Drawing Thor was very enjoyable to me. One of the greatest, most amazing things about the process of drawing is the coloring. Weather your election is black and white photography or a combination of both; black and white with color; its amazing when a piece of art develops into realism. You can touch it, you can see it from a distance, you can analyze it and question it. The curiosity is there. How does an artist put together all the important elements from a photograph into paper?
It is an art form that some of us have that we as artists have learned to improve upon as a gift. It’s something so valuable that transmits joy and happiness to the world. It is a beautiful feeling when you see a photo of your favorite artist, musician or superhero and you want to transform it into a drawing. It is a very similar process to when someone poses for you; when someone can transfer from real life to realism in art.
Its amazing what a color pencil and paper can do. Applying the color and shading is a beautiful thing. The drawing is a step; the coloring is a giant leap.
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If you have any inquiries about our art, the artistic process, please feel to contact Martin M. Rocha at martinmrochaart@gmail.com. With Martin M. Rocha Art, a passion for art is truly in the details; Martin M. Rocha of MartinMRocha.com.
June 14, 2011 | Categories: Amazing video art and photographs, Art by Martin M. Rocha, Superheroes and Villains | Tags: amazing art, art, art blog, art trends, Art work by Martin M. Rocha, artistic drawing, Artwork inspired by black and white photography, Artwork using colored pencils, Black and white drawings, blogs about drawing, blogs that review art, blogs that review art websites, Cold press illustration board, Crescent cold press illustration board, Dick Blick Art Supplies, drawing, Drawing from photographs, Drawing superheroes, Drawing Thor, inspiring artwork, Martin M. Rocha, Martin M. Rocha Art, new art blog, new artists, Prismacolor, Prismacolor colored pencils, Thor, Thor art, Thor Fan Art, www.MartinMRochaArt.Wordpress.com | Leave a comment
I have always been a fan of Music magazines. Ever since the mid to late sixties music journalism had made some interesting headlines. 1968 was no exception; drawing and putting together fictional magazines with real historical events is entertaining as I also consider fan art.

Lennon
The Beatles’ 1968 white album symbolized the historical events of such a fascinating year. Some of these headlines include :
1)Back in the USSR – The Soviet Union invade Checkoslovakia.
2) Mexico 1968 and the Olympic games.
3)Blackbird – Riots in the United States.
4)Happiness is not a warm gun – Luther King and Kennedy.
5)While their guitar gently weeps – Clapton and Hendrix.

Jagger

Morrison
The Lizard King dies under mysterious circumstances. His death in Paris.

Stickabilities
I have always used Stickabilities and transfer letters to bring elegance. Using materials from Blick Art, Crescent and Prismacolor.

Transferring tool
That’s the tool that I use to transfer the letters through rubbing or to straighten sticky letters. As you could see in the process. I apply pressure into the poster board to make the letters strong into the area where it best gives an impressive outlook of art.

The transferring process
If you have any inquiries about our art, the artistic process, please feel to contact Martin M. Rocha at martinmrochaart@gmail.com. With Martin M. Rocha Art, a passion for art is truly in the details; Martin M. Rocha of MartinMRocha.com.
June 11, 2011 | Categories: Art by Martin M. Rocha, Latest Work, Musicians and Performers | Tags: amazing art, art, Art and culture, art blog, Art work by Martin M. Rocha, artistic drawing, Artwork inspired by black and white photography, Artwork using colored pencils, Beatles Art, Beatles drawings, Beatles in art, Black and white drawings, Black and white drawings of Jim Morrison, Black and white drawings of Rock n Roll, Black and white drawings of the Rolling Stones, blogs about drawing, blogs that review art, Blogs that review art and music, blogs that review art websites, Blogs that review rock roll, Cold press illustration board, Crescent cold press illustration board, Dick Blick Art Supplies, drawing, Drawing from photographs, Drawings of Jim Morrison, Drawings of John Lennon, Drawings of Mick Jagger, Drawings of the Beatles, Drawings of The Doors, Drawings of the Rolling Stones, inspiration for drawing, inspiring artwork, Martin M. Rocha, Martin M. Rocha Art, MartinMRocha.com, new art blog, new artists, Prismacolor, Prismacolor colored pencils, Rolling Stones in art, Sepia tone drawings, The merging of art and music, www.MartinMRochaArt.Wordpress.com | Leave a comment

Thor's 1st lightning strike!
I know its been a long wait for some of you art fans out there; but it’s great to be back into the mode of art. Here he is!! The Mighty Thor makes it’s appearance for you enjoy.

Thor's 2nd lightning strike!
As of right now I’m calling the steps “Lightning Strikes”!! Yes; what a title for each one. Not yet complete, but felt a good teaser would be great for the moment!

Thor's 3rd lightning strike!
The face was the initial Lightning strike as it set the tone for the rest of the piece.

Thor's 4th lightning strike
The arm included a lot of detail as I had to used careful measurements to make every piece of the puzzle accurate. It was quite an enjoyable task.

Thor's 5th lightning strike!
Note that the arm and the chest piece gives it a kind of a 3-d appearance to distinguish the two different parts of the body.

Thor's 6th lightning strike!
As I continue to work in each area, I also worked on the black background. As of right now I have used ten black color pencils. They are all Prismacolor as well as different tones of gray. Final piece coming up soon!! Stay tuned!!

Thor's 7th lightning strike!

Putting in the final touches.
I believe I used a total of twenty two black color pencils. Quite possibly my second drawing with the most dark background. A very enjoyable drawing to put together. Of course the touches of gray gives it that shiny black and white look. What do you think art fans? Does “Thor” measure up to the artistic look of either “Iron Man” or the “Joker”?

Thor's 8th lightning strike!
Before completing the final lightning strike I decided to take one more photograph before completion. The contrast I think its quite striking and the red cape gives it a more domineering display. Once I completed it I ran across to one of the most challenging tasks; “The Letters”. What to say and what to put together? I decided to keep it within the Spanish theme. Marvel, comic books and movies are universal; so the decision came to keep it within the beauty of the Spanish language.

THOR / COURAGE NEVER DIES
The final piece is complete for you Art fans to enjoy. Of course you aficionados know the movie release was May of this year (No; that has nothing to do with Mayo) and putting the release date on top displays a more powerful glance. The movie motto was “COURAGE IS IMMORTAL.” I think “EL VALOR NUNCA MUERE” (COURAGE NEVER DIES) demonstrates a more of a role model to everyday life’s motivation.
If you have any inquiries about our art, the artistic process, please feel to contact Martin M. Rocha at martinmrochaart@gmail.com. With Martin M. Rocha Art, a passion for art is truly in the details; Martin M. Rocha of MartinMRocha.com.
June 5, 2011 | Categories: Art by Martin M. Rocha, Latest Work, Superheroes and Villains | Tags: amazing art, art, art and superheroes, art blog, art trends, Art work by Martin M. Rocha, artistic drawing, Artwork inspired by black and white photography, Artwork using colored pencils, Avengers, Avengers Fan Art, Black and white drawings, blogs about drawing, blogs that review art, Chris Hemsworth, Crescent cold press illustration board, Dark Knight Fan Art, Dick Blick Art Supplies, drawing, Drawing from photographs, God of Thunder, inspiration for drawing, inspiring artwork, Iron Man fan art, Joker Art, Martin M. Rocha, Martin M. Rocha Art, MartinMRocha.com, Marvel Art in Spanish, Marvel Comics Fan Art, Marvel comics in spanish, Marvel Fan Art, new art blog, new artists, Prismacolor, Prismacolor colored pencils, Superhero Art in Spanish, Thor, Thor art, Thor Fan Art, trends in the art world, Why so serious?, www.MartinMRochaArt.Wordpress.com | Leave a comment

My two Inspirations for the "Sakura / All for Japan" proje
I took the time to take pictures of my latest art work with my two inspirations. It was a joy putting this project together as I made the idea and vision a reality!

A special moment!
Satoko was very welcoming in accepting the donation for the project and took the time for some photographs to be taken. It was an honor to meet her.

Thank you Satoko
“Sakura / All for Japan” was a special gift from the heart, a donation for the beautiful people of Japan. It was an emotional experience at the Japan Consulate in downtown Chicago.

Thank you to my friend Becky as well.
I would like to thank all the Art fans and friends out there for making the “SAKURA / ALL FOR JAPAN” possible; mission accomplished, delivery complete! But specially Hailed, Mike, Becky (For the adventure / specially at the gas station) and most of all my friend Suzann (Thank you for your guidance, advice and direction). It made a difference to work on such a special art project that came from the heart; a piece of art work that means so much for all of us and to the people of Japan.

The final photograph of "Sakura/All for Japan"
Arrived : May 13th 2011. Don’t forget that passion in the art is truly in the details. Any comments that you may have, contact Martin M. Rocha at martinmrochaart@gmail.com. Don’t forget to also visit us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Satoko represented Erica
Hi Martin,
My apologies for not getting back to you sooner in re to your donation of your beautiful art piece in re to the Japan Earthquake. We just had our morning meeting, and we would be delighted to accept the donation here at the Society. If possible, we would like to use the piece as an auction item for both our Annual Golf Tournament in August and/or our Annual Holiday Fundraiser on December 15. All proceeds help to support our Society’s programming and educational endeavors.
Please note that our office closes at 5:30 PM on Friday, so please feel free to stop by anytime before that time.
For our own internal purposes, do you know what the value of the piece is?
Thank you so much again for thinking of our organization and the people of Japan during this difficult time!
Erika V Kono
Erica Kono wrote this beautiful email on May 11th, Exactly when the events occurred . After speaking with her on the phone she accepted the donation a couple of days later. I am very happy to see that the masterpiece is going to a good cause. It was my pleasure and honor to be part of this special moment as it unfolds emotions of joy and happiness.
Erica was kind and very welcoming, but was unable to attend when I arrived, but I had the opportunity to meet Satoko Ogi who was very welcoming as well. After taking several pictures and a few tears and smiles we parted ways.
An Emotional trip
By Martin M. Rocha
May 15, 2011 | Categories: Art by Martin M. Rocha, Art for Charity | Tags: amazing art, art, Art and culture, Art and Japan, art blog, Art for charity, Art for Japan, Art work by Martin M. Rocha, artistic drawing, Artists and donations, Artwork inspired by black and white photography, Artwork using colored pencils, Black and white drawings, blogs about drawing, Blogs about Japan, Blogs about Japan of March 11, blogs that review art, blogs that review art websites, Charity artwork, Donating art work, drawing, Drawing for Japan, Drawing from photographs, Drawings of children, inspiring artwork, Japan and Sakura art, Martin M. Rocha Art, new art blog, new artists, Sakura art | Leave a comment
Watching someone in the process of making a great piece of art work is enjoyable; specially when listening to some amazing music! This is a video of Martin M. Rocha drawing the final process to Marilyn Monroe. Always a great relaxing time to draw and enjoying the genius of Elton John. What do you think art fans? The motivation, the visual, the energy, the beat; and the merging of two outstanding forms of expression : Art and Music!!
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May 8, 2011 | Categories: Amazing video art and photographs, Art by Martin M. Rocha, Famous people, Latest Work | Tags: amazing art, art, Art and Marilyn Monroe, art blog, art trends, Art work by Martin M. Rocha, artistic drawing, Artwork inspired by black and white photography, Artwork using colored pencils, Black and white drawings, blogs about drawing, blogs that review art websites, drawing, Drawing from photographs, Drawings of celebrities, Drawings of famous Icons, inspiring artwork, Marilyn Monroe Art, new art blog, new artists, The merging of art and music, www.MartinMRochaArt.Wordpress.com | 3 Comments

Step 1 for "All for Japan"
I’m currently working on a special drawing that has emotion and hope. One of the most precious themes in the world of art are children.

Step 1 for "All for Japan"
Children bring a special touch to art as it delivers enlightenment and charm. They symbolize peacefulness as their images captivate innocence and add color to life and nature.

Step 2 for "All for Japan"
As you could see the development of “All for Japan”, the drawing is divided into several sections. As the progress moves into further stages you will see how it has a different feel then some of the art that I have displayed from previous posts.

Step 2 for "All for Japan"
I have been using some of the greatest qualities of fonts from Headlinesign to express a special message to the people of Japan. In addition, I included bright colors within the black and white portraits of the children. The flourishing of the flowers are arranged to intensify a similar representation to the elegance of black and white photography.

Step 3 for "All for Japan"
Stay tuned for the finishing touches of “All for Japan” as it’s approaching the final stages.

Step 3 for "All for Japan"
Take a moment to subscribe to MartinMRochaArt.Wordpress.com, so that we can apprise you with all of our latest details. We will guarantee, every post will have lots to offer and we appreciate any comments that you may have for us!

A view before the addition of the flowers
If you have any inquiries about our art, or the artistic process, please feel free to contact Martin M. Rocha at martinmrochaart@gmail.com. Remember, with Martin M. Rocha Art, a passion for art is truly in the details.

Step 4 for "All for Japan"
What do you think art fans? The appearance of two black and white photographs and a postcard overlapping displays a 3D appearance; a view of prayer and hope as it unfolds. As a final step, the background poster board illustrates an envelope with two postage seals to enhance its significance. It is not everyday that we encounter such powerful, meaningful messages that touch our everyday lives.

Final Step "SAKURA / ALL FOR JAPAN"
It was definitely one of the most powerful and enjoyable pieces of art I have done. I appreciated your compliments on Facebook and enjoyed reading all of the wonderful words; comments that came from the heart. I included the following quotes from such amazing people.
“Such a strong message yet so delicate”
“Absolutely soul stirring”
“This brought tears to my eyes”
“My favorite things about this piece are its meanings; the Sakura (cherry blossom), the children, and the Land of The Rising Sun. All have great significance…very tastefully executed.”
April 24, 2011 | Categories: Art by Martin M. Rocha, Children and special people, Latest Work | Tags: amazing art, art, Art and fonts, art announcements, art blog, Art of innocence, art trends, Art work by Martin M. Rocha, artistic drawing, Artwork inspired by black and white photography, Artwork using colored pencils, Black and white drawings, blogs about drawing, blogs that review art, blogs that review art shows, blogs that review art websites, displaying art, drawing, Drawing from photographs, Drawings of children, Emotional art, inspiration for drawing, inspiring artwork, Martin M. Rocha, MartinMRocha.com, messages and art, new art blog, new artists, www.MartinMRochaArt.Wordpress.com | 2 Comments
My inspiration came during the famous Chicago Blizzard of February 2nd. I remember enjoying the moments as the blizzard came down upon us. The more the snow fell the more incentive I had to keep creating.

BEHIND BLUE EYES "Baby Step 1"
Motivation came from the beauty of the black and white photography I was admiring while homebound. While the light and shadows had amazing depth, I felt I wanted to add something more. I thought how simply amazing what a touch of color could bring to the images.

BEHIND BLUE EYES "Baby Step 2"
Almost immediately, I was drawn to an image of my nephew. I decided to try the technique of adding color to black and white by highlighting his gorgeous eyes. I was extremely pleased with the results.

BEHIND BLUE EYES "Baby Step 3"
The aptly titled “Behind Blue Eyes” brings the viewer’s attention to one of the most stunning aspects of my nephew. The blue in stark contrast to the black and white was just the touch the seemed to complete the drawing.

BEHIND BLUE EYES "Baby Step 4"
Leave a comment bellow and let us know about what you think of the technique!

BEHIND BLUE EYES "Baby Step 5"
The materials used to create “Behind Blue Eyes” were Prismacolor colored pencils on Crescent cold press illustration board from Dick Blick Art Supply.

BEHIND BLUE EYES "Baby Step 6"
If you have any inquiries about our art, or the artistic process used in the drawing “Behind Blue Eyes”, please feel to contact Martin M. Rocha at martinrochaart@gmail.com. Remember, with Martin M. Rocha Art, a passion for art is truly in the details. Martin M. Rocha of MartinMRocha.com.

BEHIND BLUE EYES "Baby Step 7"
April 11, 2011 | Categories: Art by Martin M. Rocha, Children and special people | Tags: "Behind Blue Eyes" by Martin M. Rocha, art, Art work by Martin M. Rocha, artistic drawing, Artwork inspired by black and white photography, Artwork using colored pencils, Black and White Drawing with Blue Eyes, Black and white drawings, blogs about drawing, Cold press illustration board, Crescent cold press illustration board, Dick Blick Art Supplies, drawing, Drawing from photographs, Drawings of children, inspiration for drawing, inspiring artwork, Martin M. Rocha, Martin M. Rocha Art, MartinMRocha.com, Prismacolor, Prismacolor colored pencils, www.MartinMRochaArt.Wordpress.com | Leave a comment