Announcement: Star Wars Artist Randy Martinez NOT attending Star Wars Celebration VI
Dear fans,
After much consideration, I have decided I will not be attending Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando FL. This was not an easy decision as I had attended every Star Wars Celebration that there had ever been, including Celebration Europe and Japan. In a way Star Wars Celebration had become a tradition for me, so I am sad to break my streak. But, after weighing the pros and cons of attending this years Celebration I found it in my best interest to not attend CVI and instead remain focused on the opportunities at hand here in Los Angeles.
As many of you already know, my career path has guided me to the world of Gallery art. I have had very successful shows this last year, which has in turn opened up some very exciting shows and projects for this year. This week, I will be announcing a high profile art show, that will featured my art this next month (June)! More details this week! I have a great sense of momentum heading forward and am very excited about the opportunities that lay ahead.
I will miss the fans at Star Wars Celebration VI. The fans have always been good to me, and I love being able to connect with the fans that attend from all over the world. I will miss the artists at the art show; it is always a blast seeing the talent that I have made friends with over the years. But, sometimes we have to make sacrifices in order to reach our goals. I know my fans will continue to support me, and will be proud of the things I am accomplishing!
Star Wars has been one of the corner stones of my life. I am a life long fan who has been lucky enough to make Star Wars part of my art career. Star Wars will ALWAYS be an important part of my life. My not attending CVI in no way suggests that I am retiring from Star Wars art in anyway. You can count on me creating plenty more Star Wars art for many years to come!
Thank you fans for all your support, and for those attending Star Wars Celebration VI, have a great time!
Sincerely,
Randy Martinez
P.S.
Since I am officially not attending CVI, I can reveal what my Exclusive print was going to be. Some of you recognize this piece from Topps’ Star Wars Galaxy 7. These would have been 18 X 24 Giclees. But I will save them for another time:)
NEWS FLASH!!!
UK Fans!
My art will be part of an art opening in Manchester England this Friday! I will have several Original Star Wars paintings on display and for sale, including several official Lucasfilm pieces that were used for Star Wars merchandise and advertising.
It is a Star Wars and Science Fiction themed show and is at…
GP Art Gallery
E3 New York Street
Manchester
England
United Kingdom
M1 4BD
0161 247 7870
The Event is This Friday, May 4th 7pm -10pm. You should contact the gallery to RSVP.
Let me know who was able to make it, and please post pictures if you get them. I believe the art will be on display for a bit of time, but the opening is the place to be in Manchester!
Star Wars Art: Illustration
I am happy to announce that my art has been included in the first Star Wars book devoted exclusively to the illustration of Star Wars. Star Wars Illustration includes everything from movie posters, book illustrations, magazine illustrations, prints, to promotional art and advertising. This is a great honor for me and I could not be happier!
Star Wars Art: Illustration is the 3rd book in a series of Star Wars art books published by Abrams books. It’s predecessors are Star Wars Art: Comics, and Star Wars Art: Visions. Each book takes a close look at the legacy each art form has made in the Star Wars Universe.
Not only is it the first book to celebrate Star Wars Illustration, but George Lucas himself took part in the process and what art was chosen to be included.
I am beyond honored that my art work has been recognized as part of the Star Wars legacy. In a way, it’s everything I ever wanted to accomplish with Star Wars since I was 3 years old and saw Star Wars for the first time. My dream was to not only draw and paint Star Wars for a living, but to somehow, someway be part of the magic that makes Star Wars what it is. It’s just an awesome recognition that I have indeed left my mark on Star Wars!
Star Wars Art: illustration is an amazing gathering of illustrators who have contributed to the Star Wars legacy since it began in 1977. Every Illustrator that I grew up idolizing is in this book; Ralph McQuarrie, Drew Struzan, John Alvin, Hugh Fleming, and Tim & Greg Hildebrandt (just to name a few). Great artists who are also dear friends like Matt Busch, Dave Dorman, Tsuneo Sanda, Terese Neilson, Jerry Vanderstelt, and Brian Rood are represented well in this book, and there are so many other wonderful artists who’s work I love! I am humbled by the talent that I am associated with through Star Wars Art: Illustration. To be mentioned in the same breath as these artists is just making my head spin.
As for the art, of mine, that was selected for the book, I could not be more happy. First is actually the very first illustration I created for Star Wars. It is titled Tongue tied Jar Jar ( Star Wars kids Magazine 1999). Back in those days I was strictly doing spot illustrations/cartoons for Magazines. The second piece selected is called Karaoke Chewbacca (Star Wars Insider 2004). “Karaoke” was a huge progression in my art where I was now doing full illustrations with backgrounds and lots of content. I was also starting to show my skills in Caricature. The final piece chosen is Sith Rocks (Star Wars Celebration IV & Europe). This represents, another huge leap in my progression as an artist. I was still doing humor but I had come to hone my painting skills and was now illustrating more “realistic” types of illustrations. For this piece I used my honed skills and mixed it with my own style of humor. Sith Rocks was greatly inspired by Hugh Flemings illustration Star Wars Rocks, which is also included in Star Wars Art: Illustration. Which for me, is just uber cool and ridiculous to think about. It’s really special for me that the art chosen were all pieces that show my progression as an artist. As a Bonus, I have 2 rough sketches from my Sith Rocks Design spread around the book.
I’d like to give a special thank you to Stephen Sansweet, former director of fan relations at Lucasfilm LTD. Steve is responsible for giving me my first shot with Star Wars kids magazine back in 1999. Steve has always encouraged me to let my art grow and stay connected to my inspirations. Thank you Steve Sansweet, the best friend to all Star Wars artists. This special honor would not have been possible with out your faith in me. I hope I have made you proud!
For me, Star Wars: Illustration represents the fruition of a dream. I am so proud my art work is part of Star Wars history!
Star Wars Art: Illustration is due to hit book shelves October 2012. You can pre order the book at Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Art-Illustration-LucasFilm/dp/1419704303
Personalized Custom Action figure Art!
Action Figures are one of the worlds most collected items. From Star Wars and GI Joe, to Marvel Universe and Indiana Jones, there are literally thousands of action figure choices. You can collect all your favorites, but what about that one action figure that no one else can have? Now you can complete your collection with a custom action figure card with your image and favorite action figure! World famous artist Randy Martinez has created a fun and creative way to make YOU part of your collection! That’s right, Randy Martinez will paint a custom Action figure card (package) of you as your favorite character from virtually any movie, TV show, comic, or video game! 3 styles are offered at great prices for all budgets.
Star Wars, GI Joe, Marvel Universe, DC Universe, Indiana Jones,Tron, Masters of the Universe,Star Trek, if there is an action figure of your favorite character Randy can create a unique piece for you.
These are more than collectibles they are REAL pieces of art, hand painted and collaged with an array of mixed media techniques.
Contact Randy Martinez at randy@randymartinez.net or facebook message for prices and ordering.
Randy Martinez Wonder Con Schedule
Wow, it seems like forever since I’ve been to a Comic Con. But Wondercon being so close to home, how could I resist?:)
I will be at Wondercon in Anheim CA this weekend! I will be at at the “smART Originals” booth, #290.
I will have several original paintings, Artist Proof Prints, My how to draw books, and will be doing commissions! Here is my schedule.
Friday: 1:30 - 4:00
Saturday: 12:30 - 2:30
Sunday: 11:00 - 1:00
Come see my newest Ironman Painting! It lights up!
Wow, it seems like forever since I’ve been to a Comic Con. But Wondercon being so close to home, how could I resist?:)
I will be at Wondercon in Anheim CA this weekend! I will be at at the “smART Originals” booth #290.
I will have several original paintings, Artist Proof Prints, My how to draw books, and will be doing commissions! Here is my schedule.
Friday: 1:30 - 4:00
Saturday: 12:30 - 2:30
Sunday: 11:00 - 1:00
See you there!
So George Lucas changed a few things in the Star Wars Blu- Ray and it is causing shock waves through out the Star Wars fan universe. The reaction has been negative to say the least, but the measures that some “fans” have taken to express their displeasure are down right disturbing.
I am a life long Star Wars fan as you can see in the pictures above. I LOVE Star Wars, I always have. I love the characters, the story, the mythology, and the design. But what I love most about Star Wars are the fantastic memories it has given me in my life. From seeing Star Wars for the first time in 1977 to my art show in Los Angeles this month with Denise Vasquez, I have a bottomless pool of memories that come from Star Wars in some way. I’ve met incredible people, made wonderful friends, and been inspired to create imaginative art. I will always have these memories. There is nothing anyone can do to change that.
I hear people say “George Lucas is ruining my childhood”. Really? If peoples childhoods are ruined because Lucas changed HIS films, you either had a really forgetful childhood or You have convinced your self that somehow the changing of a movie can somehow change all of your memories too. Like a time continuum flux has happened.
Perhaps the problem is some peoples need to have a DEFINITIVE answer to everything. Like making Ewoks blink makes you have to go back and rethink everything in your life and alter your memeories. “OMG, did I really see what I thought I saw back in 1983? Ewoks were supposed to blink? This changes the way I remember everything!” That is sarcasm BTW. How can Ewok Eye Lids “ruin” your child hood?
The problem is not with George Lucas, the problem is with people depending on Lucas to somehow preserve their memories and lives on film. Your memories and your experiences are yours alone, if you let someone else have control of your thoughts, ideas, and memories then the problem is with you.
I understand Star Wars has touched generations of people out there. It has had an incredible impact on our culture and brought happiness in so many forms to many people. But Star Wars is art, and George Lucas is the artist who created it. Star Wars is Mr. Lucas’ to with as he pleases. If Lucas feels Star Wars is meant to be changed and be altered till he sees fit, then that is what his vision is.
Does that mean you have to like all the incarnations of his art? Of course not. Feel free to say it’s not for your tastes. But don’t throw away your precious memories and happiness you have experienced with Star Wars because you don’t like the Blu Ray additions.
Lastly, I offer a slightly different point of view over this whole issue. If you feel so strongly about about George Lucas’ art. Why not take it as inspiration to create something yourself that is superior. Make a REAL commitment to your complaints and show the world how good art should be made. Continue to love Star Wars for what it has meant to you, but stop relying on George Lucas to give you your dreams, and start creating your own.
About me
News, thoughts and ideas from the eccentric mind of Artist Randy Martinez
