Wild Thing 1 and Wild Thing 2

I'm really sorry to do this. I general hate topical pieces but I can't deny that I've had a hint of Where the Wild Things Are on my mind ever since I saw the feature film. The book had a big influence on me as a child and I've always been inspired by Maurice Sendak's illustrations ("In the Night Kitchen" is another childhood favorite). So here are two images of the same drawing in different stages. The first one is done with just an HB grade pencil and the second has layers of B2 and B3 on it. It's pretty amazing to see the difference in the level of texture and 3-dimensionality you get from using a darker pencil. One of my faults as an artist has always been working too light and too small. Working on it.

Admiral Lion

Yes I'm a grown man and this is how I spend my time.



To be honest this is merely a sketch of a greater idea. I'd love to do a series of portraits like this but as realistic oil paintings. Does a monocle make a lion look more evil or just smarter? A little bit of both in my opinion. I definitely see this guy wringing his hands at the thought of his most recent capture. Any animal/career archetypes you'd like to see happen?

People

Just some stuff that I've done recently. More explorations in minimal sketching and cartooning.