New Studies

Finally, something new to post! I've been busy with artwork, but nothing neat enough to show just yet.


Here is a small head model I made from Crayola air-dry clay. It's lumpy and unfinished but I wanted to have something for lighting reference when drawing an adult face. This could be used for just about any head but I think I might make a female model as well.

And this is a drawing of the character I did last night. I really wanted to see the results of drawing from the model, so I probably won't take this image beyond the sketch. There are a few issues with it but I think it turned out well.

I intend to have several pieces, a bit more mature than the children's book illustrations, featuring a medieval theme. I've been recently inspired by the paintings of Edmund Blair Leighton, particularly "The Accolade." They just have such a wonderful feel to them... chivalrous... noble... upstanding... And beautiful women in gorgeous flowing dresses!

Anyway... a lot of artwork in the works. As soon as I have some finished pieces I'll share them. (The little girl study, from two posts ago, is in the final stages now)

Out to Lunch

I finally caught up with one of my friends from school yesterday. She had some photos for a competition that she would enter, and wanted my artistic opinion. With this in mind, I expected the usual quiet lunch at the Chinese restaurant, but Kathy wanted to try the new Hibachi across the street.

She bought the lunch, but I think I paid for it. The chef at the grill singled me out when cracking his jokes. One of his favorite lines was, "You very han'some...Harry Potta!" And then he would demand I say thank you. The man was preparing my food and I was hungry, so I complied.

I quickly learned not to hold my soup bowl at the hibachi as well. The chef enjoyed a frequent yell that was impossible to expect. Needless to say, I was wearing some of my soup when I left... but I had a good time.



Now back to watching hurricane Gustav... I think that one might have our name on it.

Head Study

Is time moving faster or is it just me? It seems like every aspect of life is picking up speed.

The sketch above is one of several studies for an illustration I plan to use for promotional material. I'm really happy with the direction so far and will share the final illustration later along with the prelim sketches.

A Little Monster Day

"A Little Monster Day," written by Wendi Richards, is one of the ten national finalist in the ABC's Children's Book Competition. From Sept. 21 to Oct. 5 this story will be posted at www.abcbookcompetition.org. During the contest you can read the stories and vote for your favorite. The story with the most votes will be published.

Picture Book News Coming

This is the homepage illustration as it looks right now. But more importantly I have some picture book news to post in the next few days, so be sure to check back!

Straight at 'em, Mr Mowett

Here's a two year old mock portrait of my debonair brother as Captain Jack Aubrey. I don't think Alex has ever been serious about anything in his life so this picture suits him. The finished portrait was supposed to cover a fusebox in my studio, but it never made it past this stage.


And now I start my weekend early for mum's birthday... Happy Birthday Mom!

Have a great weekend!