A Series of Firsts
- Neil G Smith
- Aug 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 18
Horror Art, Stranraer Comic Con and a Trip Down Memory Lane
Sometimes you look back at a weekend and realise just how many milestones you've managed to squeeze into a couple of days. This was certainly one of those occasions, as I found myself experiencing a series of firsts, with a horror event, a brand-new comic con and even a little trip down memory lane.
My First Show with Blackheart Events
The first stop was particularly exciting because it was my first ever show with Blackheart Events.
For this event I decided to focus on the darker side of my artwork, taking along a selection of my horror prints and original artwork. While my work covers everything from landscapes and fine art to music, film, comics and caricatures, there's something particularly enjoyable about creating artwork for the horror crowd.
It was a great opportunity to meet people who appreciate the genre and to see how my horror artwork went down with a new audience.
And, of course, it was another chance to get my artwork out of the studio and in front of real people — something I always enjoy.
Stranraer's First Ever Comic Con
From there it was onto another first — Stranraer's first ever Comic Con with BGCP.
Comic cons have become a big part of what I do, and although every event is different, there is always a familiar rhythm to the day.
The tables are set up, the prints go on display, originals take pride of place and then the doors open!
From there it's pretty much business as usual.
I had a wide selection of my prints and original artwork covering different genres, alongside my Arttoons and other creations. And, as always, I was also there to draw my full-colour cartoons and caricatures.
There's nothing quite like seeing a blank sheet of paper turn into a finished caricature in front of the customer. It's one of the things I love most about doing these events.
Iron Maiden's Eddie Takes Centre Stage
One of the highlights for me was seeing my original Eddie artwork find a new home.
The picture features my own artistic take on two Iron Maiden favourites — Run to the Hills and The Trooper.
Iron Maiden's Eddie is such an iconic character, and creating my own version gave me the opportunity to combine my love of music, character art and my own Arttoon style.
It's always special when an original piece sells. Prints can travel far and wide, but there is something different about handing over the actual original artwork that came directly from the studio.
A Wee Trip Down Memory Lane
The video also includes something a little different.
While I was in the area, I thought it would be fun to look back at some photographs from 2019, when I was previously in Stranraer and Portpatrick.
It's funny how looking at old photographs can transport you straight back to a particular time. Six or seven years can make a huge difference, and it was great to compare those memories with being back in the area again.
It also made me think about how much has happened with my artwork and business since that visit.
From exhibitions and art fairs to comic cons, live drawing, commissions, new prints and original artwork, the journey has certainly continued.
The Next Comic Con, Home Turf this time!
Another Chapter in the Journey
So this video really is about a series of firsts — my first show with Blackheart Events, Stranraer's first Comic Con with BGCP and a chance to revisit some memories from 2019.
It's also another snapshot of what life is like as a working artist.
One minute I'm surrounded by horror artwork, the next I'm drawing caricatures, chatting to comic con visitors, selling an original Iron Maiden inspired piece and then looking through photographs from years gone by.
That's what makes these events so enjoyable. You never quite know what the day is going to bring.
If you'd like to see how the weekend unfolded, check out the video and join me for a journey through horror art, comic cons, cartoons, caricatures, Iron Maiden and a little bit of nostalgia along the way.
And as always, thanks for following the journey and supporting my artwork.
Big, Bold and Beautiful!
The next BIG Event!
In this Blog Post I’m delighted to announce I will be appearing at Aberdeen Art Fair from Friday 28th August through to Sunday, where I’ll be bringing along a selection of my original landscape paintings, showcasing my Big, Bold and Colourful approach to the Scottish landscape.
Alongside the originals, I’ll also have a full range of prints available, giving visitors the chance to take home a piece of my artwork at a range of prices. If you’re heading along to the fair, make sure you come and say hello, have a look through the artwork and see what’s new from Arttoon, Neil G Smith Art!
From Fun Art, Fan Art all the way to Fine Art. Arttoon, Neil G Smith Art.
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