Upon my return from vacation and getting caught up with my daily internet browsing, I was shocked to have come across the news that comic-book artist Mike Wieringo has passed away during the week from a heart attack. This hits home because he was an artist that has had a great influence on my style of art. I remember being a big fan of his work on Flash during the 90s, then by osmosis integrated nuances of his style into my own. He has a great cartoony, kinetic look to his characters and just grabs you visually whenever you open the page.

What's more shocking is that he's in early 40s, and according to various obituaries online, ate and lived healthy. A death that makes zero sense for someone that suffered a heart attack. Such a great loss to the community.

In his memory, please visit his site http://www.mikewieringo.com/ and view his work. I guarantee amazement.

Rest in peace, Mike.

With that said, he may have found his niche: Movies based on toys. In Transformers, Bay has managed to successfully mix his over the top slow-mo action sequences with state-of-the art ILM CGI resulting in the most enjoyable movie-going experience you will have all summer. You will believe a robot will transform into a Camaro!

Again, with all Michael Bay films, we get the signature film elements he is famous, or loathed, for. Or rather, a recycling of his movies if you pay close enough attention (360 camera rotation around a gunfight a-la Badboys 2, anyone?). And I was paying attention. But it all becomes very insignificant once overshadowed by seamless integration of digitally rendered transforming robots into very real urban and desert terrain. Prepare for your jaw to drop, the ultra detailed and towering Autobots doing battle to destroy the evil forces of the Decepticons raises the bar.

And the best part? They all maintain the spirit of your dads old toys! You will understand why someone over their thirties boast about how awesome their old 1984 Generation 1 figures and cartoons are. Trust me, well translated in the film. The proof happens about 40 action-filled minutes into the movie when you get the ultimate payoff, Optumus Prime appears, transforms and speaks for the first time as the whole theater explodes into blissful cheer. Appearance has been upgraded for a new generation but this is still your dads Prime. And it just keeps delivering from there.

In a nutshell, be a kid this 4th of July. Go watch Transformers. Go remember how much fun the movie-going experience can be. And let me know what you think!

I borrowed some animal books from a coworker today and got inspired. It was great practice to sketch different, non-super-species. So here they are:

Welcome to TJ's Carshow!

No, I haven't picked up a car fetish. Just thought I would venture more outside my norm and find out what my range is artistically. Here are a couple of rides I sketched out. I actually enjoy drawing cars (not as much as my friend G, who's magnificent auto artwork and more can be found at www.pilareart.com) and I'll probably do more. Check 'em out:

And of course, what would a car show be without models?

Here is a fabric study sketch. How's the blanket look? Did I render it correctly? Hello?