Slim Pick'n

I was surfing the web investigating some of the blogs of illustrators who's work inspire and invigorate me. These session often have me checking in on the immensely talented Stacy Curtis's blog. ( http://stacycurtis.blogspot.com/ ) This time though I came across a fun little endeavor called Dueling Banjo Pigs ( http://banjopigs.blogspot.com/ ) Looking to join in the fun, I have posted this illustration there ( and here ). If you have a minute check out the Dueling Banjo Pigs blog site...The talent presented there is impressive...and more than a little intimidating.

That time of year again

Well it looks by the frost on the roofs around here that we are getting to that time of year when people start thinking about the holidays. As an illustrator however, I have been working on a few card concepts for clients for several weeks now. The first of which I have posted here.

As for those changes I promised in my last post, it looks like things are starting to move forward. I hope to show the fruits of my, and a few talented web designers, soon with a fairly substantial website redesign.....or more accurately an expansion of what already exists online.

Something is Happening Here

Well it's been a while since I last posted but then again after surfing a few other blogs I have discovered that I am not alone in my absence. Besides that I have had little to report.( Not that I had anything earth shattering before but... you get the the idea).

Now however I am almost ready to reveal a little something that has been cooking here in the studio.

So for those who have been checking in I will try and have more to say on this development soon.

Way to build the anticipation huh?

Row v. Wade

Like many illustrators I work in somewhat of a vacuum. Long days sitting in the glow of a overhead lamp makes for some strange realizations and pontifications. For this reason I have always considered myself very fortunate to have the council of Steve Galea (notice I didn't necessarily say sage council). Steve is without question one of the most creative and talented humorous writers I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Steve writes a regular outdoor column for Ontario Out Of Doors Magazine and I have had the pleasure to illustrate these for the better part of ten years or so.... and in the process, have developed one of the strongest friendships of my life.

This illustration that was recently published in the magazine is one of my recent favorites. It is a result of one of our many coffee break phone conversations, where we hash out everything from Geo-political issues and current assignments, to snot absorption properties of flannel.

Anyways it was during one of these chats that a courtroom drama piece was being considered by Steve for a fishing story about a conflict on a trout stream ...An epic courtroom case was needed to set the scene, so when we stumbled upon Row v Wade ( note the spelling) well, this concept immediately jump to my mind.

And So It Begins

I guess it was inevitable..With the welcome return to warmer temperatures to this very cold part of the world come the scourge of mosquitoes...I saw my first larva swimming in a little stagnant water by the side of my garage...Alas, It won't be long till these nasty beasts are ruining evenings on the porch and making just about any evening outdoor endeavor almost impossible. Ill post this portrait of one of the blood thirsty hordes now, before I loose my sense of humor about these little guys.

Ah Saturday

What does a deadline encumbered freelance illustrator do on a rare Saturday off?...Paints and draws of course...

Seriously..with deadlines a week away I promised myself some time to push back from the assignments on my desk and just have a little fun. So I broke out some gouache paints and experiment a little this morning. The results...different yes, but I also kind of like the free sketchy feel. A spontaneity I would like to see more of in my work..Sometimes it pays to just goof off a little.

Now its off for a refreshing walk in the winter woods to recharge the batteries.

Talk atcha soon.

Gotta Be Nuts

Here's a little doodle that I did while watching the Canadian hosted winter Olympic games...I often wonder what a psychologist might see in the illustrations I do and maybe more significantly post on this space...This one just might be closer reflection on my multitasking than I would care to openly admit.