Illustration Friday: Match

Another attempt at sculpting an illustration. I had a tough time coming up with this idea, and it kept developing until I was completely done. It started as just a fat man and his average wife, both with handlebar curls in their hair. Then it developed into this. He's a multi-millionaire with his wife he robbed from the cradle, and with his funds, created a voluptuous woman.

Or, he's the mayor of Stepford.

Turned out to have a better story behind it.

Here's my son's idea, with matching lightning strikes everywhere. I love it when he does these with me.

Blick Studio Catalog

I try at all costs to avoid the local brick and mortar art supply store. With the high prices and the snobby teenage sales associates who hover over you while you browse as if you're a potential starving artist shoplifter, it's more "high-class" than I can stand. And besides the mega craft stores around, there's no competition for them to make them change their ways. What this town needs is a Blick Studio art store to stir things up a bit. Until then, I'll goggle and drool over the latest 384 page Blick Studio annual catalog.

Just got it yesterday, and it stays with me all year. Sure, I can go online to their fabulous store and peruse over every item, but a paper catalog is just more relaxing and enjoyable to read. It's like the Sears catalog for art geeks like me! It has everything! From Sharpies to kilns. From kids' supplies to uber cool and complex art easels. Ok, it doesn't have paper clips, but this isn't an office supply store.

I love reading the small articles that describe many of their products, and sample artwork using the different media. It also profiles some of the artists who create these products. Just fascinating stuff that no snobby teenage sales associate would ever know. At least until they ordered this catalog themselves.

Busy Bee

Boy, I've been busy. Unfortunately my Illustration Friday posts have been the victim of neglect. So I thought I should post at least a little of what I've been doing. I'm working feverishly to update Insect Lore's whole website (you can see how my illustrations have pretty much taken over) and here's a sketch I did for some packaging, which I hope I don't ruin when I add color. If it turns out ok, I'll post the finished illo.

I just love the range of things I get to do at Insect Lore. From web site design and Flash games, to cartoon illustrations and toy design, to illos like the one here. It's quite the dream job.

Illustration Friday: Clean

"But... but... my HANDS are clean!"

This is an experiment that I was really excited about, that turned out not quite like I had hoped. I'm so deflated by the results, but I really don't have any more time to devote to it. It looks pretty cool in real life, but everything gets lost in the photograph... or doesn't get lost, rather. The photo shows every flaw in my sculpting and painting, which, in real life, your eye forgives.

It's my first attempt at a sculpture illustration, so I can't be too hard on myself. Anyone have tips on photographing something like this? Any help would be grand! I'll love you forever, I promise!

Here's another angle: