Superhero Sketches

Here are a couple of light hearted sketches of the Hulk and Batman from last week. I'm working on some chalkboard style quotes at work and learning a lot about typography and hand lettering. It's been challenging in a good way. I had the itch to do a little cartooning though and so these two superhero drawings were a fun way to relax in the evenings and get back to the sketchbook.

Happy Easter everyone!

Wolf Sketch

After work, usually around 4:30, I like to treat myself to a quick sketch before going home. It's a nice way to wind down and have some fun. Lately, I've been drawing all my roughs (for work) on the computer using a program called Sketchbook Pro. It saves time and if there's a revision, it's easier to make an edit on the computer rather than redraw something from scratch. So getting back to the real sketchbook and holding an actual pen or paint brush feels really good!

This drawing took about 30 minutes. I really enjoy the spontaneity that comes from working fast.When I give myself a time limit I'm usually trying to put down as much information as I can and so the analytical part of the brain shuts down giving unexpected results. It's fun!

Wolf Portrait
Ink Brush, Colored Pencil and White Out on Toned Cardstock

Hipster Fox

I had a blast designing a series of hipster animals at work last month. Here's the link to the rest of the animals as Embroidery Designs.

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/Products.aspx?Catalog=Emblibrary&ProductID=x11348

On the side, I've been working on a personal project with my wife. The goal is to create a theme of art prints to potentially sell on Etsy. Heidi's been so great at giving feedback about what works, what doesn't work and how to make it all go together as a set. This fox design on top was test in Adobe Illustrator to play with textures. Basically it's all grain filters and gradients. I'm liking the results and plan to apply it to the personal project.

It's been fun learning about Etsy and how it can empower creative entrepreneurs. The hardest part for me is being okay with the return rate vs. time invested in creating the art possibly being minimal. It's really about the journey though and learning more about the business side of being an artist. :)

Baby Super Heroes

This blog post is the follow up to the first Chibi Super Heroes post I did back in July, 2013. There are 6 new characters including Deadpool, Hulk, Wonder Woman, Spawn, Venom and Dr. Octopus. I finished these about a year ago. Between moving and planning a wedding these cards stayed in my portfolio and never got scanned in until a couple weeks ago. I do my best to finish projects and other commitments... even if it doesn't happen right away.

Each super hero character/card is 3.5" x 2.5" on bristle board using colored pencils, markers and pens. They're a lot of fun to work on and a fun challenge to redesign characters to make them look like they go together. I think these would look super cool if brought into Adobe Illustrator, cleaned up and made into a poster or print of some sort. Maybe some day... :)

Spider-Man Sketch

Just for fun. :)

I'm really enjoying sketching in this smaller sketchbook my wife got me for Valentine's last year. The size is  3.5" x 5". It's fun to do a quick sketch after work. The small size of the paper makes it less intimidating to create something "amazing" and to just have fun with it.

Meet Me On The Bridge

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2015 to you. :)

Pursue what is True

Probably the best decision I ever made. :)

Dear God,

... please convince my parents to let me have a cat for Christmas this year. I promise I'll take care of it and make sure it will always be fed and feel loved. Thank you. Amen. :)

A King Is Born

Santa Rocking Out

Getting in the spirit with a little Jingle Bell Rock! :)

Family Caricature

Last week I was fortunate to have the opportunity to draw caricatures at my church's block party to celebrate the new school year. It was a great way to meet people in our community and hopefully make us known to those who might be looking for a church home or a place to grow in faith. I drew caricatures professionally at theme parks for about five years before doing design work for embroidery full time. One of the things I loved most about drawing caricatures live was the interaction with a customer and getting a nice hearty hand shake or giant smile from someone who absolutely loved the piece of art you did for them and the experience they had!  :)

The caricature above is a portrait of my wife and I and our cat, Stimpy.

Thank you for stopping by. :)

Sometimes I forget...

...how small we really are.

Thank you for stopping by and checking out my art! I really do appreciate it. :)