State of the Union (112-113)

Thought I would take a shot at the CIC.

I think it is amazing that those that run the gubment are so smug about trying to help regular people have a decent living, go to college, have opportunities, etc. It's as if they think that governing is arguing with the other side. Let's see them consider real problems and provide solutions.




Same as it ever was. Same as it ever was.

I wish the scan were better.

drawing break -- Mark Twain (114-117)

Needed to take a drawing break. It's amazingly hot outside--from freezing to spring in one day. Thought I would do one for my friend Dwayne. He's big on Mark Twain.

Loose sketching style here. Very fast.

IF: Clumsy (118-120)

This is an illustration that I finished today for a set of posters for work. When Splinter does something CLUMSY, she quickly rights herself and looks at you as if to say, "what..."

She rarely acknowledges any clumsiness such as misjudging the distance or substance of a landing spot. Sometimes she will slide across the table and come to a stop on the edge, gather herself and then make some gesture like licking herself or looking at you.

Ok, it's probably a stretch. But I liked the result of the poster art and didn't want to waste the category while I had such a nice rendering.

I did the original sketch in pencil on paper, then scanned it into photoshop where I painted it. The original is 11 x 17.

IF: Wilderness--Solitude (121-125)

As promised, I wanted to do something current for Illustration Friday's theme. I already posted to the theme, so this is just for fun. One of my most pleasurable memories in recent time is of going to Lake Placid for their summer lacrosse tournament. I haven't been in years, but those few times I went with my friends, really stand out.

My friend Steve introduced me to fly fishing on one of those trips. The cool waters of the Sarnac River were both calming and curing. After several games, these old legs were revived by standing for a couple of hours in the cold river. Fishing is not so much about catching fish as it is about trying to catch fish and leaping whole-body out of the hubub of the day. If you just catch one now and then to justify the time, you are satisfied.

I don't often get the opportunity, but it is definitely a moment in the wilderness and a happy place.

IF: Wilderness--The Lion Sleeps (126-127)

I may do something later in the week to create something new for the theme, but I like this painting which I did last year as a commission. Two ladies that I know went on safari and one wanted to have a photo done into a painting.

It was great fun to do. Splinter regularly poked her paw under the easle to help (which she loves to do when I paint in the house).

Acrylic 18 x 22

The Baseball Hall of Shame (128)

There are probably enough members now to have a National Baseball Hall of Shame.

Cats (129-132)

I have a poster that I will be working on in the next few days, so I was doing some thumbnails to get in the mood. I don't seem to have any problem capturing the basics in these scribbles since my point of reference is often walking across my paper or keyboard.

Just for fun, some scribbles.

IF: Confined (133-141)

The harder I work at posting--the longer it takes. This is a graphite drawing that has been painted in PhotoShop. We have been watching the "Tudors" recently which inspired this illustration. It is amazing how cruel man can be to man over ideals. Maybe one day, people will be able to allow others to think as they wish without feeling the need to harm each other.

This is somewhat of a departure from my recent illustrations, but I think I need to push things a bit more. Let me know what you think.