So every time I look out the window, there he is, just staring at me through the cracks of his blinds as if I’m the one that’s been doing something wrong by watching him all day. Like I don’t have the right, or even the responsibility, to want to keep an eye on my neighbours – to know what they’re doing all day, in their houses, with their shades drawn closed.

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration

I’ve done two interpretations of the theme ‘Capable’ this week. The first was that we are capable of anything if we think positively. The second truism, and the concept behind this illustration is that although we are capable of anything, sometimes we need a helping hand. This version isn’t as overtly optimistic as the other one, but I think it still contains a positive message about support, and an optimistic look to the future.
On a side note to the painting, that’s two pieces started and completed this week and it’s only Tuesday. They both have pretty different style approaches, feel free to leave an opinion in the comments of either post as too which of the two you prefer. (you can see the other illustration here)

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration

The theme word of the week is ‘Capable’. In an personally uncharacteristic turn towards the optimistic, my interpretation of the topic, and the concept behind this painting, is that the secret behind being capable of anything is to think positively. On the technical side of this positively positive illustration, I’ve tried a new way of laying down paint and I’m pretty happy with the results. Though the composition of this illustration is very designed and graphic, I’m trying out the same technique right now on another piece which has a much more elaborate composition and background to see if it will work there too. That painting isn’t far enough along yet to know how it will turn out, but I will have the finished work up later this week and you’ll be ale to decide for yourselves.

**Update** Here’s the other illustration I’ve done for this topic, same color pallet, but aside from that, a pretty different approach. Feel free to leave in comments as to which version you prefer and why. Thanks.

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration

With the January 2012 launch of my new all-in-one website (where you’re currently reading this) I killed off a couple of my old site locations – my old blog site, and my even older blog site. Even though I’ve removed all content from those sites, google keeps sending people to a 403 lack of permission error page at those locations from their search results. To clear up some confusion for the viewers I decided to create a nicer, code 404 page, for people who get directed there. While I was at it, I also decided to combo that task up into creating another digital gouache painting for my new tra-digital illustration portfolio.

Above, is web version which greets visitors to any of the old links pointing to megahappyfunland.com or blog.jeffszuc.com, and bellow is the full painted version of the piece. There is actually two versions, as you can see, I would love some feedback on which people prefer. The negative space, stripped down minimal version was actually created second, through removing all the work I had done. They create very different atmospheric effects, and though I think the empty space version is a little more sophisticated, I hate to think I painted in all those houses for nothing.

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration

Here’s an illustration I have in this month’s issue of HOW Magazine. I’m a huge fan of HOW Magazine so I was thrilled when they called. I grew up reading it and their sister publication PRINT. The back issues of  which, as well as my Juxtapoze  and Applied Arts Magazines were amongst the many items I had too, with heavy heart, leave behind when I moved to the United States. I wonder if I could have negotiated a subscription on top of my illustration fee.. Is that kind of thing ever done?

Here is  a detail pic from the piece, the full illustration is in my portfolio here.

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration