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Shout-Out Sunday: Franklin Kernes Makes Me Want to Dance


Franklin Kernes and his work.

Forgive my Shout-Out Sunday on a Monday. I've been busy. :P


Franklin Kernes lives just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina where I can only imagine he has a fabulously messy studio loaded with spray paint cans, lots of brushes and paint piled up to the ceiling. I'm probably completely wrong, but this image makes my brain happy. Another thing that makes my brain happy is looking at Franklin's work....which I could easily do for hours. When asked about his title, he jokingly referred to himself as an Acrylic Assassin. Dude. That's no joke, because you are killing it! (Lame joke. Sorry. Not sorry.) His (perhaps more aptly described) abstract expressionism is one part art, one part message and one part energy that combines to create painted canvases that pull you in, looking for their hidden (or not-so-hidden) meanings. At first glance, the bold, colorful gestures mimic wild movement (hence making me want to dance). Step a little closer and you'll start to pick out images, words and other secrets lurking in the brushstrokes. I hope you'll all take a moment to visit Franklin's website at www.fkernes.com or hit him up on Instagram (fk.creative), Facebook (F Kernes Creative) or e-mail at fkernes.creative@gmail.com to snag some of his work for your home so you have an excuse to dance a little more often. ;)


"Curry Summer 2016" by Franklin Kernes

Q: How do people usually react to your artwork? How does this make you feel?

A: People are usually drawn to my works from across the room. They get a glance, and their brain and eyes go to work trying to make sense of it all. Soon after they walk over for a closer look, and as they approach they are noticing familiar shapes and patterns. And they want to know more about it. It kinda pulls you in that way.


I couldn't be more pleased with how people react.

"Energies 2" by Franklin Kernes

Q: Describe an average day in your life.

A: An average day for me consists of waking up, helping my wife get our daughter ready, taking her to daycare, driving to work (my side is graphic design) and doing that for 8 hours, picking up my daughter, dinner, bath, bed for her, spend a little time with the wife and then I turn into an artist. LOL (Long run on sentence, but hey it's a long day). Most of my work is doing evenings and late nights. But I like it that way, it allows me to both spend time with my family and be a professional artist.

"I Am" by Franklin Kernes

Q: What's your process for creating a new piece of art?

A: First, I like to meditate. After that, I try to channel the energy from my meditation into the canvas. Aiming to listen and allow the painting to create itself. Once the palette is set, the background is usually the first step. Applying color with different tools. Spraying the canvas with water. Next comes the bold black lines, random and organically. Rotating the canvas as I work allows more direction for shapes and patterns. Adding more color between making marks until finished (kinda).

"Things Eye See" by Franklin Kernes

Q: What advice would you give a budding artist?

A: I would say, a lot of the time, we know what we need to do. But we won't do it. That's the hardest part sometimes. The execution. Do what you already know you should be doing. Take a risk, do something that scares you. That applies to everyone, not just artists.


Q: What inspires you?

A: I'm inspired by my family, music, and the world around us. There is inspiration everywhere.



Shout-Out Sunday: Meet Kamola


I found Kamola - a portrait artist in Bristol, UK - while searching through artists on Instagram and was instantly blown away by the richness of the shadows and the soul behind the eyes of her subjects. Then you get a little closer and realize...holy crap! This is done with pens and markers! The crosshatching she uses for her shadows and the layered tones make my heart so happy. I hope that you'll take a moment to look her up and BUY HER WORK! I'm hoping to have some of her work on my walls soon. You should, too! Follow @kama_draws on Instagram and send her a message to purchase or commission a piece of artwork.


Q: How long does it typically take you to complete a piece of artwork? A: That hugely depends on the size and material I use. If using a ballpoint pen, an A4* portrait drawing takes between 4 to 6 hours. If it's a sketch, then around 2.5 hours.

*For us yanks, that's about 8.27"x11.69".

Q: What inspires you? A: People and music. I love looking at people's faces, studying their facial features, imagining their personalities/thoughts.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? A: I wanted to be an artist or a craft maker, but there was always this thought that being an artist is not really a job, so I decided that I could draw and make things in my own time and that my job would be a fashion designer.

Q: Describe your art training. A: I have a degree in Design, so was taught to draw and paint but that was over 10 years ago. And I've only been drawing/painting seriously for the last two years.

Q: What's your favorite quote?  A: "If you don't know what you want you end up with a lot you don't." - Chuck Palahniuk

Shout-Out Sunday: Meet Fan Artist Alan Fore


Calling all comic/sci-fi/fantasy nerds (yes, I'm including myself in that statement)! Alan Fore is an amazing artist who spends his time in Northern Indiana creating incredible portraits of characters from Marvel, DC, Star Wars, Star Trek and Doctor Who. His artistic style runs between comic book and realism in a way that captures the true essence of each character flawlessly. His strong lines and soft blends combine for a completely satisfying piece of art that I could stare at for hours. It's easy to tell the respect that Alan has for these genres simply by recognizing the detail and care in which his artwork comes to life. Check out his Instagram feed

for mesmerizing videos of his creative process. (And the pizza Tri-Force is not to be missed!) Visit his website to see his pet portraits, family portraits, space ships and more! Is there anything this guy can't draw?


If you are not fortunate enough to be able to attend one of the ten or so conventions where Alan sells his work each year (look for the bald guy in the kilt), you cans still purchase his work on Etsy (originals and prints available) or by sending him an e-mail or message on Instagram. Follow him and check in regularly to get your hands on new original work for sale that he announces in his feed. His stuff goes fast, so don't miss out! Of course, you could always commission a one-of-a-kind piece from him as well.

E-Mail: alan@portraitsbyalan.com


Q: How long does it typically take you to complete a piece of artwork? A: If I focused on just one piece at a time, 2-3 days on average. But I usually have multiple pieces going as well as graphic design work, so it can take between one and two weeks.

Q: What music do you listen to when you are working? Anything else you do to set up your work environment? A: I’m usually either listening to Pandora or playing something on Netflix. I’m currently watching the entire Battlestar Galactica series on DVD. Well, listening to it anyway.



Q: What did you want to be when you grew up? A: An artist. Q: What advice would you give a budding artist? A: Draw, draw, draw. I then draw some more. And draw. The only way to develop quality and find out what you love to do is to start doing it and do it every day. It will take years. But you get better every time you try.


Q: Describe an average day in your life. A: Up at 6:30 or 7. Breakfast and a half hour of reading or watching the morning news. Work until 10:30. Half hour jog at the gym and lunch. Back to work until 4:30. Hour at the gym with my wife. Dinner and chill. Finish any needed work, usually on the couch with my wife as opposed to in the studio (laptops are great). Work finished between 7 and 9. Bed at 10 or 11. Some days will have errands, deliveries, phone calls or paperwork thrown in there too. Q: Describe your art training. A: Four years of art school and 42 years of trying to do work that doesn’t stink. Q: How do people usually react to your artwork? How does this make you feel? A: I get enough positive reactions to my work to be confident that I’m not kidding myself. But I’m probably my biggest critic. I always see the flaws. But seeing people get excited when they see one of my prints that they love and realize they can have it for only 5 or 10 bucks… that’s pretty cool. I give a lot of stuff away at cons too, mostly to kids and fun cosplayers. That’s always neat.


Q: What does your art say about you? A: I’ll do anything to avoid working in an office. Q: Do you support yourself through your art? If not, what else do you do? If so, how long did it take you to get to this point and what were some of your challenges along the way? A: I work as a graphic designer as well. When I worked at an agency before I went freelance, it was difficult to balance work, family and trying to break into the art thing. Everything needed time. It took a lot of work, patience and juggling. Q: What's the most important trait a person needs to have in order to make it as a successful artist? A: You have to produce quality work and you have to be disciplined and self motivated. And draw.



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