Benjamin Iocco Studio Projects

Coral Painter test...

2011-06-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

"The Carpenter"

This is a rough painting I did awhile back to try out some different techniques in Painter. I never finished it but thought I'd post it anyways.

Concept art for a new painting.

2011-01-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

I have been off work this week so I decided to work on some ideas for a new painting. I did this concept in photo shop. This is my 3rd attempt. I lost the other two due to program difficulties. I think I am pretty happy with the direction it is going. Hopefully I can began the actual painting soon.

The Gettysburg Address.

2010-07-04T07:12:00.000-07:00

This is a video I put together a while ago. I thought it would be fitting to post on the 4th.

East West's Complete Composers Collection

2010-05-23T11:58:00.000-07:00

I just got the EW/QL Complete Composers Collection. I have been testing it last few days. I will try to post some rough sample demos sometime in the near future.

Moving to Kentucky...

2010-03-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

I recently accepted a job at the Creation Museum as a museum artist. I will be moving in a few weeks. Life is going to change a lot. I am hoping to continue with my painting as I have time. A new adventure is beginning! May God's will be done.

Coral Painter 11

2010-02-24T07:18:00.000-08:00

I downloaded the trail version of Coral Painter 11 on Monday. I've been testing it out and it is a pretty incredible software. The tools take a little bit to get used to, but once you get the hang of it you can do some pretty amazing stuff. It would also be helpful if I had a graphics tablet... someday!

Here are a few rough samples of what I have done.

A was kind of going after the "disney animation" look.

This software would be very useful for creating animation backgrounds.

Finished!

2010-02-20T07:28:00.000-08:00

I completed my fishing painting. Below is the finished product. I have also included a few "close ups" of some of the details.

(Due to size reduction the colors and picture quality may not be very good).

Now all that remains is to have the painting scanned and then varnish it. I need to order a frame for it too. This piece is going to be in a show from March-April.

Painting Progress.

2010-02-18T05:42:00.000-08:00

As you can see the painting is starting to take shape. Once again, this piece has strong influence of the "early american" style.

Fishing Painting!

2010-02-06T07:59:00.001-08:00

This is a new piece that I am working on for a spring "Fishing" show. I did another painting for the show already. To see click HERE

Canon EOS Rebel T1i

2010-01-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

I got a new camera a few weeks ago. My Canon powershot S70 died a long time ago and I had been borrowing my family members cameras to get by. I wanted to upgrade to the SLRs when I got a new one. I finally decided to take the plunge and go with Canon's T1i. Costco was having a special sale on the T1i kit which included the EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS lens(regularly $250-$300.00 by itself) along with the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens and several other accessories. I got the entire package for a very good price.

I am very happy with it. It is a 15.1 mp and takes very clear images. I haven't done a whole lot with it yet but compared to the powershots I have been used to, there is no comparison. The shutter sound alone is enough to make you want to take pictures. There are so many photo taking modes, it will take some time to figure it all out. It should be a very helpful tool for my art.

Finished painting.

2010-01-08T17:22:00.001-08:00

Here is the complete Family Portrait.

'Jensen Family Portrait'

By Benjamin Iocco

18x24 Acrylic on canvas.

Myself and Peter Jensen. (The happy owner)

Mr. Jensen had an antique frame that he cut down to fit the painting.

Mr. Jensen is a very talented woodworker.

This painting is based on the Jensen's home which also serves as an inn in the summer. It is a very beautiful place.

http://www.barsenhouseinn.com/

Ethno World 4!

2010-01-06T07:04:00.000-08:00

I recently got Best Service's Ethno World 4 Professional. What is Ethno World 4? It is a large sample library of ethnic instruments from all over the world.

.(Screen shot)

.Best Service had a "year end" sale, so I got it for a very good deal. I am very pleased with the sound samples. I will try to post some tests in the future.

Music Test!

2010-01-06T06:52:00.000-08:00

I sat down a couple days ago and wrote this little piece of music. This is my first composition test with EastWest's samples. The sound quality may not be the best due to file reduction to fit this blog.

Note: This music is copyrighted by Benjamin Iocco Studios. No portion of this music may be reproduced or copied in any way, shape, or form, without permission from it's owner.

Nativity Photos

2010-01-01T06:41:00.000-08:00

Shepherds

Angels

Wisemen

Mary and Joseph with baby Jesus.

The "cross scene" cast in costume.

The Roman.

Kevin O'Connell drove all the way up from Pennsylvania to help out in the performance.

The entire Nativity cast.

Practice.

.

Raising the cross

People starting to arrive.
.
Shepherds waiting to perform.

.
The crowd.
We had over 200 people attend this year.

The census booth.
.
We thank God for His help and mercy with this years presentation and are looking forward to what He has in store for next year.

Beautiful Music!

2009-12-30T07:51:00.000-08:00

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful soundtracks. It was written by Danny Elfman. This music is very hard to come by. I had to post this!

Family Portrait!

2009-12-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

I haven't had a lot of time for my artwork in the last month or so. The live nativity took a lot of my time. I am finishing up the painting that I posted awhile back. It is pretty close to being complete. I have a few more days of work to go into it.

After Christmas, when things slow down a bit, I'm hoping to get at my art again.

The Live Nativity is over for the year!

2009-12-07T06:47:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of some of the cast last night, at the end.

I will post more photos later.

Nativity Rehearsing!

2009-11-29T04:26:00.000-08:00

Rehearsing the "stable" and shepherds scene.

Building props for the set.

We have one more rehearsal before the presentation this weekend.

For More info on the Nativity visit; http://www.livenativity2009.blogspot.com/

Donkey!

2009-11-29T04:18:00.000-08:00

Each year for our Nativity we have borrowed a donkey from a lady who raises them up the road. This year Stephen bought one from her.

2009 Nativity Poster!

2009-11-13T06:29:00.001-08:00

I just finished putting together this year's Live Nativity poster. This is it.
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One more canoe trip before the snow flies!

2009-11-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Stephen and I went canoeing in the Lemon Fair river.
.

East Shoreham Railroad Covered Bridge.

Osprey nest.

Stephen
.

It was a beautiful day.

Anime Studio Pro 6!

2009-11-10T06:36:00.000-08:00

I just got Anime Studio Pro 6. I am anxious to do some animation when things get a little less busy. (Maybe this winter sometime.) I will post them when I get around to it. I have tested it briefly and am very excited about the possibilities that are available.

Ushers!

2009-11-10T06:25:00.000-08:00

Stephen, Greg, and I were asked to be ushers in Greg Moore's wedding in Maine. He was married on the 31st.

Gallery Sign.

2009-10-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Greg and I made a new sign for our art gallery. I cut it out and Greg painted it. Now I will put a sealer on it and then install it in the front yard.

Farewell to another Bachelor!

2009-10-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we had a farewell party for our good friend Gregory Moore, who is getting married this weekend. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Gregory Moore

Volleyball

Roasting hot dogs.

The shrinking Bachelor's Club.

Singing "The Star Spangled Banner".

Camels Hump!

2009-10-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a group of us guys hiked to the top of Camels Hump. It was a lot of fun. Here are a few photos of our excursion.

On the way up.

The trail was a little icy.

The summit, looking west.

Looking North. The white peek is Mount Mansfield.

Resting on the top.

Jonny enjoying the view.

Looking south. (Myself on the left)

Kurt and me watching Guthrie over the edge.

Kurt, Guthrie, Me, and Jonny.

Guthrie, Me, Greg, and Jonny

Light Controller

2009-10-18T11:09:00.000-07:00

We purchased a light controller for this year's Live Nativity. It should help out a lot. In previous years our light guy had to run around plugging and unplugging lights. This year should be much easier now that we can control everything from one location.

Family Portrait!

2009-10-18T11:02:00.001-07:00

This is a custom painting I am working on for a gentlemen in Addison. The painting is of he and his wife with their six grandchildren.

Nativity Planning!

2009-10-18T10:55:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we had a meeting to discuss ideas for this year's presentation. It went well. Now everyone is busy getting costumes ready for their part in the performance and planning the technical end of things.

"Starring Brandon" Auction!

2009-10-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday was the Auction for the "Stars" in Brandon.

Myself in front of the Brandon Town Hall Theatre. (Where the auction took place.)

These are the people who purchased my painting.

Mike Mayone and me. Mike is a very talented artist who has been very encouraging to me. To see some off Mike's work visit: http://www.mikemayone.com/

My painting "Star Barn", went for $3,100.00.Link; http://benjaminioccostudioprojects.blogspot.com/2009/05/finished-painting.html

Trip to the Creation Museum.

2009-10-18T05:49:00.000-07:00

Greg did a painting of Noah's Ark (Link; http://gregoryioccostudios.blogspot.com/2009/09/noahs-ark-voyage-end.html ) a while back and decided to send a picture of it to the Creation Museum, offering it to them to use in any way they might choose. A little while later he was contacted by Doug Henderson, director of the art department at the Creation Museum, who was very impressed with Greg's work. He said that they might find a use for Greg's painting so Greg sent them a digital file of his piece. To make a long story short, he invited Greg and I to come out for a behind the scenes tour of the Museum. He told us to bring our portfolios with us. We had a wonderful trip and got a lot of encouragement with our art. It was very inspiring to see everything that goes into making the museum what it is and we got to meet a bunch of great brothers and sisters in Christ.

The picture below was taken by mom the night before we left on our trip.

Pigs!

2009-09-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we got pigs.

Now we have had pretty well every kind of farm animal. Cows, Horses, Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Chickens, Geese, Ducks, Turkeys, Rabbits, and Guineas.

Maine!

2009-09-14T04:42:00.000-07:00

Last week we took a couple days off and went to Old Orchard Beach in Maine.

Sunrise.

Myself taking a video of the waves.

Family photo at Kennebunkport.

Stephen and I fishing at Kennebunkport.

It was a very pleasant trip.

PETER SIEDLACZEK Complete Classical Collection!

2009-09-12T05:33:00.000-07:00

I purchased Best Service's Peter Siedlaczek Complete Classical Collection, 2nd edition about a week ago. I am very happy with it. I have been using GPO (Garritan Personal Orchestra) for my music compositions up until now. I am much happier with the strings in PSCCC and there is much more versatility and key switching in all of the instruments. The choirs sound fantastic.

I will try to post some samples sometime in the near future.

One Last Ball Game!

2009-08-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday we had a surprise farewell party for our good friend Brian Moore who is getting married this weekend. He is the first of us young guys to leave the group of "bachelors".

New studio desktop speakers.

2009-08-16T04:56:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased a set M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 Powered Speakers for my computer.

They are very well built and the sound quality is excellent. http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileAV40.html

Here is a picture of them on my desk.

I built some simple 12 inch speaker stands for them so that I get the best sound and performance while using them.

Basin Harbor paintings complete.

2009-08-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

I finished my paintings for the "Reflections on Basin Harbor" art show. This afternoon I went and color corrected my images for prints at North 7 Studios.

First Light: Basin Harbor

So all I have to do is varnish and frame each of my pieces and they will be ready for the show. To see the other complete painting of the stone house, visit http://www.benjaminioccostudios.blogspot.com/

Field Days!

2009-08-06T04:59:00.000-07:00

This week we had a booth at the Addison County Fair and Field Days.

Artist's Reception.

2009-07-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon I went to the artist reception at the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum for the art exhibition...Sky, Water, Land, Light; Vermont Artists Look at Lake Champlain.

There were quite a few people who came through.

This is me standing next to my painting,

'View of Lake Champlain from Mt. Defiance'.

(Mom and Dad came up later and took these pictures). Thanks Mom ;-)

Afterwards we went for a tour on the canal schooner, Lois McClure. http://www.lcmm.org/our_fleet/lois_mcclure.htm

Basin Harbor painting progress.

2009-07-26T14:28:00.000-07:00

Here is a photo of my current painting progress.

This photo was taken a few days ago, so I'm further along now.

Vacation!

2009-07-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Last week our family took a week long vacation back to Michigan. Here are a few photos of the events of our trip.

On the road...

We made a brief visit to see some friends in Pennsylvania...and of course we had to stop at Cabelas in West Virginia...

The botanical gardens at the Creation Museum were beautiful...

The Garden of Eden in the Creation Museum...

We took a break in the Palm Cafe...

A Zorse (Zebra/horse cross) and Zonkey (Zebra/Donkey cross) at the Creation Museum's petting zoo.

Grandpa and Grandma Telfer's farm...

The wheat field was ready for harvest...

Grandpa and Grandma Iocco...we went to a place called Grand Oak Herb farm with them.
(Dad built the arbor for Grand Oak a long time ago when we lived in Michigan).

Helping Grandpa Telfer put up an electric fence around his garden...He had been having deer trouble.

Surprise birthday party for Dad...

We got to see a lot of our old friends...we had a great time!

Grandpa and me.

Grandma and Grandpa Telfer.

It was a great trip. We got back to rainy Vermont around 8:00p.m. on Tuesday the 25th.

More work.

2009-07-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

I've been quite busy the last few weeks. I have been helping with hay at a farm in Brandon, working on a video project, working at the BAG (Brandon Artist's Guild) and working on art for the Basin Harbor art show. Below is one of the pieces I am doing for the show. I am a lot further along now.

Canoeing

2009-06-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Stephen and I went canoeing on Otter creek this afternoon. It was our first chance to get out with the canoe this year.

Stephen

New blog name and address.

2009-06-14T06:46:00.000-07:00

I have changed the address of this blog to http://www.benjaminioccostudioprojects.blogspot.com/
However, Benjamin Iocco Studios still exists.
This blog will be used for my Media and Art projects and http://www.benjaminioccostudios.blogspot.com/ will be used for the display of all my art.

Video at Basin Harbor

2009-06-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

This is a short video that Stephen and I did to kill time while we were waiting to go to breakfast at 7:00. (This was done as a joke).

Basin Harbor

2009-06-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

The last couple days Greg (my brother) and I spent at Basin Harbor. http://www.basinharbor.com/ We are part of the Basin Harbor's Art show this year so we went to take pictures and get inspired for painting.

It was beautiful weather the entire time we were there and we were able to get lots of photos. (I took 447).
We got back home around 9:00 this morning.
Now we have to go through all of our pictures and figure out what we are going to paint for the show. http://basinharbor.com/activities-and-entertainment-reflections.php
I will post more on our stay when I get things together.

Live Nativity DVD now available!

2009-05-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

It is finally here! This DVD was compiled from some of the rough footage that was taken during last years presentation.

For those of you who would like to purchase your own copy, click this link: http://livenativity2008.blogspot.com/2009/05/dvd-coming-soon.html for order info.

Finished painting.

2009-05-04T12:50:00.000-07:00

Here is my completed painting for the Brandon auction.

"Star Barn"

I went to my printer and had it color corrected for prints this afternoon. Now I have to varnish and frame it. After that it will be ready to go to the auction. For more info click these links: http://www.benjaminioccostudios.blogspot.com/ http://www.brandonartistsguild.org/StaringBrandon.php

Live Nativity 2008 DVD progress!

2009-04-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

I have been working on the Live Nativity DVD in between my busy schedule. It is getting near completion. The main footage is all put together and complete. I would say that the DVD is three quarters of the way done. Hopefully it will be complete (at the latest) by the end of next month.

Another "Star" themed painting.

2009-04-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

Here is another painting that I've been working on that is related to stars.

Here is a detail of the star quilt in progress.

This painting is a lot farther along now. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago. I have been working on my "Star barn" painting in the meantime. I have to have it done by the end of this month.

"Starring Brandon!"

2009-03-31T06:55:00.000-07:00

This year Brandon's fund raising theme is "Starring Brandon", so everything has to have to do with stars. Here are a couple pictures of my painting in progress. I started it yesturday.

I was inspired by an actual barn located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, called, "The Star Barn". Link: http://www.thestarbarn.com/

I will post the final painting at some point.
This painting will be sold at Brandon's annual fall auction.

Me and Barrett!

2009-02-25T10:21:00.000-08:00

Or sould I say, "Barrett and me!" ;)

Another painting near completion!

2009-02-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

Detail!

Self duplicating video test!

2009-02-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

I was messing around with Vegas and figured out how to duplicate myself in the same video clip. Here is the result. (I added a few effects to enhance it :)

How was it done?

I shot footage of myself running across the clearing a few times and then composited them together into the same shot. I then added some special effects, explosions, smoke, etc, and put an old film effect on the entire project to give an old" army footage" look. Finally I put in some sound effects (To which I added a distortion filter so that it matched the age of the film)

Starting another painting!

2009-01-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

I finished the Horse and sleigh picture.

Here is another small painting I am working on.

I started on Saturday.

It is also clearly in the early American style.

Painting!

2009-01-13T06:57:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of my latest painting project. It is in the early american style as you can see.

At my easel!

Detail of the horse.

The Live Nativity.

2008-12-09T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of myself in my roman costume during the live nativity.

I got pretty sore from wearing it everywhere and trying to direct the presentation. It is pretty heavy.

Both nights of the Live Nativity went well. I think all together we had somewhere around 130 people attend.

For more pictures click this link: http://livenativity2008.blogspot.com/

Finished Nativity Poster!

2008-11-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

I finished the poster for the Live Nativity, so now all we have to do is get it printed and distributed around. I just sent it to the printer. Here is the finished product as promised!

The soundtrack is coming along pretty well. All of the voices have been recorded. I only have about three more pieces of music to put together.

The soundtrack needs to be completed by this Sunday, which is our first rehearsal.

Busy, busy!

2008-11-13T04:54:00.000-08:00

Things are getting very busy around here as the days begin to count down for the Live Nativity.
I have been composing new music for the soundtrack and that eats up a lot of time.

Last night we recorded a song at the Moore's. We will use this piece before the actual presentation.

"The sound guy" Brian.

Designing a poster for this year's live nativity!

2008-10-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

I have been designing a advertisement poster for the live nativity. Yesterday afternoon I created rough a concept painting to give me an idea of what I am looking for.

This is the concept design, and below is the rough design that I did this afternoon in Photo shop.

After creating a idea of what I think will work, I'll fine tune the final design with some different images and lighting. I must say, I am pretty happy with the results of my first project in Photo Shop. I will post the final result when I finish it.

The Auction!

2008-10-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of me and my box at last nights auction.

It was a fun night! My box ended up selling for $3,500.00.

So that is encouraging!

Auction!

2008-10-11T13:22:00.000-07:00

This evening is the Auction for the Box that I painted for Brandon's, "Brandon Thinks outside the Box" 2008, fundraiser. It will be interesting to see what it goes for.
I know that there have been a few bids made on it already. I will attach a photo of the box soon. And will post what it goes for.

Scrolls for this year's Live Nativity!

2008-09-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

I have been busy today, creating a blog for this years live nativity and aging some scrolls that I made a few weeks ago. They are for the roman tax collector's booth. Below is a picture of the scrolls before and after I did color changes.

This is a box that I painted last week to sell at the Brandon Artist's Guild. This is the third small box that I have done. The others sold very quickly.

I called it, "The Green Banks of Summer".

Painting complete!

2008-09-11T03:23:00.000-07:00

View of Lake Champlain from Mt. Defiance.

I finished my painting of Lake Champlain. Yesterday I picked it up from my printer. (North 7 Studios) So I am getting a CD ready to send into the Willowell Foundation to enter my piece.

FIREPROOF!

2008-09-01T09:47:00.000-07:00

FIREPROOF Trailer:

Live Nativity!

2008-09-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

Last December we put on a live nativity for our community. We are hoping to do the same again this year. This is, kind of a mini trailer I put together using some of last years production footage.
We are starting to get things ready for this years live nativity. I will post more info on our progress as things come together. For more info and pictures click this link: http://www.livenativity2008.blogspot.com/ I apologize for the poor quality of the video.

Painting Lake Champlain!

2008-08-31T05:01:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of painting a scene of Lake Champlain to enter in the traveling exhibit "Champlain's Lake Rediscovered" for 2009. The deadline for entry is September 15th. There will be fifty artists chosen for the exhibit.

This photo was taken about a week ago when I had just started.

Calving Time!

2008-08-31T04:45:00.000-07:00

My Scottish Highland Cows had two heifer calves. They were born three weeks apart.

Highlanders are gentle creatures and very docile.

Slide show Menu!

2008-08-30T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is a Menu that I created for a slide show I made with some of the footage that was taken of the reenactment. The music is from "The Patriot" ,"The Colonial Cause".

Some of the quality was lost when because I had to change the size and format to post it here.

French & Indian War 250th Anniversary Reenactment!

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

Well I haven't done very much with film and special effects lately (Just a few church services and one that required green screening) but I have been busy with my painting. Since the last time I posted something I have joined the Ticonderoga militia. Last weekend we were in the 250th anniversary of the French & Indian reenactment at Fort Ticonderoga. We reenacted the battle of Carillon. It was a blast! Saturday it rained and we got soaked but were able to get dried out enough to fight the next day. It was a neat experience to get a feel of what warfare was like at that time. Drilling! Myself and my friend Mark. Preparing for battle! In the heat of battle!

It was really neat to get a glimpse and some of the feeling of what it would have been like in warfare back then. The first time I marched out onto the field and the cannons opened up on us, I must say made my heart beet a little faster. Being in the midst of the shouts of officers and the excitement of battle gets your adrenaline up a bit.

Leaving the field in the rain.

I was soaked all the way through except for the front of my waistcoat which is made of wool. (I see now why they wore it.)Back on the battlefield the next day!Reforming! Shot down for the third time!Myself limping back to the rest of the company.

Marching off the field in one piece!

VCFA photos!

2008-05-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken at VCFA's last meeting.

We all had a good time running the cameras and acting a little.

Recent project!

2008-05-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

This is my very first test with Green screening.
As you can see it is not the best.

The video behind me is a miniature stone wall that I made out of styrofoam. The wall measures about 4 inches tall.

Muzzle flashes!

2008-05-13T05:03:00.000-07:00

This is a video of my very first test that I did in Vision lab, for gunshots.
It is far from perfect, but it was fun to see what I could do.

Welcome!

2008-05-02T05:54:00.000-07:00

This is a newly created blog. I hope to put up some posts soon.