Jiu Jitsu Style Magazine Smalls X Meerkatsu
Here’s the piece I created for the next Jiu Jitsu Style magazine. This piece illustrates some of the many grips in Jiu Jitsu. Meerkatsu wrote the article I illustrated, not a bad combination.Thanks to Seymour Yang aka Meerkatsu bringing me on for this project.
You find more articles and work from Meerkatsu @ http://meerkat69.blogspot.com/
The Art of Jiu Jitsu
Jiu jitsu artwork seems to be a constant theme in my life so I’ve created a page on my site just for this.
Checkout the collection: http://johnsmalls.com/pen-ink/.
Update: I took some of the work down and included some pieces into the portfolio section of pen&ink. This is an ongoing project
so I don’t want to reveal to much of the work in progress.
Writing and drawing Letters to the Master
Finally back at it! After a two year hiatus I’m finally completing the story that started so long ago.I will be posting every wednesday (even though today is Thursday). Feel free to comment and follow along. When I first started my background was kung fu but since then I’ve been training heavily in Jiu Jitsu so you can expect to see that involved in the upcoming storyline.
Check out the story here: johnsmalls.com/letterstothemaster
*New comics will be posted every Wednesday.
The lion king illustration
Here’s the final version of the lion/dragon piece I started a week ago.
The toughest part was getting everything to look anatomically correct.
This piece has been thru many revision, many many revisions.
8 days as a grand jury sketch artist
I spent eight days on a Grand Jury, this is the result. Faces had to be changed so I wouldn’t get a fine or worst, literally. Since there are no photos or cell phones allowed they wanted to make sure i wasn’t documenting the witnesses or undercover officers of the law. I’m just thankful I had a sketchbook small enough to bring along.
My connection in Rio, paintings and sketches
I recently took a trip to Rio de Janeiro Brazil for some rest and to learn more about the art of Jiu Jitsu.
The trip was way to short but it was well worth it. Here are some sketches and paintings I happen to do when I had some down time.
Latest projects and happenings…
I haven’t been posting much on my site lately, but I have been updating on facebook and tumblr. I’ve been cutting back on freelance and focusing on my own work again with a different approach. In September I will be attending the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies for animation. This has been something I’ve been wanting to do for many years now so I’m finally making it happen. This site has also gone through some changes lately, a new look and color scheme, some new work and a new store to purchase artwork. I’m still debating on the image gallery, not sure if i want a dynamic slideshow or a static gallery like it is now. Here’s the latest painting I made. It’s not finished to me but it’s ok for now.When I was in the process it took me several weeks, I’m working on taking my time with my craft rather than rushing to get the job done. I find more enjoyment watching the canvas evolve.
DOMO ARIGATO: JAPAN APPRECIATION FESTIVAL 2011
BRONX “COLLEGE PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN” DESIGNATED SITE FOR INAUGURAL LAUNCH OF “DOMO ARIGATO: JAPAN APPRECIATION FESTIVAL 2011″
Bronx, N.Y. Monday (August 1st, 2011) For many, the borough of the Bronx is recognized as the birthplace of Hiphop as well as the home of the incomparable World Champion New York Yankees. After Saturday August 6th, 2011 you may add proactive supporter of Japan’s ongoing rebuilding effort to the list as College Park Community Garden presents, “Domo Arigato: Japan Appreciation Festival 2011”. A family friendly day featuring dynamic live performances, independent vendors, food and drink with all donations going to the Japan Society.
An eclectic ensemble of New York artists ventured to Tokyo, Japan on a mini tour in November of 2010. An almost surreal experience marked by unforgettable shows, remarkable studio sessions and late night communal dinners; the group was warmly embraced by its new international family, building bonds that will surely last forever. Four short months later, the strongest earthquake in Japanese history hits leaving a catastrophic toll of devastation in its wake. The forthcoming festival commemorates the aforementioned journey. It represents a consciously organized project to help a new family acquired, heal and reconstruct.
“Domo Arigato” will be hosted by the always jovial and witty, TastyKeish of Rise up Radio on WBAI 99.5 FM. A healthy list of both American and Japanese performers (GAIYA of Block 3 Addiction, MeccaGodZilla, MioSOUL, & Raye6 to name a few) headline the afternoon’s event, accompanied by live art from Ignite Designs & John Smalls. This festival affords the possibility of aid to a people in dire need while introducing an energy of positivity to a neighborhood that also requires a ray of light shone upon it. Sponsors like 808 Shirts based in Tampa, Florida by contributing limited edition garments, prove the ability to unify for a cause without major corporate sponsorship. When there is a need, the people will assemble and meet that need.
The inaugural festival takes off promptly at 2PM on Saturday, August 6th, (*rain date Sunday, August 7th,) with live performances beginning at 4PM. The festival concludes at 8PM. Admission is a $5.00 donation. Tickets can be ordered online prior to the day of the event. $10 sliver donation and $20 gold donation tickets can also be purchased. Sliver and gold ticket bearers receive special limited edition items on the day of the concert when they arrive. (*ONLY 25 Gold donation tickets AVAILABLE.)
College Park Community Garden is located at: 1420 College Ave btw 170st and 171st Bronx, N.Y. 10457
For a full list of activities: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1927837213/efblike
To donate directly to the Japan rebuilding effort visit http://www.japansociety.org/earthquake
Brush paintings…
Here’s a few illustrations I worked on recently. Just experimenting painting on a smaller scale.
I pout the actual artwork available for purchase on Bigcartel.com
The magnificent seven X The Muppets T-shirt Design Challenge
This design was based around the theme of friendship and since there are so many wonderful characters involved with The Muppets I choose to the classic film by Akira Kurosawa “The seven samurai” as my base for the illustration. Many different characters coming together for the greater good and becoming the best of friends. I illustrated this piece using a small brush and sumi ink, colors where done in photoshop.
You can vote this design here: Threadless.com
Thanks.
A day painting in Brooklyn (Video)
I painted this wall piece at a friends brownstone in Brooklyn. It’s kind of a tradition now for me to paint on her walls every couple of years.
Art Process
Recently I had the opportunity to be commissioned to paint a jiu jitsu piece. It was inspired by the smaller 5″x7″ paintings I created a little while ago. Here are a few images showing the process.
More on the Mamba…
Interview with Bear from Shoyoroll, info on the new gis and future releases!
Shoyoroll Batch 8 The White Mamba
Most people know that I am pretty much a hardcore student of martial arts, so to be able to contribute to the design of a kimono gi for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has me sitting on cloud nine right now. Especially because alot of people are awaiting the arrival of there gi’s and many of the guys at the academy made orders. Working in graphic design the opportunity to work with big name companies happens often but most of those companies don’t care about the people who purchase there products. Shoyoroll is brand that truly represents the people they sell to. They stand by there product and the product sells itself because of the quality. I’m awaiting some pics of my friends and fellow BJJ family rolling(training) in the White Mamba. This has been one of the most interesting opportunities I’ve been apart of.
A day painting in Brooklyn part2
I went back to Brooklyn over the weekend to finish up the wall painting for DJ Sakir. I made some minor changes to the face but my main focus was on switching up the background. The idea was suppose to be hibiscus flowers with a Polynesian design. After many hours of standing up painting I wasn’t at my best and decided to come back and fix it, So I did. The pattern is simple but not to basic in design and the flowers are in black and white so that the main focus remains on the female character and no the background. This has been the biggest painting i have done in a long time. I haven’t touched any walls or large canvas due to the lack of space but over the weekend I relocated to a much better environment that will allow me to express myself creatively once again.
Japan earthquake: How you can help
By now everyone has seen or heard about the damage and the lives lost in Japan. Here are just a few links to some sites where you can help.
The following international sites are recommended by Timeout Tokyo:
American Red Cross
Canpan Fields (Japanese NPO)
Save the Children
Non-Believers Giving Aid (scroll down the page for Japan earthquake relief)
NGO Jen (in English and Japanese)
International Medical Corps
Association of Medical Doctors in Asia
Japan is a strong nation and I know that they will rebuild the megalopolis better than it ever was, if that is even possible.
Back to writing letters to the master..
After two year hiatus I’m back to writing “Letters to the master” this time around no inks only pencil work, my ink skills are atrocious. I always felt that I opened a door to something but didn’t step in far enough to explore. This is something I have to finish. Since this project was started before a few others I didn’t complete, LTTM has been moved to the number one spot. I will complete the story before posting it, so that once it’s up there will be no more breaks or reasons not to finish the story because it will be finished. I don’t have a schedule for the new issues yet, that will happen once I wrap up the story not before.
Letters to the Master
A day painting in Brooklyn part1
Over this past weekend I trooped out to Brooklyn to do another mural on my friend DJ SAKIR brownstone. Originally I was going to paint a monkey on a moped with a crate of records but once I arrived at her place I had another vision of what to create. With a little inspiration from my friend I went with a semi polynesian theme combined with the story telling of Octavia Butler. This piece is not finished but close to be completed. I need to go back and add some warm colors and also to take some better photos. There is also video of the process that will be up on youtube shortly. Enjoy
A new day a new look.
Once again I updated the theme of the site. This theme was choosen because of the slider on the main page, I’ve been looking for something like for a while now and finally came across a company that makes some pretty stylish templates, Graphpaperpress.com check them out.
WIP of the day, sort of..
I started this months ago for CGhub.com but never got around to finishing it. A book cover design for Pinnochio. I plan to finish this tonight or Sunday, hopefully.
Scottie Spits feat. Chingo Bling CD cover art
It’s been a couple years since I made cover art for a CD. I want to do more and have another in the works.
It’s good to step away from the norm and do something different. You can listen the track here: www.myspace.com/209543524/music/songs/79115687
www.scottiespits.com
Nine views of Jiu Jitsu, 5×7 acrylic paintings.
Each painting was created on a 5″x7″ canvas panel with acrylic paint.
They will be availble for sale on artbysmalls.bigcartel.com for $15.00.
Snowdays and Gogoplatas, almost complete…
I hope to complete this project and keep the momentum moving to other BJJ related work… Here’s what I have so far in the process.
