Only Four to Go!

Cards Of Loss

  As I'm looking over my blog I'm realizing that it's been a shade over a month since my last post.  The most noteworthy thing is that the Dark Deck is almost complete.  How on earth did that happen so quickly?  I just finished the Loteria deck and am thrilled that it is now for sale and looks fantastic.  But before I knew it, the second deck is out of the gates and heading quickly towards the finish line.
This image is the Nine of Spades, and looks awesome.
Now one thing to keep in mind is that the Dark Deck (Or Cards of Loss and Regret, I'm still tossing around the names) are going to be offered for sale from the same store as before.  But in addition to that method of getting a deck, I'll also have them on supply at Eclipse Art Gallery in Apple Valley.  The gallery is finally opening up a gift shop, and I'm going to help give them some inventory to move.  So if you can't wait to get your hands on the Loteria deck, check out the show and buy a set on your way out.  It's worth it, I promise!

Queen of Spades : Cards of Loss

This is one of the most attractive queens in the deck for the "Cards of Loss".  I was thinking of having a more sinister woman to grace this card but when I looked at the other queens, it just made more sense to have someone pleasant and warm.  The deck needed balance.  The other queens are hard and waspish, so a softer side was called for.
I did check out the possibility of getting blocks to carve for block printing.  To my surprise, it is a cheap and seemingly simple process to turn a block of rubber into a working stamp for inking.  But still, I really do like Photoshop and even though it might be a crutch for my artwork, it works for this project.  The colors are clear and bold.  I'm able to weather the paper and give it a realistically worn look that is scalable.  There are lots of benefits to running the art through a computer first.
So block printing is going to have to wait until I've got another project on my plate, or until I decide to ruin my wardrobe with ink.

Five of Diamonds : Cards of Loss

The Five of Diamonds came out better than I could have hoped for and really raises my spirits when I think about how many more cards I have to do before I've got a working deck in my possession.  If they all look this sharp, creating unique images for each card will be a pleasure.

Cards of Loss Showcase

Kings and Queens of Loss

To make up for a more concise blog post than my norm, I'm including a showcase of the Kings and Queens of Loss.  I experimented with different brushes than the ones I'd been using previously and so far the effects are suitable (if you'll pardon the pun) with the other cards in this deck.
But I swear I'm not slowing down on Loteria.  I swear!  New loteria card post soon!

Hat Trick! Cards of Loss

Three of Diamonds : Cards of Loss

Two of Spades : Cards of Loss

Three of Hearts : Cards of Loss

Lost Mile Marker

Two of Hearts : Deck of Loss

This stone cross is being used as a mile marker on the Kings "Good Roads"  The figures are stone monks which are on a wheel which has been mounted to the cross.  This mile marker would be a common sight along the highway.
I've been working on the Deck of Loss all day and ignoring the loteria cards which is a horrible habit to get into.  So for tomorrow, I'm devoting myself to doing another loteria card.  The Deck of Loss is a neat project and I'm impressed with the effects that the woodcut like images are able to create, but I really don't want to slow down on the loteria deck.  I've been making good progress on that project and want to keep the momentum going.

Hanging Deck of Loss

Four of Clubs

I think this proves that the Deck of Loss is a viable project.  The striking silhouette for the Four of Clubs looks fantastic and is improved with the weathering of the parchment paper and woodblock engraving.  Now the only question is to find the time!  I'm a little over halfway through the loteria deck and I want to keep painting full speed so I can get it published.  However, there is something so rewarding about making these cards.

Yes, I realize that I'm saying that now but after a good 30 cards I'll be grinding my teeth!

The Deck of Loss

Three of Clubs

Two of Diamonds

I'm not sure what to say about this deck yet.  This is mostly a "proof of concept" so far.  The images on these cards are influenced from "The Face in the Frost".  Should I decide to continue with this theme, other influences will make themselves known.