Blog « Antemortem Arts | Art & Writing by Amy Crook

Every Step

Posted on June 3rd, 2015

Every Step by Amy Crook

Every Step by Amy Crook

This painting has a secret! I got some wonderful Noodler’s Blue Ghost UV-reactive ink recently, and unlike the other Aglow paintings, this one hides its message, which reads, “every step that I ran to you.”

The painting itself ranges from the clear blue of a deep lagoon around to the rich greens of jungle plants, with the curl of white sand beach in the middle. Waves of pale paint lap inward until there’s nothing but the paper at the very center. You can’t see a hint of the invisible ink in normal light.

Don’t worry, though, I’ll ship it with a UV keylight so you can always revisit the sweet sentiment.

Every Step, 8″x8″ brush & ink and watercolor on Fluid watercolor paper.

Every Step, detail, by Amy Crook

Every Step, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see a bit of the classified, curving calligraphy lit by the UV glow. Below, the painting is in a frame, the ink truly invisible to the naked eye.

Every Step, framed art by Amy Crook

Every Step, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Abstract and Just Plain Weird, Floating Gallery, Series and Books
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Cat Naps

Posted on June 2nd, 2015

Cat Naps by Amy Crook

Cat Naps by Amy Crook

Cats! Lazy, languid, liquid cats. I first explored this idea in a sketchy little bookmark, but of course with only room for three poses it wasn’t nearly enough.

I took inspiration from my own ridiculous pets, Belladonna and Pod, and of course the many cats on the internet.

I have trouble choosing a favorite — what’s yours?

Cat Naps, 5″x7″ brush and ink on paper.

Cat Naps, detail, by Amy Crook

Cat Naps, detail, by Amy Crook

Above, you can see a close up of the fine brush work on this sleeping kitty, rich with texture despite the minimalist design. Below, you can see the piece in a frame, just waiting to add some extra kitty zen to your life.

Cat Naps, framed art by Amy Crook

Cat Naps, framed art by Amy Crook

Categories: Floating Gallery, Series and Books, Things I'm a Fan Of, Whimsical and Strange
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Ink Tests

Posted on May 27th, 2015

bookmark in J. Herbin Cacao du Brésil ink by Amy Crook

bookmark in J. Herbin Cacao du Brésil ink by Amy Crook

I recently took a few bottles of ink off a friend who was thinning out her art supplies (which makes me sound far more generous and less grabbyhandsy than I really was), and I thought I’d share a few of the tests I did.

First up, above, is a bookmark painted with the lovely brown, which gave me rich layered colour in the trees.

sketch in J. Herbin Gris Nuage ink by Amy Crook

sketch in J. Herbin Gris Nuage ink by Amy Crook

Second we have one of the two delicious greys she sent me, this one a lighter, almost lavendery grey that also layered interestingly, though never got very dark. Below is the real treat, a sample size of the gold-flecked Stormy Grey, which I used to doodle this little city in my sketchbook.

sketch in J. Herbin Stormy Grey ink by Amy Crook

sketch in J. Herbin Stormy Grey ink by Amy Crook

I really like them, though I think they all will do better on higher quality paper than my test swatches here. There’s going to be some Stormy Grey in this month’s Floating Gallery (as well as another experiment using a fourth bottle of ink from her stash). Get on my list if you want to see it first!

Categories: Daily Art
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Bart & Chris

Posted on May 25th, 2015

Bart & Chris from Daron's Guitar Chronicles by Amy Crook

Bart & Chris from Daron’s Guitar Chronicles by Amy Crook

This summer, Daron’s Guitar Chronicles is only posting once a week (woe!) while Cecilia writes a bunch of other things she’s likely being paid better for. So, her fans are stepping up to the plate and taking over the other posting day!

After a bit of discussion in the comments, it was decided the rest of Moondog 3 needed to take the spotlight. On the left we have Bart, the bassist, with his red bow tie and angelic curls. On the left is Christian, the drummer, tall and skinny with the kind of hair you’d expect from a drummer in an ’80s band.

Bart & Chris, 5″x7″ pen & ink and Copic marker on paper. Get them on a greeting card at Etsy.

Bart & Chris greeting card at Etsy by Amy Crook

Bart & Chris greeting card at Etsy by Amy Crook

Categories: Card Design, People, Figures and Faces, Series and Books, Things I'm a Fan Of
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Songbird

Posted on May 20th, 2015

Songbird by Amy Crook

Songbird by Amy Crook

My mother admired Jo’s Raptor, and so I decided to paint her a songbird of her own for Mother’s Day. This brush-and-ink style is always an interesting challenge in balancing detail versus simplicity. This little guy is just waiting for his chance to break out in song to herald the long-awaited return of spring.

The original is already in its new home, but you can buy him on a blank card at Etsy.

Songbird, 7″x5″ brush and ink on paper.

Songbird greeting card by Amy Crook at Etsy

Songbird greeting card by Amy Crook at Etsy

Categories: Card Design, Whimsical and Strange
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Cyberman

Posted on May 18th, 2015

Cyberman, Doctor Who fan art by Amy Crook

Cyberman, Doctor Who fan art by Amy Crook

It’s time for an upgrade! This guy will be happy to help you be the best version of yourself, where by best we mean Cyberman. I even made him into a birthday card, which you can buy at my Etsy shop.

If you want to be the proud owner of the original art, you’ll see it for sale in this month’s Floating Gallery.

Cyberman, 5″x7″ pen & ink and Copic marker on paper.

Cyberman birthday card by Amy Crook on Etsy

Cyberman birthday card by Amy Crook on Etsy

Categories: Card Design, Floating Gallery, People, Figures and Faces, Series and Books, Things I'm a Fan Of
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4 Lord of the Rings bookmarks

Posted on May 13th, 2015

4 Lord of the Rings bookmarks by Amy Crook

4 Lord of the Rings bookmarks by Amy Crook

As you can see from the date in the signature, I actually drew these last year for one of my darling patrons, and then apparently never shared them with you! Legolas, Gimli, Boromir and Aragorn are all ready to strike out with their hobbits (and wizard) and get the ring to Mordor. Even if Boromir is convinced one does not simply walk there.

The originals are long gone, but you can get your very own printed set on Etsy.

4 Lord of the Rings bookmarks, various sizes, pen & ink and Copic marker on watercolor paper.

4 Lord of the Rings bookmarks by Amy Crook on Etsy

4 Lord of the Rings bookmarks by Amy Crook on Etsy

Categories: Card Design, Completed Commissions, People, Figures and Faces, Series and Books, Things I'm a Fan Of
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