Karmann Ghia dreamin'

I'd LOVE for VW to revive the Karmann Ghia, but this time as a mid-engine coupe. The rear deck vents would feed the mid-mounted engine (2.0T or bigger) and would pop up like a 911 at speed and retract to be flush with the rear window. It could use the adjustable ASC from the New Scirocco and the magnetic suspension from the RS4 to allow adjustable ride and handling levels. Anyway here's my stab at keeping the great lines of the old Ghia, just bringing it up to date. Enjoy!
-Alx

Local-Motors Rally Fighter hits the road!

OK, maybe not yet, but I thought I'd add my rendition of a possible image to inspire the guys at Local-Motors in their first car build. Oh and BTW, I didn't win the Boston competition, but thanks for voting. I'll be entering more in the new year so I'll keep you posted. Congrats to the Boston Bullet for winning this one.
cheers!
-Alx

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2008!

Merry Christmas!
I know it's a bit early, but things get pretty busy so I figured I'd just post it now. :)
Like God from 'above and beyond' us, He came down to be 'with and within' us!
-Alx

Local Motors - Boston LM Patriot

Check out my submission to Local Motors!

http://www.local-motors.com/entry.php?e=806

The winner of this Local Motors sketch competition will win cash in the thousands. You can view my design by clicking the link above. Vote for me! If the community likes my design, it could actually be built into a real prototype and production vehicle as early as next year.
Just by putting my designs on the Local Motors site, I'm also competing for a chance to have my car built. I could win $10,000 and participate in the development process for my own design. This means if you like my design, you should vote for it because if this design is chosen for production you could actually DRIVE it and own it.

Thanks!
-Alx

STAR TREK!

Oh yeah, you guessed it, I did that! :-P
After over a year and a half of work, the new JJ Abram's Star Trek is done and I had the pleasure to work on many of the designs. One design in particular is the Police Officer's face mask in the latest trailer. I also served as the visual effects Art Director for the film, but that's about all I can say until it comes out in May 2009.... yeah I know, but I have to wait too!... :-\
For now enjoy the latest trailers and Happy Thanksgiving!
-Alx
STAR TREK TRAILERS

sneak peek update

Just a sneak peek at some new sketches in progress. I'll have the full versions done soon.
enjoy!
--Alx

in memory...Mark Buck

It is with a heavy heart that I recently heard that a co-worker of mine was killed in a motorcycle accident on his way to work. Mark Buck was a seasoned rider and was crossing 19th ave near SFSU when the accident happened, according to the report, which is still under investigation.
Mark Buck or "Buck" worked in the ILM modelshop, Skelington Productions and Kerner Optical (Previously ILM's modelshop). He was always a joy to work with and always greeted me with his signature drawn out "Allleeexxx!!". I had the pleasure of working with him on many shows and projects including Star Wars EP2, Mission: Impossible III and most recently Transformers. He also was a very talented artist and skilled builder. He even took time in between shows to illustrate children's books. He was one of those guys who may have looked like a scary brute to those who didn't know him, but was really a big gentle guy who loved what he did and was very easy to get along with. He was truely a humble, funny and positive spirited guy who will be greatly missed by myself and the rest of his co-workers and friends. Most of all by his family, of which I've only met a few times at some company parties, but Mark was always so eager to introduce us to. Mark was 41 years young and leaves behind his wife and 5 year old child.... please join me in praying for them through this horrible time for strength, support and massive amounts of love from surrounding friends and family.
May we remember him in thanks for the joy he brought us, ra ther than the swiftness of his absence.
Mark's IMDB
Mark's Guest Book if you wish to share a few words




For those who wish to leave monetary
condolences which the family suggests in
place of flowers please forward to:
Tom Van Deren
c/o Mary Ann Buck
521 Clubhouse Drive
Aptos, CA 95003

Sleepy Mommy :)

Funny how perspective changes when the possibilities of a child enter your world. As I looked up from my computer last night and saw my beautiful sleepy wife I was thanking God for all the blessing in our lives, one of which is the now 3" little baby growing in her tummy :) ! That's right, we're through the first trimester of our first baby! We're so excited and grateful for this and so as I looked at her sleeping on the couch I had to capture it. So using the most basic photoshop brush I captured the moment in this sketch painting. It has been a while since I've done something like this. But hey what an occasion!
We got to see the little wiggler a few weeks ago, and will get to see 'em again next week. But for now I'll share with you this.
enjoy, God Bless and reflect on all that you have to be thankful for.
and live above and beyond!

The Fall on DVD and Blu-ray

YES! My favorite movie just came out on DVD and Blu-ray! THE FALL. If you missed this wonderful epic on the big screen then here's your chance to see it, (hopefully on a decent size TV with really good sound and picture). If you're like me, you bought a PS3 long ago knowing Blu-ray would win the HD DVD battle and can enjoy THE FALL in glorious 1080p HD. Either way go get it, buy it, rent it and watch it, over and over! Please don't download a crappy version or watch it on your ipod, I'll come and personally slap you! This is a film that deserves and demands the best viewing experience possible. It also deserves your attention, so hunker down on the couch, turn off the lights, turn up the volume and don't hit play until you are settled in.

From the very first frame of the opening credits you'll be bathed in some of the most beautiful footage ever to grace your living room. Blessed with the score of Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto, and amazing performances by the 2 lead characters 5 year old Catinca Untaru and Pushing Daisies star Lee Pace. Let THE FALL take you on it's imaginative journey into stunning worlds (that really exists without special effects!) as Alexandra and Roy share their lives, through stories, intense emotions and a potentially dangerous relationship. Bring your childhood imagination along for the ride and enjoy this once in a lifetime film.
Oh and if you see it, let me know what you think!

vette sketch

Just a quicky lunch time vette sketch...
enjoy!
-Alx