Cute and Creepy
Welcome to the first-ever installment of the Niteblade Art Blog. For this inaugural blog, I want to introduce you to Ciaran Collins, an aspiring illustrator just starting down the path of career artist.
Ciaran composes illustrations that evoke the dark wonders of childhood, where every shadow cloaks a monstrosity, where darkness holds potential danger. There is a light-hearted but spooky feel to his work, with something sinister often lurking just under the less-than-serious surface.
Hailing from Northern Ireland, Ciaran has a degree in design communications from the University of Ulster. He lists Tim Burton, Alan Lee, James Jean, Sam Weber, and Edward Gorey among his artistic influences. He also finds inspiration from old fairy and folktales, and loves horror, science fiction, and fantasy.
More examples of Ciaran’s art can be seen in his on-line portfolio:
http://www.aoiportfolios.com/artist/ciarancollins/index.shtml
http://www.aoiportfolios.com/artist/ciarancollins/index.shtml
November 4th, 2008 17:50
I like the artwork! Great first entry. Congrats.
November 4th, 2008 21:59
Those are very awesome, I’m especially fond of Dr. Frankenstein
November 5th, 2008 11:05
Dr. Frankenstein is my favourite as well. I like how the contrast between light and dark is used to good effect in that one.
I guess you could say this first-ever art blog was a Halloween treat a few days late. Some of Ciaran’s art seems very appropriate for Halloween!
November 7th, 2008 02:59
Yes, there’s some good stuff here, and it lives up to the cute and creepy label, almost whimsical in places. I particularly like the expression on Dr Frankenstein’s face.
November 8th, 2008 16:23
Really, really good stuff. Like a perverted children’s book. I’m sure Ciaran won’t be aspiring for too long before success comes a-knockin’.
November 16th, 2008 20:55
awesome artwork. sinister and dark, but not without its redeeming qualities of wonder and whimsy.