The Iron Scythe

SWEETPEA

2011-09-06T13:47:00.004-07:00

As some of you may know, my good friends Emma Coats and Shion Takeuchi are making a film called Sweetpea. It's going to be an amazing western in the vein of Raiders, and the Searchers.

Movies aren't cheap, so to lend a hand with raising funds to bring this story to the screen, I've made a series of "Outlaw" watercolour paintings which are for sale on the Sweetpea kickstarter site. I hope you all enjoy them, and decide to support Sweetpea.

SWEETPEA tumblr dft.ba/-outlaws

SWEETPEA Kickstarter page http://kck.st/niML1y

I'll be back soon, with more sketches, photos and news about my upcoming projects.

James

Sketchcrawl 31- For Japan Relief

2011-04-24T22:20:00.009-07:00

As you may know, on Saturday April 16, 2011 the 31st Worldwide Sketchcrawl was held to benefit those affected by the disaster in japan Through the efforts of Enrico Casarosa, a story wiz here at Pixar, the event raised $3655 for japan relief.
I participated in the event and to keep the ball rolling, I've decided to offer my sketches from the day, and a few other selections from the same sketchbook for sale, with all the proceeds going to directly to Give2Asia, an aid organization here in San Francisco. Dice Tsutsumi, an amazing art director and master organizer here as Pixar has started a fund through Give2Asia called the 'Artists Help Japan Fund', with artists from all over contributing to it.

Here are the sketches. They're all from a Moleskine Reporter, done in pencil/marker/and ink.
Please contact me directly if you're interested at J(underscore)mrobertsonATmeDOTcom. Suggested prices are underneath each image, but if you feel like giving a little more, feel free to do so. I will be paying for shipping, for US residents.

Underneath the sketches is a letter/number. If you're interested, please email me with the letter/number combination (ie. A4).

UPDATE: 5/20/2011

All the pieces sold!

SOLD A1- Ritual Patrons /40

SOLD A2- Ritual Work /40

SOLD A3- SF Street Scenes /50

SOLD A4- Sf Street Scenes 2 /40

SOLD A5- Barista & Patrons /40

SOLD A6- Drummer /40

SOLD A7- Marker People /60

SOLD A8- Ritual Laptops /40

SOLD A9- Curls /50

SOLD A10 -Four Barrellers /50

SOLD A11- Remedy /50

SOLD A12- Bart Reader /50

Thanks!

James

Sketches! In Pencil!

2011-02-28T22:19:00.002-08:00

Some sketches from my recent sketchbook. I've been mainly sketching digitally on the iPad, and posting them here, so there will more frequent updates at that blog, for those interested.
These are done with the new palomino blackwing, which I've been enjoying.
Check them out.

2010-TOY STORY 3

2010-12-31T18:34:00.002-08:00

2010 was a big year for me. As most of you know, I was fortunate to work on Toy Story 3 as a story artist, a film I'm incredibly proud of. I spent almost three years on it, giving everything I could as often as I could to a project I believed in and was deeply committed to. The reception for the film has been overwhelming, really, and recently Disney has started stumping for the film to be considered for Best Picture at the academy awards. In that effort, they've begun to run a series of one sheets to garner support for the film, and to my surprise an image from a sequence I worked on was chosen to represent the film.
As 2010 comes to a close, I'd like to again thank everyone who made it all possible for me you all know who you are. If working at Pixar the last 4 years has taught me anything, it's that you're only as good as the team you're on, the friends you make, and the people you depend on, and that can depend on you - story, life is truly a team endeavor.

2010 Movies- List

2010-12-31T18:10:00.008-08:00

As the year comes to a close, here's a look back at the films I got excited about in 2010; best films I saw this year.

Having not seen everything this year, this list is not a complete best of. It's a list of films that inspired me to make movies of my own, to pursue loftier goals in my Pixar work, made me wish I had made them. The jealousy barometer is the one I most closely trust nowadays, so here goes. The 'I wish I did that' list of 2010, in no particular order.

Social Network
A movie about greed, ambition, and the cost of their pursuit using YOUR favorite social networking app as the medium for it's exploration. Fincher and Sorkin knock it out of the park here. I love 'relationships as plot' films and this is one of the best examples I can think of. The film functions as a social commentary, a historical document and an astute observation of the human condition and it's paradoxes. It's talking about real stuff here. There have been disputes about it's factual accuracy, but that is hardly the point, demonstrating once again the difference between fact and truth. A movie I love, respect and admire. David Fincher's best film IMO.

Black Swan
I'm a huge Darren Aronofsky fan. I saw Pi in college, it blew my mind and my thesis film from that year wears it's influence on it's sleeve. Black Swan is his most accessible film so far, despite being set in the notoriously insular world of modern ballet. The ideas at work are very similar to The Wrestler- how far are you willing to go to pursue your art?, where the Wrestler wins over Swan, is the Wrestler screenplay answers in very definite terms WHY, whereas Swan is content to shorthand that a bit. Despite some issues I've heard and can agree with in relation to the script, I think Aronofsky's inspired and brilliant direction more than makes up for them, and in some cases turns the potential weaknesses into strengths. The opening scene HAD me, and the film never let me go. Natalie Portman is staggeringly good in this film, giving one of the best performances I've seen in a while. Aronofsky is a modern American master director and one of the original voices working in film today.

True Grit
If you were to make a list of stuff I like in movies, The Coen Brothers, Westerns and revenge movies would figure prominently. So...yeah. Loved it. It isn't what I expected AT ALL; I figured I was in for 'No Country for... Young...Women" or something, and I got the Big Lebowski in western gear. Which...is awesome by me. The Coens are the best filmmakers working today, bar none.

Winter's Bone
Another film featuring a tough,driven female heroine taking on a traditionally male role and nailing it to the wall. This is the film I think I most admire this year, all things considered. Brilliant and authentic, gritty but from a uniquely female perspective that gives the movie a really unique and refreshing quality. The 'you'll have to kill me to stop me' trope so often infused with simple macho bravado in lesser movies operates with such real, deep pathos and peril in Winter's Bone, that it takes a potentially standard chase, investigation film and turns it into exploration of identity, family, responsibility and personal sacrifice. A film about what we give up to become whole. Loved it.

How To Train Your Dragon
Great film, beautifully made, and well told. Elevated pretty well trod subject matters and themes with great visuals, interesting character dynamics, sublime animation and brilliant filmmaking. The film earns so much love from me for really taking it's time to build the relationship, and invest us in it.
The best film Dreamworks has made.

Toy Story 3
Super biased for this, but bear with me. More than anything, I always respected the ambition of the film to speak plainly and honestly about accepting one's mortality, and that to love fully means sometimes saying goodbye. These themes are at the heart of the conceit's central analogy and are absolutely universal; one of- if not the main- criteria I use to think about films. We ALL die, we ALL lose loved ones. What do we do about it? That's what Ts3 is shooting at.

I should say haven't seen the kings speech, 127 hours, blue valentine and a few others people are going nuts over.

I should also say that I loved Tangled and Inception for honorable mentions.

All in all. Great year for movies I thought.
What did you see/like/love?

IPad-003

2010-12-31T18:07:00.003-08:00

IPaD-002

2010-12-31T18:03:00.003-08:00

IPad//xpost

2010-12-31T17:54:00.003-08:00

I'll do a few cross posts of Ipad sketches for fun, as my analog sketching has been pretty anemic lately.
Enjoy,
James

The Sequel

2010-12-16T23:42:00.004-08:00

As those that have been following my Twitter feeds know, I have been doing most of my recent sketches on the IPad. I was looking for a way to post them here on blogger, but it seems that IPad and blogger don't play nice. SO. I started a new blog to collect those IPad stuffs. Not feeling creative, it's called 'The Iron Scythe two." I switched to Tumblr which allows me update from my Phone/Pad so hopefully it'll mean more frequent posts. I'll still be updating here with more traditional work, and some more work/life related stuff.
Here's a sample of what I've been up to!
Check HERE for the new thing.

Best,
James

Sketchoholic interview

2010-11-18T11:56:00.010-08:00

Last Sunday, I sat down with Bobby Chiu, a pal and former classmate of mine, and spoke about story, TS3 and a bit about myself. It was really fun and inspiring to do.

The interview is up HERE ,if you are so inclined.

Alongside the interview was an art contest where the winner received an original drawing from me based on the theme 'flight'. The artwork I chose out of a field for 80 odd amazing entries was submitted by Stevie Lewis, a talented artist, and a student at Ringling.

Here's what she'll be getting.

Thanks to Bobby for getting it going, and huge thanks to everyone who submitted to the contest.

Best,

James

Sketchoholic interview w/ Bobby Chiu

2010-11-10T12:56:00.006-08:00

Just wanted to let everyone know I'll be doing an interview this Sunday November the 14th at 2pm PT streaming live on his sketchoholic site. I don't know exactly what I'll be talking about, but if anyone has questions, I think they be asked live via chat, or if left in the comments section of this post, I'll try to cover it.

I'll also be making a drawing this week to give away during the interview based on the theme "Flight". Here are the details...

See you on Sunday...

Ts3/Nucleus/TheTalk

2010-09-26T15:06:00.006-07:00

As per my previous post, a few weekends ago I was invited to speak in LA at Gallery Nucleus about my role storyboarding on Toy Story 3. Though I was terribly nervous, I think the event and the talk Robert and I prepared went well. I hadn't really done anything like that before, and Robert really stepped up to help get me through it.
For those that couldn't be there, Robert and I spoke about our roles creating the dump sequence at the end of the film, in terms of art and story respectively, and tried to give an in depth overview of the process, start to finish. Tons of fun.
My thanks to those that attended and spoke with us after, you guys made it so amazing for us.
Thanks to Gallery Nucleus for having us and being fantastic hosts.
I swear, every time I visit LA I have the best time. I have to go back soon.
Here are a few photos of the event courtesy of Nucleus. (link)

TS3/Nucleus

2010-09-07T10:57:00.004-07:00

This Sunday, September, 12th, I'll be joining Art Director extraordinaire Robert Kondo to do a book signing/panel discussion of Toy Story 3 at Gallery Nucleus in Alahambra, CA.

I'll be speaking primarily about my role storyboarding on the film, and signing books.

Stop by and say hi!

Gallery Nucleus.

DVLPMNT-001

2010-08-28T20:35:00.002-07:00

Ritual/MoleskineReporter/Mornings/Continued

2010-08-02T23:03:00.002-07:00

Back from Europe!

Ritual/MoleskineReporter/Mornings/Pencil

2010-07-16T00:33:00.003-07:00

I'm off to Europe! See you all in two weeks!

Ritual/Mornings/MoleskineReporter/Pencil

2010-07-06T11:27:00.003-07:00

TS3-002

2010-06-30T23:21:00.006-07:00

Buzz and Woody ride again-story boards taken from The Art of Ts3

TS3 landed, and is doing wonderfully. I am super proud of everyone, and thrilled with the reaction the film is getting. It was a real joy to work with these guys, and it was hard to put them down, and move on to the next thing. What an amazing ride.

TS3-001

2010-06-16T15:04:00.010-07:00

This Friday, June 18th, Toy Story 3 hits theaters. For those that don't know, I spent almost 3 years in the trenches on this film with the finest story/editorial team ever. I'm intensely proud of everyone who worked on it, as I believe we accomplished something truly great.

I'll save speaking about my role on the film for later, if at all, but suffice to say I got to contribute more than I ever thought I would to this beautiful film alongside a story crew I now count each and every member of as a dear friend. It was a profound experience to say the least, making this film, one that I will undoubtedly count as a highlight in my life.

My deepest appreciation goes to Lee Unkrich, Darla Anderson, Jason Katz, and Rachel Raffael for giving me a shot; and my dear friends Adrian Molina and Erik Benson for being the best, most inspiring guys one could get lucky enough to work with. To Michael Arndt, for being a genius. Thanks to Dan Scanlon, Chris Roman, Matthew Luhn, John Sanford and Ken Bruce for holding it down. To Jeff Pigeon, for being one of my favorite people here, and to our brother in arms, Justin Wright, who we all miss dearly.

Thanks to the love of my life Dani, for sticking with me on this long, wonderful journey.

It's crazy to think that 4 years ago, in my apartment in Toronto, this was all just a daydream.

See you all on Friday.

james

FieldNotes/Signo/Relax/FourBarrel

2010-04-26T22:37:00.002-07:00

FieldNotes/Signo/Bart/Commute

2010-04-11T21:06:00.001-07:00

FieldNotes/4Barrel/Ritual/KuruToga/Saturday

2010-01-30T21:05:00.005-08:00

Saturday sketching. Back to graphite after a brief flirt with thin ink lines. Field Notes books really hold pencil well, so it works out.
Also, I've put a link to my twitter page on the sidebar. I plan to use it to talk about film, writing, and other things that bear out it short form, and feel inappropriate here.
Check it out, if so inclined.

FieldNotes/Ritual/Signo/Ps

2010-01-18T18:59:00.006-08:00

2010-001

2010-01-05T14:50:00.004-08:00

back with some things, more to come.

4books-004

2009-11-14T23:43:00.003-08:00

4books-003

2009-11-11T08:54:00.002-08:00

4books-002

2009-11-07T16:51:00.003-08:00

4books-001

2009-11-01T20:53:00.007-08:00

From my last 4 little pocket sketchbooks.
The first installment.

PDX---2009

2009-10-09T16:20:00.009-07:00

Portland was amazing. A trip full of long walks, theatre, art, friends, and fantastic coffee. I can't wait to go back.

30

2009-09-30T10:13:00.002-07:00

It's a milestone.
29 was a rollercoaster...lots of changes.
What's next?
Life.

Morning Commute

2009-09-27T22:10:00.002-07:00

Tuesday gestures-001

2009-09-25T14:28:00.003-07:00

This week's class taught by Louis!

Sketchcrawl 24

2009-09-21T23:26:00.004-07:00

Eulogy

2009-08-23T15:52:00.015-07:00

.1979

One month ago on July 22nd 2009 my mother, Debbie Lee Robertson passed away suddenly. With her passing, I have lost one of the great sources of love and inspiration in my life.

She was a career nurse, spending her life in the service and care of others, doing so with the same grace, tenderness and uncompromising diligence she brought to the tending to the hearts and wounds of her own family. She faced life's obstacles with patience, courage and an unwavering spirit that found joy in every moment she was given, too few, though they were. She is the finest person I have ever known, and I am blessed considerably to have been raised in her love, warmth and generosity.

I miss her more than I could ever say, but as memory serves the soul, she will be with me. I will set my life to her example, and hope that someday, I'll see her again.

I love you Mom,

James

Sat Aft.

2009-06-27T15:18:00.003-07:00

Show my bones

2009-06-18T14:35:00.007-07:00

Just some sketchbook pages from the last few weeks. I've decided to post them unabridged, save for a few notes here and there that got the cut.

Enjoy!

Ts3!

2009-05-29T16:27:00.006-07:00

I'm really excited to be posting this. It's the teaser for what I've been working hard on for 2 and half years now. I actually had a tiny in hand in boarding this, with the heavy lifting in story being done by Dan Scanlon and Jason Katz! Big thanks to Lee and Darla as well!

Also; Congrats to the UP crew on their stellar opening and continued success! It's an amazing film! GO SEE IT!

I'll be back a few days with a PILE of sketches and some notes! 'Til then.

Enjoy!

Also, check it out in HD HERE.

Evening sketches

2009-05-23T23:22:00.004-07:00

More from Ritual... gotta get filling those sketchbooks again.

May!

2009-05-07T19:05:00.006-07:00

Some new stuff for May. More from weekends and mornings at Ritual, and occasional Bart rides.
Enjoy,
J

Almost april!

2009-03-23T22:22:00.002-07:00

Good lord, the time flies! I just finished a new sketchbook to boot.
Taking the Bart more often has been paying off.
Also,why don't you visit my new officemate?
He's a big fat genius.
His name is Erik.
Enjoy,
james

4 seasons

2009-03-14T21:22:00.002-07:00

A series of paintings, each one for a friend.

March Already?

2009-03-08T20:19:00.003-07:00

Wow, time flies. It feels as though I've had my head in the clouds for the last two months.
With 'Spring' now springing in San Francisco, and tons of stuff to get traction on, I thought I'd start with a blog post. Hopefully more in the near future....
For now, a sketchbook excerpt.

Enjoy,
james

Taking the Kura Toga for a test drive.

2009-01-25T22:44:00.005-08:00

I'm loving it so far.
These were done friday night during a long commute, and the post-commute cappuccino to unwind.
Enjoy,
J

Weekend Ritual

2009-01-20T21:46:00.015-08:00

What with last weekend being a long one due to MLK day, I thought I'd take full advantage of the three consecutive days off to spend them sitting in my favorite espresso bars in the city, working on some backlogged personal work. I'm lucky in that I live within walking distance of Blue Bottle, Ritual Coffee Roasters, and 4Barrel coffee; all of which take coffee very seriously, so I'm in good. In fact they've sort of spurred an obsession in me about espresso which I'm slowly pursuing and may bring up again at some point.

Anyway, I managed to get some much needed quality sketching time in, amid the deluge of cappuccinos. I spent the majority of my time at Ritual, right around the corner from me, so most of the sketches and photos are from there. It's a great place with a great energy, lots of interesting people that one can easily while the day away sketching. I spent most of time sketching the barristas, who were non-stop action.Process and Result

I managed to finish a drawing for a friend, to whom I was endebted an artwork. I hope this pays it!

For Stef

The patrons, either working on their laptops, or waiting in the long, long line.

When not at Ritual, I was at 4Barrel with Dani. We got breakfast and sketched. It was wonderful.

I also got a new toy! I've not been as happy with my pen drawings as I want to be lately, so I thought I might try something new. An auto-rotating pencil. With every stroke it rotates always keeping the sharp side of the pencil to the paper. Neat! We'll see how it goes.

Until next time!
James

Sketchcrawl+an extra one

2009-01-12T10:15:00.003-08:00

Update-sketches

2008-12-10T21:50:00.004-08:00

I've fallen a bit behind on posting with the holidays approaching. I'll be heading back to Canada for a few weeks, and there is much to plan and do. I have another film post to get to, hopefully this weekend, time permitting for those interested in that.
In the meanwhile, some sketches. Done on the rare Bart trip, and the less rare Ritual sitting.
Also, I picked up the Art of Bolt today at work. The storyboards in that are really fantastic! My hat is off to those guys down in Burbank.
Check it out!

James

The Venice Chronicles

2008-11-04T11:07:00.003-08:00

A good friend, co-worker, and source of inspiration Enrico Casarosa, has just released his latest sketch/narrative/travelogue tome, The Venice Chronicles.
It's a funny and poignant account of a trip to Venice with his lovely wife-to-be Marit, that details their flowering relationship and the city's role in it, told in beautiful, rich watercolours. It's appealing, fun and utterly Enrico.
More info here on how to get your hands on one.
For those of you that are in Toronto, my favorite comic store The Beguiling has copies on hand, so please, pick one up there. You won't be disappointed! I'll be visiting Toronto again in a month or so, and it's one of the first places I'll hit!

Until next time!,

James

A Few Days in the City

2008-10-19T21:43:00.007-07:00

This weekend Dani headed north on a trip with her friend, and I was left alone here in the city. I spent the last two days walking around San Francisco, drinking coffee, writing, visiting bookstores, watching movies and sketching. A relaxing few days that I sorely needed. I can't wait for next weekend!
Here are some of the sketches, humble as they are.

Enjoy,

James

No on Prop 8

2008-10-02T10:02:00.002-07:00

My officemate, friend and hero Adrian, just finished this great little short "Dave and Lonnie talk about Gay marriage", and the great news is he's uploaded it to youtube for your viewing pleasure.
Without further ado,
Here it is!

Once you're done watching that, head over to his blog for more awesome work!
Enjoy,

James

29

2008-09-30T13:51:00.003-07:00

A cintiq self portrait-to commemorate

Another year goes by. This year full of really great friends, great projects, growth and passion.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made it possible, in large ways and small.
You know who you are.
Best,

James

Story Post- An Appreciation

2008-09-21T11:33:00.023-07:00

I recently rewatched a great series of shorts collectively entitled "Paris Je T'aime", and on second viewing, things began to jump out at me, that I either hadn't noticed, appreciated, or ascribed due importance to. With that said I'd like to talk about one of my favourite shorts on the dvd here.

This post is about smart storytelling shots. Shots that by the way they're filmed - the choice of angle, colour, depth of field, movement and lighting - tell you how you are supposed to think and feel about what is happening. This is the kind of thing that REALLY excites me about filmmaking. Like in great lines of prose or in really specific design, there is a genius in filmmaking: the purposeful selection of rich storytelling shots. Since they fly by us at 24 frames per second creating the cumulative effect of an immersive story, the individual decisions, the details, can go by unnoticed. I'd like to pick some here, and examine them.

Typically when I watch something for a second or third time I tend, as I'm watching, to try and predict the next several shots, or series of shots in a scene or sequence. I'm often close, and the more I do it, the closer I get. However, there are times when the director chooses something I hadn't guessed, and sometimes it's nothing like what I had in mind. These are the things I tend to pay attention to. Why was this chosen? Why am I surprised by it? It is my limitation or their ingenuity? The answer is almost always, in the case of great films, both. As I watched the "Paris Je T'aime" shorts, specifically the segment "Loin du 16ième" by Walter Salles and Daniela Thomas, I was surprised and delighted by a few great storytelling choices, which I'll explore here:
Also, there are spoilers here, since I'm going into it. So if you haven't seen it, please watch it first.

Ok, so we open on a title card, and a pre-dawn view of the city. A young mother, Ana, played perfectly by Catalina Sandino Moreno, gets up early, and drops her infant child off in a large nursery, packed with cradles. This opening is great. We very quickly get who she is: a single mother working to scrape by in Paris. The conditions she leaves her baby in would be heartbreaking for her, but there it is.

As she leaves, we hear the baby cry offscreen, and after a moment's pause, she goes back to the cradle to console the child. We're given a great scene here, in that we feel her joy at interacting with her child, her maternal gifts, and we're also - though we don't know it yet - being set up for a pay off. It's just great to watch, and she plays it so well. The shots of her hand with the baby emphasize their connection. The baby smiles, giggles and then quickly falls asleep, assured by his mother's touch, and a beautiful lullaby she sings to him, which again, comes up later.

After this warm, endearing scene we face her commute. We don't know where she's going but the directors really contrast her journey with the scene we've just witnessed. We get jarring hand-held tracking shots, cramped compositions, all focused on Ana and her hustle bustle. It's paced really well here, because as soon as I thought "man this commute is taking forever", they cut to her surfacing from the subway in an affluent part of the city.

She enters the home, presumably of her employer, and though we don't know what the deal is yet, we can guess. There's a great little detail they add here: a glass door onto the laundry room, where she hangs up her coat, and puts her things away. I may be reading into this but that's such a great detail. Who has glass doors in their houses? Rich people, that's who. So we are given a little more about her situation at this point. It could have been a wooden door, but I think the impact of this shot would have been lessened considerably. This is where my ears really perked up, so to speak.

So she puts her stuff away and is given some last minute orders from her employer, who is never seen - another great touch. The employer leaves with an offscreen door slam, and we're treated to a nice wide shot of the apartment, just as the employer's baby begins to cry. At this point, we as the audience, have made 4 of 2 and 2. So we know where this is going. Ana opens a door to the nursery and enters. Before doing that however, she ties up her hair. Another great detail. She's holding back here, and we start to get it. This is all happening in seconds though, in master shots. The filmmakers aren't drawing attention to this stuff, just letting it texture the main narrative.
So now we're in the nursery, designed to contrast the nursery Ana's baby was placed in at the beginning of the film as thoroughly as possible, and it works. Compare the two shots and think colour and composition.

So of course Ana goes to the child and begins her lullaby, the one they set up in the first minute. It's heartbreaking now, as we reeaallly get the point. She's almost stoic as she sings; this is a job. The maternal warmth is gone from her face. The shot is similar to the previous one compositionally, but the light is cold, her hair is up, and she's clearly just going through the motions. Here's were it gets interesting. I was watching this, and thinking, "Ok they're going to stay on this for a moment, then just have her look up, giving us the total disconnect, and we're out".

That's when they cut to this:

THIS is the shot I hadn't anticipated, but LOVE. We get everything here. We get the pay off with the beginning shots of her baby, she is physically distanced from this child, her attention - by way of depth of field - is not on this child. The shot is an insert, which suggests to me that it was conceived in the planning, and not on set spontaneously. This was something they designed into the structure of their narrative, and is something we, as board artists, can and must do too. This is the stuff that really gets me fired up about boarding. These little gems of genius.

They aren't done yet. So we get the look up as I had thought, breaking the eyeline with the baby, completing the disconnect. She's still singing while she looks up, as another idea is made clear by a POV insert...

She's thinking about her own baby, so far away from her. It also serves to mirror the opening shot, giving us a little bit of visual symmetry. It's really great work.

Then we're back on her for the last shot. We're left to ponder her and her situation. Beautifully realized and humanized. It's such a great example of economy; each shot is packed with such specific storytelling details. There's a great texture to it all, and a leanness that could easily be mistaken for brevity or simplicity.

Ending off, I would like to make clear if it isn't already, that this is an appreciation, not a pedagogical dissertation; this is not what I do day-to-day, but what I ASPIRE to, long term. However, I do have a few more of these up my sleeve, for different films. I'd love to encourage the discussion of filmmaking, so if there is a demand for it, I'll bump it up the post queue.
Also, go rent the dvd. This is one of many great shorts on it, and having such different styles and content in close proximity is such a benefit to its intrinsic artistic value, and also its inspirational and educational value.

Best,
James

Recent Sketches

2008-09-11T19:59:00.004-07:00

Last week, I had a few days to kick back, and unwind after a pretty significant push here at work. It was nice, just walking around the city reading comics, shopping, watching some films, and drawing to my heart's content. Having a few quiet days like that, I realized how lucky I am to be living in such a beautiful city with tons to do and see. It also reminds me to get out more! Here's a little sample of what I got up to.
Also, The Totoro Forest Project auction was last week, and was amazing. I'll be posting more about that in the near future.
Until then,
Enjoy.

james.

August 6, 2008

2008-08-06T17:28:00.003-07:00

The Totoro Forest Project

2008-07-10T15:52:00.006-07:00

Recently, I was asked to participate in an auction, entitled "The Totoro Forest Project", organized here at Pixar by the great Dice Tsutumi, Enrico Casarosa, and Ronnie Del Carmen. It's a really exciting event, which I 'm proud to be a part of. The description here, from Enrico's blog.

"Totoro Forest Project is an international charity effort to preserve Sayama Forest, also known as Totoro Forest. This endangered sanctuary on the outskirts of Tokyo is where director Hayao Miyazaki got the inspiration for his much loved character “Totoro.” Over 200 top international artists from animation, illustration, and comics are donating artwork especially created for this cause. On september 6th 2008 Pixar Animation Studios will be hosting an art auction event featuring all these fantastic pieces of art."

Doesn't this sound great? Well I'm proud and little shy to have my humble offerings hanging beside the amazing work I've been seeing pouring in. Congrats to all who submitted artwork for this. It all looks amazing! See for yourself, here.
Here's my piece(s).
Enjoy,
James

Old

2008-06-29T16:00:00.002-07:00

Both in subject and chronology.
More soon.
J.

Notebooks

2008-05-26T13:20:00.007-07:00

I do most of my mental work, thinking and planning, in a small cache of moleskine notebooks. I've recently begun carrying a variety of them, no less than 5, each one assigned a medium or cause. It's been really helpful in organizing and specializing the work. I'm a big fan of context, so having the books this way has been helpful in maintaining focus on each thing while allowing for a healthy push and pull of new ideas.
Here is a small selection of the contents, across different notebooks, and so, different times and projects and ambitions. Some which may see the light of day.

Enjoy,

James

Ladies for ladies

2008-04-18T13:43:00.003-07:00

Some drawings done for co-workers as thank-yous.

Enjoy,
James

The last auction piece

2008-04-11T16:25:00.002-07:00

This is the last piece I did for the auction at work. The original I donated was in watercolour, which I didn't scan.
It was alot of fun working with a dip pen again, I'll have to do more of it in the future.

Enjoy,

James

Donation drawings

2008-04-01T11:33:00.004-07:00

It's been a busy couple of weeks, but I found some time Sunday to make these drawings for a good cause.
Sign Pen on 16fld animation paper.

Enjoy,
James

Justin Wright

2008-03-21T18:05:00.001-07:00

Justin, as I remember him.

Take care buddy,
James

A Great Loss

2008-03-19T20:55:00.010-07:00

Last night, Justin Wright, a friend and brother in arms here at Pixar, passed away suddenly at the age of 27. It is a great loss and a real tragedy. Although we hadn't worked together all that extensively, I got the honour and pleasure to work with him for a month or so during a crunch recently, during which I got to see the sincerity, honesty and spirit that he is being remembered for so fondly today.
Justin was one of the rare people who are open in a way that made sharing one conversation feel like ten. He was incredibly friendly, funny and humble.
To his family and close friends, which are many, I can only offer my condolences and well wishes. It is a terrible thing when good people go too soon.
To those who've never met him I offer a sample of his excellent work. I hope you can glean a little bit of Justin from the work that he made.
Justin, you will be well remembered.
We'll miss you.

James

Justin's blog

Duncan, again

2008-03-10T16:46:00.002-07:00

It's been that kind of day...

2008-02-29T18:23:00.001-08:00

January to February

2008-02-03T00:11:00.000-08:00

Sketchcrawl 17 was a real wake up for me. A call to action, and having been in a slower period at work, I've found myself with a little more time on my hands than usual; time I've used to reconnect with gesture drawing, one of my pure joys in life. I've been re-reading the Walt Stanchfield notes, poring over Milt Kahl and Marc Davis drawings of all types, attending the gesture classes at work taught by the great Tom Gately, as well as sketching on Bart, in cafes with friends and even in stores while my wife tries on clothes.
Here are some of the recent drawings, done tiny in a Rhodia No 16 book with ink.
Enjoy,
J

World Wide SketchCrawl17, San Francisco

2008-01-25T10:34:00.001-08:00

I spent last Saturday in San Francisco attending the 17 th World Wide Sketchcrawl held at Portsmouth Square in Chinatown. The weather was very hospitable, the sketchers came out in droves and the square bustled with activity and great characters to observe.
I usually don't draw very diligently at Sketchcrawls; content to sit on a bench with a coffee, taking in the sun and relaxing after a long week of drawing storyboards. This time however, I sat and drew with a specific purpose, for hours, and while my resultant drawings aren't exactly setting the world on fire, I had fun doing them, learned from them, and loosened up a bit.
I also met a bunch of great people, saw some great drawings, and ended the day with a meal at Delfina Pizzeria, and Bi-rite Creamery with Enrico and his wonderful wife Marit.
A great way spend a Saturday. Many thanks to Enrico for organizing it, and to all those that attended.
Here's some excerpts from the day...
Enjoy,
James

I had trouble keeping up with these ladies. So much character, great interactions. Interest Everywhere!

Portsmouth Square.

2008- 1 Year

2008-01-07T13:31:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, January 8th, I will quietly celebrate my first full year here at Pixar, and in San Francisco. It's been a great experience thus far, and having just been given two weeks off, one that I've been doing some reflecting on over the last 18 or so days. I think I'm still adjusting, very subtly at this point, to a new place, new life, and new expectations. I'd like to say thanks to Dani, Nick and Matt. I'd still be in TO if it weren't for you guys.

I also got a chance to do some of my own work over the break. I didn't get as much done as I had hoped, but it turned out I needed more rest than I thought I did. Here are some of the results of that, which I'm trying to wrestle into a shape that resembles a story. I've also been experimenting with some new photoshop painting techniques I've picked up at work, some of which are on display here.
Happy new year!

Enjoy,
James

Holiday Break-2007

2007-12-22T12:35:00.001-08:00

After a fairly long stretch of intense work, I now find myself with a few weeks time ahead of me with nothing to do but relax, spend some time with my wife, see some friends, and draw whatever pleases me.
As it happens, I've been writing and building a short comic book project, tentatively titled "All City" which I hope to have all roughed out by the time the holidays conclude. Below are some samples of conceptual work I've been doing for it. Just rough ideas right now, to locate tone and style, although these are hardly indicative of either at this stage. Hopefully these next few weeks will broker happier results.
I want to wish all of you who regularly visit, and those just stopping by a very happy and safe holiday season. See you all in 2008.

Best wishes,
James Robertson

Daniela Strijleva

2007-12-02T09:23:00.000-08:00

As some of you may have noticed, a while ago I added a link on the right to a Dani Strijleva, whose new blog is getting populated with some really fun, insightful and just plain awesome drawing. I'm glad now to have a moment or two to give it it's proper due.

I met Dani back at Sheridan where even then her talent for doing things right, was well developed and in full bloom. To the point:I have yet to see her make a truly bad drawing in the 7 years I've known her.
Her stuff is specific, yet loose; well constructed, yet character rich, and the stuff on the blog is just the tip of the iceberg, I assure you. I think I can say all this with reasonable certainty as she's also my wife.
Go check out her fantastic blog, you'll be glad you did.

Here's just a small sample.

Enjoy!

Welcome to the blog world Dani!

J

A tiny break

2007-11-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

...it's nice to have a little free time.

- James

More B.A.R.T.

2007-10-25T22:07:00.001-07:00

More stuff drawn on the bart, and a recent trip to the Ferry building with Emma.
It's in pencil, so it's from a few books ago, when I was into that.

Enjoy,

J

Abandoned-for now

2007-10-23T14:46:00.001-07:00

I'm going to to try and update more regularly, since I've been falling behind in the posting the last few months. Here's a photo taken at home of some work from a comic book project I've been developing. I've been inspired as of late by some fellas here as well as some favorites, old and new to do a small comic book project of my own, just to get the ball rolling.
I've settled on something now, but it took a few discarded ideas to get to, this being one of them.
I think I may return to it, once I solve a few of them problems I had with it, but for now it's going in the vault.
This photo was taken with my new digi-cam which should make photo posting on the blog more common.

Also, I have a few things I'd like to talk about on the blog once I get a bit more time to dedicate to it. In lieu of that, Ted has written a great post about composition which I think is worth reading, so please head over to Rose and Isabel and check it out. When it comes to food for thought, Ted is a fine chef. You'll find it here.

UPDATE: Tom Gately, a great animator, character designer and gesture sketching teacher has started a blog. Go there NOW. Big news.

Thanks to all those who commented on the last post. It's much appreciated.
Enjoy,

James

28

2007-10-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

I celebrated my 28th birthday on Sunday... so much has happened in the last year and I still feel behind, struggling to process it all. Since last September 30, I got married, landed a spot here at Pixar, moved to a new country, and changed some life paths. It all happened so fast. I often thought when I was really young, that adulthood came on with, or as an attainment of some kind, as though adolescence ended with an epiphany that set you up for the responsibility of living well among others and potentially raising a well adjusted, loving family.
Looking back on the last few years, I've realized that IF that epiphany is coming, it'll come so slowly I'll never notice it, and that we all have to live well now, and that that will always be a challenge.
Looking ahead, I have much to learn; some that involves pen and paper, some that involves heart and mind, sturdied that all things take time and that life is a process, a series of successes and failures that allow us to whittle ourselves down to who we are , and what we want.
At 28, here's to clear thinking, and strong feeling.
I received a real treasure of a gift from my parents this year in the form of Ronald Searle's Paris sketchbook. It's a case of right book, right time and it has lit up the furnace of inspiration.
Some pen and ink drawings from a new new new sketchbook, taken from the BART rides, the only time I have nowadays with run free with line.
They're kind of a step back I think, but what can you do?
Thanks for reading,

james

Ruth

2007-09-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

It was my good friend's Ruth last day at Pixar yesterday, as her internship ran its course. We're all sad to see her go here, (she's awesome!), so I made her this card as a going away present. It hardly seems like fitting tribute, but maybe some brunches will make up for that.
Best of luck for the future Ruth, not that you'll need it.

Enjoy,
James

New sketchbook 2 and an anniversary

2007-08-23T20:46:00.000-07:00

The new sketchbook I mentioned in the last post is now sitting, finished on my nightstand, and I've been working through the new, new one. This is all stuff from my morning and nightly commutes on Bart, and Ritual sittings.
Also, the blog turned 2 last month. Time seems to fly so quickly these days, but sufficed to say I'm amazed how far I've come in the 24 months since starting The Iron Scythe.
I thank all of you who stop by the blog and read daily.
Here's to another great year.
Again, the sketches.
Enjoy,
J

New Sketchbook

2007-07-09T22:54:00.001-07:00

Some new stuff from the sketchbook.
This is the third one since I've been here in San Francisco, with the other two sitting on my table, remaining to be scanned. I'm trying not to be lazy, but it's hard to stay on top of it.
Some sketches from the coffee shop.

Enjoy,
James

Ratatouille

2007-06-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

When I started working at Pixar, Ratatouille was nearing completion of animation and large chunks of the film had already gone through the mysterious processes that make it look as it now looks, in its finished form. I was lucky enough in my first month here, to get a look at one of said chunks, the 4th reel to be exact.
As I staggered out of the theatre here after the reel had ended, I remember thinking something that I'd thought once before, while staggering out of a darkened cinema that had just shown The Incredibles.
"This is going to change things."
And that was just one reel. Having seen the film twice since then I can offer this:
Anyone truly passionate about animation, art, sincerity and craft, and life outside of it will find a home in this film.
Brad and Jan's vision for this film is gloriously realized and incredibly insightful, and I'm glad to offer my admiration and praise to the amazing crew that saw it through.

Friday

2007-06-01T13:11:00.000-07:00

More of Duncan.

Enjoy,
J

Look out world...

2007-05-30T17:53:00.000-07:00

...because Bill Presing has started a blog.
Go visit him and say hi at Daily Peril.

Go Bill!

J

Monday warm ups

2007-05-29T11:24:00.000-07:00

More monday warm ups. I'll try to get some stuff from the commutes and cafes scanned this week. Until then,this.
Enjoy,
J

Monday morning warm ups

2007-05-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Stretch!
Enjoy,
J

Irma La Douce

2007-05-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Just a quick sketch from work.
Also, this Saturday is the 14th Worldwide sketchcrawl day. Enrico has been up to great things organizing people and getting things in motion for this to be a great event. All the info can be found on his sketchcrawl blog, or on his personal blog.
I'll be turning up at the ferry building on saturday. See you all there.
Again a quick sketch inspired by the Billy Wilder film.
Enjoy,
J

More sketches

2007-05-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

Some recent stuff from commutes and a day at Dolores Park.
Enjoy,

J

Exercise

2007-04-18T10:06:00.000-07:00

No time or energy to post as of late. Moving to San Fran has been a big adjustment, one that leaves little time for much else right now. We'll see how things pan out.
An image from a 'welcome to the neighbourhood' exercise here at work, devised and overseen by none other than the great Mark Andrews.
Enjoy,
J

Commute Sketches/ Archives

2007-03-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

Just some more commute sketches.
Also, I've gone back and removed the bulk of the archives as some may have noticed.
I wanted to make a fresh start of things, as it seems I've been making nothing but fresh starts lately.
They may return later, but right now, this just feels right.
Enjoy this latest batch.
J

Commute Sketches

2007-02-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

Commute Sketches-2

2007-02-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

Commute Sketches 1

2007-02-02T17:10:00.000-08:00

Been busy with work, and moving in stuff.
I'll post more text-based stuff when I have more time, and a bed to sleep in that isn't inflatable.
Enjoy,
James