Shame on Me

It's been over 2 months since my last post which is .... well ... silly.  I have been doing a lot and my blog has taken a backseat.  I have updated my website, started a newsletter (you can sign up for it in the panel on the right----->), been working on freelance, teaching college classes and working on my "Animals" book.  It's been a great year so far and I hope the greatness grows.  Here are some images I have been working on just so you realize I'm not a liar!

Drawing in Graphite

 Mixed Media on 16x20 Masonite

Digital Color Studies

Drawing in Graphite

Drawing in Graphite

Drawing in Graphite

The above images are for my "Animals From History" book which is being featured on my kickstarter page.  I have been posting my backers' sponsored animals and some stories that go along with them on my updates page.  I have made some incredible connections with this project and feel that my sponsors' participation keep growing.  The images from Top to Bottom are as follows:

-Mr. Phox as Shakespeare (backer's drawing)

-The San Diego Zoo Snow Leopards as F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald (original will be on sale at -Spectrum Live in May)

-Fenris as Jizo (color studies for backer's painting)

-Mocha as Audrey Hepburn (original will be on sale at Spectrum Live in May)

-Teddy as Kublai Khan (backer's drawing)

-Trixie as Florence Nightengale (backer's drawing)

There are MANY more that are complete, in progress and still in preliminary stages.  I'll try and keep you updated!  As always, thank you everyone for your interest and support!

Animals Update - ML Jobs

ML Jobs

Detail

Here's an "Animals" update for you!  ML Jobs.  I still have a bit more to do but will not be revisiting this one until the final weeks of the project.  For more information on "Animals" you can visit my kickstarter update page.

CleoCatra and The Final Stretch

CleoCatra

Cleocatra was the final sketch incentive and was snatched up pretty quickly.  With only 9 hours to go on my kickstarter campaign I am very happy to say that I am currently over my funding goal and have reaching my first stretch goal of 8400.  So now everyone who pledges $15 or more will receive a calendar in addition to the rewards.  

I have instituted a second stretch goal.  If the funding reaches 10,000 by midnight EST then one backer will be raffled an original final painting from the book.  All backers will be eligible for the raffle.  

Thank you to everyone who showed support!

Please visit and share my kickstarter with your ebook lovin' friends!

Sneak Peek - "Animals From History" Kickstarter

This is a sneak peek at my kickstarter.  It will be posted in the next few days.  I'll be sure to update this post when it's live.

These are mock layouts that will be modified and added to the ebook.  Click on either image to enlarge.

There will be many other awards for funding so stay tuned!  Thanks for stopping by!

Teaser - Details

Serval Detail

Swan Staff Detail

Orchid Detail

These are some details of a painting I am working on. It's almost complete. After it is sent off to the client I'll post the full image for your review. I'll talk a bit about my process as well.

Cat Queen

Cat Queen

And so it is put to rest. I finished the never ending project in time for the new year. Open deadlines are a pure nightmare for me to work with. I work much better under pressure. I will say that I did take advantage of the time and explored a lot of techniques I wanted to work with before but couldn't find time to do.

This became a pivotal piece for me. I'm happy. The client is happy. And now it's time to move on to a follow up piece. Decisions, decisions.

Cat Queen WIP

Detail of commission for a cat in Queen Elizabeth dress. Working on it. Almost finished.

M is for Mummy

Graphite on Hot Pressed Watercolor Paper

Here is a sketch in honor of the Halloween season. I wanted to do something familiar but put a little bit of a twist on it. A screaming cat should do the trick. I used reference of a yawning hairless cat. Very frightening. I also put an eye on the left arm....a little homage to Mark Ryden. Happy Halloween!