Johnny Alpha, Strontium Dog - Death face.
Based on a 2000AD cover (Prog1689).
The base drawing is done in black biro. I then imported the image into Photoshop to paint it, add shadows and highlights.
Incidentally, the background is a photo of a sunset that I've distorted with liquify and blur filters.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Monday, 11 October 2010
Valhalla Rising
This was my latest rental from Lovefilm. It's hard to know what to make of this film. Whilst it undoubtedly boasts some beautifully evocative photography; one can't help wondering what the hell the film is all about. Is it a fable of a Viking discovery of America centuries before Columbus? Or is it a tale about the rise of Christianity in early Scandanavia? Perhaps it's an existential journey into hell?
The constant bombardment of cryptic & enigmatic messages, startling images & discordant sounds becomes a little wearing. Particularly as there are no answers to the mysteries Valhalla Rising poses. The viewer is left with the sneaking suspicion it's all just nonsense. Beautiful shot, enigmatic nonsense but nonsense all the same.
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The constant bombardment of cryptic & enigmatic messages, startling images & discordant sounds becomes a little wearing. Particularly as there are no answers to the mysteries Valhalla Rising poses. The viewer is left with the sneaking suspicion it's all just nonsense. Beautiful shot, enigmatic nonsense but nonsense all the same.
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Monday, 16 August 2010
Wheatfield in sunlight - close up
Another submission to the photo competition, adhering to the theme 'Best of summer'.
Sunday, 15 August 2010
Wheatfield at sunset
Taken as a series of shots for Thomson Reuters Amateur photography competion (it's all for charidee). The theme was 'summer'.
Monday, 2 August 2010
Inception
Title: Inception
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Leonard DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy
Summary:
Industrial spy Cobb steals ideas from dreams. Banished from his homeland and separated from his children because of some dark deeds in his past. He sees a chance of redemption when he's hired to perform the impossible: inception; planting an idea in the mind of a powerful business man. However, the stakes are, as failure will result in Cobb being lost in sub-conscious limbo forever.
There is much to admire in Inception. The true star, however, is the concept of layering dreams within dreams; the physics of one level destabilising the next level down. This yields highly imaginative, giddy sequences of parallel action such as zero gravity fist fights.
Taking dream invasion as his chosen theme, Nolan delivers a superb, intelligent, labyrinthian thriller. Once again he proves he is the 'dark knight' of cinema, set to save the summer blockbuster from bland mediocrity.
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Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Leonard DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy
Summary:
Industrial spy Cobb steals ideas from dreams. Banished from his homeland and separated from his children because of some dark deeds in his past. He sees a chance of redemption when he's hired to perform the impossible: inception; planting an idea in the mind of a powerful business man. However, the stakes are, as failure will result in Cobb being lost in sub-conscious limbo forever.
There is much to admire in Inception. The true star, however, is the concept of layering dreams within dreams; the physics of one level destabilising the next level down. This yields highly imaginative, giddy sequences of parallel action such as zero gravity fist fights.
Taking dream invasion as his chosen theme, Nolan delivers a superb, intelligent, labyrinthian thriller. Once again he proves he is the 'dark knight' of cinema, set to save the summer blockbuster from bland mediocrity.
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Monday, 28 June 2010
Wollaton Hall
Wollaton Hall, Nottingham. This image was processed using HDR (high dynamic range) methods.
Friday, 25 June 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
Southwell Minster - exterior
A further shot of Southwell Minster (exterior). This was an attempt to see if I could process a shot so that it had a dark and moody feel, without converting to black & white.
Southwell Minster - interior
A shot of the stained glass windows by the altar, inside Southwell minster. Once again this has been processed as a HDR image.
Southwell Minster
A shot of Southwell Minster. I took this and processed it as a HDR (High Dynamic Range) image then converted it to black & white. It was quite a sunny day, but the processing gives it a dark and moody feel, which i kind of like.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Sunday, 6 June 2010
Disco Nottingham
Taken at OhMyGosh! records, Mansfield Road, Nottingham.
Taken for the Hidden Nottingham Flickr group.
Taken for the Hidden Nottingham Flickr group.
Friday, 28 May 2010
Robin Hood
How remiss of me. I've forgotten to comment on the new 'Robin Hood' film. Thats a bit slack for someone from Nottingham. Hpwever, i did wonder whether we really needed another Robin Hood movie.
Its another Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe collaboration that will obviously draw comparisons to "Gladiator".... and yes it is "Gladiator" with longbows. However, please don't misunderstand this, its no bad thing. In fact its a very good thing. Scott has revitalised a traditional story, casting Robin as a reluctant political activist within the Plantagenet politics of the period. Strangely this works, somehow reinventing the story for a modern era. Traditional villain the sheriff of Nottingham is only a minor character, chief bad guy honours going to Mark Strong's 'Godfrey'. A Guy of Guisborne type of mecenary knight attempting to instigate an invasion of England by the French. The final battle between the rag tag English force and the invading French is a visual feast, conducted with Scott's usual aplomb. Crowe makes a fine Hood, whilst Cate Blanchett is a feisty, pragmatic Marian. A very enjoyable and worthy effort. Did we really need another Robin Hood film? It seems that the answer is, Yes.
Its another Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe collaboration that will obviously draw comparisons to "Gladiator".... and yes it is "Gladiator" with longbows. However, please don't misunderstand this, its no bad thing. In fact its a very good thing. Scott has revitalised a traditional story, casting Robin as a reluctant political activist within the Plantagenet politics of the period. Strangely this works, somehow reinventing the story for a modern era. Traditional villain the sheriff of Nottingham is only a minor character, chief bad guy honours going to Mark Strong's 'Godfrey'. A Guy of Guisborne type of mecenary knight attempting to instigate an invasion of England by the French. The final battle between the rag tag English force and the invading French is a visual feast, conducted with Scott's usual aplomb. Crowe makes a fine Hood, whilst Cate Blanchett is a feisty, pragmatic Marian. A very enjoyable and worthy effort. Did we really need another Robin Hood film? It seems that the answer is, Yes.
Four Lions
Believe the hype. Its great.
I went to see this the other day and haven't stopped laughing yet. Given the choral guffaws that were echoing around the cinema, I certainly am not alone in this opinion. Despite the controversial subject matter, Chris Morris has been less cutting in his approach to this film, when compared with "Brasseye" or even "Nathan Barley". Most of the characters are portrayed as quite likeable people, albeit very, very misguided. This makes them seem more human, as such its a better film for it.
However, the humour is razor sharp. So much has been packed into it, you'll ache with laughing so much by the end of it. My personal favourite is the conversation between the two police snipers about whether a wookie is a bear or not. Hilarious.
I went to see this the other day and haven't stopped laughing yet. Given the choral guffaws that were echoing around the cinema, I certainly am not alone in this opinion. Despite the controversial subject matter, Chris Morris has been less cutting in his approach to this film, when compared with "Brasseye" or even "Nathan Barley". Most of the characters are portrayed as quite likeable people, albeit very, very misguided. This makes them seem more human, as such its a better film for it.
However, the humour is razor sharp. So much has been packed into it, you'll ache with laughing so much by the end of it. My personal favourite is the conversation between the two police snipers about whether a wookie is a bear or not. Hilarious.
The girl with the dragon tattoo
I finally managed to catch this the other week. Its original release passed me by for one reason and another, but due to popular demand Broadway cinema decided to give it another run this month.It didn't disappoint, its a superb film. Noomi Rapace was extraordinary as the brilliant but damaged hacker. In some respects its quite a slow moving film, never the less its a completely gripping and enthralling thriller. It reminded me of "The Crimson Rivers" in some ways.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
The Ghost
I've just seen 'The Ghost' at Broadway, Nottingham (brilliant cinema). This is a great political thriller, an adaptation of Robert Harris' novel of the same name. Good solid performances from Ewan McGregor and Pierce Brosnan as the hack journalist and the Blair-like exPM Adam Lang respectively. A thoroughly enjoyable film. Nicely timed release too given that we're on the verge of a general election.
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- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, 5 April 2010
Looking down from above
Taken near Regents Park, London (18-03-2010). near The Royal College of Surgeon (or Physicians)...I think.
Geometric
I like the regular 'mondian' designs in this shot.
Building detail. Taken on Euston Road, London (18-03-2010).
Building detail. Taken on Euston Road, London (18-03-2010).
Nobel prize winners
Taken at Jameson's Cult Film Club showing of 'Moon', at The Royal Institution, London (17-03-2010).
I am a scientist
With apologies to The Dandy Warhols...
Names of famous scientists
Taken at Jameson's Cult Film Club showing of 'Moon', at The Royal Institution, London (17-03-2010).
Names of famous scientists
Taken at Jameson's Cult Film Club showing of 'Moon', at The Royal Institution, London (17-03-2010).
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Why did the chicken cross the road?
Godammit!
I want to live in a better world. A world where chickens are free to cross the road without having their motives questioned all the time. Is that really too much to ask?
Equal rights for poultry!
;-)
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I want to live in a better world. A world where chickens are free to cross the road without having their motives questioned all the time. Is that really too much to ask?
Equal rights for poultry!
;-)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
The Good The Bad The Weird
I got this film from LOVEFiLM the other day. It's an Oriental Western that was released a couple of years ago. Loosely based on "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly", it is an extremely entertaining, high energy adventure with a bonkers plot. A great deal of fun.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, 28 March 2010
Green Zone
I went to see 'Green Zone' the other day and thought it was awesome!
The central plot hinges around Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Damon), who following the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, is charged with finding the so-called weapons of mass destruction, hence justifying American involvement in the campaign. However, when Miller consistently comes up empty on a series of missions, he begins to question the quality of the intelligence reports. This brings him to the attentions of veteran CIA operative Marty tells Miller and Wall Street Journal reporter Lawrie Dayne, both of whom harbour similar suspicions.
This is a superb film that effortless combines the high-octane action of Bourne (that comparison was inevitable!) with the machinations of a political thriller.
There are excellent turns by Jason Issacs as a dodgy, hard-as-nails Special Forces Op and Khalid Abdalla as the local informer with a conscience, Freddy.
If you liked "The Hurt Locker" or the "Bourne" series this is well worth checking out.
The central plot hinges around Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Damon), who following the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, is charged with finding the so-called weapons of mass destruction, hence justifying American involvement in the campaign. However, when Miller consistently comes up empty on a series of missions, he begins to question the quality of the intelligence reports. This brings him to the attentions of veteran CIA operative Marty tells Miller and Wall Street Journal reporter Lawrie Dayne, both of whom harbour similar suspicions.
This is a superb film that effortless combines the high-octane action of Bourne (that comparison was inevitable!) with the machinations of a political thriller.
There are excellent turns by Jason Issacs as a dodgy, hard-as-nails Special Forces Op and Khalid Abdalla as the local informer with a conscience, Freddy.
If you liked "The Hurt Locker" or the "Bourne" series this is well worth checking out.
Lion of Trafalgar
Taken at Trafalgar Square, London (17-03-2010).
A close up of one of the lions in Trafalgar Square.
A close up of one of the lions in Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square again.
Taken at Trafalgar Square, London (17-03-2010).
Looking in the opposite direction to the previous picture. This shows Nelsons column in the middle ground.
Looking in the opposite direction to the previous picture. This shows Nelsons column in the middle ground.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Trafalgar Square
Taken at Trafalgar Square, London (17-03-2010).
In the background you can see both The National Gallery and St. Martin In The Fields church.
In the background you can see both The National Gallery and St. Martin In The Fields church.
Monday, 22 March 2010
Moon - Starman
A spaceman dancing in front of a starburst. Taken at Jameson's Cult Film Club showing of 'Moon', at The Royal Institution, London (17-03-2010).
Moon - Sam's spacesuit 2
A close up of the spacesuit that Sam Rockwell wore in the film, 'Moon'. Taken at Jameson's Cult Film Club showing of 'Moon', at The Royal Institution, London (17-03-2010).
Moon - Party
Another photo from the Jamesons Cult Film Club 'Moon' event. The party is in full swing here.
Moon - Sam's spacesuit
On St Patrick's day last week (17th March), I went to The Royal Institution in London. Jameson's (whiskey) were holding one of their Cult Film Club events, whereby films are shown in an environment that is in keeping with the theme or setting of the film. This was the members choice sci-fi event, whereby we had the option of seeing one of three films: War Of The Worlds (the earlier version), Donnie Darko or Moon. Moon was the winner by a country mile, although it has to be said Donnie Darko wouldn't have been a bad option.
Anyway, here is a photo of the actual spacesuit worn by Sam Rockwell in the film.
Incidentally, they also showed the excellent parody "Blakes Junction 7", which was a revelation. Not to mention giving us free whiskey too. Nice work Jamesons! :-)
Anyway, here is a photo of the actual spacesuit worn by Sam Rockwell in the film.
Incidentally, they also showed the excellent parody "Blakes Junction 7", which was a revelation. Not to mention giving us free whiskey too. Nice work Jamesons! :-)
Friday, 19 February 2010
LightNight034
Close up of the carriages on a ferris wheel at night.
Taken at Light Night 2010 festival, Nottingham, UK.
Taken at Light Night 2010 festival, Nottingham, UK.
LightNight010
Ferris wheel at night. Taken on a long exposure time to capture the movement of the wheel.
Taken at Light Night 2010 festival, Nottingham, UK.
Taken at Light Night 2010 festival, Nottingham, UK.
LightNight006
The centre of a ferris wheel lit up at night. Taken at the Light Night Festival, Nottingham, 2010.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Harlequin Blue
Another shot from the shoot around Nottingham Playhouse (Notts, UK). I've kept this one pretty much untampered with to retain the rich blue colours in the sculpture and sky.
Tram Stop Tribute
A sad tribute by a lampost at a tramstop (The Royal Centre, Nottingham, UK). I've created a black & white layer over the original colour photo. Then I've strategically erased some parts of the black & white layer.
Alexandra Lodge contrast
Alexandra lodge in Bestwood Country Park (Nottingham, UK). I've increased the contrast on ther black & white photo I took in order to create a print effect.
Sky Mirror1
The sky mirror by Nottingham Playhouse (Nottingham, UK). There is an urban legend about this. Apparently on really sunny days the sun's rays are focused and will kill pigeons that fly into their path. Not sure I believe it myself, but there you go.
Harlequin Shadow2
A metal sculpture giving directions to Nottingham Playhouse (Nottingham, UK). I've increased the contrast to create a silhouette.
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