Psychonaut Art

[jslattum]

Hi guys,
My name is J. Slattum, I'm an oil painter from the Pacific NW of the US. I grew up drawing, often times finding myself in trouble in school for doing so all the time. In my later education, I spent 6 years gearing myself for 2D and 3D CG to work for Lucas Arts or Pixar. That was the grand dream... until I picked up a paint brush.

I've been self-taught in all the fundamentals and techniques, referencing the old masters and seeking advice from other artist that I admire. A lot of people compare my work to Alex Grey and/or Dali. So I guess it's "visionary surreal". I just call it mind travelling. Psychonaut art.

Please let me know what you think. I'm always looking to improve, so I welcome strong critique, as well.

"The Oracle"


"Time's Flame"


"Waiting for Rain"


"The Art of Mindless Wandering"


"Food of Gods"


"Finding a Missing Memory"



Thanks for viewing and any critique/advice/comments!
You can view more at The Art of J. Slattum


Best Wishes,
J. Slattum

[Black Spot]

Compositions are nice but everything has the same texture.

[Lithriel]

I realize this may be a stylistic choice, but it seems like everything has little form. In real life, everything has many more minute plane changes. I see very smooth transitions, almost as if everything is made of clay and perfectly rounded throughout in stead of having bony structure underneath. It's just an observation. Not that it isn't a nice effect. It has a nice feel to it, but I think it would look even better with a tad more realism. Just my honest opinion.

[jslattum]

Black Spot, I'm not following you about the texture, can you explain more and maybe how I could add more?

Lithriel, how might I show better structure? Fluctuation of edges, harder for bonier areas?

Thanks for the constructive feedback!

[Venishi]

Love this stuff! Really excellent ideas.

With regards to texture, I think Black Spot is implying that everything has a similar texture (skin, sky, sand, flame). Sometimes that can be stylistically cool, but if you wanted to add some variation (which is very important for keeping a viewer interested and engaged, consciously and subconsciously), you could use different brush strokes and avoid smooth blending in certain areas. It might give you a more dynamic final product.

With regards to structure, I think Lithriel put it perfectly. Here is a link to a sketch of Michelangelo's http://www.musicweb-international.co...SeatedNude.jpg Note how his jagged outlines and surfaces add incredible depth, clarity, and action to a simple seated nude. I dig your style, but I believe that style should always be informed by reality as much as possible, even if that reality ends up very warped. Hope that isn't too vague. Love that first piece. Trippy as hell.

[jslattum]

Thanks Venishi!

In person, my work is loaded with brush strokes and thicker impasto highlights. I usually build the lights, physically, so they're popping off the canvas... the shadows- thin and smooth. But, perhaps I am lacking in 2D texture in some areas. Perhaps "Finding A Missing Memory" could've had a interlaced, woven texture on the subject's shawl, probably more apparent in the highlighted areas. Or a nice pattern....

That sketch from Michelangelo is great, I love the Old Masters! With time and practice, I hope to gain a full memory of anatomy, including the underlying bones and muscles (especially the back!). Often times, myself being the reference, I can't get the shots that I need... so I wing it. Probably need to hire a reference model and start doing live model drawing sessions for practice.

Thanks for the feedback, I'm constantly trying to push my skills!

J.

[Tintreas]

Very consistent style, "Waiting for Rain" is your strongest, imho. Stylistically the simplicity here works, its balances the the colours and and a more complex composition. 'food of the gods' is your weakest, again, only my opinion. While giving the face in food of the gods a lot of detail and a basis in realism, this doesn't extend past the neck, giving it a strange balance and leaving it looking less competent rather then a stylistic choice. In waiting for rain the simplicity is constant, intentional and a choice.. And gorgeous.

Keep up the good work

[Venishi]

I am currently working on my human form - and am still far from my goals. It was helpful for me to take an anatomy drawing class (as opposed to just a life drawing class). Having a book like "Bridgeman's Complete Guide to Drawing from Life" can also be quite useful if you sit down with it often.

[Devrak]

Hey, I definately like "the art of mindless wandering" pic, great idea.

[jslattum]

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Venishi- I'll have to check out that book! I've been on Burne Hogarth and Andrew Loomis, which are great books, but there seems to be some gaps here and there.

[Black Spot]

There is no difference of texture on the hands to cloth to the background. It looks like if your touched them they would all feel the same. Are they wood, cloth, flesh etc? Having them all the same does make them coherent, calm without any tension. They are decorative, but are just pleasing colours - hotel art. I'm sure you can do more.

[jslattum]

word up

[omecca]

I think the smooth or consistent texture works, so long as it remains a choice instead of a limitation.
an artist that I think you might find influential is Rene Magritte. He establishes a style that he maintained throughout his career. I think his style might be a door to your introducing subtle textures.
aside, I think you could an awesome version of Dali's 'The Scream'
for a more contemporary influence try Ron English's work.