I finally got the chance to paint a crow, something I’ve been wanting to do for some time.
Read MoreJack
Here he is, the original luminary, that joyful squash, the head of Halloween himself.
Read MoreAutumn Dance
I had a background planned for this piece. But, the more I thought about it, the more I believed the dancing couple was more powerful on its own. It’s just a fun piece with a fun point of view.
Read MoreThe Color Of Halloween
Whether it’s shorter days or brightly colored candy wrappers, there are a lot of really great colors associated with this time of year, which made this piece all the more fun to paint.
Read MoreThe Grapple Tree
Half the fun of being an illustrator is creating situations that don’t exist, but tell a good story.
Read MoreOzzie
Ozzie was much smaller than the other snowy owls, and consequently, difficult to spot. He practically disappeared amongst his brothers and was often miscounted by his mother. Which, on more than one occasion, left Ozzie without a place at the dinner table. Ozzie got used to being overlooked. Yet, he knew his day would come. And when it did, he knew it would be amazing!
I started this drawing in Procreate, but ended up finishing it on my desktop using Photoshop. I love the spontaneity of the iPad, but, for some reason, line work doesn’t translate very well once you get it out of Procreate. There may be some setting I can tweak, but for now I’m happy with how this little drawing turned out.
I Left My Heart In Sonoma Valley
We were in Sonoma Valley not too long ago just to take in the countryside and sample a few of the wines from that region. The wines were amazing—the countryside was breathtaking!
This painting is sort of a composite of my impressions of the Sonoma Valley. I purposely didn’t spend too much time on it, which gives it a nice energetic quality.
I wouldn’t mind returning to to the valley to draw and paint more, but, for now, I’m happy to be back in my studio doing what I love to do. Not only was Sonoma the perfect venue to recharge the creative batteries, but, I also learned a little something about wine. Now, I read wine labels more carefully… a little knowledge goes a long way.
Quick Portrait
Another quick, interesting face inspired, portrait.
Red
This piece was done for a story about young woman from a small town in Italy, who emigrates to America in the 1920s with her new husband. Her life in America starts off in less than ideal circumstances, forcing her to work through some unimaginably difficult situations while raising a new family, in a new country.
It always amazes me how seemingly ordinary people rise to meet, and overcome, seemingly impossible challenges. In painting this piece, it was important to emphasize a sense of innocence, yet, strength of character.
Rhapsody In Blue
Just out of art school, I showed my portfolio to an art director at a large ad agency in Chicago. I stood by as he carefully went through my work, piece by piece, and page by page. Then, and this was the kicker, he turned to me and said, “Paint me a bar of soap. Make that bar of soap look like the most wonderful bar of soap that ever existed. Make it so enticing you’ll want to run right out and purchase that bar of soap.” Pausing for effect, he added, “This is what we’re looking for.”
I nodded, thanked the man, and went on my merry, albeit, oblivious way.
Earlier this week I found inspiration in a freshly washed pair of old jeans. I tossed them on the floor and thought, “I gotta paint this!” Ever do that? Drawing and painting is, after all, storytelling pure and simple—and there was definitely a story here. These jeans had character to burn, and I couldn’t wait to get started! This painting is not perfect, but neither are the jeans. What does come through, however, is a strong sense of character and humor.
That art director back in Chicago was trying to tell me something. He probably wasn’t at all surprised by the blank stare on my face. But, I thank him just the same. Though it took me a while, I did catch on, and I am forever grateful for the lesson.
The Ginger
This is the portrait that needed to be painted.
Read MoreThe Cat's Meow
A cat of another stripe, or, the cat’s pajamas? You decide. Either way — a far cry from the familiar.
Read MoreThe Mole
I had to put this piece aside for a bit. I was happy to get the chance to finish it up.
Read MoreIllustration West 60
I had 3 pieces accepted into The Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles 60th Annual Illustration Competition. Illustration West 60 is now live. Check it out! Plenty of amazing artwork!
Phil
The real Punxsutawney Phil.
Read MoreSketching
It’s always good take a little time out from the big projects to sketch a bit.
Forging Candy Canes
Imagining Santa as a blacksmith forging candy canes by the fire.
Read MoreHoliday Stress
And you think YOU'RE stressed about the holidays?
Professor Pearson's Prized Lemons
The Professor knew opportunity when he saw it.
The Holiday Coffee Mug
Some weeks ago I got the bug to produce a Christmas coffee mug for the upcoming holiday season.
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