizations and charity, please visit below.

Mata Ciliar - http://www.mataciliar.org.br/
Project Mucky - http://www.projetomucky.com.br/
If interested in email donations via Paypal, please send to: projetomucky@projetomucky.br

Chanp

Bear Interrupted

2011-05-04T18:38:00.004-04:00

This gouache painting will be auctioned off on this Friday May 6th, 2011. Proceeds (minus shipping expenses) will be split and donated to these two lovely animal rehabilitation centers in Brazil.
Wildcats: http://www.mataciliar.org.br
Monkeys: http://www.projetomucky.com.br
Get notified about this and future original art sales/auctions by emailing info (at) imaginismstudios.com and ask to be notified about original art.

Kei

Animal Mind Control

2011-05-02T18:31:00.002-04:00

Sticky seeds fall from Mind-bender trees during this time of year. Be careful! If they land on your head and is not removed within 24 hours, the plant will sprout and take over the host.

This drawing will be auctioned off on this Friday May 6th, 2011. Proceeds (minus shipping expenses) will be split and donated to these two lovely animal rehabilitation centers in Brazil.
Wildcats: mataciliar.org.br
Monkeys: http://www.projetomucky.com.br
Get notified about this and future original art sales/auctions by emailing info (at) imaginismstudios.com and ask to be notified about original art.

Animal Rehabilitation Center, Brazil

2011-04-28T14:30:00.003-04:00

People know that we love animals so when we went to Sao Paulo we were invited to 2 amazing animal rehabilitation centers. Over our 9-day trip to Brazil, we've met a bunch of really nice people who have dedicated their lives to rehabilitating wild life animals.

These animals arrive at a result of trafficking, fires, hunting, deforestation, urban invasions, and among other reasons, were sent by the Riparian Forest Fire Department, Environmental Police, Municipal Guard, and other institutions.

Many of these animals are treated but cannot be relocated in nature, either for possessing physical injuries as mutilation or the long period in captivity.

However these rehabilitation centers are always in need of more funding so we've decided to do some art to help out the animals! Stay tuned for more info on Monday.

For more information, please visit:

Wildcats: mataciliar.org.br
Monkeys: http://www.projetomucky.com.br

Happy Easter!

2011-04-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

When my friend Doug Gregory asked me to do a "Easter Goblin" for WoW cards, it was such a funny idea, I couldn't say no.

Another dream job I can cross off my list :)

Happy Easter everyone!

Bobby

The Conezone!

2011-04-23T12:16:00.001-04:00

I've been a big fan of Conan's for years now, ever since I was in high school, and absolutely love him. I've been wanting to paint Conan for a while now and decided it was finally time to have a go.

I want to thank my model's, my wife Kat and my friend Kyle!

Detail

Detail

$20,000 raised for Artists Help Japan: Toronto

2011-04-20T21:21:00.005-04:00

Artists Help Japan: Toronto from Bobby Chiu on Vimeo.

On April 17th 2011, Alvin Lee, Chris Butcher of Beguiling, Udon Entertainment, Imaginism Studios and Revival bar held a kick ass art party/auction where there were DJs, music, famous artists, live sketching and an auction to help raise $20,000 for the Tsunami victims of Japan (through Canadian Red Cross.) We were very proud to be a part of it!

Participating DJs at Artists Help Japan: Toronto included: Riviera [Perfecto,Myth, Kinetika NYC], Felix & Gani [Milk. Audio], Lazy Ray [Nighttrackin'], Gerrence [Nighttrakkin'], Alvaro G [Kings Of Late Night], Roland Gonzales [Studio+], Carlovega [Studio+], Jason Ulrich [Lab.Our Union],Shingo [Hot Sauce], Uncle Matty & Dutty Maus [The Beacs], and Illscience.

Artists that day included: Agnes Garbowska, Alex Milne, Alvin Lee, Benoit Therriault, Bobby Chiu, Brian McLachlan, Chip Zdarsky, Dale Keown, Eric Kim, Eric Vedder, Francis Manapul, Jason Bradshaw, Jeff Lemire, Jim Zub, Joe Ng, Julie Faulkner, Kagan Mcleod, Kalman Andrasofszky, Kei Acedera, Ken Lashley, Marcio Takara, Marcus To, Michael Cho, Peter Chan, Ramon Perez, Ray Fawkes, Scott Hepburn, Seo Kim, Stuart Immonen, Svetlana Chmakova, Thierry Lafontaine and a number of other local artists who showed up on the day of the event to offer their support and assistance!

Artists Help Japan: Toronto - Online bids starting as low as $0.99

2011-04-10T20:31:00.003-04:00

Poster by Kei Acedera

Hi Everyone,

The Artists Help Japan event is coming up in Toronto!

We have just put up part 1 of the artwork for bidding and they all start as low as $0.99
Please take a look at the great artwork generously donated by some very talented artists!

The online portion of this auction starts now and will end on April 17th 12:00am EST. Once the online portion for bidding ends, the items will be transferred to our LIVE event for display and for LIVE bidding at Revival Bar in Toronto, Canada. If there are no higher bids in the LIVE event, the piece will go to the highest bidder in the online auction.

Click here to follow through to our Online Auction.

About our Live event on April 17th:
This event will feature more than 24 artists and illustrators from the Greater Toronto Area creating original drawings for 12 hours! This is an unprecedented opportunity for the general public to commission an original drawing from a professional artist and watch its creation in process; the artist’s fee will be donated entirely to the Canadian Red Cross.

Artists Help Japan: Toronto
Toronto’s Illustration Community Fundraiser for Quake and Tsunami Relief
At REVIVAL, 783 College Street, Toronto
...Sunday April 17th, 12 Noon to 12 Midnight
Free To Attend – All Ages
http://artistshelpjapan.blogspot.com/

For more information about the LIVE event, please visit our facebook page.

Some of the artists participating in the pre-event online auction are:
- Dice Tsutsumi
- Kei Acedera
- Bobby Chiu
- Thierry Lafontaine
- Benoit Therriault
- Alvin Lee (coming soon)
- Camila d'Errico (coming soon)
...and more to come.

The Ugly Duckling

2011-04-05T10:14:00.002-04:00

The Ugly Duckling.

There once was a duckling that didn't look like any of his brothers or sisters. He looked very ugly and everyone made fun of him. As the duckling grew into an adult he turned from ugly to scary.

So scary that his brothers and sisters became too scared to make fun of him anymore. The end.

Bobby

Artists Help Japan: Toronto - April 17th

2011-03-29T11:08:00.006-04:00

Poster by Kei Acedera

Dice Tsutsumi contacted us to see if we could do a fundraiser for the "Artist Help Japan" movement in Toronto and so we decided to call up some friends...

On April 17th Imaginism, Udon Entertainment, Alvin Lee & Beguiling are joining forces to throw an epic art party! Music, art and alcohol... how can you go wrong?

Artists Help Japan: Toronto
Toronto’s Illustration Community Fundraiser for Quake and Tsunami Relief
At REVIVAL, 783 College Street, Toronto
...Sunday April 17th, 12 Noon to 12 Midnight
Free To Attend – All Ages
http://artistshelpjapan.blogspot.com/

FEATURING LIVE ART BY:
KEI ACEDERA, KALMAN ANDRASOFSZKY, JASON BRADSHAW, BOBBY CHIU, SVETLANA CHMAKOVA, JULIE FAULKNER, SCOTT HEPBURN, STUART IMMONEN, DALE KEOWN, ERIC KIM, KEN LASHLEY, JEFF LEMIRE, ALVIN LEE, FRANCIS MANAPUL, ALEX MILNE, JOE NG, RAMON PEREZ, MARCIO TAKARA, MARCUS TO, ERIC VEDDER, JIM ZUB, + MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

DJ SETS + MUSIC PROVIDED BY:
RIVIERA [PERFECTO,MYTH, KINETIKA NYC], LAZY RAY [NIGHTTRACKIN'], GERRENCE [NIGHTTRAKKIN'], ALVARO G [KINGS OF LATE NIGHT], ROLAND GONZALES [STUDIO+], CARLOVEGA [STUDIO+], JASON ULRICH [LAB.OUR UNION],SHINGO [HOT SAUCE]

PRESS RELEASE:

TORONTO—Toronto’s Illustration and Artistic Community comes together on April 17th in a 12 hour art-event at Revival. The unique event will raise money to aid relief efforts in Japan following the devastating recent earthquake and tsunami there. Spearheaded by a consortium of Toronto illustration studios, the Artists Help Japan: Toronto event is the local iteration of a charity movement begun by Pixar Art Director Dice Tsutsumi. The Toronto edition will feature live art shows, a silent auction, and dozens of artists and illustrators selling commissioned drawings, with all proceeds benefiting the Canadian Red Cross.

“As artists we are tremendously inspired by Japan and Japanese culture,” says Bobby Chiu, the illustrator, teacher and founder of Toronto’s Imaginism studios behind the Artists Help Japan: Toronto event. “We were all personally affected by the quake, tsunami, and resulting damage. It is important to give back for all that Japan has given us, and we can think of no better way to do so than with our art.”

Artists Help Japan: Toronto will feature more than 24 artists and illustrators from the Greater Toronto Area creating original drawings for 12 hours! This is an unprecedented opportunity for the general public to commission an original drawing from a professional artist and watch its creation in process; the artist’s fee will be donated entirely to the Canadian Red Cross.

In addition:
- Dozens more cartoonists will donate original art, books, and other rare items to be featured in a silent-auction on-site at Revival Bar.
- Live art demonstrations from Toronto Illustrators on stage, with the final pieces to be auctioned off live at the event
- $1 from the sale of every drink at Revival Bar will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross.

Admission to the ARTISTS HELP JAPAN: TORONTO event is free, and all ages are welcome. The event will run from 12 Noon to 12 Midnight.

ABOUT:

Artists Help Japan is a charity movement initiated by Dice Tsutsumi, an art director at Pixar Animation Studios, who was also behind 2008 Totoro Forest Project to help preserve Sayama Forest in Japan and Sketchtravel Project, to gather the force of communities of artists and creative minds around the world. We believe artists have special roles to contribute to the society. http://artistshelpjapan.blogspot.com/

Artists Help Japan: Toronto is spearheaded by Imaginism Studios President and illustrator Bobby Chiu, who was contacted by Dice Tsutsumi to run the Toronto event. Working with Illustrator Alvin Lee, Udon Entertainment CEO Erik Ko, writer/artist Jim Zubkavich, and Christopher Butcher of Toronto comic book store The Beguiling and the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, the team hopes to bring together Toronto’s diverse and exciting artistic community to engage the public in an unprecedented fundraising endeavour.

All proceeds from Artists Help Japan: Toronto will be donated to the Canadian Red Cross, specifically earmarked to aid in Japanese earthquake and tsunami relief. http://www.redcross.ca/

SPONSORS:

Revival Bar has been entertaining guests, visitors and fans as a premium event space since 2002. Revival has generously donated the use of their main space for the Artists Help Japan: Toronto event, and will be donating $1 from the cost of every drink to the fundraising efforts.http://www.revivalbar.com/

Wondercon in SF April 1-3. Table AA86-87

2011-03-25T01:00:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

It's that time of the year again but this year it's in April! Wondercon is one of our favorite conventions. Not only because it's in one of our favorite cities: San Francisco but because the con itself is AWESOME. Tons of amazing artists will be on site. Kei, Chanp and I will be at Artist Alley table AA86-87 sharing space with our dear friend Bill Presing.

We'll have our last copies (less than 50) of Imaginism's 12th book "Chiutensity/Whispers" for sale at our table.

Creature Stack-Up

2011-03-24T12:16:00.000-04:00

My pic of the day: Creature Stack-Up

Warm up: Hog Tied

2011-03-23T00:28:00.000-04:00

Want to see my warm up stuff? Here's a quickie from today. Professionals will tell you that warm ups are very important before starting your drawing day.

Bobby

Chiutensity/Whispers book sold out

2011-03-18T19:40:00.002-04:00

Hi all, we just wanted to thank you all again for the wonderful support you've given us over the years. We're happy (and a bit saddened) to announce that our 12th book "Chiutensity/Whispers" became sold out this morning. We will have a very small supply of less than 50 copies at Wondercon in SF April 1-3... and then they're gone forever :)

Artists Help Japan - "Samurai" Drawing + Ancient Japan Sketches Book up for Bidding!

2011-03-17T17:24:00.009-04:00

ARTISTS HELP JAPAN - An Earthquake & Tsunami Emergency Fund

Hi everyone,

As mentioned in our earlier blog post to raise some funds for the "Artists Help Japan - Earthquake & Tsunami Emergency Fund", we have now listed this rare lot up for auction.

The winner of the auction will receive the following TWO items:

1. ORIGINAL "Samurai" Drawing by Bobby Chiu
- 8.5'' x 11'' Pencil on Paper

2. A Copy of our SOLD OUT "Ancient Japan Sketches"
- The book is signed and drawn in by Kei Acedera.

The proceeds will go to ARTISTS HELP JAPAN organized by the amazing Dice Tsutsumi (Pixar Art Director). You can also make direct donations to them as well. Let us all unite and help out a country in need.

Bear in Flight

2011-03-16T10:21:00.003-04:00

A painting I did for friends and their new daughter.

Initial ink sketch:

Kei and I (Bobby) will be in SF on April 1-3, 2011 for Wondercon. Table AA86-87. Hope to see you there! LINK TO WONDERCON

Bobby

Memories of Japan.

2011-03-14T13:41:00.006-04:00

Kei and I were fortunate to travel to Japan back in May 2010. We visited Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hakone. We loved it there. People were so unbelievably polite and there was a wonderful sense of morals as well as a beautiful unique culture. The beauty of the land was incomparable as it's architecture and design.

We have been so sad to hear and see the devastation the earthquake and tsunami has brought to these wonderful people.

I did this drawing below for the people of Japan. This and a copy of our "Ancient Japan Sketches" (currently sold out) will be auctioned off. The book is signed and drawn in by Kei Acedera.

We will be holding the auction on Thursday.

The proceeds will go to ARTISTS HELP JAPAN organized by the amazing Dice Tsutsumi.

Fire the Rich

2011-02-21T16:59:00.001-05:00

I can finally share my second cover painted for The Utne Reader. I absolutely love working for The Utne Reader . . . the art director is great to work with and as I've said before, that goes a LONG WAY!

I had a real blast painting this, I had nearly two weeks to paint both the cover and the inside illustration, and believe me, it took every minute I had.

Head detail.

I'd like to thank all my friends who helped pose for reference, you all did great and were a huge help!!! And thank you Otto for taking pics for me!

Nightmare by Chris Sanders / Bobby Chiu

2011-02-14T08:55:00.002-05:00

Title: Nightmare

Drawn by one of my favorite directors and friend - I asked Chris Sanders to collaborate on a piece where he would draw and I would paint. Here it is! Hope you like it.

Bobby

Digital Painting Techniques Vol. 2

2011-01-31T20:47:00.000-05:00

Digital Painting techniques is finally out!!! I'm so honored to be a part of this book! If you want to learn how to paint digitally, learn new tricks, how to create your own custom brushes and more, this book is a MUST HAVE. There are many great artists featured in this book, too many to name them all, but I will at least name fellow Schoolism instructors such as the great Bobby Chiu, and the amazing Sam Nielson. This book is smokn' hot!

Click here to order Digital Painting techniques.

I am so stoked and honored that my painting was included on the back of the book!

And as a bonus, they've added my Aretha Franklin step by step, that's SIX additional pages of digital painting instruction!

My painting 3324 North California was also featured in the book in the Gallery section.

Click here to order Digital Painting techniques.

I also want to let everyone know that my next class at Schoolism starts on February 18th, click here for additional information on how to sign up, or feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Angouleme Festival from January 27-30

2011-01-25T12:55:00.004-05:00

Bobby Chiu, Kei Acedera, and Thierry Lafontaine from Imaginism Studios will be at Angouleme Festival in France from January 27-30.

We will be selling many of our prints there at -> €20. (Regular price $30 USD) We will also be there to sign the prints you purchase. If you are in the area, come by and say hi.

2011-01-18T14:30:00.001-05:00

I have recently been asked to be a part of this cool new site that offers crazy discounts, for a limited time. They are featuring my books and some prints for huge discounts. here is the info.
Deniath offers invitation-only access to exclusive, 72-hour flash sales for game enthusiasts and pop-culture fans at up to 70% off.
As a fan of Stephen Silver, you can receive a free invite code from Deniath. All you have to do is email community@deniath.com before Feb. 3rd and type, “silvertoons” in the subject line.

What my students are doing at Schoolism!

2011-01-16T17:23:00.001-05:00

This is an example of what my students are currently working on for my class at Schoolism. This work was done by Duane, who I believe is my oldest student yet, he's 70 years old and works harder than most people I know. I think he's kicking serious butt!!!

My next class at Schoolism starts on February 18th, click here for additional information on how to sign up, or feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Also, I am planning on putting together a apprenticeship type class on drawing and painting caricatures. This class will be more advanced for those who want to really push themselves. I haven't gotten everything figured out yet on what exactly I will cover, but I do know that it will be hardcore. I will put a lot into it to make it worth your while. Any suggestions of what you would like to learn from me, I'm all ears!

Christmas Cards 2010!

2010-12-20T14:12:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite things to do around the holidays is to make xmas cards.
Here are this years! Each card was hand painted with gold paint.

I wish everyone a safe and fun holiday season!!!

-Kei

Clown Be Gone

2010-12-10T11:10:00.004-05:00

New painting "Clown be Gone" painted as a promotional piece for Richard Solomon Artists Representative.

I need to thank my good friend and talented artists Anthony Kosar for lending me a clown mask that he designed and made. I used his mask for reference and decided to keep my character close to his design as a nod to him and his great work. Check out Anthony's work here. Thanks Anthony, you da man!

Imaginism in Spectrum 17

2010-11-23T13:44:00.001-05:00

We are very happy to be part of this year's Spectrum 17 book, which is now available on sale in stores and on amazon.com

Here are some photos of our images in the book this volume:

A Christmas Shopping Message from the Purchasing Dept.

2010-11-16T16:14:00.002-05:00

Hi everybody!

First of all, we'd like to thank you all for your patronage of our site, our blog, and our store this past year!

In 2010, we launched our 12th book, "CHIUtensity/Whispers", and over 20 new print images, all of which were enthusiastically received by you. We are truly humbled and grateful for everyone's support!

As you know, the holiday season is fast approaching and always, if you choose to visit our online store for your gift-giving ideas, we will always ship your purchases for FREE worldwide via Canada Post regular airmail.

As advised by Canada Post, due to the increased postal volume during this time of year, to ensure that your purchase will arrive to you before Dec. 24, please kindly complete your order by the following dates:

Nov. 22 for Africa, Central & South America
Nov. 29 for all other locations worldwide

If you have any questions regarding holiday shipping, please do not hesitate to email us at purchasing[@]imaginismstudios.com!

Happy Holidays!

Purchasing Dept.

CTN Animation Expo 2010 - Table T-34 and 35

2010-11-15T11:30:00.004-05:00

Imaginism Studios will be at CTN Animation Expo November 19-21 at Table T-34 and 35.

Saturday, November 20th at 3:30pm Bobby Chiu will be giving a talk called "Getting noticed. Social networking and other essentials for today's freelance artist"
Description: Bobby discusses how to get noticed as an artist. How he used social media and other essentials to attract top character designing and illustration jobs as a freelance artist living in Canada.

Special CTN price on prints -> $20. (Regular price $30) This is only for the people that buy prints at our CTN booth.

Sky Doll Gallery Show Nov 13

2010-11-11T11:29:00.004-05:00

This Saturday begins a tribute to Sky Doll exhibition at La Galerie Nana in Paris France. Sky Doll co-creator Barbara Canepa asked Kei and I to contribute a piece each.

Here's just some of the amazing artists participating in the show:
Alessandro Barbucci, Barbara Canepa, Bill Presing, Enrico Casarosa, Kei Acedera, Bobby Chiu, Manuel Arenas, Claire Wendling, Benjamin

For inquiries, please contact info@lagallery.ca

Title: #1 Fan
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Size: 6.8'' x 7.8''
Material: Pen & Watercolor

Title: Sky Doll
Artist: Kei Acedera
Size: 5.4'' x 6.7'
Material: Gouache

Winter Holiday Sale on Schoolism

2010-11-08T15:10:00.005-05:00

Imaginism Studios presents the New Artistsketchbooks.com

2010-11-01T00:43:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Imaginism Studios is excited to announce our newest project - ArtistSketchbooks.com!

Ever wanted to discover new sketchbooks and artbooks from your favourite artists? Artistsketchbooks.com has a wide selection and database of artbooks as well as iphone apps, take a visit today!

The featured artists, apps & books on the homepage are determined by how many "Likes" are received.

Click on the image below for more info:

Drawing and Painting High End Caricatures at Schoolism

2010-10-27T11:17:00.001-04:00

It's that time again! Another semester of my caricature class at Schoolism is nearing it's end, and the next is about to start. Click here to find out more about how to sign up for my class. I'm so proud of the hard work my last semester has produced and when they finish their final assignments I'll post them here to share with all of you. If you're wondering what the class is like, you can read student testimonials on the Schoolism site. If you have any questions please feel free to email me and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. This class is not only a class on caricature, but also a class on drawing as well as painting. We also cover anatomy, how to capture a person's character, building confidence and overall, how to create professional and original art work.

My next class starts November 12th 2010, there are only a few openings, this semester is selling out fast.

Example of students work, skull studies by Eric Lebreton

Example of students work, Forest Whitaker by Magnus Igland Moller.

Here are two testimonials of past students of mine.

Jason Seiler's class The Art of Caricature is fantastic. I was apprehensive going
in because I really haven't taken an art course since Jr. High. My art background
is based in photography and 3d. Jason's teaching style makes it easy to start from
scratch and build from there. There also were students in the class that obviously
were pros or close to it. I think they would agree their work improved over the
course. It's great to have the ability to learn from an entire class even though it
can be treated as a one on one experience as well. The blog is a great way to
participate and see how others work is coming along. Most of all though it's
great to see the world through Jason's eyes. He makes you see how true the
statement he often uses really is. "It's funny because it's true".
--Lee Fraser

This course has without doubt helped me greatly improve my work, both in
terms of technical ability and in terms of motivation and dedication.
Jason packs the lessons with lots of great techniques, tips and advice
that I'm sure will be invaluable to everyone taking the course. He also
provides fantastic feedback and constructive criticism all the way
through. Great teacher, great course!
--Neil Davies

Creature Tattoos

2010-10-21T13:00:00.000-04:00

Here's some awesome photos of creature tattoos sent to us from Rosemarie Thole from Cologne Germany. Wow! The tattoo artist is Guil Zekri of Reincarnation Tattoo-Studio in Cologne.

Pixel Show 2010 - Sao Paulo

2010-10-14T12:19:00.003-04:00

And we're off again! This time it's to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the 2010 Pixel Show. Oct 16-17th.
Looking forward to meeting all the awesome Brazilian artists!

I'll try to post some images while we're there!

New Bobby Chiu Original Art Available!

2010-10-14T04:49:00.016-04:00

Hey Everyone,

We have just made available a number of Original artwork by Bobby Chiu in the 'Original' section of our Imaginism Store.

With every purchase you will receive a Certificate of Authenticity that is signed and dated by the artist.

To purchase an item, please email us and tell us the title of the item you'd like. We will then send you a request for payment. Items are available at a first come, first serve basis.

Whenever we have original art available, we send out preview newsletters for our collectors who have subscribed. To join the mailing list and be notified for future previews of originals, please click here.

Title: Rockin' Cowboy
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Size: 6.5'' x 10''
Material: Ballpoint Pen on paper
Price: $80

Title: Help Me!
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Size: 8'' x 10''
Material: Ballpoint Pen on paper
Price: $200

Title: The Chase
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Size: 8'' x 10''
Material: Ballpoint Pen on paper
Price: $150

Title: Mother and Child
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Size: 6.5'' x 10''
Material: Pencil on paper
Price: $80

Title: Parenthood
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Size: 6.5'' x 10''
Material: Pencil on paper
Price: $80

Title: Ink Sketch
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Size: 5'' x 7''
Material: India Ink on paper
Price: $60

Title: Big Belly
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Size: 5'' x 5''
Material: Pencil on paper
Price: $80

Ringling College & Dragoncon

2010-10-11T18:24:00.009-04:00

An update!

A beautiful view from Sarasota Florida during our visit to Ringling College of Art & Design

Our POV of the wonderfully enthusiastic students during one of our talks at Ringling a couple of weeks ago.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Some pics from our trip to Atlanta. These are from the aquarium that Kei & I went to during our stay. Great convention. 2 thumbs up. Highly recommended.

Elton John & Leon Russell for Rolling Stone

2010-10-06T17:42:00.001-04:00

This week I finished my second painting for Rolling Stone. "The Union" Elton John & Leon Russell, for the reviews section. I had a blast painting this one! It was a challenge for me to hold back and not exaggerate . . . it took a lot of focus to ignore the caricature monster who shares my studio space with me . . . but I fed him some cake and he finally left me alone long enough to finish the painting.

The issue will be on stands next week. The version above will be the version in print.

Originally, I thought that my "hand idea" had been approved, but I misunderstood and went ahead anyways . . . whoops, my fault. So, I now have two versions! :) Whenever I can, I think it's important to add hands, it can be more interesting to look at and like faces, hands can also be expressive. Also, it's quite challenging and I always enjoy a good challenge. I think the painting works well without the hand, and even though the hand won't be in the printed version, I still have a version for the 'ol portfolio . . . my glass is half full baby!

Face detail. These days I'm not interested in painting photo realistically . . . I don't really see the point? I'm more interested in having a voice, a fingerprint that exists in my brushwork. I want my work to look hand-made, to feel painted . . .

My sketch.

I saved steps while working on this painting . . .

. . . perhaps I'll do a small tutorial?

New York Comicon table A9

2010-10-04T12:22:00.007-04:00

Imaginism Studios will be at New York Comicon October 8-10 at Table A9.

Special Comicon price on prints -> $20. (Regular price $30) This is only for the people that buy prints at our Comicon booth.

Visiting Ringling College of Art and Design

2010-09-28T17:01:00.002-04:00

Kei and I are off to Ringling College of Art and Design tomorrow (Wed).

Wednesday
8pm-10pm Bobby Chiu will be giving a 2hr digital painting demo
10pm-11pm Kei Acedera will be reviewing & helping people with their portfolios.

Then on Thursday...
11:00am Lecture on how to start being an independent artist: self-promotion, how to attract or get clients, how to quote, how to run your own business, etc. "The things I wish I knew when I first started Imaginism Studios"

-Bobby

Schoolism Rewards Program

2010-09-24T15:31:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone!

I'm very happy to introduce the Schoolism Rewards Program!

Get the word out about Schoolism.com and start earning points towards Schoolism classes today.

Watch the video below for more info:

Lil Wayne for Rollingstone

2010-09-23T11:42:00.001-04:00

Here's my first of hopefully many portraits for Rollingstone. I am having the time of my life. Working for Rollingstone has been a goal of mine for some time now, it has been a dream of mine since I was at least 15. So to finally have the chance to paint for them was an awesome experience to say the least. I'm also very glad that they wanted me to paint a portrait rather than caricature, as it is something that I would like to do more often.

Here's a close up for all you detail lovers out there! BTW, I was called by RS Monday morning and finished the painting early Wednesday morning.

My sketch.

Bobby Chiu visiting Seneca College on Monday September 27

2010-09-22T12:58:00.003-04:00

Attention Seneca College art students: I will be visiting Seneca College on Monday Sept 27 1:30pm (Upper Kaleidoscope room 2168) to do a digital painting demo. Tips & techniques... Q&A... It'll be good times.
You can ask my friend Werner Zimmermann if you have any questions.

Bobby

New Sketchbook

2010-09-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

I wanted to share with you that my latest book "Stephen Silver's Sketchbook volume 2" is coming out next month. Within the pages are notes that I wrote to myself during the process, they became a constant reminder to me of what it is I needed to think about as I developed my skills. It is spiral bound to make it look like a sketchbook. If you would like to PREORDER you will receive FREE shipping anywhere in the U.S http://www.silvertoons.com/store.html

The Familiars - Magic Isn't Just for Wizards Anymore

2010-09-08T15:00:00.019-04:00

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to illustrate Harper Collin's new children's novel titled 'The Familiars'. The book has finally hit the shelves yesterday.

'The Familiars' is a kid's story about three young wizard apprentices who are kidnapped by the evil queen of a distant land and it is up to their familiars, their magical animal companions -- a street smart alley cat, a precocious blue jay, and a bumbling tree frog -- to save them.

I had worked on the cover and illustrated the interior pages as well. It was quite a challenge, but I learned a lot from this project and it was a very amazing experience. Currently, started working on the second book and it has been a lot of fun!

In 2012 the book will also be made into a feature film by Sony Pictures Animation and directed by Sam Raimi. Excited to see the book translate into the film.

Here are a selected few illustrations that I worked on:

To find out more, please click here to browse inside the book.

Follow @the_familiars on twitter for future updates on the book.

Contest/Interview with Comic Artist Lynn Johnston

2010-09-07T09:15:00.000-04:00

INTERVIEW WITH CREATOR/ARTIST LYNN JOHNSTON
We are excited to announce that 10am on September 9th, 2010, Bobby Chiu will be interviewing the Creator of "For Better or For Worse" - Lynn Johnston on Sketchoholic.com..

Time: Thursday, September 9th, 2010
10am ET -New York
7am PT -Los Angeles
For times in your area, use the Time Zone Converter

CONTEST
Topic - Create a piece of art based off the theme "The Family Dog"
Prize - An illustration from Lynn Johnston based on the same theme!
Due Date - Thursday, September 9th, 2010. 10am ET / 7am PT
Rules - all entries must be NEW and uploaded to Sketchoholic.com before Thursday, September 9th, 2010. 10am ET / 7am PT
Vote - for your favourite submission during the first 30 minutes of the interview.

Just like every contest, it's free to join so hope to see you there!

Baby Dragons for Dragoncon this weekend!

2010-08-31T13:07:00.003-04:00

These were a collaboration between Kei Acedera & Bobby Chiu.

Kei drew and Bobby painted it.

It was commissioned by the wonderful people at Dragoncon in Atlanta happening this weekend! I believe it will be available on tshirts...

Imaginism Studios Table BT15

This weekend September 3-6th is Dragoncon in Atlanta.

We're also giving away a Cheshire Cat drawing to the best dressed Alice in Wonderland costume.

Special Comicon price on prints -> $20. (Regular price $30) This is only for the people that buy prints at our Comicon booth.

Lil Darth Maul

2010-08-30T17:05:00.003-04:00

Lil Darth Maul on his first day of school.

This was my warm up painting this morning. Hope you like it!

Toronto Fan Expo this weekend - Table A200 in Artist Alley

2010-08-23T09:52:00.007-04:00

Imaginism Studios Table A200 in Artist Alley

This weekend August 27-29th is the Toronto Fan Expo.
4 great reasons to stop by the Imaginism Studios Booth.

1. People that go to our booth and sign up for our mailing list will receive a FREE DVD of "Creature Design for Live Action Films by Bobby Chiu"

*FREE DVD supply is limited

2. Pick up a signed copy of our new book "Chiutensity/Whispers". This book is half Kei Acedera and half Bobby Chiu. It's all about the late night sketches and paintings we do as well as some great stuff we've never published in our previous books.

3. There will be tons of new prints such as the one below.

Title: Mushroom Hunter
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Medium: Photoshop

4. Special Comicon prices on prints is $20. (Regular price $30) This is only for the people that buy prints at our Comicon booth.

Sketchoholic Marathons

2010-08-17T02:05:00.001-04:00

Each of these speed paintings are approx. 30-45min

They were all done during Sketchoholic.com Marathons.

Each person had just under an hour to come up with and upload an illustration based off the topic from the previous winner.

After everyone uploaded their entries, we all vote on our favorite.

The art marathons we have on Sketchoholic.com are just for fun and is an amazing art workout for the brain. Hope some of you will join us in the future. It's a great free activity that is open for anyone worldwide.

Marathons are usually weekdays at 2pm ET/11am PT on SKETCHOHOLIC.com

Bobby

Sketchoholic Marathons

2010-08-08T21:25:00.003-04:00

Topic: Animal Chef

Topic: Kids Playing

Topic: Undead Space Ranger

Topic: Electrified Elf

Topic: Cowgirl Granny

Each of these speed paintings are approx. 45min

They were all done during Sketchoholic.com Marathons.

Each person had just under an hour to come up with and upload an illustration based off the topic from the previous winner.

After everyone uploaded their entries, we all vote on our favorite.

The art marathons we have on Sketchoholic.com are just for fun and is an amazing art workout for the brain. Hope some of you will join us in the future. It's a great free activity that is open for anyone worldwide.

Next marathon is Monday 2pm ET/11am PT on SKETCHOHOLIC.com

Bobby

Guiding Light

2010-08-01T18:56:00.003-04:00

Here's a painting from a pen drawing I posted a few weeks ago. I call it 'Guiding Light.'

Is he a bad guy or good guy? What do you think? Is he guiding the little fish to safety or is he planning on eating them? You decide.

2010-07-30T19:55:00.000-04:00

Summer sale on my passion for life art book. by clicking the link below will take you to the site.
Click for more information

Chiutensity/Whispers book is now available!

2010-07-28T14:16:00.001-04:00

Imaginism's 12th book "Chiutensity/Whispers" is now available for purchasing. This book is half Kei Acedera and half Bobby Chiu. It's all about the late night sketches and paintings Kei & Bobby do as well as some great stuff they've never published in their previous books.

3 great reasons to purchase this book now.
*1. Purchases before August 15, 2010 will be signed by both Kei Acedera & Bobby Chiu.
*2. Limited to 1000 copies printed.
*3. Free Shipping worldwide.

*CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

Casualty

2010-07-26T03:38:00.000-04:00

This was an idea for a painting that I felt compelled to paint. I call it "CASUALTY."

It's always wonderful to paint things that are personal to how I feel or the things that concern me. I just wish this idea wasn't inspired by an event that was so horrific such as the BP oil spill.

Very sad.

Medium: Photoshop
Artist: Bobby Chiu

Missing Wonderland

2010-07-19T02:01:00.005-04:00

Title: Missing Wonderland
Artist: Kei Acedera
Medium: Gouache

The original was a present for Tim Burton when we were in France.
One of the new prints at our booth in San Diego Comicon. See you there!

Comicon: Imaginism Booth G6-7 & Schoolism Booth 2042-2044!

2010-07-13T00:18:00.000-04:00

It's getting to that time of year again! San Diego COMICON!!!!
This year we have a booth just for Schoolism: booth 2042-2044
3 great reasons to stop by the Schoolism Booth.
1. Receive FREE personal critiques from our teachers at the booth.
2. Watch them paint and draw over top of your work.
3. People that go to our booth and sign up for our mailing list will receive a FREE DVD of "Creature Design for Live Action Films by Bobby Chiu"

*FREE DVD supply is limited so visit us at the Schoolism booth first! booth 2042-2044

Imaginism Studios Booth G6-7
3 great reasons to stop by the Imaginism Booth
1. We are premiering our 12th book "Chiutensity/Whispers". This book is half Kei Acedera and half Bobby Chiu. It's all about the late night sketches and paintings we do as well as some great stuff we've never published in our previous books.

2. There will be tons of new prints such as the one below.

Title: Mushroom Hunter
Artist: Bobby Chiu
Medium: Photoshop

3. Special Comicon prices on prints is $20. (Regular price $30) This is only for the people that buy prints at our Comicon booth.

Comic Con

2010-07-12T17:14:00.001-04:00

Wall-Street Cyclops

2010-07-08T03:58:00.010-04:00

I've really enjoyed listening to the Sketchoholic interviews these past week from Pixarians Derek Thompson, Aaron Hartline, Everett Downing and Nate Wragg. They're all VERY inspiring and really provide an honest glimpse of what it takes to be a successful working artist.

Here's a sketch that I did while watching Nate's interview, my take on his "Wall-Street Cyclops"!

-Kei

Creature Design by Bobby Chiu. 75min Free Video Tutorial

2010-07-06T04:27:00.009-04:00

FREE ART TUTORIAL for DESIGNING CREATURES in LIVE ACTION FILMS
Just wanted you to know I have just posted a free 75 min full length video tutorial of my designing process for creatures in live action films on SKETCHOHOLIC.com.

To view video, go to SKETCHOHOLIC.com and sign up for an account. New Schoolism.com members will automatically be able to login with the same Schoolism.com username and password.

Guiding Light

2010-06-28T08:59:00.001-04:00

From a little story I was thinking about over the weekend.

Is he a bad guy or good guy? Is he helping to guide the sea creatures or is he going to eat them? You'll have to wait to find out!

Medium: Ballpoint pen

Bobby

UFC - Ultimate Fighting Creature.

2010-06-23T15:13:00.005-04:00

Title: UFC - Ultimate Fighting Creature.
Medium: Black Pen

I drew this as a prize for my weekly LIVE stream on http://www.Sketchoholic.com

Back from Asia... here's some pics.

2010-06-15T06:23:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago some of the Imaginism crew had to go on a little trip to Asia for some business but mostly some R&R. It was pretty hard to get things done (I couldn't seem to find fast internet speed anywhere) but had a very memorable time.

Here's some wonderful pics by our talented photographer KEITH.

First we were in Japan (Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto & Hakoni)

Next was Beijing China

Here's some beautiful pics from Philippines (Manila, Cebu & Bohol)

And ended it off in Hong Kong & Macau before our flight back to Toronto

Here's Kei Acedera with her new friend, the Tarsier. Philippines

A lovely lunch in the Philippines. Don't hate me :)

Here's some more pics from my iPhone. This one is of a painting Kei did on the trip. The background ain't too shabby either (Subic).

Thank you to everyone that made our trip so memorable. It was a pleasure to meet you all.

Bobby

Rules for School

2010-06-11T22:50:00.003-04:00

Just got our advanced copy of Kei Acedera's 5th book with Alec Greven & Harper Collins: RULES FOR SCHOOL!

Imaginism Studios' 12th book coming soon

2010-06-08T19:04:00.002-04:00

Imaginism's newest book "CHIUTENSITY/WHISPERS" coming end of July. Mark your calendars!!

'Another Dimension' Show at Gallery 1988

2010-05-20T10:47:00.006-04:00

You're travelling through another dimension. A dimension, not only of sight and sound, but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. Next stop, the Twilight Zone!

Here is a painting I recently finished for the Twilight Zone Tribute show at Gallery 1988 Los Angeles called 'Another Dimension'.

The opening reception is tonight, Thursday May 20th, 7-10pm

*Click to view full image

Title: To Serve Man
Size: 16'' x 20''
Medium: acrylic on watercolor paper

Also on display is the pencil study:
Size: 11'' x 14''
Medium: Graphite on Stonehenge paper

This piece is inspired by the feeling and mood of this series, 'The Twilight Zone'. I'll leave the rest for your interpretation..

For other details, here is the show image:

*Click to view full image

Here is the episode I was inspired by:

-Chanp

Lazyman VS Chiutensity

2010-05-17T00:30:00.006-04:00

Here's last Friday's Chiustream drawing. Congrats to Edit Sliacka from Prague for winning my drawing! The challenge was to draw something with a big arm vs something with a big head.

Join the mailing list to keep up to date with future activities:

Paranoia

2010-05-14T11:46:00.001-04:00

Sketchy sketchy...
just having a little fun.
Bobby