Story. Visuals. Sentiment. Lane Smith's "Grandpa Green" is one of the best picture books I've read in years. Amazon.com

Homage : Cat

I've wanted to do illustrations based on 

some of my favorite images on the internet. 

This is my first foray into this idea.

The fairy doesn't tell us who he is, but it informs as to the sort of world he exists within. (It is also a world wear cats dress sharp.)

 

* Original, source unknown.

High-to-the fivizzle!

Woot! Hello, Texas!, the board book I wrote, and the uber-talented David Walker drew, got picked up by Scholastic Book Fairs! Click for info on the book. Click to get you one.

Top Turkeys of 2011

Not every year, but several, I have illustrated the Fort Worth Star Telegram's Top Turkey Awards feature. It's published on Thanksgiving day and lists the biggest numbskulls of the year. I was fortunate to get to draw it again this time around. Below are the three illo's I contributed. I don't do a ton of caricature, but I enjoy it, though I don't consider what I do caricature, more of cartoon likenesses ... which Webster's defines as caricature. Enjoy! 

 (As always, click the images if'n ya wants to see 'em bigger.)

 

In case you didn't know, the heat was kind of a huge jerk in Texas this year.

 Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries earned a spot.

 

This guy was actually one last year, but only for getting messed up and trashing a hotel room ... or something like that. Sheen earned higher points for winning this year.

Con Sketchin : The Beast (fan art)

This last weekend I had a table at Austin Comic Con (Wizard World.) Sitting in one spot over three days, things happen. The following posts are a brief visual journal of my time.

Surrounded by comic book characters, it was time to try my hand at one I'd never drawn. (I haven't drawn many.)

The BEAST!!!!!

[Click image to see larger.]

Con Sketchin : New Sketchbook : First Drawings

I'd filled up my sketchbook. As I opened the brand new sketchbook the binding cracked. I pulled out my pen. Paused for a moment. Then I ruined the sketchbook. (If it seems like there's lots of unused space, it's because super secret Notes To Self were removed.)

[Click image to see larger.]

Con Sketchin : Smokey Bear

The Smokey Bear PSA's were an important and nostalgic part of my childhood. After finding a sweet vinyl Smokey (AT THE CON!), it was time to try my hand. Don't think for a second I am done with this project. (Sketches posted in chronological order.)

[Click image to see larger.]

Con Sketchin : Passersby

This last weekend I had a table at Austin Comic Con (Wizard World.) It was a wonderful time. I met some really great people. I saw 45 Robin costumes. Once and while someone would pass my table and I would need to sketch them because they were awesome.

[Click on the images to see them larger.]

 He'd painted his own helmet. Had a shield. And then a blazer and jeans. 

(Hello, Avengers movie. New costume idea.)

There were two steampunk groups who had tables, so there was 

a lot of steampunk. The costumes were really well done. 

Turns out my favorite genre is steampunk cowboy.

 He looked too bummed to be wearing such a great hat.

This guy's mustache was dope. I told him so. 

He seemed unsure what to do with my compliment.

A small representation of the steampunk ladies.

This guy didn't walk by my table, but was most likely 

inspired by the glut of goggles that did.

BUSTS : Lions and Bears

chubby rockabilly lion.

panda distressed by hat.

rockin the hoody.
(from sketchin with pals in coffee shop.)

Chillin with some sketch peeps.

lady's man.

"Trip"

One of two pieces for Domy’s ‘Monster Show.’ (Oct 29–Dec 8, 2011) First time working in watercolor in years.

Helicopter Parenting : Editorial Piece

Monster Art 2 : The Hill, Rough 1

S’almost October! Time for drawing some monsters!

I did something different with my line this time. Instead of blowing it out and making it look almost vector, I retained the pencil line characteristics. (I played with the multiply and levels to get it where I want.) I am really happy with it. Going to move forward with it.

I Does Sequential, Mm-Hmm, Part 1

Back in 2009-2010 I did a four book graphic novel series for Capstone's Stone Arch Books imprint. The brilliant Scott Nickel penned them and I drew them. The art director on the project, Bob Lentz, is flat out one of the best I've ever had the pleasure with which to work ... work with.

Story breakdown: kid gets angry, his head turns into a giant boulder.

Here are some of my favorite panels from the books. Click on them if you want to see them larger.

©2010 Stone Arch Books

Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow : Selected Illustrations

Dial Books for Young Readers asked me to illustrate Nathan Bransford's wonderful book, Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapow. We are working on the sequel now (shhhh). The original can be found at Amazon. 

Backpack Safari

A newspaper (yes, they still exist) editorial illustration.

Alamo & Sadie

She wanted a present. What she wanted was his dog and his cat. A drawing of them. A drawing by me.
"And I'll pay you," she said.
"No. You're my friend, he's my friend," I said, "I can't take money from you."
I did the drawing. She wrote a check, shoved it in my hand.
"No," I said again.
"Then WHAT?" she said, "This can't be free."
An idea formed in my head, right there. An idea and I loved it.
"My gift for yours."
"What?"
"I will trade you my gift, my ability, drawing ... for your gift, your ability."
She smiled. I smiled too. Here's what I knew. She is a fantastic cook.
So she cooked for me (and him, of course). And we ate. And it was wonderful.
Then they married. They had a son. In his room, the drawing.

Sadie with her faithful steed Alamo.

Alamo (Beagle & blue heeler mix. Great dog.)

Alamo says goodbye.

Sadie (without the vest & bandana)