The Sandman: 25th Anniversary Painting

Some of my earliest desires to take part in the world of comic books, were because of my time spent anticipating the next issues of The Sandman, written by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by (for that run) Jill Thompson, and with beautiful cover artwork by one of my very favorite artists, Dave McKean. I related to these comic books, not because of the magical beings inside their pages, but because of the misfits, whom from my point of view, were much like me. There I was, 16 years old, with Robert Smith/Edward Scissorhands hair (much like Dream, I was happy to see) reading stories where the "freaks" acted like real people, with thoughts, feelings, humor, and souls, that I knew I and my outcast friends had inside us, just like everyone else. It was very refreshing to my young mind. So, when the opportunity came along to submit artwork for this year's San Diego Comic Con 2013 souvenir book, for the 25th anniversary of the first Sandman comic, I felt it was only natural to do this piece. I owned it to that young reader who is the foundation for the man I am today.

...and I thought an animated GIF might be fun to throw in, too.

From Painted to Digital (Before and After)

Just a quick post, about what I'm doing to build my portfolio. This piece is best viewed by right clicking it, and opening it in a new tab, so that you can magnify.

These days, I don't paint a complete picture, now that I consider myself a more digital type artist. I paint just what I think I'll need as a foundation for my Photoshop work. As you can see, the difference is vast. This is from no particular comic. I just felt like doing something metaphorical for my current state of mind as an artist and a human being. Interpret as you like.
#christophermoonlight

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