09 -> 10



I wish everyone seasons greetings - see you in 2010 (aren't we supposed to be driving flying cars by now?). Here's 2 small paintings I finished recently.

Here's something I did for The Sunday Times magazine, 2 illustrations for a story by Helen Simpson. The story is about a young couple on holiday in France. While they cycle around, visiting museums, they talk about the future, their hopes and dreams and the future of their relationship. An important part of the story takes place in the Chateau d'Angers, I was asked to reference the awesome apocalyptic tapestry of Angers. I chose some of the satanic monsters, tipping a nod
to a conversation the characters have regarding their own personal 'monsters'.

It was a super quick turnaround, so my rough sketches were very rough. See below:






Here are the 2 final images. It's for sale 22nd November.






































"Something I heard the other day" 195mm x 195mm Acrylic on Rives BFK







Dougie Wasp

Here's a piece from a project that's just fallen through, it was going
to be the cover for a 7 inch single by a band who no longer exist.


I was sad to hear Bernie Fuchs died recently, he was an amazing illustrator and artist.
I remember first seeing some of his work in the library of my high school.
At the time I was heavily into stuff like 2000AD and Tank Girl and listening to awful rave mix tapes.
Fuchs' work seemed to be distantly related to the artists I liked, it wasn't until years later I realised those guys were obviously influenced by him.


Here's a great post about Mr Fuchs from Today's Inspiration.



Here's a poster for a gig/exhibition in Liverpool, organised by the ever awesome Burn.
Artists from across the world were invited to design a poster to advertise the show, with all the art being shown alongside the bands making a delightful racket. Damn I miss Liverpool.

NY Trip

Thanks to Matt & Pete. Congratulations to Stuart and Sumanta.










Shit

It's been a while, been working on a few things. I got the TFT cd in the post a few weeks ago, it looks lovely. The colours turned out as intended, which doesn't always happen. It's also stuffed full of good ol' riffery. In all good record shops soon.



I also did this painting of Camilo Villegas, professional golfer. Sorry for slightly crinkly photo.


Here's some stuff from my sketchbook too. I started a new Moleskine one last week. Although they're far from the perfect sketchbook (hardbound, 300g/m2 hot press paper, if you're asking), the paper is pretty good if you like throwing lots of layers down.







Paint Map





The Zealots Always Turn Against You In The End - Acylic on paper

This is one of two paintings that are featured in upcoming show You've Got Light In Your Eyes, opening May 2nd at Needles & Pens. This galaxy of greatness is curated by Meighan O'Toole of my love for you . . . so rest assured it will be the bomb. If you're in San Francisco be sure to check it out. I will be there in spirit only sadly.

Hope


This is my interpretation of 'Hope' for a new publication by Burn (burneverything.co.uk). It's acylic and watercolour on paper. I enjoyed the painting the rainbow pattern a lot, although my hand started to cramp towards the end. Yay for obsessive detail.


Click the images for a better look.







Inner panels & CD. Click it for a bigger version.


Cover, back and insidey panel. Click for bigger.
It's coming out on the great Gringo Records (gringorecords.com) in about 4 weeks. They're then going on tour in Europe, here's a trailer for a dvd they made about their last tour in Europe. Can you see what I did there?



Tanknology




This the (mostly) finished cover I've been working for the new album by Leeds' duo That Fucking Tank. I'll post some more of the art for it soon.


I've only got 2 copies left of the zine - get one before it's too late! Click here to purchase.



The new issue of Bearded is out today, it's available to buy from WHSmith, Borders, independent record stores, newsagents and online at the Bearded shop. Buy it here.
It's the first magazine cover I've done so I was flattered to be asked. Warm and fuzzy thanks to Kevin.

This illustration accompanies a short story entitled 'Sympatico' by Tim Lott, it's out Sunday (weird) February 1st.

Sketchbook




Here's the finished piece for the cover of Bearded magazine. It's coming out in the next few weeks or so and will be available in all the usual outlets. Fact fans: The song 'Leaf House' from the album Sung Tongs by Animal Collective is my most played song on itunes. OMG!



Here's something I'm working on for the new issue of Bearded magazine, it's hard chirpin', crazy sound lovin' Animal Collective. I'll post the finished piece up soon.


Although somewhat off-topic, I thought I'd share some of my favourite music from 2008. I am pretty obsessive about music, it has a huge influence of my work. I tried to avoid picking bands who'd made some good songs this year, and stick to the records I leave to play through. In no particular order:

Grails - Doomsdayer's Holiday
Eclectic & cinematic. Grails have made some really good records but this is the bees knees. Psych-prog-soundtrack-rock.

Flying Lotus - Los Angeles
This record is very enjoyable while drawing bricks, branches or filling in large areas of flat colour.

Earth - The Bees Made Honey In The Lion's Skull
If 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy ever gets made into a film, I want Earth to do the soundtrack.

The Bug - London Zoo
This album might not make you dance but it will make you move.

Thee Oh Sees - The Master's Bedroom Is Worth Spending A Night In
John Dywer puts records out like I ruin new brushes. Great music for foot stamping and making your girlfriend question your sanity.

Plaaydoh - Plaaydoh ep
Plucky youngsters from Glasgow way. Catchy like influenza.

These Are Powers - Terrific Seasons
They call it 'Ghost Punk' and I'm inclined to agree. Great artwork also.

Alexander Tucker - Portal
An amazing and beguiling record.

That's about it. Feel free to lambast and criticise in the comments. 








http://twitter.com/kennkenn

Gents

This one of series of images I have been working on, based on found photography.



Detail

AR

Deflation

Gas

Once More

Logical Stop

Trouvé






Trouvé: limited to 50 copies and is printed in full colour on 32 non-glossy pages. The publication is saddle-stitched and comes with a sticker on the cover. Features work by myself, Kevin Summers and ZEROTEN.

*** SOLD OUT! 23/03/09

Neptune make their own guitars. Listen here.

Subprime

Cycle




A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form.

But no

28% done


I think this is going to be called 'Autumn Response' but don't quote me on that.



Thanks!

A quick note to say thanks to everyone who visited my site in the last 9 days, I've had a staggering 655 visits since 21/09.
Also thanks to Carole Guevin at netdiver and Carrie at Detangle

In Progress

So long