Striking Bearded Man

I have an amazing cabinet card that I've been trying to do justice to in graphite, but I just can't seem to do it. Inspired by the style in yesterday's post I tried to draw this guy the same way. I think I came close in the second one, but it's still too realistic, and a tad too cartoony, which I realize are conflicting statements.

Attempt #1


Attempt #2


I'm glad that I made it up to 144 posts this year, as the square root of 144 is 12 and there are 12 months in the year. There's a quiet harmony to that that I find pleasing. Anyhow, hope everyone has a good new year's eve tonight!

A Doodle Reworked

I liked the Karaoke Napkin Doodle I did the other week of my friend Jesse, and I wanted to rework it into a real drawing. I'm even happier with results and want to explore doing more portraits in this style.

How to Frame a Picture for a Present

Funny story. I was looking up videos on youtube yesterday on how to frame an oil painting and came upon a treasure trove of instructional videos from independently owned retail frame shops. That's where I found this guy, in all his earnest and awkward glory. Within a few seconds into the video I knew I had to draw him.



Before the shading.

Long May You Run

Sometimes you just feel like drawing Neil Young.

It's been a while

I realize I haven't posted in over a week and I didn't really want to apologize for it because I don't want us to have that kind of relationship, but I do think an explanation is in order. Simply put, I had the flu. I fantasized about how I would continue drawing during my ailment and create amazing illness inspired art, but the fact is I just didn't feel well enough to do anything. Finally I'm better and am ready to post some sketches. I've been focusing on drawing things from my imagination, which is kind of hard when you've been working from life for so long. Not only do you have to tap into your imagination, but you have to have confidence in your drawing skills. Everything is so much easier when you have it right in front of you. Here's a caricature of me surrounded by angry, fluffy creatures. These are the monsters of winter and if only I could figure out how to banish them for good.

Hide yo cake, hide yo ice cream...

... Cuz somebody's got a birthday around here.



Part II of the birthday card. I should probably email this to Antoine to see if he wants to add it to his merchandise line.

Back It Up Birthday

"and I think maybe I should blow out my candles? But I don't..."



It was Stephanie's birthday yesterday and for her card I did a youtube double whammy. Part II coming tomorrow.

Holy Diver

Amber hangs out with a cold one while Zardoz amuses the rest of us. Check out her blog JUNGLEMUX to see an amazing tribute to Dio. Maybe we should start an internet petition to get her to start the blog up again. Just sayin'.

Jacob

I did this quick little cartoon of Jacob in San Diego, prompted by a cartoon that Stephanie drew of me. He was not amused.

More than a feeling

This was a blind contour that I embellished a little.

I haven't gone to figure drawing lately but I keep meaning to. I found out recently that the Wednesday sessions at PNCA are going to continue through July so at least I'll have plenty of opportunities.

Btw my promotion is still on, people. Spread the word.

Party like it's eleven years after 1999...

Obviously I intended for this to be finished a little earlier. At least sometime in January. Computer complications...yada, yada, yada...at least it's here now. Maybe someday I'll get to my Courtney Love Valentine's day greeting.

"Don't try them Lottie! They're HOT!"

What my grandfather said after he tried one of my Thai Lime and Chili cashews from Trader Joe's. I'm thinking of turning this into a show flier.

"More than anything she'd like to see Paris before she dies."

This is Doris. You may recognize her as a waitress from the small town of Punxsutawney. Happy Groundhog Day everyone!