Craig Mullins: The Digital Sargent

This man is really the first digital artist I was ever aware of (or cared to be aware of anyway). I found him my junior year of college and was floored that he could make digital do what he did. How did he manage the texture and the haphazardness that seemed to carelessly cascade down his canvases? I didn't know then, and I really can't say that I fully understand now.

Craig Mullins

He had the compositional control of a Classical master, mixed with the brushwork of Sargent and an amazing understanding of light. By understanding light, I mean that evenings feel like evenings. A day in Spain looks different than a day in Colorado. I know where I am based on the color and the harshness of the light. I loved looking at his work and I still do.

Craig Mullins

 Goodbrush.com is the most perfect website name for him, because he really does know a thing or two about good brush work. He follows after Sargent, which was immediately evident to me when I saw him.  It's loose but purposeful. Minimalistic, but I never feel like I've been ripped off- as if him not putting down those 'finishing' strokes took away something. It always adds.

Craig Mullins

His action and flair for drama remind me of N.C. Wyeth sometimes, but maybe it's just the subject matter. Both of them have bold broad strokes and can finish a huge painting sickeningly quick.

Craig Mullins   Concept work for Harry Potter

Mullins was my first introduction to the concept art world, followed very quickly by Ryan Church. I love getting paintings down onto 'paper' simply for the idea of them, so the realization that- hey, I can get paid for just doing my favorite part? was an incredible discovery.

Craig Mullins

I love just looking at his stuff. Acouple years after discovering him, the digital art crowd was talking about him, idolizing and hating him at the same time, the usual for all the greats. One of the oil painters (who happens to be amazing) wants to know who we are all freaking out over and why he's never heard of him. All of us on the digital 'dark' side just kind of looked at him like, Who's Craig Mullins? THE Craig Mullins? Feeling a little sheepish, my friend joked "Whoa. I feel like I just asked you guys who Sargent was-" Hit that right on the head, friend, right on the head.

Craig Mullins

Maybe one day I'll track Mullins down and see if I can absorb his talent through osmosis- or maybe I'll just steal his wacom pen. That must be his secret. ;) Sigh. One day, Craig Mullins. One day.