Chris Trefz Art Blog

New Artwork by Chris Trefz of Freddy Krueger: Embracing the Nightmare Realm Final Image "One, two, Freddy's coming for you Three, four, better lock your door Five, six, grab your crucifix Seven, eight, gonna stay up late Nine, ten, never sleep again" Continuing Halloween Season 2022 with new artwork of the dream demon himself, Freddy Krueger, from the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series. See below for the development process: Line Art Flats Colors Basic Shading Introduction: Enter the world of nightmares with the iconic slasher villain, Freddy Krueger, from the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series. With his hauntingly burned face and his signature bladed glove, Freddy Krueger has terrified audiences for decades. In this blog article, we will explore the origins of Freddy Krueger and the first film in the franchise, delve into his unique abilities to enter dreams, and take a closer look at my digital painting that captures the essence of...

Kicking off Halloween Season 2022 with a New Illustration by Chris Trefz of Michael Myers: The Original Slasher Villain.  “I met him, 15 years ago; I was told there was nothing left; no reason, no conscience, no understanding in even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, of good or evil, right or wrong. I met this… six-year-old child with this blank, pale, emotionless face, and… the blackest eyes – the Devil’s eyes. I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up, because I realized that what was living behind that boy’s eyes was purely and simply… evil.”  - Dr.Loomis, Halloween Continuing my series of Halloween-themed illustrations for a 3rd year, but taking a different approach. Instead of doing multiple quick illustrations, I'm aiming for a smaller number of more detailed pieces, centered around famous horror movie villains. Last year, I did Jason Voorhees, so this year I'll be starting off Spooky Season 2022 with Michael...

New Artwork of The Scarecrow: Unleashing the Terrors of Fear "I am fear incarnate. I am the terror of Gotham. I am the Scarecrow!" Professor Jonathan Crane, also known as The Scarecrow, is the next addition to my series of Black & White renditions of characters from Batman: The Animated Series. Introduction: In the dark and twisted world of Batman: The Animated Series, one villain strikes fear into the hearts of both Gotham's citizens and the Caped Crusader himself: The Scarecrow. With his relentless obsession with fear and his ability to induce it through his fear toxin, this menacing character has become an iconic figure in Batman's rogues' gallery. In this blog article, we will delve into the history and origin of The Scarecrow in the animated series, explore the character's evolving design, and take a closer look at my black and white digital drawing that captures the chilling essence of this nefarious antagonist. Unveiling The Scarecrow: A Dark Obses...

New Artwork of The Phantasm, Unveiling the Grim Enigma, and Exploring the New Foe from the Animated Movie, "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" "Your Angel of Death Awaits!" Making a return to my series of Black & White renditions of Batman: The Animated Series characters. This time it's Andrea Beaumont, as Phantasm, from the "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" animated movie. Introduction: In the realm of animated superhero movies, "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm" holds a special place as a captivating tale that delves into the depths of Batman's world. Released in 1993, this film takes us on a thrilling journey filled with mystery, emotion, and the emergence of a formidable and enigmatic figure known as the Phantasm. In this blog article, we will delve into the storyline of the movie, discuss the revelation of the Phantasm's secret identity and its impact on Bruce Wayne, and explore the behind-the-scenes creation of the character's de...

Updated Here is some newly completed artwork depicting a battle between Venom and The Lizard, two Spiderman villains from Marvel comics. Here is a short story I wrote inspired by the illustration:  I was wakened from my sleep by a sudden, and thunderous crash from outside. Had there been a car accident? No, the sound came from my window facing the alley behind my apartment. Rising from my bed, I hurried to the window as another powerful impact broke the night's silence. Looking below I saw no wrecked vehicles, but rather two figures thrashing in the shadows of the alley. Were a couple of drunks fighting, or perhaps someone was being mugged? No, their movements were too fast, the figures were a blur as they ferociously threw each other from one side of the alley to the other. Then there were the sounds, inhuman snarling, and hissing, more reminiscent of some kind of feral animals. Finally, the pair rolled out of the shadows and within the edge of a street lamp's light, all but f...

New illustration by Chris Trefz of the Hockey Mask-clad, machete-wielding slasher villain, Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th horror movie franchise. My procession of Halloween-related work continues with Jason Voorhees of the Friday the 13th series, back from the depths of Crystal Lake. To quote Alice Cooper : Oh, but he's back He's the man behind the mask And he's out of control He's back! My development Process for this image: Lineart Flat colors In this blog article, we dive deep into the chilling world of the Friday the 13th horror movie franchise and explore the iconic character of Jason Voorhees. Join us as we unravel the origins of Jason Voorhees, his terrifying powers, and the fascinating story behind his iconic hockey mask and trusty machete. The Friday the 13th franchise has become a cornerstone of the horror genre, captivating audiences with its suspenseful storytelling and unforgettable slasher villain. Jason Voorhees, the masked murderer, ...

New artwork of Darth Maul, the acrobatic, dual-blade-wielding apprentice of the Sith. Darth Maul from Episode I: The Phantom Menace  "At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last, we will have revenge." Between his striking red and black facial tattoos, demonic yellow eyes, and lethal wielding of a double-bladed lightsaber, Darth Maul was easily the most memorable thing about Episode I.

New artwork of Batman's reptilian foe, and DC Comics supervillain, killer Croc. "Bein' a reptile man ain't pretty. But it's got its upsides. Like having the strength of a crocodile, for instance." Continuing my series of Black & White renditions of characters from Batman: The Animated Series, with Killer Croc. Waylon Jones, aka Killer Croc, was born with a genetic abnormality giving him reptilian skin. In Miami, Florida, he worked as a sideshow performer when he was younger. Once he had joined the Wrestling Federation, he went by the ring name "Killer Croc" and rose through the ranks to win the championship. He had the reputation of being "the meanest guy in the Wrestling Federation."

New art of Bane: A Formidable and Complex Villain in Batman: The Animated Series "I will break you!" Bane from Batman: The Animated Series. Introduction: Within the dark and captivating world of Batman: The Animated Series, a villain emerges who captivates audiences with his brute strength, cunning intellect, and complex backstory. This blog article delves into the enigma that is Bane, exploring his canonical origins and unraveling the reasons behind his enduring appeal as a captivating and intriguing antagonist. Origins and Rise: Bane, born and raised in the infamous Peña Duro prison, is an adversary, unlike any other Batman, has faced. Known for his immense physical strength, enhanced by the experimental drug known as Venom, Bane becomes a force to be reckoned with. His origin story, coupled with his transformation into a formidable opponent, adds layers of depth to his character and sets the stage for his fascinating journey. Mind and Muscle: While Bane's...

New art of Two-Face: The Dichotomy of Chaos and Tragedy in Batman: The Animated Series Two-Face from Batman: The Animated Series.  In the gritty and atmospheric world of Batman: The Animated Series, a compelling and dangerous adversary emerges in the form of Two-Face. With his distinct dual-personality and tragic backstory, Two-Face captivates audiences as a complex and unpredictable foe. In this article, we explore the history of Two-Face in the show and delve into why he stands out as one of Batman's most intriguing and formidable adversaries. The Tragic Transformation: Formerly Gotham City's noble District Attorney, Harvey Dent falls victim to a devastating accident that disfigures half of his face. The physical trauma becomes a catalyst for his descent into madness, splitting his psyche into two distinct personas: the noble Harvey Dent and the vengeful, coin-flipping criminal known as Two-Face. This tragic transformation adds layers of depth to his character, blurring...

New Artwork of Mr. Freeze: A Tragic Tale of Cold Revenge Mr.Freeze from Batman: The Animated Series.  Introduction: In the dark and captivating world of Batman: The Animated Series, one character stands out for his tragic journey and chilling demeanor. Mr. Freeze, originally known as Victor Fries, is a complex and compelling villain with a heart frozen by sorrow. In this article, we delve into Mr. Freeze's origin, his heartbreaking progression throughout the show, and the inspiration behind my black-and-white drawing that captures his icy essence. Origin and Tragic Progression: Mr. Freeze's origin in Batman: The Animated Series is a poignant one. Driven by his desperate attempt to cure his cryogenically frozen wife, Nora, Victor Fries is transformed into a cryogenic-powered villain seeking revenge on those responsible for his personal tragedy. His tragic progression is marked by his relentless pursuit of a cure, ultimately succeeding in saving Nora but at the cost of his...

New Artwork of Harley Quinn: Capturing Her Mischievous Charm Harley Quinn, from Batman: The Animated Series. Introduction: In this article, we delve into the world of Batman: The Animated Series and explore the captivating character of Harley Quinn. As a fan-favorite, Harley has left a lasting impression with her unique origins, complex relationship with the Joker, and her eventual journey towards independence. Accompanied by a new artwork, we aim to capture the whimsical and mischievous nature of this iconic character. Harley Quinn's Origins and Relationship with the Joker: Harley Quinn, originally known as Dr. Harleen Quinzel, was introduced in Batman: The Animated Series as a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum. Fascinated by the Joker's twisted mind, she fell deeply in love with him, eventually becoming his loyal accomplice. Their tumultuous relationship showcased a unique blend of manipulation, madness, and dark humor. Harley's unwavering dedication to the Joker made he...

The Joker, based on Batman: The Animated Series. Voiced by Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker himself, this is my favorite version of the Clown Prince of Crime.

Pennywise the Dancing Clown from It. (updated 2/19/23) Kicking off the Halloween season right with Pennywise fanart. I'll always be a fan of Tim Curry's original performance, but I love the new Pennywise. From his creepy expressions and archaic costume, to his inhuman speed and monstrous alternate forms, Pennywise kept me on the edge of my seat throughout part 1 and 2.  See how the illustration took shape with these work-in-progress images: Line Art Flat Color Mid Shading Original final verzion

Scarecrow from Batman: the animated series. The Doctor of fear himself, they definitely stepped up the creep-factor of his mask after his first appearance in the animated series. I also liked the contrast of how intimidating his mask was compared to how weak he looked without. Nothing to fear but fear itself I suppose.

Here's a look at my drawing desk, and supplies as I work on my next sketch. For the line work, I use Faber-Castell Pitt artist pens and Pandafly Dual tip art markers for the shading. I had been using Prisma color markers when I saw these on Amazon and decided to give them a try. Even though they are a cheaper, lesser known brand, I find I actually like how they blend better, and they had a bit of a watercolor look to them, which I like. Two things to watch out for if you try them. They soak through your paper pretty quickly when layering them on, so get a piece of Bristol board to put behind the drawing to keep the markers from staining the rest of your sketchbook or table. Also, what shade of grey they are isn't very easy to read at a glance, so to a avoid wasting a lot of time squinting at fine print, I numbered them with a sharpie.

New Artwork of Clayface: The Shapeshifting Menace of Batman: The Animated Series Sketch of Clayface from Batman the Animated Series. Introduction: In the dark and atmospheric world of Batman: The Animated Series, one villain stands out as a formidable and intriguing adversary for the Caped Crusader: Clayface. With his ability to shape-shift and manipulate his clay-like form, Clayface presents a unique challenge that pushes Batman to his limits. In this article, we explore Clayface's powers, delve into his origin story, discuss his significance as a nemesis to Batman, and uncover interesting details about his character design from the creators of the beloved series. Unleashing the Shapeshifter: Clayface, also known as Basil Karlo, possesses the extraordinary power of shape-shifting, allowing him to transform his body into any form he desires. This ability grants him incredible versatility, making him a formidable opponent for Batman and his allies. From assuming the appearan...

Here's some new art of Darth Vader, the dark lord of the Sith, the main antagonist of the Star Wars film franchise, and the greatest movie villain of all time. It's hard to get more imposing than Vader with his massive, black-clad frame, skull-like mask, raspy breathing, and the voice of James Earl Jones.  Vader was always my favorite villain and favorite character in Star Wars. And after seeing his recent return to the big screen in "Rogue One", now seemed like the perfect time to do some fan art. See how the image developed with these work-in-progress shots:     Sketch Line Art Early Shading

Unleashing Ferocity: A Color Pencil Tribute to the Celtic Predator from Aliens vs Predator The Celtic Predator from Alien vs Predator. He died pretty early on in the movie, but it was still pretty badass when he was tossing that Alien through stone walls. Introduction: In the rich tapestry of the Alien and Predator franchises, one film stands out as a thrilling collision between two iconic species: Aliens vs Predator. Released in 2004, this action-packed movie brought together the extraterrestrial creatures in an epic battle for supremacy. In this blog article, we delve into the plot of Aliens vs Predator, explore the role of the Celtic Predator, and discuss the creative process behind the character's unique design. Additionally, I'll share my personal inspiration for creating a color pencil drawing that captures the ferocity and intensity of the Celtic Predator. Aliens vs Predator: An Epic Showdown: Aliens vs Predator takes place in a remote Antarctic pyramid, where a grou...

New Artwork of Silent Hill's Pyramid Head: A Tribute to an Iconic Horror Character Pyramid Head from the Silent Hill series. Introduction: Silent Hill, the renowned video game franchise, has captivated players with its chilling atmosphere, psychological horror, and enigmatic characters. Among them, Pyramid Head stands out as one of the most haunting and iconic figures. In this blog article, we delve into the origins of Silent Hill, the emergence of Pyramid Head, and the inspiration behind my new artwork. Silent Hill: A Journey into Terror: Silent Hill, developed by Konami, made its debut in 1999, immersing players in a nightmarish town plagued by supernatural occurrences. The gameplay revolves around exploration, puzzle-solving, and surviving encounters with grotesque creatures. With its atmospheric storytelling and psychological twists, the franchise quickly gained a dedicated following. Pyramid Head: The Silent Enigma: Pyramid Head made his first appearance in Silent Hill 2...