John K, of Ren and Stimpy and Spumco fame, is currently doing a very interesting series on his colours theories on his blog. Although he’s talking about colour in cartoons, the information could easily be applied to most artistic mediums.

UPDATE: He’s also now posting some great stuff from early Hanna Barbera colour stylist and background painter, Art Lozzi.

Colour Theories for Cartoons

1. Garish versus Warm
2. Pee and Poo colors versus Colorful Greys
3. Look at the sky before you paint a sunset
4. What’s wrong with these pictures?
5. Good color without a lot of money – Art Lozzi at Hanna Barbera
6. Does cost equal quality?
7. Will It Ever End?
8. Eye relief
9. Steal from anime if you can’t think of anything yourself
10. Neutral or natural colours
11. Art Lozzi: Early days at Hanna Barbera
12. Colour and Background painting reference: Old Golden Books
13. Art Lozzi: Bob Gentle and Skeeter Trouble
14. Art Lozzi: Scooter Looter, Paint Technique, BG Painting
15. Art Lozzi explains some technique
16. Color isolated from detailed technique: Yogi Bear ‘High Fly Guy’
17. Art Lozzi: Hanna Barbera starts to standardise

A superb BBC documentary on the history behind one of the world’s most played video games.

“This is the story behind the fiendishly addictive game, a tale of high stakes, intimidation and legal feuds set against the backdrop of Cold War tensions between East and West.”

The (Overhyped) Web Browser War: Internet Explorer 7 vs. Firefox 2.0: Popular Mechanics says: “Firefox wins!” — No more arguments then.

Sony admits to buying grey goods from Lik-Sang “but only for investigatory purposes.” and “Sony denies that its actions had anything to do with the closure of the Lik-Sang website.”

Seward Street returns! The fantastic blog, chock full of animation industry handouts, sketches, tips and tidbits appears to be back from the dead. Wonderful news — welcome back!

How to draw really well: I can’t draw really well, but there’s one way to try to remedy that… by drawing!

Shuttle launch as seen from the ISS: A superb photo, on Warren Ellis’ site, of a space shuttle launch from Earth as seen from space. (via Kottke)

Lik-Sang.com Out of Business due to Multiple Sony Lawsuits: “the popular gaming retailer from Hong Kong, has today announced that it is forced to close down due to multiple legal actions brought against it by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.”

I’ve just read about this on IGN, and I’ve got to say that Sony really aren’t doing themselves any favours. After yesterday’s news of them blocking imports of the Playstation 3 into Europe I honestly believe they’re digging their own grave. I certainly won’t be buying the vastly overpriced console when it’s released, and neither will many others.

If there’s a Sony boycott happening, I’m in.

A Thousand Words: “is a place for stories from the people of Kodak. We love what we do, and we want to share our stories about imaging and its power to influence our world. We invite you to join our conversation with stories of your own.” (via Kottke)

Another favourite blog of mine is EPCOT Central. Like, the Re-Imagineering blog, it borders on the cynical “they don’t make them like they used to” side of critical journalism, but often raises some very important points on Epcot’s current lack of direction.

They also uncover some fantasic gems, like these brilliant videos from a more enthusiastic age. Sure they’re a bit cheesy now, but they only emphasise how revolutionary Epcot was back in the early days when Disney didn’t feel the need to pump the park full of Disney princesses, thrill rides and inappropriate merchandising.

Why EPCOT Center was so special.
Seeing into the future.
When enthusiasm was enthusiastic.