Party like it's 2012

This is an oldie, but a goodie. Happy New Year, everyone!

New Portrait 1904

Here's a portrait I've been working on on and off for a few weeks now. I photoshopped it into a vintage cabinet card frame to make it look a bit more official.

I'm really happy with the way it came out, but I've gotta start making bigger work and not just work in my sketch book all the time. Hopefully some bigger work will be hitting the blog soon.

YAWN

Still not great at drawing things from my head.

Just Imagine the Glasses He Would Wear

I 'm really excited about this drawing because it marks a new kind of augmented reality portrait for me (not to be confused with the scary high-tech augmented reality). I'm still working on animal portraits, but I'd love to be able to do some more of these in the future.

Valentine Art

I wanted to think of something really special to draw for my girlfriend for a Valentine's card so I thought of the most romantic thing I could: Squidward from Spongebob Squarepants as a real squid. Actually it was something she requested about a month ago and how could I say no? The real challenge here is that Squidward looks nothing like a real squid, so he still ended up looking pretty cartoony in this drawing. The good news is she likes it anyway and the even better news is she made me an amazing card full of rocking dinosaurs! The images have been posted below with full permission of the artist. Happy Valentine's day everyone (a week ago, I know).


The T. Rex playing Keytar is definitely my favorite. He wails.


The pachycephalosaurus makes for a great vocalist, but man, what a bonehead.


Triceratops can play the keys into any woman's heart.

Your Moment of Zen

I was messing around the other day with my "Earth: The Book" book close at hand and decided to draw the chimp on the cover wearing Jon Stewart's suit. I guess this is probably how Glen Beck sees him. Ahhhh, Politics.

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.

Yes, Another Animal

Because, why not?

A is also for...

We all know what an Aardvark looks like, or DO we?? Have you ever really looked at a picture of these guys? It's nuts. Those hind legs are prehistorically gigantic, not to mention that they're about half the height of a grown person. Anyhow, after seeing one in my animal book I had to share it with the rest of the world. You're welcome.

Squirrelin' Around

Here in Portland one of my favorite distractions is to watch the squirrels in my backyard (as if I wasn't enough like an old man already). I always think about that scene from The Sword in the Stone when Merlin turns them both into squirrels and they get chased by those lady squirrels. Isn't it totally sad when he turns back into a boy and breaks the girl squirrel's heart?

Another thing I love about squirrels, they never walk. They only prance. I wish I could do that.

Catch it!

"The Fever" - Episode 17 of the Twilight Zone (January 29, 1960)

Tight-fisted Franklin Gibbs is not pleased when his wife wins a trip for two to Las Vegas. But things change when he falls under the spell of a slot machine that calls his name!

I watched this episode almost a year ago and I've been meaning to draw this screen shot ever since. Look at those eyebrows! This guy is obviously not pleased with anything that is happening. Twilight Zone, you're the best!

An unlikely visit.

One morning a pickup truck clacked and crashed its way into the alley behind our house, making a great ruckus. It stopped for a moment and then went on its way. Curious and puzzled, Stephanie and I went to investigate the scene but were stopped in our tracks when we heard a great roar! Frightened as we were, our curiosity got the best of us and we pushed on. Lo and Behold, when we unlatched our back gate what did we see? A baby triceratops staring right back at us! Realizing she was a friendly triceratops, we quickly brought her in for a bowl of oats and a side of pterodactyl bacon. She thanked us but explained that she had to be on her way, as she was searching for the rest of her kind. Her visit was brief, but I managed to make this sketch as a memento of our morning together. Stephanie and her still write to each other every now and then and we're hoping to pay her and her family a visit soon.

I ain't bluffin'

Okay, maybe a little bit. Here's a quick drawing of the sunset at the Skidmore Bluffs here in N. Portland. Definitely one of my favorite things about this town.

You're a doll (Kachina)

Stephanie found an amazing book about Native American culture during a trip to Silverton last month. This drawing is based off a photograph in the book of a Native American dressed as a Kachina Doll, and it really doesn't do it justice. I think my brush pens just aren't as stunning on colored construction paper.

Feelin' Foxey

I think it'd be pretty cool to have one of these as a pet.

Have One On Me

After years of listening to Joanna Newsom I finally got a chance to see her live at the Aladdin theater a few nights ago. We made sure to get there early so we could get these fantastic seats, five rows back, front and center. The show was simply amazing. Mostly tracks off the new album were played (heavily favored from disc 1), but we did get two from Ys, and three from The Milk Eyed Mender including an amazing full band performance of Peach, Plum, Pear. I forgot what it's like to see musicians who are crazy skilled at what they do. This is a drawing of the stage before the show. I'm getting a bit more confident with my new brush pens.

Also, SEPIA ATTACK! OOOoooooooooooo.

Wolf Dad

"An explanation is probably long overdue."

The father from Teen Wolf in one of my favorite scenes. Just watched this movie last night and it's still just as good as when I was a kid.

Raccoon

Oh......hello there.

Turtle Power

"Teenage mutant ninja turtles
Teenage mutant ninja turtles
Teenage mutant ninja turtles
Heroes in a halfshell, turtle power

They're the world's most fearsome fighting teens..
(we're really hip)
They're heroes in a halfshell and they're green..
(hey! get a grip)
When the evil shredder attacks, these turtle boys don't cut him no slack

Teenage mutant ninja turtles
Teenage mutant ninja turtles

Splinter taught them to be ninja teens
(he's a radical rat)
Leonardo leads, Donatello does machines
(that's a fact, Jack)
Raphael is cool but rude
(give me a break)
Michelangelo is a party dude
(Partyyyyyyyyy!)

Teenage mutant ninja turtles
Teenage mutant ninja turtles
Teenage mutant ninja turtles
Heroes in a halfshell, turtle power"

Stephanie gave me this awesome Ninja Turtles button and I did a drawing of it. Give me a break.

O' Captain, My Captain

While researching online for a reference photo of a pipe I stumbled upon this little gem and saved it to draw later. I don't know who this guy is, or how is beard got so bushy, or why he's comically shifty eyed, but dear god I'm thankful for all those things. When I'm old I'm going to dress like a Sea Captain all the time.

Brown marker on red construction paper.