Cleopatra Isn't That Beautiful

Well, this is how it turned out. To be honest, I am not happy with it since I really ran out of time. I had to cut many corners and leave a lot unfinished. The transforming pyramid needs more texture, as do the rest of the characters. I need to learn to either give myself more time, or choose simpler scenes. Or get better at doing art.


Farmer warm up.

Have a good weekend everybody.

Cleopatra WIP

Spent a little time on my Drawergeeks entry last night. I have a lot to do and only one night to do it in...

Fast Food

Really fast. Only a few minutes for my warm up today.

Don't You Like?

I thought I had better scribble out an idea for this week's Drawergeeks topic, "Cleopatra." I have a few gags I would like to put in here, but I will have to only go as far as time allows.

I want to thank everybody for the kind comments on the blog. I don't always respond... and I will try to get better at that.

Have a good Tuesday.

The Monster In Our House

Hey kids. I wanted to share some doodles with you that come from a new story idea I am fleshing out. It will be a dark, spooky childrens tale about growing up. A few big fantasy elements. Some interesting twists and turns. I hope it will be good! And yes, I have at least three other stories I am working on... but when these things pop in my head, I have to grab them.Here is a the logo for the moment. I like to sketch these out to set a tone for the series.
This is a bit of a style test. I want to do the story in black/white/gray tones, with a pop of color here and there. Color will mean something in this story.
And this was a style idea for one of the characters. I know I want them to be simple... almost "muppet like." I think there will be some growth on this phase, but it is always fun for me to see what my first pass was.

And that is it for now. I need to get some serious work done this week, as well as start my Drawergeeks submission. No pressure!

Steam Powered Lead Slinger

Finishing off the week with another cowboy doodle. Hopefully everybody has a great weekend.

Dodge City Gunslinger

I went and saw "3:10 To Yuma" last night, so that put me in a bit of a cowboy mood. I really enjoyed the movie. A bit of a gut punch... but good.

Karate Joe Says...

If you buy my VHS entitled "Becoming A Better Artist Through Karate", you will also receive a free gift set of throwing pencils. For a limited time I am also offering my new paperback book, "Sparring: A Chance To Touch Girls" absolutely free!

Crunch! Slap! Oomph!

The crowd gasped. While the "Rear Seated Cruncha Muncha with an Ankle Twist" move was legal, it was widely frowned upon.

Back Woods Chap

"Buddy... you reckon we oughta pull him outta that there ant pile now? I think he got skeert nuff. He aint gonna call you yella no more"

"Spit"

Weekend Photos

I thought maybe on weekends, I might post a few photos if I have anything of interest. This weekend, my kids happen to be the topic.
"Where is Mom with those snacks?"

"C'mon sis, smile so he doesn't make us say cheese again!"

"After hours of trying to get the Daddy creature to respond to basic joystick commands, our hero nodded off."

Rodeo Clown Dance

Because I have a sickness, and am always doodling something. About an hour in Photoshop.

Clown Fire Squad

"As the circus tent went up in flames, the never reliable Clown Fire Squad continued to drive in circles and crack jokes that featured the punchline "Because it's on fire."

(On a side note, I was too lazy to find a new parchment paper, so yes I used my favorite again.)

Two Friends Set Out

Sometimes, you just have to start walking...

Ralph Kent 1939 - 2007

I was very sad to learn that a Disney Legend and all around amazing man, Ralph Kent, passed away on Monday. I had the pleasure of working with Ralph during my internship at the Disney Design Group, as well as during my time working there as a character artist. He was the father of the entire department, often sharing amazing stories about Walt Disney and the "old days" at the studio. He also introduced me to some of my artistic idols... Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnston, Mark Davis and more. As an 18 year rookie artist, it was like stepping into a daydream! I will never forget my short time spent with Ralph, and I feel that he shaped not only the artist, but the person I am today.

My greatest memory of Mr. Kent was a small one, but one that will never leave me. I was having a rough day at the studio, and he and I were outside sitting at the same small table. He listened quietly as I told him that I had just been informed I would not be picked up as a full time artist once my internship ended. I was really upset, and it seemed to me that my life was over. As I finished moaning, there was a long pause. Ralph looked at me as only a seasoned veteran can look at an inexperienced rookie. "Jeremy, you just can't give up" he said. "Time changes all situations. As long as you don't give up, and work your butt off... you will be fine."

Well Ralph, I never gave up.
I thank you for all that you were kind enough to give me, both in wisdom and in drawings announcing that my head was perfectly round like a Quaker Oats container. (above) Thank you for everything.

Click here and here for a good idea of what Ralph did as an artist.

Hot Cocoa and Snickerdoodles

The M&M's shivered in the cold as they sang "Silent Night" to a gathering of senior citizens. And although it hindered his singing ability, Yellow made short work of the hot cocoa and cookies the nice old people made for them. Sadly right after this shot was taken the seniors started to heckle the performers, then ate them.

Clown Crime Squad

These clowns fight crime.
They also cut off small children's toes while they sleep.

Funny Fire

Morning Workout

Yes.... this is a man.

What!? So he likes cake ok!?