DAS ILLUSTRATION

The BIG MOVE and Apollo

2011-10-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

It's been so very hectic around here as of late. Many projects big and small are underway in the studio combined with the fact that plans are in motion to make the move from California to our home state of Massachusetts! Life for this illustrator has been anything but boring lately! With only 10 more days as California citizens, it is now only hitting us that we will be kissing this great state goodbye. Though we shall return for yearly visits, we have been so blessed the past ten years of living in Claremont, CA and it is now time for a new chapter of our lives. It is with a heavy heart that we leave our great friends of this wonderful town whom we have had great experiences and have created so many memories with. Peace and blessings to each and every one whom we have had the great pleasure of getting to know in our time here. Thank you!!!

As for projects, I am proud to show some spreads for a story book underway. I have been working away on a new adaption of the Greek mythological character Apollo with Erik Von Wodtke from Edge of LA Productions. These are some of the finished sketches that will later move to color. These are digital sketches done in Photoshop CS5 and Painter.

Santa's Helper Concept Art

2011-08-24T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some concept designs I created in conjunction with Edge of LA Productions. I served as Illustrator and Art Director on the pitch book and Key Art Poster. Some of the environment illustrations were done by Brad Sutton.

The Romanian Tomb

2010-12-14T13:58:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I was asked to create a key art poster image to help a film get picked up. Writer and producer Erik at Edge of LA linked me up with director Joel Bender and we sorted out some ideas and a day later, I sent over a rough sketch. From there I was given the greenlight to move ahead to the finish. With some revisions and trying out different things, a final version was reached. For more info about The Romanian Tomb visit the IMDB page.

Retouching

2010-12-13T11:29:00.000-08:00

This was a retouching job I did earlier this year for Menagerie Creative and their redesign of the Sound of Music box set. I am not sure if these were used in the final released version, but I just wanted share a bit of the work I sometimes do as an illustrator. The top is what I was sent to work with. I was also sent photo reference from the movie where I got the different heads and clean clothing patterns. The hands and legs I photographed and composited. Lots of Fun!! Enjoy!

Background Designs

2010-12-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

These were done for a recent project so characters can be dropped in.
Hope you enjoy.

Two Face

2010-10-27T23:57:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I had an Idea to do a montage of some of the Batman villains and I tried to think of the most interesting ways to do so. I wanted to create a real "in your face" cover image so I thought about one of my favorite villains, Two Face. I couldn't stop imagining how cool it would be to hide a bunch of villains inside his distorted face. I hope you think it's as cool as I do!

Long Beach Comic Con!

2010-10-27T23:33:00.000-07:00

Long Beach Comic Con is just around the corner. I will be there with new prints and artwork. Stop by, I will be in Artist Alley table #1500. Come on by... It should be a great show!

COREL PAINTER TUTORIAL: DRAW AND SHADE WITH DIGITAL PENCILS FOR A COMIC-BOOK LOOK

2010-09-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a tutorial I did for Corel Painter on how to draw comics from layout to finished pencils. It's being published by this monthe Digital Arts Online. and part two will be out next month. Check it out HERE.

Warhol- Undead...

2010-09-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

This was done for a comic project that I can't say much about other than the fact that it is kick ass! C'Mon it's Andy Warhol as a zombie, it's gotta be good!

In other zombie comic news I just finished coloring an 8 page short for Asylum Press entitled Monolith. It will be published in a book called Zombie Terrors.

Comics and more Comics...

2010-09-08T23:26:00.000-07:00

First off I am working on a graphic novel with indie comics writer Stephen L. Stern (Zen Intergalactic Ninja, Beowulf) and television scribe Peter Sullivan (Termination Point, Silent Venom). Please visit the Burning Man Blog for a four page preview and more information on this super "HOT" project! burningmangn.blogspot.com

I finished a tutorial just recently for Advanced Photoshop magazine issue #70 all about digital painting in comics. It is a six page in depth look at a process that can be used to bring a painterly touch to sequential storytelling. Check it out!

I am also busy coloring a 148 page graphic novel entitled Blaze Brothers with writer Stephen Stern adapting, and Marat Michaels on drawing duties. Check out some sample pages at the Blaze Brothers website. *Warning* mature readers recommended ; )
On top of that I am working as a colorist on a hundred plus page illustrated novel with Brian Haberlin and Jay Anacleto. I truly wish I could show you some of this stuff but in due time, this stuff is amazing looking! In due time...

Key Art Painting

2010-09-08T23:23:00.000-07:00

Can't really say much about this one but I am sure there will be some big news for this project in the near future... ; )

Grimm Fairy Tales Cover

2010-09-08T23:10:00.000-07:00

Just finished a cover for Zenoscope Entertainment and their comic book entitled Grimm Fairy Tales.
I am also posting the finished pencils and my sketches that led up to the finished piece. Digitally colored in Photoshop CS5.

Recent Advertising Illustrations...

2010-05-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

The passed few months have been pretty good as far as work load. I have been very busy with some advertising illustrations for various packages as well as teaching and coloring and painting for comics. So I figured what better place to showcase some recent advertising illustrations them than here. Hope you enjoy...
Here's a package illustration for a Hemp brand of coffee with aHindu theme. Created for The Graphix Lab

This piece was created for a package as well selling an accessory for guitars and guitar picks. Also created for The Graphix Lab.

Here are some samples I did for the US Mint that were not used...

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-23T00:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day 2010! I feel blessed being an artist who is able to work from home and reduced my carbon footprint by not having to commute to a job. Bless this great planet. Seems to me, everyday should be Earth Day!

Portrait and speed paint sketch

2010-02-26T13:33:00.001-08:00

Just wrapped up on a portrait of someone's sister who had passed away from cancer last year. Very sad story. The client wanted an image that illustrated a poem she wrote for to commemorate her sister as a warrior of some sort. There were lots of great imagery to work with. Here is the process that I used to get to the final drawing.

Thumbnails drawn in Painter

Final sketch (Painter) before committing to Finished pencil

Finished graphite drawing on paper 11x 17 inches

Had a free hour and did up this quick dragon last night... I have 2 others that I will finish in my free time soonish...

Recent Sketches

2010-02-22T16:35:00.001-08:00

ink & white ink on paper

ink & white ink on paper

Houdini and Poe- ink & white ink on paper

Speed Paints and Dictators

2010-02-17T16:54:00.000-08:00

Take to the trees...

Tarzan...

Some dictators for a freelance project...

Robert Jay Kaufman R.I.P

2010-01-11T09:53:00.000-08:00

Sadly, I must write that artist Robert Kaufman passed on January 8, 2010 of cancer. Robert was an artist, mentor and academic who was greatly respected by all who knew him. For many years he was the Chair of Illustration at the Art Institute of Boston. He authored the intriguing Blockology: An Offbeat Walking Guide to Lower Manhattan, and is survived by his wife and family.

Our deepest condolences go out to his wife Susan, and all of those who knew Robert as an artist, professor and friend.

His guidance during my time at AIB helped strengthen my love for the art of illustration. He had so much knowledge into this field and for that - I thank you Robert. I'm sure many of his students and colleagues feel the same. Robert will be greatly missed.

KAUFMAN, Robert Jay Age 58 of Brookline on Friday, January 8, 2010. For 20 years the beloved husband of Susan R. Scott. Loving father of Emili. Devoted son of Felix Kaufman of New York City and the late Eleanor (Roth). Fond brother of Kenneth & Barbara Kaufman of Keniworth, IL. He also leaves his mother-in-law, Shirley Henly, sisters-in-law, Linda Scott (Jim), Kathleen Dorran (Bill), brother-in-law Brantley Scott and six nieces and nephews. Services at Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard Street, BROOKLINE, on Friday, January 15 at 3:00PM. Burial is private. Following the service, family and friends are invited to the Marriott Courtyard, 40 Webster St., Brookline. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to The Melanoma Research Alliance, 1101 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 620, Washington, DC 20005, (www.melanomaresearch alliance.org) Levine Chapels, Brookline 617-277-8300

Hercules Completed and Reviews

2009-12-07T21:55:00.001-08:00

It has been a long while since my last post and I am glad to say that I am back from my year long voyage to Egypt with Hercules: The Knives of Kush. The books are all completed and there are many people to thank that helped get these puppies done with a huge shout out to John Gajowski (for flatting!) Cliff Cramp ( for help on painting pages in a hard deadline crunch) Steve Firchow ( also for helping on pages) and Patrick Scullin (also helping on flatts). Thanks to these talented folks in helping me get these books painted up. I also want to say thanks to Steve Moore, Cris Bolson and The Silva Bros for writing and penciling a beautifully crafted book. And Last but not least, thanks to Renae Geerlings for your advice and professionalism to this project. All of these people made my first experience in comics a truly memorable one and I won't forget it! I look forward to working with you all again in the future. So with that I want to share all the links to reviews that I have found regarding Hercules: The Knives of Kush throughout the year... Well done!!

www.comicbookresources.com
Radical Comics
OmniComicReview
Comic Book Page check out this podcast review of Hercules #2 -listen in somewhere around 20:25...
Comic Book Resources
HyperGeek
ComicsBulletin
MajorSpoilers
Comic Book Resources
Comic Book Resources

DAS Illustration on Etsy!

2009-08-04T10:20:00.000-07:00

Check out my store at Etsy where you can see the first 2 items for sale. Click on the link to see what in store! HERE!
As far as an update on my artwork... There is so much stuff in the works that I am excited about.
Still working on painting the 5 issue mini-series for Hercules: The Knives of Kush for Radical Comics. Issue #1 comes out the second week in August, so please pick it up.
The Sapphire Knight by Michael Sullivan is a book I illustrated last year and is now available on Amazon and through the Publishing Works website.
Here are some of the illustrations I did for it...

EDGE OF LA COMIC-CON: Art Exhibit and Artist Signing w/ DOUGLAS SIROIS and Radical Comics

2009-06-11T13:04:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, JUNE 20th / 10am - 6pm

FREE ADMISSION!
FREE PARKING!

Special Events:

Art Exhibit and Artist Signing w/ DOUGLAS SIROIS and Radical Comics (See Below)

KYNT & VYXSIN from TV's "AMAZING RACE" in person! (See below)

"BUILDING A PROJECT FROM THE GROUND UP" Panel Discussion w/ NAT GERTLER, RALPH MILEY, and JOHN NARCOMEY Jr. (See below)

ALLEN MARTINEZ - Artist for Marvel Comics and more, w/ Original Art and signing comics!

Our new RPG GAMING AREA! Hosted by Dark Forest Games - upstairs above Replay Vintage Clothes. (See below)

Not to mention the indoor "Atrium" and the outdoor "Plaza" areas of the Packing House, filled with Vendors and Exhibitors, offering a wide selection of COMIC BOOKS
(Silver Age, Bronze Age, Modern, Hard-To-Find, Deep Discounts), GRAPHIC NOVELS, ACTION FIGURES, ORIGINAL ART, T-SHIRTS, STATUES, COLLECTIBLES, PRINTS, POSTERS, SMALL PRESS, JEWELRY, CREATORS, and much more!! Great selections at great prices!

The Details:

DOUGLAS SIROIS Art Exhibit and Signing (w/ Radical Comics):
Painter, illustrator, and Digital Artist DOUGLAS SIROIS will be exhibiting his amazing fantasy artwork, as well as signing free promotional items. Mr. Sirois is the Digital Painter for RADICAL COMICS highly aniticapted new Comic Book mini-series HERCULES, AND THE KNIVES OF KUSH, due out later this summer. Radical Comics will have representives on hand, giving out free promotional items for Doug to sign.
http://www.dougsirois.com/
http://www.radicalcomics.com/

KYNT & VYXSIN from TV's "AMAZING RACE" in person:

Kynt and Vyxsin --- the FUN "Pink and Black" duo from the *HIT* CBS Reality/International-adventure series THE AMAZING RACE! Their season recently won the EMMY!
Since the Race, they have been modeling for the national youth-rock-fashion store HOT TOPIC, and now appear on the TravelChannel EVERY Saturday! Meet them in person!
Check out their MySpace pages below:
http://www.myspace.com.Kyntxox
http://www.myspace.com/Vyxsin

Panel Discussion - BUILDING A PROJECT FROM THE GROUND UP:

Do you have a graphic narrative story that needs to be told? Ever dreamed of creating your own comic book? Comic Book professionals NAT GERTLER (The Complete Idoit's Guide To Creating A Grahic Novel), RALPH MILEY (New Creation Now), JOHN NARCOMEY Jr. (Publisher / Writer Hightower Comics) will host an intimate workshop on how to turn your idea into reality! (1pm)

http://www.AboutComics.com
http://www.newcreationnow.com/1/post/2009/01/religion-and-race-by-ralph-miley.html
http://www.hightowercomics.com/

Marvel Comics Artist ALLEN MARTINEZ in person:

When not sleeping in tents, and fending off Snickers-loving bears, Mr Martinez has had the privelage of embellishing many of today's high profile comic book titles, including MIGHTY AVENGERS, X-MEN, THOR, FANTASTIC FOUR, just to name a few! Allen will be on hand as our special guest, w/ Original Art on display, and signing comics for the fans.

New RPG GAMING AREA:

Hosted by Dark Forest Games, this new addition to Edge Of LA Comic Con is located upstairs (above Replay Vintage Clothing). $3.00 a game, or two for $5.00, first come, first served. Sample, first level character’s available.

We have two DM’s running two games each for the entire day.
Core 1-1 Inheritance [level 1-4 (10-2pm)]
Core 1-2 Radiant Vessel of Thesk [level 1-4 (3-7pm)]
East 1-1 These Hallowed Halls [level 1-4 (10-2pm)]
East 1-2 Marauder’s Spear [level 4-7 (3-7pm)]

1st games will start at 10am and go to 2pm. 2nd games will be 3-7pm.

FREE STUFF: Our popular "FREEBIE" table will have a selection of free stuff!!

(And... bring CASH! Most Vendors will be selling on a cash only basis. There are several banks and ATMs within walking distance, as well).

PARKING: Parking is FREE! Please park in the PARKING STRUCTURE by the 21 CHOICES FROZEN YOGURT shop.

Vendor Information:

If you would like to be a Vendor or Exhibitor let us know ASAP! Space rates are $65 if paid before day of show, and $80 on day of show. And, we are holding the EDGE OF LA COMIC CON every 3RD SATURDAY OF THE MONTH, EVERY MONTH - so let us know if you would like to be part of an upcoming show!!

You don't have to sell Comics to be a vendor at EDGE OF LA COMIC CON - we are looking for vendors/Exhibitors who deal in Pop Culture, Fantasy Entertainment, Art, Music, Style, Creativity, Fun, Intelligence and Adventure!

EDGE OF LA COMIC CON at the Packing House is a MONTHLY EVENT, with a rotating selection of Vendors, Exhibitors, Creators, and Special Guests, plus Contests and Special Presentations. Bring your friends and family!

The Packing House complex offers a unique selection of Retail Stores, Resturaunts, and plenty of free parking, as well as a 5-Screen Movie Theater, Jazz Club, Wine Bar, Pub, Claremont Museum of Art, Claremont Forum and much more - something for everybody!
Claremont Packing House Website:
http://www.claremontpackinghouse.com/home.htm

CLAREMONT PACKING HOUSE: 532 W. 1st Street, Claremont, CA. 91711.
Just West of Indian Hill Blvd., across the street from the Claremont Village. 1 mile North of the 10 Fwy (exit Indian Hill, go North to 1st Street take a left). 2 miles South of the 210 Fwy (Exit Towne Ave., go South to Foothill Blvd. take a left going East, to Indian Hill Blvd. take a right going South, to 1st Street take a Right).

Map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Claremont&address=532+W+1st+Street&zipcode=91711

Hope to see you there!

EDGE OF LA COMIC CON at the Claremont Packing House - 3rd Saturday of every month, and is a Family Friendly event!

FREE ADMISSION!

www.losangelescomic-con.com
comicbookie@msn.com

A Party I attended. Needless to say, I had a blast...

2009-05-19T00:48:00.000-07:00

Just found this article written a few months ago about...

Radical Publishing’s star-studded grand opening gala

Written on February 27th, 2009 at 12:39 am by Vernon T Waldrip aka Shawn (editor)

Hollywood heavy-hitters and top comics creators took to the red carpet at Radical Publishing’s star-studded grand opening gala for its new Los Angeles offices, a castle-shaped complex now home to both its comics publishing and film development divisions.

Guests included actor Wesley Snipes, who brought the character Blade to life in the blockbuster film trilogy, multiple SAG and MTV award-winner Ryan Phillippe, KISS rock god Gene Simmons, pro wrestling legend and actor Diamond Dallas Page (The Devil’s Rejects), as well as an array of directors, producers and executives: Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard), Gary Smith (How to Lose Friends & Alienate People), Tim Sullivan (2001 Maniacs, Detroit Rock City), Hollywood manager David Schiff, Hollywood manager and representative for 3 Arts Entertainment Molly Madden, from the Fisher House, trustee Tammy Fisher, and screenwriter Sam Sarkar, head of development at Johnny Depp’s production company, Infinitum Nihil, and author of the sellout Radical flagship series Caliber.

From the comics side, guests included Nick Simmons, of the hit A&E series Gene Simmons Family Jewels and creator of the upcoming Radical series Incarnate, fan-favorite scribe Steve Niles (Radical’s City of Dust: A Philip Khrome Story and the groundbreaking comic and movie 30 Days of Night), and award-winning superstar creator and painter Arthur Suydam (Radical’s upcoming Cholly & Flytrap: Center City deluxe collection and the breakout Marvel Zombies titles). Also in attendance were two of Radical’s new rising stars, exclusive artist Patrick Reilly (Radical’s highly anticipated Aladdin: Legacy of the Lost, written by Ian Edginton) and Doug Sirois, painter on the sequel to Radical’s debut Hercules series, The Knives of Kush, developed by veteran writer Steve Moore and comics icon Jim Steranko.

“Today marks a celebration of many things for the company, not just an expansion to new offices,” said Radical Publishing’s President Barry Levine, who began his career as one of rock’s top photographers before becoming a music supervisor, film producer and comic book publisher; “not only having our books receive uniformly rave reviews across the industry and in the mainstream press, but we recently took Diamond Distribution’s Gem Award for Best New Publisher of the Year after only eight months on the stands. Things have been going great at Radical Publishing, and 2009 will see things only get better.”

Additional upcoming Radical titles feature some of the top names in the comics industry, including Rick Remender’s The Last Days of American Crime, David Hine’s FVZA: Federal Vampire and Zombie Agency and Nick Percival’s Legends. Current Radical titles on the stands include Hotwire: Requiem for the Dead from Steve Pugh and Warren Ellis, Mateki: The Magic Flute from celebrated Japanese painter Yoshitaka Amano (Vampire Hunter D, Neil Gaiman’s Sandman: The Dream Hunters), and the opening salvo of the epic Shrapnel trilogy, Aristeia Rising, from video game developer Zombie Studios and Nick Sagan. The year 2010 will also see Oblivion, Radical’s first illustrated novel from Joseph Kosinski (director of the buzz sequel TR2N at Disney), being written by Ian Edginton.

During the event, Radical Publishing’s Executive Vice President Jesse Berger delivered a toast to the guests, explaining his first time meeting Levine, mentioning the sacrifices that everyone in the company made to launch Radical, and thanking the more than 400 attendees for coming to celebrate this very special event.

Steve Moore on Hercules: Knives of the Kush

2009-05-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

I was so pleased to see an interview with writer Steve Moore on the CBR website just recently. He's talking about the new series from Radical Comics called Hercules: Knives of the Kush. The book is currently in production with Cris Bolson penciling and me painting the book. It is intense: the story, the art, is not nor the faint hearted. I am honored to be working with some really wonderfully inspiring and creative people in comics today. Check out the interview with veteran writer Steve Moore as he gives you an inside scoop of what this epic adventure is all about.
Steve Moore on Hercules: Knives of the Kush

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

2009-05-02T00:18:00.000-07:00

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY
I will be doing a signing at Golden Apple Comics on Melrose Ave in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday May 2nd to promote Hercules: The Knives of Kush by signing copies of Radical Publishing's Free Comic Book that features pages from the new Hercules series.
Hosted by Radical Publishing

Date:
Saturday, May 2, 2009Time:
11:00am - 1:00pm

Location:
Golden Apple Comics

7018 Melrose Ave
City/Town:
Los Angeles, CA

Phone:
3236586047
Radical Publishing
Golden Apple Comics

"Fearful Symmetry" Master of Fine Arts Exhibition, Illustration. Opening Reception April 18th-

2009-04-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,
My big MFA show is upon us. "Fearful Symmetry" represents three years of work towards my MFA Degree from CalState, Fullerton. The show will be up for 2 weeks starting on April 18th and ending on April 30th. I will be in the gallery those 2 weeks on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11AM to 3PM for those 2 weeks. Below you will find the information you will need to attend. Please email me if you have any questions. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Opening Reception:
Saturday, April 18th, 2009
6pm - 9pm
Gallery Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri 11am - 3pm
April 20th - 30th

Best wishes,
Doug

www.dougsirois.com
http://dsiroisillustration.blogspot.com/
douglas.sirois@verizon.net

Free Comic Book Day in MAY...

2009-02-16T21:55:00.000-08:00

In May I have work that will be featured in Radical Comics Free Comic Book to celebrate Free Comic Book Day. Some of the pages from the upcoming Hercules: Knives of the Kush that I painted will be featured inside. Here is a list of what's featured and some of the other artists also inside the book.

2009-02-11T14:17:00.000-08:00

Lots of new things in the works, but until I can post them up here I found this youtube video about my artwork someone from Italy made. I was pretty flattered to find this...

Happy New Year!!!!

2009-01-06T10:33:00.000-08:00

Well, 2009 is well underway and It should be a great year. For me, nothing could beat last year with the birth of my son Micah, but this year has much to offer. This year I will be graduating with my MFA in illustration and spending much of the year working with Radical Comics as a painter on a new Hercules book. I don't think I can say much about it but it will be awesome! Things have been steady despite the economy, and i look positively into the future for a happy prosperous year. I wish the same for you...
Happy New Year and best wishes,
Doug

Here is an ad for Radical Comics featured in the December issue of Wizard that showcases a cover I did for an upcoming comic called Legends...

And here is the large version...
*this image is ©2009 Radical Publishing. All Rights reserved.

This is a pinup that should be appearing in the pages of Steve Niles Criminal Macabre sometime this year...

More to Come!!!!!

Sideshow Freaks at Menagerie Creative

2008-11-07T01:01:00.001-08:00

2008-11-05T20:41:00.000-08:00

You know- it totally hit me last night as it did for millions of Americans. As I looked at the images of people's reactions regarding the victory of Obama, I could not help but well up and it became real. The fact that we as human beings living today in America, seeing history being made, seeing a new face of change, knowing that things now have the possibility to get better, understanding that there will be countless children across the country today and forever in the future that will look at this man and have the inspiration to be what they want to be, made me rejoice. It is a magnificent step in our evolution as a country and for the first time in my life, i was truly and utterly proud to be an American.

This is huge for us and the view of the US to the world.

Doug

Creepy sketches for October

2008-10-08T00:34:00.000-07:00

I am totally feeling in the mood for Halloween lately. I had to stop myself from splurging at the Halloween store yesterday- I actually didn't buy anything- but I got some good ideas. Nonetheless, here are some creepy sketches to get you in the mood

*Cue the evil laugh*

Bwahhhhhh hahahahaha!!!

An one final note on the article about the GreenMan show that was printed in the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, where i answer 10 questions about life and inspirato, etc...

Silver Warrior and Mr. Rourke

2008-10-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

Just finished up a few projects that are exciting - First off is a pinup for Frazetta Comics- from Image. It's my take on a Frazetta painting entitled the Silver Warrior. The pinup will be featured in Silver Warrior either issue #2 or 3 out in January or February.
The second is an album cover for the DJ master Mister Rourke,entitled TerrorVision. This should be out early 2009.

One really good article...

2008-09-29T01:08:00.000-07:00

If I don't say so myself. This article in the Claremont Courier was exquisitely written by reporter Brenda Bolinger. A super nice lady and the photos were taken by Gabriel Fenoy. These two as a team are both professional and well trained in their craft. I had a great time being interviewed and an even better time reading it a few days later. Thank youBrenda and Gabe! Please click on the images to read the full article that ran in the Claremont Courier in August.

PICS from The GreenMan art Exhibit

2008-09-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came by and said hello- Here are some pics from the openings.
Erik, Charles Fleischer, Me. photo by Gabe Fenoy
Cheryl, Micah, Hayden, Sheriden
Dana, Edgar, Mossi, Denise, Me
Mom!
Ted and Dora
Ray Collins and Todd re-enacting the Captain's Quarters
Charles Fleischer(AKA Roger Rabbit!) photo by Gabe Fenoy
Early at the Gallery

ADAPT 2008 Conference

2008-09-26T00:46:00.000-07:00

Well if you attended this years ADAPT Conference in Montreal and checked out the Corel booth - you will have seen my artwork as well at 24 other illustrators that use Painter to create their work. Would've been nice to see how the art was displayed, but I guess I will have to attend in a few years. So here are the images displayed...
And the link to the 2008 ADAPT Painter Factory to see all the featured artists.

Here is a link to the 2007 ADAPT Conference artists showcased by Corel.

GreenMan Exhibit reviews and extras!

2008-09-14T19:14:00.000-07:00

Just about wrapping up my GreenMan exhibit at the Claremont Forum. It was a great success and I am glad to be almost done with it. The really good news is I may have a 2 month show coming up next year that I am really excited about. For those who couldn't make it... here are some local news reports about the show.
The San Bernardino and Inland Empire SUN
The Claremont Courier
Thanks to eveyone that helped out, You know who you are and everyone that came out and supported me on this showing. Thanks so much!!

Greenman Show Preview...

2008-08-15T01:56:00.001-07:00

How fancy is this...

Greenman Show September 5th-12th!

2008-08-08T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Greenman exhibition is a collection of paintings by internationally known illustrator Douglas A. Sirois. The show's main focus is on the ancient mythical Greenman; a spirit that symbolizes man's union with the natural world. In a time when western civilization has recklessly ignored its relationship to the Earth, Sirois's visions of the Greenman and other Earth spirits act as gentle reminders of this connection. The works reflect some of the most natural themes in our lives; Life, Death, Birth, Growth, as well as challenges and choices that people face individually and collectively. Please join us for this unique exhibition that will be sure to evoke inspiration, reflection and wonder. The show also features other fantasy and conceptual illustrations by Sirois.

So for the past couple months I have been obsessively hard at work on paintings for my first Solo art show taking place in Claremont, CA. The title of the show is called Greenman and It is being produced by my good friend (and fellow at-home dad) Erik Von Wodtke, who has been essential in getting this show rolling. The Forum is a great gallery with lots of space and is located in the historical Packing House. I hope many of you can attend- it shall be a great time. Here are some pics...
The flyer:

Like I said- Obsessed : )

The Art of Douglas A. Sirois Illustration Volume One is Now Available!

2008-06-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hello fine friends and family. I hope this message finds you all well and in good health.

It's here! The one book you all should buy this summer, The Art of Douglas A. Sirois Illustration Volume One is Now Available!

I am pleased to announce the debut of my first self published art book. The Art of Douglas A. Sirois Illustration Volume One is a selection of my favorite paintings and sketches from the past 5 years. It represents a body of work that I am currently expanding upon. I am very excited to share this book with you and I hope i can count on you all to help support it. The book is 32 pages, full color with over 45 illustrations.

Please head over to the good folks at Lulu.com to pick up a copy.
here's the link...
http://stores.lulu.com/dasillustration

Comic Con International 2008-
I will be in attendance at this years Con with fellow artist and friend Patrick Scullin. We're listed under "Banshee Comics" in the small press area #O14.
I will have books and prints available and some other stuff for sale. Please come by and say hello.

Thanks to everyone for their support and interest. It is much appreciated.

Best wishes,
Doug

DAS Illustrations found throughout the Web

2008-06-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

With the recent release of the internet game PMOG. there have been numerous articles and reviews about the game and many feature my illustrations. click on some of the links to find out more...

www.portfolio.com
www.techcrunch.com
www.boingboing.net
www.gigaom.com
www.laughingsquid.com
www.massively.com
www.wired.com

Tutorial for Advanced Photoshop

2008-05-22T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just finished up on a painting for Advanced Photoshop. It was done as a tutorial with 27 steps on how to create a a painting in Photoshop. It was a challenge because lately I have been doing most of my paintings in Corel Painter on one layer and with this painting to make it easier for readers to understand I did everything in layers. So the painting is comprised of like fifty layers. It was a lot of fun and it will see print in issue # 45 out in a few months. Hope you all get a chance to enjoy it.

©2008 Douglas A. Sirois Illustration. All Rights Reserved.

Advanced Photoshop April #43

2008-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Be sure to pick up a copy of Advanced Photoshop issue #43 this April. I have a two page feature Insight. Be sure to check it out!

PMOG website up now!!!

2008-03-06T13:49:00.000-08:00

Check out this unique online game that anyone can play. It's called PMOG.
I illustrated a ton for this game. All the Associations, the badges and some of the headers for the web pages. I posted some of the characters in an earlier post but visit the site and try it for yourselves.

Opening Credits Exhibit & Dangerous Ink Website

2008-03-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

We attended the Opening Credits Exhibit that Larry Johnson from CalState Fullerton organized at the Grand Central Art Center in Costa Mesa. What a great show! It was good to see friends and coworkers in attendance and fun to chat. HERE is all the info on the exhibit that I was a part of (even though I am not quite an alumni of CalState yet).
And here are some great photos taken by Lance Leong... (thanks Lance!!)

me with me and a lot of DVD covers I illustrated.

Lastly,
I had a spread in a magazine a few months back called Dangerous Ink - They now have a new website up and I have a little space on there with some illustrations of mine. Dangerous Ink is a pretty cool art mag featuring many great illustrators and painters that you might not have heard of otherwise. They are UK based, so that's cool too!

Oh yeah- Micah is a month old today!!!!

DAS Art on New online game!

2008-02-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

Over the passed few months I have been working with a company named Game Layers Inc. on a online game called PMOG. I developed all the characters and all the badges that you win when you receive points throughout the game. This has been a blast for me to work on due to the variety of all the projects. Here is a link to and article about the game ... here
and some of the characters and art from the game...
All images are ©DAS Illustration/Game Layers Inc. All Rights Reserved

All images are ©DAS Illustration/Game Layers Inc. All Rights Reserved

All images are ©DAS Illustration/Game Layers Inc. All Rights Reserved

The Happiest Day In my Life...

2008-02-08T23:45:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone!!!

Yup just settling in here at home and trying to keep track of the days, totally in the throws of early parenthood. Thank you to everyone who called and emailed, texted, myspaced, and stopped by. We appreciate all the love and support.

So as it will be written in history books to come, Micah Wahkan Sirois was born on Wednesday February 6th, 2008 at 11:53 AM. He weighed 7 lbs. 4 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length. He was born at the Pomona Valley Medical Center Hospital in Pomona, California, just minutes from where we live.

Micah is a Hebrew name meaning "like God"
Wahkan is a Native American Sioux name meaning "sacred"
Sirois is French: perhaps from sire + roi ‘king’, a form of address, comparable to an ironic ‘your majesty’

To tell the story correctly, I probably don't have to start it 9 months ago, so I will start it at the point in October when we decided to invite a Doula, named Pati into our birthing journey. A Doula is a person who is a non-medical assistant who provides physical, emotional and informed choice support in prenatal care, during childbirth and during the postpartum period. http://www.dona.org/ When I first heard of a Doula I had no idea about what they were about and I was concerned that she would take away my part in the birth, but I was truly mistaken and upon our first meeting, I was blown away by the amount of knowledge she laid out in front of us and the choices we had about the options for giving birth. She completely turned all my preconceptions about giving birth upside down and gave me a new perspective on how hospitals take away a woman's control over their birth. Thank you for opening my eyes to this wonderful journey Pati!!

Soon enough Jenn and I were on our way to finding out what kind of birth Jenn wanted to have. With all the information given to us by our Doula, we started considering the options about having a natural birth. We discussed so many topics from epidurals to episiotomies, to cesarean births, inductions, even the treatments given to the baby after he is birthed. The idea of the birth plan is to have an idea about the course of action you would prefer. We knew that all of these choices we made and plans could easily change once she was admitted and checked out by the professionals at the hospital, but a plan never hurts.

One day in December if I can remember correctly Jenn came home from work and told me about a coworker who had just given birth using a interesting method called Hypnobirthing. Now we had spoken about Lamaze and the Bradley method of breathing and birthing but we had never heard of hypnobirthing before. Jenn was so interested after the story her coworker spoke of she really wanted to find out more about it. We got the number for the hypnotherepist with thirty years experience in a birthing setting, named AnnaLynn Zinn de Vine http://www.centerforthesacredfeminine.org . When we met with AnnaLynn, I had no idea what this method was all about and I was a bit skeptical, but after minutes of hearing her speak of the approach that a hypnobirthing mother takes, I knew that Jenn had found the method that would help her bring our son into the world. Everything she said just made all the sense in the world. the basic idea, from what I came to understand about hypnobirthing, is that a woman's body knows how to give birth. If your body and mind are relaxed, you can have an easier birth with "pressure" instead of "pain" by manner of hypnosis and positive affirmations. It teaches you that if you can eliminate the fear of giving birth, you'll have less pain and a more gentle birth. AnnaLynn also taught us so much about how hospitals take away a woman's control over their birth by the use of pitocin and epidurals. She taught us how to relax the body and put the mind elsewhere so the body can do what it knows how to do. We started her class shortly after the new year and it carried us all the way to the end of Jenn's pregnancy. We practiced 2-3 times a day to get Jenn to slip easily into relaxation and hypnosis. Each session we practiced thirty- fourty minutes- a time that we plan to keep every evening for family time as we all grow together with our child. We took all the information and decided on more issues and rewrote our birthplan. Thank you for your wonderful magical teachings and knowledge AnnaLynn!!

On the last day of the Hypnobirthing class, Jenn and I went to her last Obstetrician appointment right before class. At her prior weekly visit to the Obstetrician, Jenn was already 2cm dilated and we thought we would have the baby within a day or two. She had leaked some fluid and expressed some concern to the doctor who didn't know if her water had broken or leaked and was concerned about B- Strep infection. She recommended that Jenn return later that night for an induction. Jenn was very upset because she was strongly against being induced unless it was of medical urgency. So we decided that we would attend the last hypnobirthing class where we would ask Anna Lynn and Pati for there advice.

We went to the last hypnobithing class and it was Pati's first experience with this method. We watched videos of hypnobirths and performed hypnosis on Jenn. She was instantly a believer. We discussed the dilemma and we all agreed that we would do to the delivery ward at the hospital and be checked to see if her membranes were ruptured. The nurses could not find any trace of amniotic fluid and called the doctor to report their findings. The doctor still insisted that Jenn remain at the hospital and be induced. The doctor spoke of the risk that the baby could have cerebral palsy due to a rupture of the membranes. Incredibly tired at 12 midnight and not wanting to go through hard labor exhausted, Jenn was not convinced and decided to go against the doctor's recommendations, which was an incredibly hard decision for her, she decided to go home. The next day was filled with emotion and uncertainty about making the right decision for her baby. Friends came by and phone calls from family and friends uplifted her spirits and gave support or her decision. Jenn was determined not to let the fears overcome her. Fears that her doctor created about b-strep infection, risk of cerebral palsy, and Jenn's own fears of pitocin, inductions, c-sections, epidurals would take backseat and she would wait until her baby was ready to come out when he was ready. She wouldn't let anything take away her empowerment that she worked so hard to attain for the birth of her son.

That night at 1:30 AM, Wednesday morning, Jenn's water broke and I awoke. We called Pati and we arrived at the hospital around 2:30. Jenn started laboring and feeling her surges (contractions) between 4-5 am. She was amazing to watch while laboring. Every time she had a surge, the only way to know that she was having one was by looking at the numbers that dictated the strength. I watched as the numbers went from 10 to 45, than 20 to 70, then 30 to 90, then 45 to 150 increasing with every hour of surges (contractions). With all of them up until hard labor, she looked as if she is sleeping. During her hard labor she started low moaning and heavier deeper breathing. I was there coaching her to not tense up at all and her hands were completely relaxed even minutes before she pushed the baby out. Jenn notes that she went into deep relaxation between her surges and during them, she breathed them down her body out through her feet. We had soft mellow music playing in the background and the sent of Jenn's choice permeating the room. "this place smells like a spa, this is so great." the doctor said complimenting Jenn on the atmosphere of her delivery room. The first thought I had of Jenn when she was laboring was that she was a warrior, capable of anything, and that, "Man, I love this woman so much!!"

Micah was delivered gently with no induction, no anesthesia, no c-section, no pitocin, just a whole lot of love and patience.

We want to thank everyone again for there support and love and everyone helping us out, sending gifts, and to you, for reading the story of our journey that lead us to our son Micah.

Best wishes and love,
Doug & Jenn & Micah Wahkan

Halloween, Bob Hope, & more!

2008-01-24T00:02:00.000-08:00

Things are moving pretty swell these fine days of the new year and 2008 will a special year seeing that I will be a father in about a month! Jenn and I are pretty excited and we're readying each other for the beautiful birth of our son. Thanks for everyone's support and love.
It was a pretty productive and really fun in 2007 so I am cleaning out the computer and finding all this art that I worked on and now getting around to show in my online journal. Have a peek...

Here's three ages of Bob Hope.

concept for The 20th anniversary of the Princess Bride
Buttercup art in the 2oth anniversary booklet

Dread Pirate Roberts art in the 2oth anniversary booklet

These were a blast to work on. Cheryl at Menagerie Creative had me illustrate caricatures of everyone in the studio. Find me!!

Also on another note that there is an art feature of my work in the newest issue of the UK magazine called Dangerous Ink..

Its a great mag if you haven't seen it before and features wonderful casts of artists

ART Show in Little Tokyo!

2007-11-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

Last night was spent in the company of some really good artists and some very sweet people in LittleTokyo, Los Angeles. The group art show I was involved with had a variety of art such as jewlery, paintings on wood, photography and other mixed medias. Special thanks to long time friend Mary Mungovan for inviting me to join in the mix and thanks to all my friends that made the trek out to LA for this. It was a great time indeed! Here's some pics from the show...

Yours truly...
my space...
Brad Sutton: painter extrodinaire...
The space.

Menagerie Creative Team

2007-11-07T11:42:00.000-08:00

We are a happy group! Read an article about Cheryl Savala and her design studio I illustrate for...
http://campusapps.fullerton.edu/news/inside/2007/menagerie.html

Imagne FX!!

2007-10-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone- I am pleased to say that I am featured in the new issue of Imagine FX- the greatest magazine out there for Sci-Fi and fantasy Digital art! Its a true honor to be among the pages where Justin Sweet and Lord of the Rings artist John Howe and Dan Dos Santos reside as well. I am excited! So please get to your nearest book shop and pick up the issue- Thanks to all for your support.
best wishes, Doug

PS- I promise i will try to post more soon! I have some cool things in the works...

Comic Con 2007 and Commissions

2007-08-11T10:13:00.000-07:00

Comic Con 2007 ended over a week ago and just now getting around to getting some pics up from it- Actually, my camera broke at the Con and i'm bummed about it because I have taken so many great images with that camera and still have Comic Con images still on it. So the show was great and it was cool to see so many people into the work this year. Patrick Scullin, my booth mate had a great first time exhibiting. The first show is always the hardest. So stay tuned for pics- I promise...
So since being back, i have been hard at work on a variety of numerous projects. Finished some commissioned drawings for a client to be given as birthday gifts.
Since I started with Cheryl Savala at Menagerie Creative, I have been worked on so many illustrations (most I can't post here yet) that challenge and keep things always fresh. Just Finished up on the key art for the release of "The Lost World" (1960's version). Most of the painting in it is mine but there were a few others who had a hand in it too (thanks Cliff!).

Greenman Sighting in the Pacific NorthWest!!!

2007-07-11T21:00:00.000-07:00

Finished this piece about a week ago and am pretty happy with it. I did a lot of photo research in the Olympic Penninsula of Washington State for the background. I had a lot of fun creating the light source on this image. It's like Nature sheds light on one of its most secret mysteries for a moment where you actually see the Greenman.
I should have prints of this at Comic Con.
Cheers!!

New Postcard for Comic Con 2007!!

2007-07-01T23:29:00.000-07:00

Just finished a painting and design for a promotional postcard for the Comic Con that is quickly approching! I'm thinking I might want to make a tee shirt of this design... hmmmmmm.

3rd Place in the Key art awards!

2007-06-16T13:12:00.000-07:00

Attended the Key Art Awards for the student competition and was awarded 3rd place. The Hollywood Report’s Key Art Awards ceremony was held June 15 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, with actor-comedian Rob Corddry as host. It was an exciting night filled with lots of new faces and some celebrities. Highlights for me of the night were(obviously) being there and winning 3rd place, seeing the visionary award awarded to Robert Rodriguez, and seeing Wes Craven in person! It was a lot of fun. Thanks to Cheryl Savala, Larry Johnson, & Patrick and Kandra Scullins for attending and sharing support as well as everyone who sent in their thoughts of support. Thank you! Here are some pics from the show...

Patrick Scullin, Cheryl Savala, Larry Johnson, & Me

My wife Jenn, Host-Actor-Comedian Rob Corddry, & Me

2007 Key Art Student Competition!!!! Top 3!!!!

2007-05-31T22:09:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the 2007 Student competion for the Key Art awards and was pleasently surprised to be in the top three finalists out of 250 entered. So I will be attending the Key Art awards on June 15th in Hollywood! This was a really cool event with plenty of genuine folks and some wonderful artwork. It was great to see a bunch of friends from Calstate Fullerton coming out to share their support. I appreciate it so much. If you have a chance to check out the show its at FIDM - The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. from June 1st to the 15th. Its a really well done show and I am proud to be a part of it. Thanks to everyone who shared support.

New Store to get your favorite prints!! and website updates~!

2007-05-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

-NEW STORE ADDED WITH PRINTS AVAILABLE FOR SALE! OTHER ITEMS WILL BE AVAILABLE VERY SOON, SO KEEP CHECKING BACK.

-DAS ILLUSTRATION WILL BE ATTENDING COMIC CON INTERNATIONAL 2007 WITH SPECIAL GUEST PATRICK SCULLIN. WE WILL BE SET UP IN BOOTH #4921 IN THE FANTASY ILLUSTRATION SECTION.
- CHECK OUT THE NEW ISSUE OF INTERZONE MAGAZINE OUT NOW FEATURING COVER AND ALL ILLUSTRATIONS BY DOUG SIROIS!!! FEATURED ARTIST DOUG SIROIS IS INTERVIEWED AND COMMENTS BRIEFLY ON THE ILLUSTRATIONS FOR EACH STORY.

SILA 45th Annual!!

2007-04-02T21:10:00.000-07:00

Just had a great weekend filled with tons of art! Thanks to everyone who came out to Culver City's finest gallery, Billy Shire Fine Art, and saw the 45th annual Society of Illustrators West opening show on Saturday night. It was a great time. Lots of great work and a piece by yours truly... If you haven't seen it, check it out.The annual book should be coming out soon enough too. here are some pics!!

New work! Yay!!!!

2007-02-13T15:47:00.000-08:00

Hey, just finished this piece for fun and posted it on the Pan's Labyrinth Sketchbook contest site- I love this film- I think has given a new twist to the worlds of fantasy. Hope you check out the film.
The next image was for issue 210 of Interzone Magazine for a story entitled "Heartstrung". It's a sad story about a girls journey into womanhood through a proccess through which her mother stitches the girls heart onto her sleeve. Look for this issue in the next couple of months and it will feature many illustrations and art work by yours truly. find out more about Interzone at www.ttapress.comThe next image I can't wait to get started on is a personal project and 2nd in my Greenman series. It is in sketch stage right now but in a day or two it'll be on canvas awaiting its execution in paint form... : )Well, that's it for today, I hope you all have a great night, week, and month- because they're moving fast!!!
Drop me a line and let's keep in touch!

Best regards,
Doug

2007 WELL UNDERWAY...

2007-01-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

Wow!! How blessed are we as a civilization to still be around in 2007. May this year bring peace to the places we all know need it and also to our hearts where many people know they need it. So Jenn and I just got back from a very satisfying East coast visit with family and friends. Sorry to everyone i didn't get in touch with and missed out on seeing... I've come to realize that you can't please everyone when you have only a couple weeks to visit. But I hope everyone had great holidays and it wasn't too stressful.
One of my favorite parts of my visit was taking a road trip with my brother and Dad to visit my Grandparents, aunts and uncles up in Maine. It was freezing but well worth it. I took so many pics on the trip and one of my favorites is of my Grandpa John as he tells the stories of logging on the river and over the dam behind his house.

Here's one of the three of us, Me, My Dad, and my Brother...

A good time was had by all at a Club d'Elf shoew at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, Mass. I got a chance to sell some prints of the band's cover art and meet many cool peeps...

So as far as 2007 is concerned- I got plans up my sleeve and I'm starting it off with a bunch of new art added to my website at www.dougsirois.com and I do hope you check it all out and let me know what you think.
That's all for now-
Keep in touch and thanks for reading,
Peace to you and yours,
Doug

HAPPY HOLIDAYZ!!!

2006-12-20T12:28:00.000-08:00

Hey, Just a few little notes before heading back to the east coast to celebrate X-MAS with me wonderful family. I was pleased to recieve some very good news this passed week regarding the Society of Illustrators West 45th annual and how a painting of mine entitled, Greenman, has been accepted into it. yes! I'm pretty excited and am anxious to see the annual and the Exhibit in March. Stay tuned for more info on this. But thanks to all for support and look forward to seeing many peeps over the holidays. Happy X-mas!!!!
Doug

SURPRISE!! Best of 2006!!!!

2006-12-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

This came as a pleasant surprise to me. A CD cover I created for the collective band known as Club d'Elf was nominated one of the five best covers in 2006 by AllAboutJazz-New York. I recieved the newspaper today and was very pleased to see my artwork was there, but very, very tiny. Here is a larger version of the cover for your veiwing pleasure.

Interzone Art Preview

2006-12-08T15:55:00.000-08:00

I have a new illustration coming out in January 2007 in the new issue of Interzone Magazine, one of the world's leading professional Science Fiction and Fantasy magazines. The illustration is for a story called Empty Clouds. Here is a preview of the illustration from the December issue. Check it out.

From the Depths of Darkness

2006-12-07T13:53:00.000-08:00

This is a clip I found on youtube and thought it was great. I love when people take memorable characters and twist them into something totally different- in this caes i think it works pretty well. I wish this was really a movie.

Enjoy!

Welcome to My Blogg!!!

2006-12-05T11:14:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to my first blogg ever!!! I was a little hesitant to create on of these but then I decided why NOT?! It'll be a good way to show peeps new works and give shout outs to different things going on over here at DAS ILLUSTRATION and life in general. Here is a new peice I just finished for Interzone Magazine for a story entitled, Preachers. Let me know what yo think or just drop a note to say hi or any other thoughts you might have.
So once again, WELCOME!!!