JAN 2012..Over half a YEAR of blog silence PART 1 (UPFEST june 11).

Hi Everybodies!
I've got some serious catching up to do and I'll try and get everything in the right order so here goes....

June 2011 saw myself, Dan Wilson and Koze AKA The Soulful Crew at UPFEST. We had an epic time burning up the place with our massive piece 'Trinity'. Here's some early concepts, the final digital illy and some pics from the day ( All images Copyright Dean Soden/ Soulful Gallery) :

If you are interested here's a few more concepts sketches!

MAy 2011 part b-custom brush fun

MAY 2011- Reading Art FAir-DONE!

It was a successful weekend for The Soulful Gallery at the Reading Contemporary Art Fair! Here's a pic of our stand-

 The Soulful gallery crew managed to sell 3 of my original paintings, plus a couple of prints!

I also sold a 4th painting via The Prince's Trust which was involved in the event. All the artists were given a small canvas by the charity and asked to create a painting which was auctioned off . Here's what I did-

"Poet".

I was still buzzing and feeling inspired last night after a great weekend at the Art Fair so I did this speed painting!

 I really need to do way more environment painting and any help, advice or suggestions will be much appreciated. 

Anyway preparations are now under way to design the most 'awesome-ist' mural for UpFest which we are attending in early June. We've got a 32 ft space to fill and I've got a couple of designs for my character sorted but I won't put anything up yet. Watch this space....... :)   

  

April 2011- All set for Reading Art Fair,couple o' commissions and Upfest Approaches!

I haven't posted for a while but things have been crazy-busy what with agency-related commissions, Soulful Gallery and personal stuff.
I've been working on four book covers, some on-going book projects with Richmond Publishing and Oxford Univeristy Press as well as trying to finish some more paintings for this weekends Reading (pronounced redding for anyone outside the UK!) Contemporary Art Fair. Sadly I can't yet show off the illy commissions but check out my other Blog at Soulfulgallery.com for my paintings.


In the meantime, here are some random doodles I did.......

I got all fired up and excited after hooking up with some of my old uni buddies and talking about a collaboration! One of them mentioned about each one of us illustrating a particular chosen subject and sorta having a mini-battle so here's mine for the title 'Ghost robot' (actually, I think it was Robo Ghost which sounds better but we had sunk a few jars by then so I can't remember!!).

March 2011: 'Sampled' Part 3

Last night saw the 3rd 'Sampled' event hosted by 4Motion Dance Theatre , which was a success on all fronts! There were three performances throughout the evening, whilst myself and Dj Dave Darch a.k.a. Awekid created some live music and visuals in the bar. Here is the final piece I created :

Brilliant night, brilliant people!

FEB 2011- Busy year, Buzzing brain, Happy face

Hi!! Well, January just vanished and we are almost half way through Feb and the pace doesn't look like it's going to slow down anytime soon. I've been working on 3 books, with 2 finished and awaiting sign off and I'm about to start the 3rd. I thought I'd post one of the roughs I'd submitted for the series which was dropped. I quite liked how it turned out and it was fun creating the various weather scenes. 

Other news, and Studio Siafu has started working on Forest Folk. We are pushing for a march release for the next update. There is so much to do and it is still just a labour of love. Of course we want it to take off but I think we are a long way from that.
Inspired by the natural theme I have started creating a new series of character ideas, just for shizzles and giggles.

On top of all this I have been running comic and character design classes and animation workshops with local schools. Thursday saw the final day of what proved to be an epic project based on the history of London. We created a 50 foot tapestry showing the early life of the River Thames (170 million years ago-it used to be part of the Rhine, you know!) right up until the Blitz in the 1940's. Like I said, just a bit ambitious but the kids really enjoyed drawing the Romans, Vikings, Tudors, plague victims, beheaded kings and war planes. I wonder why??

Happy New Year 2011!!!

How are you all?
It's already proving to be really busy in 2011! I'm juggling a few big illustration commissions with teaching work, so I've hit the ground running.
I forgot to post my last entry to sketchoholic before xmas. The theme was 'Zombie Elves' and I really enjoyed creating this one. I've been spending more time working with the lasso tool and trying to move away from working with outlines around the subject and I prefer the looser style.

 

'On The Cobbles'- WEEK 3 QUALIFIERS!

WELL DONE TO THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS:

FINALLI- ('Gypsy Eye' wins GOLD)

SKULD- ('Sir Garret On The Cobbles' wins SILVER)

SHOZE ('The Reverend' wins BRONZE)

see theirs and all the other entries HERE

Winners: click on your certificate to view in hi-rez, then right click to save.

- Put in your front window where everyone can see it!

- You can now start a gang or add to your points if you have already one!

POINTS

1st place (Gold coin) = 12 points + virtual prize worthy of a winner as tough as a coffin nail.

2nd place (Silver coin) = 6 points + virtual prize worthy of a runner-up because 2nd place does exist.

3rd place (Bronze coin) = 3 points + virtual prize to keep your dignity intact, despite getting a beating!

Default participation prize = 1 point plus Week 3's random item drop- A small sacred knife, with an insect trapped in amber set into the end of the handle!

REMEMBER ONLY QUALIFIERS CAN START OR ADD TO A GANG BUT KEEP A TALLY OF YOUR POINTS ANYWAY. YOU CAN START A GANG AFTER 5 ATTEMPTS!

CLICK HERE FOR GANG RULES

DEC 2010: Sketchoholic Interview and comp with Christophe Lautrette

This is my entry for  Sketchoholic's competition with the theme 'A "photo" from Marco Polo's journey from Italy to Asia'. 
It was set by last night's guest interviewee Christophe Lautrette, who has worked as visual development artist on Kung Fu Panda and Shark Tale and as Art Director on Bee Movie! It was very inspiring and the man has many wise things to say!
Anyway, I got a heck of a lot out of it and really enjoyed creating this piece!

DEC 2010: ON THE COBBLES ROUND 3!

Word has spread far and wide about 'On The Cobbles', the Victorian age's ultimate mixed martial arts competition!

From the dark lanes of London, blackened by soot and choaking smog,  to the genteel tea shops of England's country villages, more and more groups meet in secret to experience the thrill of the dual.

Be warned!!
This week's challenger may seem meek and mild but she brings a sinister talent! An educated mistress of the dark arts, she brings the power of the Ouija board and all it can muster. What she lacks in strength she more than makes up for with her spectral attacks!!!

And now, in her desperation to claw her way to the top of the heap she has unlocked a door we fear no-one can close! 

Follow the flashing lights to her town house in Kensington (You should see the strobe lighting blasting through her dining room window!). 

Can your fighters stand up to the power she has unleashed?

Will you have to summon a dead warrior yourself and bring some polter-powers of your own?!

Does anyone know a good priest that can sort this mess out?!?!

What time does the movie start???

---------RULES--------

1. Your fighter can be male or female, any nationality and age but must have a name and unique ability or skill to bring to the brawl!

2. Your character must have the look and feel of someone from the years 1800-1899. 'Modern' looking fighters will be instantly disqualified* IF YOU DESIGN A 'SUMMONED' GHOST THEY CAN LOOK LIKE THEY ARE FROM AN EVEN OLDER PERIOD!!!!

3. Think about location/setting etc. clue is in the intro :)

------- FORMING A GANG --------

IMPORTANT! If your fighter qualifies (top 3) you can form a gang!

For info and rules go to: http://mattlatchford.blogspot.com/2010/11/on-cobbles-gang-rules-1.html

------OTHER RULES-------

4. No hitting in the cassocks**

5. All weapons to be handed in at cloak room.***

6. If you're first to arrive put the kettle on****

7. I can change the rules whenever the hell I want, dammit! *****

8. What was the question?

-------- POINTS ----------

1st place, Gold coin + 12 points + virtual prize worthy of a winner as tough as a coffin nail.

2nd place, Silver coin + 6 points + virtual prize worthy of a runner-up because you're kind of popular.

3rd place, Bronze coin + 3 points + virtual prize because being the worst of the winners makes you the best looser!

Default participation prize = 1 point plus Week 2's random item drop! You'll find that under the week 2 certificate on my blog.

Be sure to display your gangs exp. points on your next entry plus any medals you have won!

Points will be totaled up at the end of fight season and who knows what the hell might happen then!?

Once the Winning fighters are announced make your way to http://mattlatchford.blogspot.com/ to collect your certificate!

Your names will be scribed next to your prize.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE

* Except time travelers and one trick ponies

** unless you are a cheating son of a *%&$£, which is fine!

*** Excludes Crucifix, crystals and Holy Water-guns

**** two sugars please

***** So there

'ON THE COBBLES'- WEEK 2 WINNERS!

WELL DONE TO THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS:
AERONIK- ('Madame Jessica Belle' wins GOLD)
SKULD- ('Chastity on the Cobbles' wins SILVER)
K-BLADIN ('Frank Patrull' wins BRONZE)


see their entries  HERE


- Click on your certificate to view in hi-rez, then right click to save.
- Put in the toilet where everyone can see it!

POINTS

1st place (Gold coin) = 12 points + virtual prize worthy of a winner as tough as a coffin nail.

2nd place (Silver coin) = 6 points + virtual prize worthy of a runner-up because 2nd place does exist.

3rd place (Bronze coin) = 3 points + virtual prize to keep your dignity intact, despite getting a beating!

Default participation prize = 1 point plus Week 2's random item drop- A ring issued only to members of The Guild of Thieves!

1. If your fighter comes 1st (gold coin), 2nd (silver coin) or 3rd (bronze coin) you are allowed to start creating a gang. You can display your gang's name and total winning/ participating  points in your stats section on each of your images. They could be wearing/using the prizes you won previously. As your gang grows think of a clever way to display all your fighters.

2.1st , 2nd or 3rd place fighters win the privilege to fight again but they MUST be in a different pose. 

3. Playing a winning fighter straight away is not compulsory but winning a competition with a previous surviving champion doubles your exp!! 

4. All other low/non-vote fighters in each round are out, dead, battered, finito! You have to find a new fighter!


5. By default everyone else in the comp gets 1 point for taking part. You can start to build a gang after 5 no-qualifying entries! 

Be sure to display your gangs exp. points on your next entry

Points will be totaled up at the end of fight season and who knows what the hell might happen then!?

Nov 2010: ON THE COBBLES ROUND 2!

'Pssst....Pass the message on to every brawler, grave robber, deserter, crook and wrong 'un:
Word on the street is that Round 2 of 'On The Cobbles', the ultimate Victorian mixed martial arts competition, is going to be kicking off in the old graveyard, behind the Gob and Throttle, London's roughest pub!!'
Think Jack the Ripper meets Million Dollar Baby! 

----------RULES--------
1. Your fighter can be male or female, any nationality and age but must have a name and unique ability or skill to bring to the brawl! 
2. Your character must have the look and feel of someone from the years 1800-1899. 'Modern' looking fighters will be instantly disqualified*
3. Think about location/setting etc. clue is in the intro :)

------- FORMING A GANG --------
IMPORTANT! If your fighter qualifies (top 3) you can form a gang!
For info and rules click HERE

------OTHER RULES-------
4. No hitting below the belt**
5. All weapons to be handed in at cloak room.***
6. If you're first to arrive you buy the drinks!****
7. I can change the rules whenever the hell I want, dammit! *****
8. What was the question? 




* Except time travelers and one trick ponies
** Just kidding
*** Excluding hidden weapons and trade tools
**** Make mine a double
***** So there!

ON THE COBBLES: GANG RULES 1

1a. If your fighter comes 1st (gold coin), 2nd (silver coin) or 3rd (bronze coin) you are allowed to start creating a gang. You can display your gang's name and total winning/ participating points in your stats section on your new images. They could be wearing/using the prizes you won previously. As your gang grows think of a clever way to display all your fighters.

1b. If your fighter came 1st (gold coin), 2nd (silver coin) or 3rd (bronze coin) they win the privilege to fight again but they MUST be in a different pose. 

1c. Playing a winning fighter is not compulsory but winning a competition with a previous surviving champion doubles your exp!! Once in a gang, all members are safe from deletion and can be reused in a new battle although if a gang member looses a round you cannot add a new character to your gang.

1d. All other fighters that aren't in a gang and that fail to qualify in each round are out, dead, battered, finito! You have to find a new fighter! It's tough on the streets!

  

1e. By default every non-qualifying artist in the round gets 1 point for taking part. So don't worry, anyone can start to build a gang after 5 non-qualifying points!  These 'non-qual' points also buy a new fighter (same cost= 5 points) for gangs on a loosing streak! You deserve to, with that amount of tenacity :) so remember to keep a tally and add a single point to your exp. 

ON THE COBBLES- WEEK 1 WINNERS!

WELL DONE TO THE FOLLOWING ARTISTS:
K-BLADIN ('Borgf' wins gold),
FINALLI ('Archibold Flint' wins silver)
and LEYVEIK ('Stefan Leyveik' wins bronze)!
see their entries HERE




- Click on your certificate to view in hi-rez, then right click to save.
-Hang in pride of place!

POINTS

1st place (Gold coin) = 12 points + virtual prize worthy of a winner as tough as a coffin nail.

2nd place (Silver coin) = 6 points + virtual prize worthy of a runner-up because 2nd place does exist.

3rd place (Bronze coin) = 3 points + virtual prize to keep your dignity intact, despite getting a beating!

Default participation prize = 1 point plus Week one's random item drop- odd sock.

1. If your fighter comes 1st (gold coin), 2nd (silver coin) or 3rd (bronze coin) you are allowed to start creating a gang. You can display your gang's name and total winning/ participating  points in your stats section on each of your images. They could be wearing/using the prizes you won previously. As your gang grows think of a clever way to display all your fighters.

2.1st , 2nd or 3rd place fighters win the privilege to fight again but they MUST be in a different pose. 

3. Playing a winning fighter straight away is not compulsory but winning a competition with a previous surviving champion doubles your exp!! 

4. All other low/non-vote fighters in each round are out, dead, battered, finito! You have to find a new fighter!


5. By default everyone else in the comp gets 1 point for taking part. You can start to build a gang after 5 no-qualifying entries! 

Be sure to display your gangs exp. points on your next entry

Points will be totaled up at the end of fight season and who knows what the hell might happen then!?

NOV 2010: On The Cobbles!

Here Ye Here Ye! 

This is a call to all fighters, thieves, drunken sailors, footpads and other ne'er-do-wells!!

Make your way to the shipping docks for the 1st round of 'On The Cobbles', the ultimate Victorian mixed martial arts competition! 

Think Oliver Twist meets Rocky Balboa meets fight club! This started as a bare knuckle scrap but now anything goes! 

Your fighter can be male or female, any nationality but must have a name and unique ability or skill to bring to the brawl! 

There are no rules EXCEPT.....they must have the look and feel of characters from around the 19th century.

Good Luck

No hitting below the belt...maybe!

NOV 2010: Sketchoholicism

It's called 'JoyRide', based on the theme of Flight and it's my latest entry into Sketchoholics daily illustration comp.

I've been busy illustrating school books and teaching art projects, so I've missed this daily jam. 

I had a lot of fun with this!

OCT 2010: Big Jaws and polar paws

Another Sketchoholic jam: 'Big Jaw'.

Had fun with this one, although I almost threw the lappy through my window after Photoshop froze on me THREE FRIKKIN' TIMES! Saving work often is hardwired into my brain but occasionally we get carried away and forget to save.....well, that happened 3 times too many today. Tonight I'll be dreaming about being run over by giant, rainbow-coloured wheels.
So, didn't get to submit this finished version into the comp today as I had to do a school talk today about creative careers. I didn't mention about being so consumed with anger and frustration at your computer that you try and eat the keyboard.

Anyywaaay, I have also posted a couple of illo's that are part of a commission I have created for a series of school books. I like working in this style, it's good fun and really is my 'bread and butter' style. Most of my commissions are in this style.

Oct 2010. More insects??!

Another entry into the daily competitions at Sketchoholic. Todays the theme is: 'Glasses'.

"Len's final ramble'!

Oct 2010, 'Holic sketches galore

As soon as you acknowledge you have a problem you can address it. My name is  Matt and  I'm a sketchoholic!

Sketchoholic.com daily illustration submission: 'Neptune's Sorrow' (Crying Creature)

Sketchoholic.com daily illustration submission: 'Jumping Bug Pilot' (Pilot Creature)

a.k.a- Charge of the Mite Brigade

Oct. 2010, Male studys 1.

Seriously gotta up my game now. I've been quite slack in terms of observation work. Taken from a photo I know this is cheating as I really need to get out with the sketchbook but consider it my warm up :)

The next one is more of a caricature really.

Once again, I know there's not many of you but any kind of crit is appreciated.

Last one, Honest

I managed to pop another one out for Sketchoholic today. Theme was 'Birthday Creature'. Keeps me outta trouble, I guess!

Oct 2010: Sketchoholic-Holic.

AGGHH! I.... can't...stop.....drawing!
I think this will be my last entry for a few days for Sketchoholic's daily drawing challenge! It's been a blast and rather amazingly I have won the past 3 challenges (fungus creature, hairy creature and Big eyes, small nose). I'm happy with the hattrick but here is my final entry this week anyway.
It's all very addictive!

'VAMPIRE CAVEMAN'

Sketchoholic's Anonymous!

I've just joined up to the website Sketchoholic to sharpen my illustration skills! There is a daily competition to design a character and I've been having fun with those in-between jobs. Here are the results below:

'Big eyes, small nose'

'Fungus Creature'

'Hairy Creature'

'Civilised Creature'

Sept 2010, illy No.2

We are all a bit heartbroken here at the moment at Latchford Towers.  Holly, our much-loved family dog was put to sleep earlier this week after finally succumbing to the various ailments that had troubled her for a few years.

Holly, a little West Highland Terrier with a BIG personality, joined our family aged 5 years old after we collected her from the RSPCA rescue centre. She enjoyed a comfortable ( spoiled??!) little life with us for about 8 years and her passing has left a huge gap in our lives.
Being a freelancer and working from home meant I had a constant companion and whilst the house seems very empty with out her there is still a very strong sense of her presence.


She will be irreplaceable.
Anyway, I thought I would do her a little painting.

SEPT 2010, illy No.1: "Summer Hols"

It's a crazy time at the moment, with so much going on (which is great!) but I really want to try and keep up with my personal work, especially messing around with digital illustration and concept work. I am keen to keep/ develop my style but really , REALLY need to up my game in terms of light, colour and design generally.
There is so much incredible stuff out there and I feel I have so much still to learn.

Anyway, this piece is called "Summer Hols" and as you can see the kid has let his imagination get the better of him while playing a game on his own!

Please feel free to critique my stuff.

Part 2: AMENDED SKY!