Notes from the sketch book

Shawn Martinbrough When I first started to draw again after decades I bought a few books for reference. One of those I picked up was a copy of How to Draw Noir Comics by Shawn Martinbrough. I did this not because I was venturing into comic book illustration but as a self taught artist I'm usually fumbling about without having the knowledge or techniques to fall back on. This results in a tendency to venture down a few deadends due to not planning or being able to “rescue” some of my work. Working with a lot of inks and mainly...

Quentin Blake (Quentin Blake: my sketch of the great man, himself) The visit to the Quentin Blake exhibition at the end of last year was a genuine immersion into the art that I loved when I was younger. Stepping into the gallery, I found myself surrounded by a small but amazing collection of imagination and ink. Learning about Blake's creative process, from the initial sketches to the final strokes, added a layer of appreciation to each whimsical creation. Standing in the presence of the original illustrations felt like discovering the heartbeat of the stories – the characters I grew up...

Under pressure after the critical success of Fargo but given a free hand for their next film the Coen Brothers decided to make a Raymond Chandler mystery, but with pot, milky cocktails and bowling. In the "The Big Lebowski," The Dude, effortlessly portrayed by Jeff Bridges, is the film's core. Here, I find myself captivated by the Dude's nonchalant coolness, a throwback to a bygone era tinged with the idealism of student protests and dreams of societal transformation. The Dude, now weathered and wiser, navigates the urban landscape in his weather-beaten car, paying for life's essentials including a 69cent bottle...

 "The Fisher King" unravels as a poignant examination, examining the aftermath of a harrowing café shooting triggered by the audacious utterances of shock jock Jack Lucas played by Jeff Bridges. Jack, ensnared in a web of remorse, abandons his professional perch and wealthy lifestyle, embarking on a quest for redemption intricately woven into an unexpected encounter with a homeless soul Parry (Robin Williams) shattered by tragedy. The film wades into the turbulent waters of societal quandaries — the gravity of language, the specter of gun violence, and the intricate labyrinth of mental strife. Regrettably, the narrative falters in its ambitious...

Starman 1984   In the catalogue of John Carpenter's cinematic creations, "Starman" emerges as an upbeat and emotionally evocative gem, standing as a testament to the director's versatility. Departing from the shadowy corridors of horror that Carpenter is renowned for, this film boldly transcends genre boundaries, weaving a tapestry that seamlessly melds science fiction with an intimately poignant love story. In the wake of horror tales like "The Thing" and "Christine," "Starman" takes an unexpected turn, adopting a Spielbergian optimism that represents Carpenter at his most positive. At the heart of the narrative is an alien entity, brilliantly portrayed by...