Ken Khoo - sketches +

日本がんばって下さい。

2011-03-20T03:24:00.005-06:00

It has been heartbreaking reading and seeing the news coming out of Japan. When I first visited, I met up with Tetsu-san, Inaco-san, Becco-san and Kumi-san within a day of landing in Narita. The meeting greatly informed and created some of my very first, indelible impressions of the country, its culture and the people. I was touched and humbled by their warmth and kindness to me, a fellow artist but a stranger then nonetheless. I don't know if I could ever convey to them and all the other Japanese friends I made, artists or otherwise, just how much it meant. 皆さまどうもありがとうございました。

Japan, and the Japanese people, remain very close to my heart because of them. In spite of the great tragedy that's unfolded it has been inspiring to see the grace and dignity with which they've coped. To my friends, I am so very grateful to know you and your immediate family and loved ones are accounted for and safe. To Japan, please continue your tremendous efforts in fighting through this; your quiet dignity and courage is a testament to the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

Belated birthday wishes

2011-02-06T01:45:00.004-07:00

お誕生日おめでとうbeccoさん！

2010-02-28T11:37:00.003-07:00

Well, it's been a long time since I've updated and I'm so sorry. I've been struggling alot with confidence, and it's hard to see other talented and experienced artists having their share of troubles landing work as well. I will keep hope for my fellow artists, be diligent and keep working at your craft -- you have at least one other guy in your corners.

Just one sketch for today, from a test I did for a company:

daily sketch

2009-03-20T16:31:00.004-06:00

I'll make good on my word and go to life drawing tonight. Here's a quick sketch for now...

Figure study

2009-03-19T15:54:00.003-06:00

I haven't been attending life drawing, and I should. It's refreshing to sit down and draw from observation, shake off the rust and reinforce old fundamentals.

Progress comes incrementally...

2009-03-18T14:20:00.003-06:00

I'm hopeful that things will improve in terms of my efficiency and the appeal of my characters, as I keep drawing and improving my craft. Please let me know what you think.

Sometimes it can be hit or miss...

2009-03-18T14:11:00.003-06:00

Trying to develop characters...

2009-03-18T14:01:00.009-06:00

Some more sketches, sorry for the lack of updates...

2009-03-18T13:49:00.008-06:00

It's been a tough go, looking for work, and I've been a bit discouraged of late. I've been sketching daily, for the most part, so here are a few more (some are leftovers from my Japan trip):

A couple of paints...

2009-01-14T06:23:00.005-07:00

Two painting studies, one is a simple colour study (there's a mountain fortress in the background, built into the side of the mountain) and the other is a basic lighting study, to try and understand reflected light and luminosity a bit better:

more...

2009-01-14T05:47:00.001-07:00

Futher sketches (sorry, not very inventive titles!)...

2009-01-14T05:44:00.001-07:00

And even more sketches...

2009-01-14T05:40:00.004-07:00

And some more sketches...

2009-01-14T05:38:00.003-07:00

Finally, some sketches!

2009-01-14T05:15:00.011-07:00

Okay, I finally scanned some sketches (contrast has been bumped up):

2009-01-07T09:01:00.000-07:00

Blog inception -- at the prompting of illustrator friends in Japan, whom I met during a month long visit there in Dec. 2008, I've started this blog. As you can see their Japanese blogs have been linked. Please take the time to check them out, they are uniquely talented and skilled. Cheers, you guys, I appreciate all of the encouragement!

This will be a sketchblog, for the most part, but I will also put in a few non-art posts from time to time. It's my hope to catch some attention and land work as a full time artist in visual development -- so film, broadcast animation or video games, doing character design. For now, it's just a dream. Could someone out there help me fulfill my wishes?? I sure hope so...