The dreaded T

Hello Dear RZ'eaders

I've decided to give Tumblr a try for my art blogging needs - if there is any big news I will be sure to post to both platforms but until further notice - check here for new updates (which there already are!)

http://rzomchek.tumblr.com/

It's a mystery!

Herro RZ'eaders! 

My senior class is working on a "fan-art" based project right now, many of them are drawing their favorite cartoons from their childhoods - I couldn't help but draw along today! One of my favorite cartoons growing up was Scooby Doo, I loved the gang and the Mystery Machine...

Rooby Roo!

Inkings and Tiny Chickens

Haloo RZ'eaders,

Microbes have delayed my Inktober postings, it's hard to be creative and draw while suffering from the common cold, or it is for me anyway... but here are some things I have gotten done over the past few days while using up a whole box of tissues.

A plan for a new painting, some random animals and a portrait of my sick self as a joke image for a family member. For those of you who haven't yet heard of "Tiny Chicken Disease" here's a link to the description and a video explaining. The chickens in the drawing are based on one of the most adorable series of children's books ever - Minerva Louise, check them out they are the most adorable illustrated chickens ever.

Now that I'm on the mend hopefully more drawings!

First Flight

Evening RZ'eaders

Today was my first time attending a National Portfolio Days event as a professor (I had attended as a student years ago!) and boy what a rush! So many great students and parents. It was a fantastic fast paced day. But unfortunately I had NO time for inking. But just to make sure I don't fall behind on my posting here is a sketch from yesterday. I may ink it and another piece tomorrow if I have time to catch up.

Royal Highness

Cheerio RZ'eaders,

Corgis are just about some of the cutest dogs on the planet, here's my regal version for Inktober day 5!

Bats and Icecream

Greetings RZ'eaders!

Inktober Day 4 and I am now caught up! Going to try to keep up with the one a day from now on!
Still working on my mark-making and shading, I had honestly forgotten how long it had been since I had inked any of my sketches. Anyway here they are!

INK-tober

Hello RZ'eaders!

Well it's that time of year again. Fall is in the air... crisp mornings, gentle rains, the colors changing, pumpkin spice lattes everywhere....
It is also Inktober! That special time of year when a group of artists celebrate the medium of ink and creative drawing - working to produce one ink piece a day for the whole month! (Or as close to as possible.)
I have decided to do my darn'dest to participate this year, I never seem to have time for projects like NaNoWriMo but I think I can pull off a ink sketch pretty often. I also think this will drastically help my sketch ethic and posting habits, a bit of a pick-me-up if you will.

Without further adieu my first two sketches! Two tomorrow and I will be on-track!

I plan to experiment with different Inking methods (The dragon is brush-pen and the skeleton is microns) to test for time, line-weight and consistency of mark-making. Also practicing my black/white tones and shadow shapes. Happy Inktober everyone!

Cephalopod

One of my classes is working on Drop Cap designs, I couldn't help but sketch out one of my own!

Velocipede

Hello readers!

Having recently moved and started a new job - I am now a full time Illustration professor at the Columbus College of Art and Design! Life has been settling down and I have finally started drawing again, (apart from getting commercial work finished). So hopefully my poor blog will start seeing some more action as we progress into fall!

For now a quick Eliza sketch. The weather is finally cooling down and the leaves are just starting to turn here, making me think of outdoor activities, and what better than a nice bike-ride?

Illumination

My latest piece! This is one of those rare occasions where I had the idea for this painting several years ago. It sat as a sketch and color study, just waiting for the right moment, and now after being rediscovered has finally been brought to life!

Fairest

My latest painting, my interpretation of the classic Snow White.

First in a series of fantasy pieces. I always learn a lot while making a new painting and this one was no exception. Eager to continue!

Holiday Cheer

Happy Holidays and a Joyous New Year to everyone this year! Here is the holiday card I shared with friends and family this season.

Portraiture

I was commissioned this past December to work on a fantastic project, a family portrait for one of my talented professors from the illustration graduate program at SVA that he and his family would use for their annual holiday card.

The cards were a hit! I'm proud to say everyone was extremely pleased with the outcome, it was great to work on such a personal project, the little details in this piece were the best part!
For more information about the card check out the Richmond's bog post about the project here: Two Plus Us.

Hand Lettering - Workshop

One of my favorite artistic hobbies is working on my hand-lettering skills. I think hand-lettering is a beautiful, historically significant and fantastically diverse art form. I've been working lettering into my designs more and more lately and here are a few of my more recent samples.

I was also invited recently to teach a hand-lettering workshop for the talented design students at Miami University. I worked with 2 classes creating a Halloween themed assignment (as the workshop was held in late October.) I had a wonderful time and was very impressed with the work that came out of the classes. The students did a great job!
More information about the workshop can be found here: Graphic Design Miami University along with sample of student work!