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JAMES OTTO ALLEN

TRADITIONAL SKILLS FOR VISUAL STORYTELLING

Artist  Educator • Storyteller

For over twenty years I've studied drawing, painting, anatomy and design. Today I'm applying those same principles to character design and visual development creating original worlds.

CURRENT PROJECTS

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HISTORICAL ADVENTURE

Character and world studies inspired by historical settings and adventurous tales.

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NARRATIVE WORLDS

Original story worlds and visual explorations for future books, films and games.

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SKETCHBOOK & STUDIES

Sketches, studies and behind the scenes work from the creative process.

RECENT WORK

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CHARACTER DESIGN

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ENVIRONMENT DESIGN

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PROP DESIGN

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LEARN DRAWING & PAINTING

For over a decade I've taught artists how to draw, paint and understand anatomy. Whether you're learning observational drawing or building constructive skills for animation and entertainment art, you'll find tutorials, articles and courses here.

DRAWING FOUNDATIONS

Observation, construction & form

ANATOMY FOR ARTISTS

OIL PAINTING FOUNDATIONS

Structure, movement & design

Traditional principles for modern artists

TRADITIONAL ARTWORK

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PORTRAITS

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LANDSCAPE

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STILL LIFE

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MASTER COPIES

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ABOUT ME

I began as a traditional painter, exhibiting with the Royal Society of Portrait painters and teaching anatomy and drawing in London.

Today I'm combining those traditional foundations with visual development and character design  as I build original worlds and stories.

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FOLLOW THE JOURNEY

Get updates on:

✔   New tutorials and articles

✔   Courses and workshops

✔   New paintings and commissions

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