David E Wilkinson - Artist

Happiest of Birthdays to the original "Catman", the one and only Peter Criss.

I will never be able to articulate what it was like to meet you for the first time. You were gracious, humble and welcoming to me in a way I will never forget. And having a legend such as yourself ask me for MY autograph and appreciation for my work after a lifetime of appreciating yours? There simply aren't words for how much that meant to me. I will never forget it.

Happy 80th Birthday Peter Criss.

KISS

I was so deeply saddened to hear the news of Drew Sruzan’s passing. I knew Drew was not well in recent years, but the end always seems to come too soon.

Like so many artists, you might not know his name but undoubtedly know his work. Back in the late 80’s and early 90’s as an aspiring artist, I was one of those people.

His career spanned decades in both music and movies. The imagery he created for so many of the films we all loved made us want to see them through his captivating images alone. He had a way of bringing the characters to life through his design and technique that was quintessentially his own. Each signed with a simple “Drew”.

It was in that unassuming and subtle signature that years ago, I* realized that so many of the movie posters that I loved were all created by the same artist. From that point he became one of my biggest artistic inspirations as an aspiring artist.

While my artistic career has taken me down a different path. As an illustrator, I have tried to forge my own creative style in an effort not to mimic his, but like Drew, create something that is uniquely me. However, in that his work and sense of design has always continued to influenced me as both an illustrator and a designer through the countless movie posters and home video packages I have gone on to produce including the design for the DVD release of his documentary “The Man Behind The Poster”. What a honor it was to work on that package.

Drew was a true master of his craft. Even his sketches and comps were unique works of art most would be proud of to call a “finish”. His presence is in every stroke. His work is timeless.

He once said in a letter to me (a story I will share later) “I am going to live forever.” And he will. His presence will remain all around us through his images. His soul will remain with us and speak to us though his work in which he poured it in. It’s a part of him which he gave to the world. I know it will remain with me both on my walls and in my own work through his inspiration and example.

Thank you for making the world more colorful Drew. Rest in Peace.

Since it is “Superman Day” I decided to dig into my art archive and share some old work from my past.

Growing up, Superman was second only to Spider-Man. As a result of always drawing and painting what I loved, I spent a lot of time drawing pictures of Superman. I certainly was no Alex Ross but it was part of my artistic journey and helped lead me to where I am today.