Paul O'Flanagan Art Blog

New Artist For Asterix!

2011-10-03T13:47:00.008+01:00

When I was around fourteen or fifteen I was constantly drawing the Asterix characters in the style of their co-creator and illustrator, Albert Uderzo. I remember my Mam remarking that I should keep practicing and maybe one day I could take over the illustration of the character after Uderzo. I'm sure I would have scoffed, informing her that 'it just doesn't work that way'.
And lo, the news came out last week that Uderzo, after illustrating the Asterix books for over fifty years, is handing over the job to a new artist to carry on the job. Whether this is right or wrong is of little consequence. After all, Uderzo has been writing the books longer now than his original partner, Rene Goscinny (with mixed results I think We'd all agree!). Below is an image by the artist Rune Bennicke, who I think would do a smashing job continuing the franchise. God knows, if I had continued to practice those characters like it was suggested to me, I'd have nearly twenty years of expertise under my belt by now. Man, I wished I had listened to my Mother!

Bette Davis

2011-09-27T13:33:00.001+01:00

This blog has become very black and white as of late, gonna have to throw in a splash of colour soon!

Marathon Man

2011-08-10T13:35:00.001+01:00

So yeah, a tad different from the sketch below!

'Is it safe?'

2011-08-08T13:38:00.003+01:00

This is a sketch of 'Szell' from Marathon man. I'm currently digitally painting it during my lunch hours and it's turned out quite different than the initial doodle!

Sunset Boulevard

2011-07-25T07:53:00.004+01:00

This blog is getting rediculously dusty! I've a chunk of jobs to get out of the way and then maybe I'll be a bit more productive. In the meantime, the above is an example of something that plagues me with painting and drawing - I get bored very quickly. I have so many unfinished pieces that I just get fed up with and abandon. In this case, 'Sunset Boulevard'. I really enjoyed painting Gloria Swanson (she's nearly finished), but when it came to the rest of it I just got fed up. Oh dear!

Spartacus

2011-05-06T08:34:00.002+01:00

Here's my first attempt at a digital painting. It's still pretty sketchy and I'm finding it a bit tricky to achieve that fantastic Jason Seiler polish. I reckon I'll leave it as is and move on!

Mary Poppins

2011-04-13T08:10:00.001+01:00

This is a pretty big acrylic on canvas panel

Zelda

2011-04-04T08:10:00.003+01:00

This is an acrylic painting I did for Sam for his birthday this weekend

The Dependable Skull!

2011-03-30T14:00:00.007+01:00

Can't think of a fresh idea for the poster for your horror flick? Just whip out the tried and tested skull motif!

Mary Poppins Sketch

2011-03-24T11:27:00.003Z

Here's a pen sketch of part of a painting I'll start next week

Cemetery Junction

2011-03-11T08:21:00.004Z

The above is a pic I found on my USB key of one of the characters in the truly execrable Ricky Gervais/Steve Merchant movie, 'Cemetery Junction'.

Gumball Preview

2011-03-10T12:16:00.001Z

So It's finally here. The first official sneak peek at the 'Amazing World Of Gumball'. Hope you enjoy it!

'Bored To Death'

2011-03-02T08:25:00.002Z

Here's an acrylic sketch from a relatively new HBO comedy I've started watching starring Jason Schwartzman and Zach Galifianakis.

Captain Howdy!

2011-02-24T07:41:00.000Z

Here's the final. Oil on canvas panel

The Exorcist

2011-02-16T08:26:00.001Z

Here's a thumbnail sketch of a painting I'm doing at the minute

The Further Decline Of The Movie Poster!

2011-02-11T11:41:00.009Z

So I guess this is another angle for movie marketing - the principles placed in front of, well - nothing! I haven't posted it here, but the european 'Paul' poster would make you weep (especially since the movie was written by two movie geeks). I got the latest book from Drew Struzan a while back and it's a brilliant, fascinating, frustrating and sad read and from the evidence these days, I'm starting to understand why he chose to retire. How much worse are movie posters going to get!

Jeff Bridges

2011-02-04T07:51:00.002Z

Blondie!

2011-01-24T08:09:00.000Z

Crappy photo, but here's the finished painting anyway!

True Grit

2011-01-20T08:25:00.001Z

Clint Eastwood

2011-01-17T07:54:00.001Z

Here's a small sketch of the man with no name that I'm in the middle of painting

'Ding Dong...'

2011-01-10T07:39:00.001Z

This one is 50cm squared

'If It Ain't Broke...'

2010-12-15T15:58:00.006Z

... Maybe those are the words the geniuses behind animation marketing live by!

Jim Henson

2010-12-10T08:46:00.001Z

I heard an interview last week with a guy who went a bit nuts and started to believe that Jim Henson was God - easy mistake to make!

The Walking Dead

2010-12-09T09:19:00.002Z

So the first season has finished and after a great pilot episode the rest of the show ended up being a great floppy dud! In interviews before the show aired, the producers kept refering to the quality of 'Breaking Bad' as a watermark they want to reach. The poor writing, direction and characterization is more akin to 'V' than the aforementioned. This is disappointment on a 'Crystal Skull' level!

Peep Show

2010-11-30T13:13:00.002Z

His majesty, Mark Corrigan has returned!

'DANNY BOY'!

2010-11-26T08:15:00.002Z

This one is acrylic

Yours Truly!

2010-11-19T07:57:00.000Z

Here's one of me I did a while ago

The Walking Dead

2010-10-26T08:03:00.002+01:00

Got to see Frank Darabont's take on 'The Walking Dead' last night and it was great. Here's hoping the rest of the season delivers what the pilot did. Another gem from AMC!

A Helping Hand

2010-10-18T13:51:00.000+01:00

Here's one I did a while ago

Kenobi Nap

2010-09-23T08:14:00.002+01:00

A sketch of our dog, Kenobi taking a nap!

Devils!

2010-09-13T11:10:00.003+01:00

I got a book off my Mam a while ago called 'the art of the devil'. I tried to cutesify some of the images in the book. The original above is entitled 'the devil plays a monk's head as bagpipes'!!!!!

Editorial

2010-08-16T13:29:00.004+01:00

So work is pretty much stealing alot of my spare time so until I get some new stuff together, here's an editorial illustration I did a while back

Cuddly Bear!

2010-08-01T23:03:00.002+01:00

Here's a gift one I did a while ago

Gary

2010-07-12T07:41:00.006+01:00

Okay folks, I need a bit of help here. I'm sure most people will recognise the work of the illustrator above who signs his work as 'Gary'. I've only ever seen it in the 'Culture' supplement of the Sunday Times but I've been loving his stuff for years now and reckon he's one of the best and most original caricaturists ever. Trouble is, I have no idea who this bloke is! I've trawled the interwebs several times now. I've even contacted the 'Times' and THEY couldn't even tell me who he is! Anyway, this is what I'm asking - if anyone has any clue as to who this person is, I'd be hugely grateful for any info. Fingers crossed!

Peekaboo!

2010-07-06T13:36:00.002+01:00

Hitchcocks!

2010-06-22T07:55:00.005+01:00

Dunno why I did this, but last week I did these three sketches of Alfred Hitchcock, one night after the other, all from the same image. I guess It just shows the huge difference between styles and approaches depending on when you go at something. Or maybe I just need to put a bit more thought into my drawing!

A Big 'Un!

2010-06-10T07:55:00.002+01:00

This is the largest oil I've done thus far. It's roughly 5 x 2 foot. If I'm going to continue with these monoliths, I'd better make room in the shed!

100th Big Bank!

2010-05-30T21:46:00.002+01:00

So what started as an experimental couple of posts has now reached it's 100th! for the centenary, the strip features messrs Willzy and O'Flanagan.

Another Lass!

2010-05-22T22:51:00.002+01:00

Oil on 8x10 panel

Breaking Bad

2010-05-14T10:15:00.002+01:00

Forget 'Lost', get exorcised from 'Glee', the best show currently airing on t.v. (while we await season 4 of Mad Men!) has to be Breaking Bad. Yaaaay science!

A Bird!

2010-05-12T07:40:00.000+01:00

Another little oil. Don't worry folks, there are dick jokes on the way!

A Duck!

2010-05-07T07:36:00.002+01:00

Another wee one with oil!

Bram Stoker

2010-05-04T07:50:00.003+01:00

I was invited to contribute to THIS smashing blog. Here's my effort with acrylic and ink.

more painting stuff

2010-04-20T11:06:00.001+01:00

more oil on 6 x 10 panel or thereabouts!

Mr & Mrs

2010-04-15T07:36:00.004+01:00

Oil on 6x8 panel

Draaaaiiiinage!

2010-03-24T07:56:00.002Z

Daniel Day Lewis in 'There Will Be Blood'. Acrylic on panel

Clash Of The Titans

2010-03-22T07:54:00.003Z

A sketch of Calibos from the original movie. Not a fantastic flick but charming all the same. Wonder will it be forgotten once the new sexed-up one comes out in a couple of weeks?!

Sketches

2010-03-14T15:41:00.000Z

Robot Love!

2010-03-12T07:50:00.002Z

Painting!

2010-03-09T13:09:00.004Z

So I've started painting in earnest! I took an oil painting course in January with the great Kevin McSherry to help sift through what I need to know and to build up my confidence. It really did the trick and would highly recommend it to anyone. The above are oils on small canvas panels.

Nachooooo!

2010-02-08T07:45:00.003Z

Watched 'Nacho Libre' during the weekend. Really nicely shot and designed... and it's darn funny too! Speaking of which, don't forget to check out the bankers!

'This is my uniform'!

2010-01-21T07:44:00.002Z

So, what with the wedding and all the other occompanying malarky, I literally haven't drawn in months! The first few drawings after such a hiatus are always hell, but I kinda like this one, it being my first in a loooong while!

Hitched!

2010-01-11T13:43:00.002Z

So yet again, postings 'round here have been sparse. Mainly due to the fact that Laura and I got hitched over Christmas. Hopefully now that things have returned to their normal pace, the cobwebs will be dusted off this blog a bit more often!

Wild Thing

2009-11-13T13:59:00.003Z

Well, everyone else is doing it!

Funny Story!

2009-11-13T08:16:00.002Z

So I went to the John Canemaker shindig last night which great. Amongst other things Mr. Canemaker presented was a recent film 'Chuck Jones, memories of childhood'. A really great film in which Canemaker produced and helped conduct the interview with Jones. He proceeded to tell the crowd that he shared a close relationship with Jones that spanned thirty years until Jones' death a few years ago. During the Q&A, he asked if anyone had any questions on animation history, bearing in mind that he's met everyone from Richard Williams to the Nine Old Men, when one pompous culture vulture or college tutor dropped the clanger - 'Have you ever met Chuck Jones'? Fookin' hilarious!

An Evening With John Canemaker

2009-11-08T20:08:00.004Z

Calling all animation enthusiasts! Was anyone else aware of this in Dublin's IFI on Thursday the 12th? I stumbled across it by accident. Y'all know where to be this Thursday

Drag Me To Hell

2009-10-31T15:03:00.001Z

Our Halloween movie of choice this year. Ink on paper

Mad Men Men

2009-10-16T13:59:00.001+01:00

And last but not least - Pete Campbell

The Amazing World Of Gumball

2009-10-16T08:15:00.002+01:00

Well, the cat's out of the bag (so to speak!). Press releases have gone out for the new show we've been working on for the last while so I can finally spill (some of) the beans. The show is being produced for Cartoon Network by Dandelion studios in England in association with us here in Boulder Media. It's a mix of 2D/3D animation and it's looking really really great. I've now stepped into 3D animation and working with the fantastic models (above right) is a whole load of fun.

Rant Update

2009-10-12T08:00:00.004+01:00

Hoi hoi! Following a year on from this tirade, I finally sprung for the fourth volume of the Looney Tunes Golden Collection. And lo, the same disclaimer is on the back -

- I'm not gonna repeat myself, but check out the sticker they had slapped on the front of the DVD -

Feckin' hilarious!

Mad Men Men Again!

2009-10-02T08:09:00.001+01:00

... and Roger Sterling. Don't forget your dose of Big Bank either!

Mad Men Men!

2009-09-28T21:13:00.002+01:00

I have no excuse! I've been 20% busy and 80% too bleedin' lazy to update this blog in the last while. I'm gonna start a series of pics inspired by Sandra Equihua's Mad Men Women posts and I've decided to go with the blokes! So here's the one and only Don Draper. Next up, Roger Sterling.

'I'm Glad It's You'

2009-07-08T21:36:00.003+01:00

Paul Newman in his last scene of 'Road To Perdition'. Charcoal and white pencil.

Family Totem

2009-06-30T08:15:00.003+01:00

Here's an illustrator version of a painting I'd like to start on shortly. Don't forget to get yourselves a Big Bank!

Clint

2009-06-15T19:19:00.003+01:00

An ink/pen/brush sketch of everyone's favorite gunslinger

Thank f*^k for animation!

2009-06-15T15:51:00.002+01:00

Here's the latest Big Bank. I have to say that even at the lowest points of my animation career I've never felt like this guy! I really like this gag though!

A Golden Oldie!

2009-06-11T15:22:00.003+01:00

I've just finished off a few things for other people but as usual when I haven't been sketching for a while I get completely rusty. I tried doodling last night to put something up here today but to say the results were embarrassing would be an understatement! Anyway, here's an old sketch that I like until I get my mojo back (or what little I had to start with!)

And don't be forgettin' those Big Bankers now!

The AT-AT Walker!

2009-05-15T08:03:00.002+01:00

Here's a recent sketch to help dust off the cobwebs. I nicked the gag from a t-shirt I have!
... and don't forget about Big Bank folks!

Sportsters!

2009-05-14T08:16:00.003+01:00

Hey all! I really need to get my shit together. I haven't done anything in yonks and this blog has started gathering dust! anywho, above is something quick I did a while ago. More tomorrow.

The Numbers!

2009-03-16T07:58:00.002Z

Here's a piece I worked out in Adobe Illustrator that I'd like to start painting up soon (and probably only finish sometime next year!). Don't forget to check in with the Big Bankers!

Buddy Holly

2009-02-26T07:44:00.004Z

Here's a 'for shits and giggles', record mock-up type thing. The Pixar tour campaign is under way and gathering steam. If anyone else has any pointers, feel free to chime in on the post below. Until then, get your Bank on, y'all!

How Does One Get A Peep Inside Pixar?

2009-02-24T13:23:00.005Z

In 2000, myself and a mate swung by the old Pixar studios with our portfolios. They seemed quite puzzled as to why someone would like to look at their facilities when we asked if they did tours. They did not, but generously offered to look at our work and critique it. Now that Pixar have gotten bigger they've made a policy of NOT giving tours of their studios for obvious reasons. However, In a few weeks me and Laura are heading back to the 'Frisco and wondered did anyone have any advice as to how to swing an elusive look inside Pixar. Just a peep!

Olly And Suzi

2009-02-03T11:10:00.002Z

Anyone familiar with this duo? I watched a show on them last night on BBC in which I saw them trying to scrawl a drawing underwater and then tossing another to a shark to take a bite out of! The artwork ultimately and inevitably looks shit but they claim that they are producing a more visceral kind of piece, tossing around phrases like 'capturing the essence' without any appreciation of the true meaning of the words. It seemed to me just another chapter in the debasing of modern art that taps into peoples fears of looking stupid if they admit that they don't like something or don't 'get it'. And don't get me started on Jackson Pollock (yeah, I went there!). Anyway, the show was like a 'Spinal Tap' of the art world. yeah, yeah, I know what everyones thinking, 'well paul, art should be subjective and just 'cos you don't like it...' and so on. Agreed, there'll never be a popular concensus as to what is good and what is bad but I'd subscribe to what a famous artist said recently in that 'Art should be an emotional thing, not an intellectual thing - it speaks to the heart, not the mind', or something like that. Oh yeah, and 'Olly', who produces these pieces of rare animals in an effort to attract public awareness to their dwindling numbers shoots deer for fun! Laters!

Emo Love

2009-01-21T08:23:00.003Z

Those Emo's sure are funny!

Jones!

2009-01-20T07:56:00.002Z

I've been reading 'The Complete Making Of Indiana Jones' and last night, for the first time in weeks put pen to paper. Well...charcoal and white pencil! Don't forget to get your Bank on!

The Commuter

2009-01-05T20:57:00.002Z

Here's a painting I just finished that has been sitting, half-done in my work room for about a year! And for more giggles, hook your good selves up with some Big Banks! Cheers folks

Bad Santa

2008-12-12T08:00:00.001Z

Got my annual dose of it the other night. Great movie!

'Tis The Season To Be Jolly!

2008-12-08T08:00:00.004Z

Colouring pencil with white spirits. Want even more seasonal festivities? Head on over to the Big Bank office party!

Big Bank In Print

2008-11-21T08:10:00.002Z

A bit of news for all you Irish readers. Big Bank is now being published in the monthly You And Your Money magazine as of yesterday.

Zack And Miri Make A Rant

2008-11-21T07:51:00.002Z

When I started this blog I said that I intended it to be for artwork and the odd rant. Well, I reckon I've put up enough of the former to justify a lash at the latter. If you're looking for proper movie review, look elsewhere. This ain't notin but a tirade. So here goes...
My girlfriend and I saw Zack And Miri Make A Porno last night and holy shit, it's bad. Laura asked me just before it started 'this is a Kevin Smith movie, right?'. 'Yeah' I thought, 'but we shouldn't hold that against it'. To be honest, the only reason I'd inflict another Kevin Smith movie on myself is 'cos the trailer for this effort actually looked good. I won't go on much as this isn't a review site (and this ain't much of a review!) but when Smith tries to make a genuienly sincere and tender moment, it comes off as hokey and as badly done as the same in a real porno. Saints preserve us!
There's a moment in the movie when Seth Rogen's character (indistinguishable from every other Seth Rogen character) gets a brainwave and announces to his film crew 'I've got it, everyone meet me here tomorrow and I'll be back in the morning with a script'. I can't imagine this is too far removed from what Smith announced when he concieved this can of manure. Come back Judd Apatow, all is forgiven! Okay, enough ranting, back to the artwork!

Nuddies!

2008-10-29T07:54:00.003Z

...and more Big Banksies!

Beauty Now

2008-10-16T08:11:00.004+01:00

So here it is folks, in it's entirety. Hope you enjoy it.

(and lest ye forget, there's a new Big Bank)

Comedy Posters Part Deux

2008-10-07T08:03:00.002+01:00

More dumb-ass expressions! On the upside, there's always another Big Bank!

Paul Newman

2008-09-29T07:59:00.002+01:00

Sad news alright

Painting

2008-09-29T07:56:00.001+01:00

I did this over a couple of evenings last week. Some of the proportions are a tad off, but I ain't going back over it!

Comedy Posters

2008-09-25T13:55:00.004+01:00

Anyone know why loads of posters for comedies these days depict the stars as looking dumb/dazed?! Beats me!

oh yeah, don't forget to check out Big Bank either!

Death Magnetic

2008-09-08T08:42:00.003+01:00

Anyone waiting for the new Metallica album? I've heard most of it now and it f#*king rocks! Oh, and get ye over here, it's Big Bank day!

Golf Outing Poster

2008-08-27T13:30:00.000+01:00

Here's another poster I did for the same cause.

Another Monday, Another Plug...

2008-08-25T14:03:00.001+01:00

You guessed it... new Big Bank ltd!

Table Quiz Poster

2008-08-19T21:32:00.003+01:00

Just finished this poster for a charity table quiz in aid of St. Luke's hospital here in Dublin. Is there any better cause (plus, it got me posting again!)? Should be great fun.

That Monday feeling!

2008-08-18T09:18:00.002+01:00

So it's Monday and that means a new 'Big Bank ltd', enjoy. http://www.bigbankltd.wordpress.com/

'Big Bank Ltd' is up!

2008-08-09T19:09:00.002+01:00

So our new weekly strip is up. It can be found at www.bigbankltd.wordpress.com and will be posting a new 'un every Monday. Bring all your friends!

Big Bank Ltd

2008-08-05T07:50:00.003+01:00

It's been quiet around here lately. I've been working on a few freelance things aswell as this - 'Big Bank Ltd' is gonna be a weekly online strip very soon, written by 'Willzy' and illustrated by myself. It'll be a whole new blog so I'll post up more details when I have them.

Teddy-Boy!

2008-07-01T07:56:00.003+01:00

These sketches where done over the past couple of nights as for the last few weeks I've had a few commisions to get out the door (I'm not complaining!). Hopefully now I'll be able to give this blog the good kick up the arse it needs!

Aftermath

2008-07-01T07:47:00.002+01:00

So the dust has settled on the new Indiana Jones movie. I've seen it three times so far and my final take on it is that I love it. Don't get me wrong, I don't think anyone can condone the Tarzan bit but all in all I think it fits in well with the other three and in my opinion is third best after 'Raiders' and 'Crusade'. Right then, back to reality!

Baby Jane

2008-05-08T08:08:00.003+01:00

Bette Davis as the terrifying Baby Jane Hudson.

Jonsey!

2008-05-08T08:01:00.002+01:00

Well, I got my cast off a few weeks ago and have been limbering up my hand since. This is the first real sketch I've done since I got the cast off as I had a few jobs backed up to do. This is just a quick doodle of Indiana Jones. Not long to wait now!

Boulder Postcard

2008-04-10T13:48:00.003+01:00

Well my arm is still fecked, so I'm still out of the drawing game. I'm in the hospital on monday so hopefully they'll decide to take the bleedin' cast off then. Think good thoughts! Anywho, just to keep the posts coming, here's a postcard I did for our company last year to inform people of our change of address.

The Little Fecker!

2008-03-26T13:45:00.003Z

Well the posts have been coming in slow due to me working on stuff for other people and/or being too lazy to do anything of my own! Now the post's are gonna grind to a halt for a couple of weeks as my arm's in a cast. Our little maniacal dog, Kenobi (above) got out the front door during the weekend. Fearful that the wee f*%ker was going to run out under a car I dove for him as he ran past me. I ended up with a fractured bone in my drawing hand for my troubles! He thinks it was the best fun ever though!

Page O'Doodles 3

2008-03-12T08:12:00.001Z