Ralph McQuarrie R.I.P.

The Art of The Empire Strikes back was one of the first books I got when I was a kid that really changed my life, all due in part to Ralph McQuarrie's paintings and design work. His art was absolutely stunning and, all pun intended, out of this world. I was able to see first hand the power of truly fantastic art that can move you and suck you in and at the same time showing that being an artist could actually be a viable career choice. 

It's sad to hear of his passing and although I'd never met him, I can only say thanks to Ralph for inadvertently picking my path I will walk for the rest of my life. I wouldn't be who I am without him.

Enjoy the rest of your journey.

WM

 

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Warren Martineck

Star Wars Sketch cards and Collectors Expo Wrap Up. ...And 100th Post

   Yes, that's right, 100th post, and for me, that's something. (I'll post more about that at another time)

Getting right to it, I just thought I'd say a few words about this past CECE convention in Chicago. I was there all 3 days, although Sunday was short for me as I had a plane to catch. It was a really good show and I had a great time seeing friends and people I haven't seen in awhile or have even met before. I sat next to John Czop who I haven't seen in ages and the Tosers were behind us. (These show pics were supplied by Harris from Nonsport Update, Thanks Harris!) It was a fun section. The second pic Randy Martinez stopped by and chatted for awhile. It was cool meeting him and Denise Vasques, and all the other artists were very friendly as well. The Celebrity dinner and presentations were very cool too and I'm so glad I went. I can't recommend this show enough, you have to attend.

   A special thank you goes out to Paul and Diane (and Cherie).  True class acts and some of the best people I have the honor of calling friends. They really know how to treat their guests and make you feel like your not just another name on a list. Most conventions I'm stuck behind my table the whole time, I don't eat well, I don't get much sleep, and I'm a waste product by the time it's over. This show is different and they make sure you eat and they go out of their way to get you what you need when you need it. On top of that, what they do for charity work is down right moving. The Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation work they did and auction they had set up was inspirational. Thank you for being such good people.

  Speaking of the Charity Chest auction, here are the Sketch cards I did for the Treasure Chests. Working with Topps, they were able to get the OK to do official Star Wars images on the sketches. Seeing as how I've never done any before I thought this was a good time to start.

  So for all the emails asking me to post them, here are the 9 Star Wars cards I did for it.  

Hope you enjoyed them.

Later

WM

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Warren Martineck

Casual Friday #12

I was wondering if I was going to get to Casual Friday today. I've been rushing around to get extra work done today as my weekend is pretty much booked up with non-work stuff. Not that I'm complaining, it's always nice to take a few days off, but that first day back is a rough one. It takes a bit to get warmed up and into a good rhythm and it only takes a day or 2 off to lose it and get rusty again. Thats why even on "days off' I try to do a little some drawing anyway.

Anyway, I was able to sneak this in as the rest of the fam went out for an hour or 2. Just enough to knock this out.

This being; "Fett"

Later

WM

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Warren Martineck

Star Wars Is To Blame For All This.

I came across this old photo of myself and a good chuckle was had. I'm guessing around 16 yrs old, surrounded by a little hobby I used to have. I was one of those Star Wars nuts. I had all the Star Wars toys, every action figure, trading card, art book, toothbrush and whatever else they made, I owned it and had it displayed. I also started collecting the Star Wars comic title. (1. seed planted)

There was a collectables dealer at a local indoor flea market near my house. He had all the rare and hard to find Star Wars stuff and I spent so much time there that he finally just hired me and put me to work. (He knew he couldn't get rid of me and I took merchandise for payment.)

He and his wife owned a comic shop in town and I eventually started working there as she needed more help. (2. seed watered) I was able to complete my Star wars Comic run and being exposed to all those other comics, I started reading and collecting other titles. (3. seed fertilized)

Before I knew it I was working comic conventions for the shop and meeting all these new people and cool comic artists. One con in particular, we were set up right next to Mike Zeck. I got to talk with him all day about his job and whatever else. Really nice guy and I came to realize that comics could be a viable career. (4. seed growth) Which was good because I was also one of those kids that had no idea what I wanted to do with my life.

After awhile, I quit the comic shop, (and eventually quit my next job at McDonalds) and ventured off to cartooning school.

Thats how it all started.

in a really tight pair of jeans....

Any and all comments on the picture are welcome.

Later

WM

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Warren Martineck