Happy New Year!

We've more than a week into the new year and I've already produced a variety of alters with a wide range of styles. Let's do a little recap!

New frame; classic Douglas Shuler art.

I know kung fu.

Happy little Berserk.

Mass Effect's Legion.

Jabba's Palace.

An old 80's favorite.

Going for that illuminated manuscript feel. 

After a 16th century woodcut of St. George.

I'm fairly pleased with what's already come out of this year - and there's lots more to look forward to. The completion of my Nouveau Power 9, some new styles I've been brewing up, and the release of Gatecrash of course! Keep checking in!

Happy Altered Holidays!

Happy Holidays to all of you! As always, thanks for your praise and support!

Nouveau, Nouveau, Nouveau

I've had Alphonse Mucha on my brain every since I completed my first Black Lotus alter over a year and a half ago. It's easily the most time intensive work I produce, but the results tend to get the biggest reactions out of people. I've been doing a few here and there since the Lotus, but the most ambitious project came a couple months back at Gen Con Indy. The task was to produce a full set of Art Nouveau-inspired Power Nine.

I just finished the second in the set, a Mox Pearl:

And I was thinking, while I'm at it, why not update the running tally on Nouveau alters, into a nice, downloadable wallpaper (open in a new window/tab). Enjoy!

Grab Bag VII

We're quickly approaching the end of 2012, marking the second year of altering full-time! I'm as busy as ever these days; here's a recap of what's been going on the past couple of weeks.

A couple of Futurama-inspired works.

Based on John William Waterhouse's Lady of Shalott.

Who can argue with a little more Alex Grey?

Well, after completing a second one, I can. At least for a couple of months. 

Alice in Wonderland, based on a drawing by John Tenniel.

I collaged a couple of screen shots from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 

to put this one together. One of my favorite movies.

And rounding out with one more Mucha-inspired piece. 

One of my favorites to date.

Mark Poole's Broken Hand

Mark Poole never really broke his hand. At least, not to my knowledge. But that's what you'd have to believe to think he signed this:

Yikes. Story goes one of the past owners of this Library tried to alter the sky and didn't really appreciate the results. To try and salvage their efforts, a crude Mark Poole forgery was tacked on. Take special notice of the missing 'L.' No doubt the card needed help. 

Several hours of restoration later and we're looking close to good as new. A fresh Van Gogh-inspired Library!

Steve's Candelabra

No one really knows who Steve was. One thing's for sure, he was quite possessive.

About a month ago a client approached me about fixing up this poor Candelabra. He didn't have any idea who Steve was, but surely this card was no longer Steve's to claim. Painting over the text box was simple enough. But why stop there? The corners were a little rough. Why not an extension? The art wasn't lending itself to anything exciting. More flat orange and  pale pink didn't seem like the way to go. After some brief research I suggested incorporating Pietre Claesz's 1630 painting, Vanitas Still Life.

I've sort of been looking for an opportunity to work with a Dutch still life and the Candelabra fit well into the composition. As an unexpected bonus, the candelabra's saturated colors push forward while the desaturated palette of the reproduction recedes. Here's the work in-progress...

...and here's the finished version. Condolences Steve.

Grab Bag VI

Here's a look at what I've been working since my last post...

An old sight from Magic's past.

Alex Grey inspired Mana Drain. 

My first of both if I'm not mistaken.

You're the best. Around.

Another Tony Moore Walking Dead.

And finally, a Peter Arno Momir Vig. 

EDH General of Pro Tour Historian, Brian David-Marshall!

As always, more to come! Be sure to follow me on Twitter @klug_alters. And like the Facebook page!