Eric Jean-Luc Kerke Blog

Hello World,        I've been MIA from my blog and my website for a while now. Many of my friends have asked: "What have you been up to?" My answer is usually a lot. This year especially has put me through the paces of what I thought was possible. But, my goal has remained the same, which is my strive towards artistic excellence. This post is going to be a "Best of 2015". 1. Montclair State University: Done-zo!      Graduating from Montclair State University last year with a BFA in Illustration and minor in Creative Writing, I was thrilled to have finally completed the first chapter of my scholarly journey. I had an amazing time at MSU forming great friendships and meeting brilliant professors who have sharpened my senses to my own particular interests. Some of which, I'll get into in this blog. 2. Designing for Indie Games        While finishing school, I collaborated with Among Elusions , a start up video game company to develop   Buri

Summer Workshops Part II-  Grand Central Atelier : One Month Drawing Intensive. Taught by Anthony Baus , Patrick Bynes and Katie Whipple . After a rigorous week in Massachuetts at the Illustration Master Class, I immediately started the month long drawing intensive in the Grand Central Atelier. I think we all have seen the classic example of form rendering; a sphere, some light direction and a cast shadow. Now how do those principles apply when lighting a complicated form, let's say like the eye of Micheangelo’s David? My instructors answers came from a respect of capturing actual form in relation to light, the foundational essence of the Grand Central Atelier core program.  My Month Long Cast Drawing.  Still could have spend another month refining it. Through week 2.   So many optical illusions occur when studying a cast or model. One value can appear the same as another, yet they are on two completely separate light receiving planes. Sure t

Hello Everybody! I'm back on Blogger. Decided to make this blog my place to post my insights and process. My tumblr will exist mainly to share images with little text. This summer I've had the honor to attend 2 amazing workshops. First up, Illustration Master Class If you love picture making, there is no reason why you shouldn't go. It's the rare opportunity to hang out and work along side with professionals and amateurs for a week. Everyone is friendly and willing to give insightful information about art, their process and life.  Above is my piece, titled "Garuda Rider". It all starts with thumbnails. Manchess gave a wonderful lecture on composition and thumb-nailing.  The first one from the lower left was chosen The instructors told me to insert more culture into the dragon, and establish a definite connection between the creature and the rider.  I decided to mess around a bit with the Garuda, a mythical Indonesian creatu

Hello Everyone! Decided to move this Blog on Tumblr. Maybe one day I will return to blogger. Just may be . . . Please Follow.  http://erickerke.tumblr.com/ I'm also twitter and instagram . and finally . . . The Website! www.erickerke.com Always working on new things. Please Follow. Cheers, EjK

When I was a kid, from 6 til 12ish, I would go every Saturday to Montclair State's music program. That's where I learned to play violin and appreciate music, classical and improvised. Never did I imagine that I would be pursuing a BFA in Illustration in Montclair, as I am now.  John J. Cali gave a new home for the MSU's music program and we are thankful for his contribution to the community. I am personally thankful that he continues to influence students, young and old, through his generosity and compassion. May his legacy continue to inspire. Here's a portrait I did in memory of John J. Cali. Source of the Photo: Mike Peters. Medium: Photoshop

Under the Root. (Final Edit) Photoshop.