The decision is in

So I did get approval on one of the roughs I sent in and they chose the one I most wanted to do. A welcome if not rare treat.

And so with deadlines being what are, I moved quickly to finish it. I tried a little further experimentation with a softer chalkier look. I like it and will be working towards refining it more. Here then is the end result of my efforts ....such as it is.

The Process

Just thought I might post a little of the process I go through each month as I set to illustrate the "My Outdoors" back page humor story written by my good friend Steve Galea.

In this months entry, Steve goes on, as only he can, about picking, purchasing and keeping live bait for fishing. Moreover how the opposite sex often fails to see the romantic potential implied by a fella when he so seductively whispers to his special gal, that..... "he's got worms". ( his line, not mine)

So today I rough up a few ideas and have submitted these three concepts to my art director. I think each one has it's own charm and possibilities. While I wait for word to come down from my editors with regards to which one they wish for me to complete, perhaps a few of you might like to weigh in on which one is most interesting (if any)?

Whichever one my art director selects, I'll be sure to post the finished piece here when I am cleared to do so.

Warm-up Sketch

I took a couple of days off over the weekend. It was a rare but welcome change of pace.

So this morning just to get my head and hands back into things, I did this little warm up sketch of a hummingbird in our garden, while I drank my morning coffee on the back porch.

Working quickly, applying my colors wet into wet gave me an effect that pleased me and one I will explore more in my work. Oh and the spring palette is a welcome change of pace as well.

Doodles

Oh, how I love to break free from deadlines and publishing commitments and just doodle.

"Bearly" Tasteful

Been a while since I have posted anything new. Swamped here at the studio, and missing out on some beautiful spring weather too I might add. Ah well, it's nice to gaze out the window at now and then.

Anyways, for those craving a new image and post I give you this. An illustration that once and for all answers the age old question, "does a bear sh_ t in the woods?"

I promise next post will be a little more "high brow" for the more sensitive types. Although I suspect they have stopped looking in long ago.

Developing Diggs

Last week, while mindlessly doodling, this little guy showed up on my sketch paper...I do many of these kind of doodles each day but for some reason this guy resonated with me. I did him up as an experiment in a softer look, ( see earlier blog post) but he persisted. So I have been trying getting to know him more thoroughly to see if he might find a place in a story or image someday.

I often do this by way of a crude sculpture. This way I can see him in 3D and see how the light might fall on him in any given situation..Then I explore the possibilities with inks and pencils.

I have posted a little of my process here for those who might like yet another peek behind the curtain.

The Night Shift

Spring is starting to overtake winter here. In fact just the other night I heard a screech owl calling for an eligible suitor in the yard outside of my studio window. I just thought the the little guy and the occasion deserved a little tribute.