Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger (born July 30, 1947) is an Austrian-born American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served two terms as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011. Schwarzenegger began weight training at the age of 15. He won the Mr. Universe title at age 20 and went on to win the Mr. Olympia contest seven times. Schwarzenegger has remained a prominent presence in bodybuilding and has written many books and articles on the sport. Schwarzenegger gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon. He was nicknamed the "Austrian Oak" and the "Styrian Oak" in his bodybuilding days, "Arnie" during his acting career and more recently "The Governator" (a portmanteau of "Governor" and "The Terminator" – one of his best-known movie roles). My earliest memories of Arnold was his role as my favorite Cimmerian, Conan The Barbarian. My father took me to see the film at the Commodore Theater in Brooklyn New York when I was a young boy. There was a news stand right as you got off the train exit in Broadway that sold comic books and magazines. Every time we went to the theater to see movies I would ask for the Conan magazines which featured art covers by the great Frank Frazetta and interiors by the amazing John Buscema. As soon as I heard the movie was gonna come out I begged to go see it. till this day it was very influential to me as a fighter and as an artist. I will never forget the Friedrich Nietzche quote at the beginning of the film, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger". Arnold conquered the Bodybuilding community, became a blockbuster star, and then went into politics. That is a lot to do in one lifetime. I think he may actually be made up of "human flesh and tissue over a metal endoskeleton"lol Here is my caricature of Arnold as the Governor of California, followed by some process shots. Thanks for stopping by, Enjoy!!!!

Conan The Barbarian

Conan the Barbarian is a 1982 sword and sorcery/adventure film directed and co-written by John Milius. It is based on stories by Robert E. Howard, a pulp fiction writer of the 1930s, about the adventures of the eponymous character in a fictional pre-historic world of dark magic and savagery. The film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Earl Jones, and tells the story of a young barbarian (Schwarzenegger) who seeks vengeance for the death of his parents at the hands of Thulsa Doom (Jones), the leader of a snake cult. Buzz Feitshans and Raffaella De Laurentiis produced the film for her father Dino De Laurentiis. Basil Poledouris provided the music. Directed by John Milius, Written by John Milius and Oliver Stone, Based on Conan the Barbarian by Robert E. Howard. Conan was among my childhood favorite Comic book Magazines to read as a child, with amazing art by the great John Buscema, and covers by Frank Frazetta. Here is a caricature of Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan. thanks for stopping by, Enjoy!!!

Sketchbook log

more doodles....

R.I.P Frank Frazetta 1928-2010

Legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazetta passed away today from a stroke. You would be hard pressed to find an artist that was not inspired by Frazetta. If imitation is the greatest form of flattery, then frank was the most complimented artist of our time.

His mastery of color, composition and uncanny ability to capture action and tell a story with his images were unparalleled in the industry of comics and fantasy art. I have had the honor of meeting Frank on several occasions and getting honest feedback from him on my portfolio. I was also exposed to many rare pieces of his art, while working for Kitchen Sink press years ago. I am speaking of the work he did on the lil Abner strip and some of his funny animal drawings, as well as the more popular Death Dealer pieces. What else can I say that his art can't say for itself. Here are some of my favorite Frazetta Pieces. Rest in Peace old friend.