House O' Wax

Manny Acta and the Long Road to Washington

2008-06-16T15:31:12+00:00

On The Inevitable Extinction Of The Human Race or What, Me Worry?

2008-05-27T15:56:17+00:00

Last week I was contacted by the great Greg Klee, he of the Boston Globe and a client with which I've been fortunate to have a long and fruitful relationship. And though I've never met the man in the flesh, I imagine him to be a dashing gentleman who dresses to the nines, has impeccable manners and can crush walnuts with his bare hands. In short, a man for the ages.

He briefed me like so ( and I paraphrase, but just barely):

" Some scientist or another claims that if we found fossils on Mars it'd mean that intelligent life is more common throughout the universe that we think and since we're a neighboring planet it would mean that we're next in line for extinction"

Or something like that. The details, as presented. were fuzzy.
Never deterred by lack of understanding, Greg and I carved out a two part solution:

A) Mars Rover discovering fossils on Mars

B) Alien Probe discovering fossilized human remains on a barren Earth.

I've always enjoyed drawing machinery (excepting bicycles which, like cattle, are hard to draw). In this particular instance I turned in a finish with which I was pleased, only to have an editor feel that it needed revisiting. Such are the pitfalls of collaborative efforts.

Having not read the scientist's argument, i might have misunderstood, but I assumed that human extinction would not have been brought about by our own hand. I drew an intact city in the background, implying that humankind perished due to plague. I like to think Monkeypox, but only because I think it's a funny name for a disease.
The editor, on the other hand, imagined it would be due to warfare and requested that I demolish the city. He furthermore opined that the alien rover looked too familiar and asked that I strip it of its treads and make it a hovercraft.

Armed with the knowledge of our imminent demise, I threw caution to the wind and polished off an entire case of Genesee Cream Ale this weekend.

Zombots From The Past!

2008-05-12T13:42:56+00:00

Here's a little something from the archives..

I did my "Zombot" pencils for Pentech in 1992 I think- as I'd done almost nothing of note at that point, I haven't any idea how the Art Director found me, but find me she did and she was incredibly gracious and a joy to work for. After we'd discussed the project over the phone she sent out a large padded envelope full of samples. Artists that contributed to the aptly-named "Cool Art" series included Peter Bagge, Drew Friedmen, Gary Panter, Mitch O'Connell, and Drawger's own Elwood Smith and Lou Brooks.

I was deeply and inexorably under the spell of Charles Burns at the time and was drawing decayed flesh and robots on everything. Thus the Zombot pencil was born, although to a deafening roar of indifference from the pencil-buying community who evidently preferred their school and office supplies less...cool. I received a fairly handsome compensation from Pentch as I recall and two large cases of the product. As I lived in a cramped Manhattan rabbit hutch with no storage space whatsoever, I gave away as many of the pencils as I could, consolidated the remaining pencils into one box and eventually 'stored' them at my friends' families beach house on long Island. Where they are now is anyone's guess, but I'd be willing to bet an outer-borough landfill became their final resting place.

The only time I actually came across them in a retail environment was when I was browsing the aisles at a Big Lots store in Northern Kentucky (don't ask).

Regardless of whether these set the world on fire they were great fun to do and an interesting and creative use of some great artwork by some of the days best artists. And no, I'm not including myself in that bunch- like I said, I'm mystified by how I came to be amongst the chosen few. But I was a snotty kid back then and reveled in my status as a 'young gun' and probably didn't give it a second thought. In hindsight it was quite an honor.

Technical note: The artwork was inked at 250%, photostatted onto acetate and painted with Cel-Vinyl animation paints. The copy was written by the inestimable David Burd, who is as good a human being as he is a copywriter. And that's saying something, bub.

PS: The pencils, of which I have no photographic record, were indeed cool; a melange of decayed flesh and veins overlaying a background of bolted together metal plates. Trust me, they ruled.

Pets

2008-02-29T21:55:57+00:00

Pets are the greatest people I know. We love 'em so much around here that one wasn't enough. Last Sunday we adopted Champ aka Tiny Tiger through Adopt-A-Boxer Rescue and we couldn't be happier about it. Okie and Champ are settling in nicely as these photos would suggest.

Champ was given up by his previous owners because he 'barked, chewed, dug the houseplants, attacked the vacuum cleaner and soiled the house.' After 5 short days here he's exhibited none of those behaviors; he needed nothing more than consistency, guidance and (most of all, I suspect) exercise. 45 mins in the park every morning and he's a prince all day long.

And I vacuumed today, too.

Welcome home, Champ. we're glad you're here.

Piggybacking To Vancouver

2008-02-17T16:17:26+00:00

A short while ago I was contacted (via Illoz- vive le Illoz!) by a Mr Randall Watson on behalf of Vancouver Magazine. He had a handful of spots to accompany an article spotlighting the Worst of Vancouver in the year of 2007.

Being a fairly crabby man who finds great solace in complaining I felt confident that Mr Watson had reached out to the right man for the job. It was great fun and Randall was a joy to work with; he let me do what I do and made a few suggestions all of which were helpful. A rare job in which I felt neither shorted for time or money- both were ample.

I've found a friend in our neighbors to the North. In fact, most of my best gigs in recent years have swept down on the icy arctic Canadian breeze. Thank you, gentle friends. Labatt's and back bacon for the house! I'm buying!

Exhibitor Spread

2008-01-23T18:52:00+00:00

Recently the fine folks at Exhibitor Magazine displayed their good breeding and exceptional taste by hiring us to produce a double page spread for their fine publication. Well played, Exhibitor. Well played.

The brief that was sent to us via electronic mail revealed that the piece would be a hard-hitting expose of the often questionable tactics used to draw attention to oneself in the competitive arena of the trade show. An example cited in the brief had one desperate outfit dressing midgets ( their words, not mine. Little people need not bombard our PR staff with angry missives) as Mexicans and filling their sombreros with chips and salsa. The project proved impossible to resist.

Also included in the spread were naked cowboys, urinating statues, man dressed as prophylactics, scantily-clad pizza slinging tarts... a regular comic smorgasbord.

As is becoming more and more common here in the hallowed halls of Drawger, I'm including a look at the 'process' as it were. Here's a snippet of the sketch. All characters were scanned and saved as separate layers then scaled and moved about as need be. The intention was to have each character be an individual color to differentiate one from the other.

I labored like a one-legged tapdancer trying to get the colors satisfactory. It was an uphill climb but I finally nailed it. I sent a progress report to the client who countered that she preferred a more limited palette.

That night in the wee hours I sprung from my bed inspired. I summoned my manservant to prepare a mug of hot cocoa with a dash of whiskey. And I rummaged through the stacks until I uncovered my inspiration- Roger Duvoisin's "Petunia". A symphony composed solely in 3 colors. I pointed and clicked well into the night and by sunup had finally achieved a satisfying solution.

From Us To You

2007-12-23T13:57:56+00:00

Happiest of holidays to all of you. See you in '08.

When Books Are Outlawed..

2007-12-20T16:10:23+00:00

..only outlaws will read books.

Many of the books that have been banned from schools and libraries in the past are now considered literary classics and in some institutions are 'required reading'.

It may surprise you to know that such beloved classics as Lolita, Ulysses, Brave New World, Fahrenheit 451 and The Lorax have been banned in these United States at one point in history.

A Little Hocus-Pocus From A Non-Believer

2007-12-10T18:19:48+00:00

Several years ago my career as an illustrator was flourishing in a manner I never could have foreseen. Despite the fact that my abilities were meager and my attitude was unfailingly bad, my work was sought after by a multitude of clients.
Recently I was looking over some of my past output that I'd archived and largely forgotten about. One of the works that simultaneously intrigued me and brought upon stinging waves of shame was a series of tarot cards I'd done for Comedy Central. I'm afraid I can't recall the reason I was called upon to produce them, but the drawings themselves were such clumsy lefthanded scrawlings I was shocked that they were ever deemed acceptable by the client.
In any event, I was inspired to revisit them. Here are the results. I am too ashamed to show the originals, although I recognize the appeal of comparing before and after. Sorry.

OK, fine. I'm showing the originals, but under duress. I agree, it makes for a more interesting post. Have at 'em.

The Dreams Keep Me Awake

2007-12-03T18:49:42+00:00

People often ask me about my 'personal work'- do I paint or do any 'fine art' work? I bristle at the notion that what I do professionally is perceived as anything less than 'personal work', No matter what the content, it always reflects my sensibilities and mine alone, and is the distillation of all my numerous influences. I have always been an illustrator, even well before I was paid to be. With very few exceptions my influences have their roots in some facet of commercial art.

That said, I do have books and books of sketches that were done for no particular purpose other than my own amusement. Looking over them recently I saw a scrawling in the margin of one page of a cartoonish weeping heart. For whatever reason it stuck with me and invaded several of my recent sketches as well.

I've had this title and a vague idea attached to it kicking around for a while. I finally grabbed a few hours to put it together.

Some Pictures I Recently Drew

2007-11-15T14:54:52+00:00

I've been tied to the scribbling post quite a bit recently. Here's a look at some of my output.

Listen To The Drones

2007-11-07T18:47:58+00:00

For my money, there is no finer Rock'n'Roll outfit working today than Australia's The Drones. Check 'em out for yourself, chief.

The Defense Of Hamsteak Acres

2007-11-06T15:02:30+00:00

I was powerless against them. Those scents inflamed my curiosity; aroused my blackest passions. The breeze would swell, carrying with it gentle hints of duct tape, sweat on leather, tobacco, whiskey and cotton candy.

Time stopped then; the currents carried me and I was reduced to a simple vessel of simple desire. My legs propelled me forth in time to the rhythmic beating of her cashmere wings. Drinking deeply, surrendering my will, diving into the monsters maw.

After a time the darkness parted. The bruises bloomed, the fireworks fizzled, the credits rolled and there was naught but me.

Me, alone with the lingering smell of wormwood and hellfire teasing my sinuses. Me, alone with the diamonds and broken glass crunching under my heavy boots.

Me, lost once again in the long shadows of Hamsteak Acres' less savory parcels.

A Dramatic Re-enactment Of A Recent Commission

2007-10-15T16:27:17+00:00

Them: Wanna do a supercool gig?

Me: Yeah, I surely do.

Them: Seriously, get this: It's a drawing of a soldier on a hallucinogenic trip while wearing virtual reality glasses. Are you feelin' it?

Me: Well, I don't usually talk like that, but yeah- I guess I AM "feelin' it". Yeah...yeah, I am!

Them: OK, here's the thing: we need it quick and fast and we have such a paltry budget that you'd be better off giving it to us for free and declaring it a charitable donation on your 07 income taxes, ai-ight, Dawg?

Me: Great!

Amendment: Actually, none of the above conversation took place. Although the 'no time, no money' portion of the dialogue is technically accurate.
In fact I was contacted via e-mail by an extremely gracious woman to whom it was nearly impossible to say no. She basically assured me artistic freedom, which was all I needed to hear.

Epilogue: It appears the editor has decided to 'go in a different direction'.

There's A New Gun In Town.

2007-09-30T12:24:39+00:00

Heya! Huh? Yeah, it's been a while. I been busier than a one-eyed cat watchin' five rat-holes lately. Sure, I been cuttin' the hay as always ( like this here picture above what I done fer the Boston Globe). But to ice the cake, the missus and I went and had us a young'un. Dashiell, we're callin' him, and he's a cute as a mongoose though he don't seem too keen on sleepin' much. Reckon he'll figger it out in time.

OK, the hayseed gag's run it's course. The above illo was done for the mighty Greg Klee of the Boston Globe. Self, wife and offspring are doing fine, thanks.

Lee Hazelwood RIP

2007-08-21T18:21:46+00:00

My favorite Sinatra has always been Nancy, and the combination of Nancy and Lee was a one-two punch without peer. Not Johnny and June, not Sonny and Cher, not even Chamillionaire feat.Ciara.

A true artist and rebel. You'll be missed, Mr Hazlewood.

Cowards and heroes
Listen my friends
If you have money
Or nothing to spend
It'll make no difference
In a hundred years or so
Sooner or later
We all make the little flowers grow

Wise men and fools
Two 'll get you five
You'll never get
Out of this world alive
Don't run and hide
It's no use I know
Sooner or later
We all make the little flowers grow

Short men and tall men
And all the rest
Please don't blame me
I didn't start this mess
Some of us stay
Some of us go
Sooner or later
We all make the little flowers grow

Hell On Wheels

2007-08-08T13:28:07+00:00

Over the past few weeks I've been preoccupied with a major home renovation. I'll dwell on that no longer- I recognize it's limited appeal as a topic on an illustration blog. Illustration work has been typically slow as it's August and anyone with the ability to do so is likely lounging more and working less. A fine plan, methinks.

I did climb down off the scaffold to pound out a couple of drawings, though. One job was this cover story for the Seattle Weekly (AD Chris "Cuddles" MacManus).

Evidently the Seattle public bus system is a rolling lunatic asylum, stuffed to capacity with every manner of miscreant and misanthrope. By the accounts listed in the article, an entire army of Travis Bickles might be Seattle's best defense.

Working Hard and Hardly Working

2007-08-01T13:37:55+00:00

Greetings from everybody's second favorite Jewish carpenter. I've been busy as a one-legged tapdancer over here trying to get our humble home all buttoned up before our progeny arrives in all it's hungry and demanding glory.

Here's a look at the progress so far. I hope to be caulking and painting by late tomorrow.

As it stands, my 'illustration career' has taken a bit of a backseat. I did accept a couple of jobs during this stretch just to take the edge off the supply bills. I'll post one of them in the near future.

If Icon, I Will

2007-07-06T13:37:46+00:00

Thought I'd take a break from the home renovation postings and focus on something a little more relevant to the Drawger realm. This being an illustration blog and all. Thanks for asking, though- the renovation work is going swimmingly. Almost ready to enter 'phase 3': the exterior.

Anyhow, what I was getting at is this: I AM an illustrator (according to my tax returns) and as such I'm occasionally called upon to produce icons. Actually, I'd go so far as to say 'frequently'. Sure, magazine covers and national ad campaigns and toy designs and the like are swell and have their supporters and acolytes, but who'll stick up for the modest icon?

I happen to love doing these things. These were done for our neighbors to the North; evidently the Canadian government seems to think that refined sugars and preservatives aren't healthy alternatives to fresh fruits and vegetables. As an American raised on Tang and Pixie Stix, I find this an alarming bit of juju science, but Canadian dollars are as green as anybodies and who am I to get in the way of their dietary experimentation?

Actually, they paid me by check- are Canadian dollars green? I know they have beavers on their nickels.

What I Did On My Summer Vacation: A Tale Of Mirth And Woe

2007-06-26T10:31:15+00:00

Summer's finally here; time for fishing in cool streams, lazy games of croquet, and ingesting countless pounds of gypsum dust and untold filth dating back to the era of the horseless carriage.

I'm pleased to report that phase one of this three-stage project is largely complete. There's miles to go before the job is wrapped, but the main components are in place. WIth the help of my brother-in-law (whose skill-sets seem to stretch to the horizon and beyond) I removed the worthless unused stovepipe from my chimney, sealed the cavity, and repaired all the loose brick and mortar. The party wall was built out and was filled with insulation in an attempt to deaden sound transfer ( my neighbors evidently don't share my taste in music) All sheetrock is hung and taped, electrical in place. It's looking pretty good if I do say so myself. Can't wait to get back to my desk- working at the kitchen table is a fairly joyless arrangement.

Alas, there's no sigh of relief forthcoming. Yesterday marked the beginning of phase two: the back bedroom. This will be our son's lair and in it's present state is a woefully unsuitable location. The ceiling was sagging and peeling; the back wall housed two leaky and disagreeable aluminum windows. To cap it off, there is one 15-amp outlet and NO INSULATION in the back wall.

This will not do.

Goodbye To One Of The Greats

2007-06-12T13:38:05+00:00

Charley Harper (1922-2007)

A friend of the Wacksman family, Mr Harper's prints hung in nearly every room in our house. I recall carefully studying his complex woodland scenes and fully entering the picture; as a child there was nothing that would leave me so entranced as a depiction of a densely packed microcosm. I remember well visiting him in his studio and marveling at the chaos of creation.

As one does, I grew older and lost interest in Harper's artwork and dismissed it as nostalgic. Several years ago as my scope of interests grew I uncovered Charley's "Golden Big Book Of Biology" and was nearly knocked off my feet. My appreciation for his artwork was rekindled. Around the same time Charley found a friend in Ur-designer Todd Oldham, who featured his prints in print ads for his La-Z-Boy line. Charley then had a retrospective in Cincinnati and it seemed his star was once again on the rise.

Oldham has since published a book entitled "Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life" which will be available soon.

Mr Harper died Sunday of pneumonia at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife Edie and son Brett, both artists as well. He will be missed, but leaves a lifetime of beautiful artwork behind.

Crawling Through The Wreckage

2007-06-07T13:32:04+00:00

When we last met I was in the midst of a major renovation job, building a new half bath, storage closet, and adding some other much-needed improvements to my studio. Remember?

These things take time, friends. Time and money. And sweat and, if I'm honest, a little blood. But look, if I don't do it, who will?

Things are starting to shape up. The fun doesn't end here, though; the upstairs bedroom gets it next.

The bathroom is pretty well completed; the fixtures need to be installed and a few minor finishing touches. I've back-burnered this job; I'm waiting for a sink that's backordered.

I leveled the joists by screwing steel studs to them; they were almost 4 inches out of level over a 12 foot span. My brother-in-law Claude ran the electrical ( because he's an electrician) then he and my sister Sara helped sheetrock the ceiling. This house is more crooked than the White House.

The bathroom and closet are rocked and ready for taping.

Still, there's heaps of unfinished business. Here's the back (outside) wall. As you can see, there's a door to nowhere. A crappy, ill-fitting door that lets a bracing stream of cold air in in the Winter. I'm replacing the door with 2 large double-hung windows.
The bricks inside the walls are all this wall had for insulation. I'll be replacing them using r-19 denim insulation.

Here's the exterior shot. This is under the door - I removed the exterior sheathing to see what awaits me. Assy aluminum siding ( faded mint green - that's class!), asphalt shingle with the look and feel of real brick (gag), some fibrous, spongy strand board, and, at last, the original clapboards. Seems our house was once painted a dark charcoal grey. I kinda dig the Chas Addams vibe.

I'll be replacing all this with plywood, housewrap, rigid foam insulation and lastly, new cedar clapboards. Tight and toasty.

It's a dirty job, but ultimately satisfying as all hell. I love going to bed sore and exhausted. Looking forward to having it all finished and polished up by the time the kid is hatched.

It's not all rosy around here. though. After a long and courageous battle with Cancer, the Veal finally passed away last Thursday. Yesterday, June 6th would have been her 11th birthday. We miss her something awful.

On to Valhalla, sweet pet! There was no finer friend than you.

Studio In Transition

2007-05-21T19:11:03+00:00

Been a little low-profile on the Drawger circuit lately, and I wanted to dispel the rumor that I'd married a Bolivian prostitute and was overseeing a Canadian muskrat farm. Simply not true ( she's from Uraguay ).

Actually, Mrs W and I are expecting a baby in October and, upon learning the news, I did what any other expectant father would do: I went into a blind panic and started swinging a hammer with reckless abandon.

When we bought this house, the hippie that owned it previously had dome some interesting 'renovations' of her own, one of which was adding a tub, sink and toilet to the back bedroom. This room was to be my studio. I removed the filthy claw-foot tub and sold it via Craig's List to a zaftig goth girl and her diminutive boyfriend. The sink was worthless- I tossed it. I opened the walls and capped the plumbing. But the toilet remained in the corner, hidden behind a bookcase.

One thing I've been meaning to do was build a 1/2 bathroom in this corner. Junior's impending arrival lit a fire under my ass; this was the first order of business. Against the side wall of the bathroom will be a large storage closet.

I'll be ripping down the ceiling, shoring up the sagging subfloor and sistering a sagging joist, insulating and running all new electrical, including a dedicated AC line. Directly above my office will be junior's room - it'll be getting the same treatment.

Lastly, I'll be breaking out the back wall, framing it out for 2 new large double hung, low-e windows and adding R19 denim insulation.

Next winter we'll all be warm and snug- the past 2 years the studio was actually windy.

Huh?

2007-05-08T14:08:00+00:00

I've never claimed to be a financial wizard. I can add and subtract, multiply single digit numbers, and calculate a 20% tip. That's gotten me this far.
Recently I got a gig from a financial mag. The AD gave me a pithy account of the article's content and suggested an image that she'd like to see sketched out. She also requested that I sketch out 3 or 4 ideas of my own.
I read the article and, for what I believe is the first time in my professional life, could make ABSOLUTELY no sense of the content. I thought about the AD' s suggestion for an image and couldn't for the life of me understand excatly how it fit in with the article. A thin layer of perspiration settled on my brow. My knees went weak and rubbery. I ate an entire bag of Doritos.
Then I started highlighting key phrases. One of them was 'recapture' - I used that as my springboard and came up with several images of 'assets' being 'recaptured'.

This is the one that was chosen. I owe it all to the Doritos.

APBT

2007-04-26T16:56:00+00:00

I love dogs of all sorts. But I try to be realistic about them. American Pit Bull Terriers, APBTs or simply pitbulls are a good example.

Purebred dogs all exist for a reason. Rottweilers were butcher's dogs used to pull carts, and drive cattle. Dauschhunds were used to hunt burrowing animals, especially badgers. Newfoundlands to retreive fishermen's nets from deep and cold water.

Pitbulls? To fight.

This doesn't make the 'bad dogs' to me. Terriers have a heightened prey drive; we bred them to so they'd be good ratters. Pitbulls were selectively bred for a hightened prey drive coupled with intense tenacity and strength. HUMANS made them that way. When they fight, they're doing what they were designed to do.

I don't condone dogfighting- I think bloodsports of any type are barbaric and inhumane. But in the recent past every country in the world had their own versions. Pitbulls are a remainder of this culture in America.

Assault By Mail

2007-04-10T13:43:27+00:00

Throughout my 'career', postcards have been the most effective means of advertising. I've tried websites and sourcebooks, skywriting and cold-calling. I hired a gentleman outside my local methadone clinic to wear a sandwich board and hand out free kittens. Still, I've found nothing that equals the postcard for sheer simplicity and effectiveness.

WIth that, I give you a peep at my latest entry; an image I call "Hoedown". They're my first I've done with Vistaprint and I'm pleased to pronounce their quality 'satisfactory', if not awe-inspiring. You get, as the saying goes, what you pay for.

Howdeye Doodat?

2007-04-02T15:40:51+00:00

Apart from my ability to wriggle through a keyhole and shoot armor piercing lasers from my baby blue eyes, my third most mesmerizing talent is illustration. No matter where I roam, people stand in awe of the rich and colorful tapestries I weave out of nothing more than a cupful of imagination and a handful of determination. How, they ask, did you do that? They often assume some witchcraft is involved.

In order to dispell this notion, I offer you a rare and priveliged look behind the curtain. As it were- there's actually no curtain involved.

Here's a vignette that depicts a young man finding out his services as an actor are no longer required.

The designer I worked with, Catherine Tutrone, had this idea in mind and described the scene to me when she contacted me. Any excuse to draw a critter, that's my motto. I cheerfully accepted. She gave me dimensions, etc, and turned me loose.

First, pencils. In this case I concentrated mostly on the central image, figuring I'd build the scene around it.

Once satisfied with the pencil sketch, I scan it in and open it in Adobe brand Illustrator. I trace the important shapes and delineate colors. Also here I work out my layout with simple, blocky shapes.

After reaching a satisfactory composition, I open the document in Adobe brand Photoshop. I ice the cake with some scrawlings on the trusty Wacom tablet, then flatten the whole shebang. This is shipped off via electronic mail to the client ( in this case Ms Tutrone) for her notes.

Once the sketch is approved, I refine the illustrator paths until fully satisfied. I'll then print out a low res copy and ink all linework on a vellum overlay. My preferred ink is made from the spittle of Madagascar's giant fruit bat, but in a pinch FW Waterproof will do the trick.

Lastly, the whole shebang is sandwiched together in Photoshop . I'll keep everything layered so I can fidget with colors and add some texture. And, of course, I'll sacrifice a goat on a marble dias while wearing a mask made of corn husks and gopher teeth. Brings the whole thing together nicely.

All Hail Kroninger, A Beacon Of Unparalleled Generosity!

2007-03-29T19:55:00+00:00

Guess what I got in the mail today, people? A handbill from the Clash's legendary 1981 Bond's Casino shows and a veritable fistful of Clash rarities recorded on the convenient Compact Disc format.

What did I do to deserve this bounty? Absolutely nothing, really. It's just that Stephen Kroninger and I had a brief discussion ( in the secret clubhouse - shhh...)regarding my regret at having missed those shows- a landmark in both NYC and Rock'N'Roll history. And Kroninger being a man of staggering munificence responds with the above pictured bounty.

As I am in the process of updating my mailing list, an onerous task in the best of circumstances, the tunes couldn't have come at a better time.

Thanks again, Stephen - you're a mensch! The rest of you could learn a thing or two from this guy - hint, hint...

Steroids Can Be Fun!

2007-03-21T14:02:28+00:00

I've been up to my chinny-chin-chin with a variety of productivity-sucking activities- tax prep, car repairs, doctor's appointments... a full and cripplingly boring cavalcade of errands and responsibilities.

Stiil, I know how my eager audience checks in on an hourly basis to see what gems I've posted for their delectation and/or edification. Trust me, readers, it's not a responsibilty I take lightly.

With this in mind, I give you an oldie but a goodie: A 'fun page' I did under the direction of Sports Illustrated's talented art director Linda Root. This was completed during the Barry Bonds steroid speculation era and was originally meant to feature Bonds personally. SI's lawyers thought better of that and the 'slugger' was changed to a generic player.

Hope you enjoy these puzzles. You'll have to flip your monitor upside down for the answers.

While On The Subject Of Balls...

2007-03-14T14:49:49+00:00

Since I've fired up the old "Wayback Machine', let's take a moment to ponder this ill-advised sketch for the cover of AC/DC's "Ballbreaker" album.

The year was 1995; I was reveling in my 'young gun' status and the jobs were flooding in at a furious rate. The climate was such that, when I was offered an AC/DC album cover my attitude was "Let's go off the rails and see what these so-called rockers are REALLY made of".
Alas, I learned the hard way that no matter what the lads of AC/DC were really made of, the marketing department at Elektra Records was made of a desire to sell records. And they, bless their avaricious little souls, didn't think this image was the best means to that particular end.

So, OK- maybe it's a tad offensive ( even for an album entitled "Ballbreaker). Still, I see a degree of artistic glee here that reminds me of those exciting ( and staggeringly lucrative) times.

Why Do Bunnies DJ?

2007-03-14T14:19:29+00:00

What is it that makes these lop-eared little scamps love to spin the hits? It's a mystery that's stoked the artistic fires of all of us at one point, I'm certain. See Mr Leo Espinosa's earlier post for further proof.

This one was an ad in the MTV Video Music Awards program for Elektra Records. Unfortunately, the final artwork is contained only on a dusty Zip Disk, an obsolete format that I have no means to read.

I'm posting this unimpressive bit of scrawl only because I ( and maybe I'm alone in this) found it to be an amazing coinky-dink that Studio Espinosa is currently showcasing an (admittedly MUCH better) image of a DJing bunny. What are the odds?

AA Bondy

2007-03-07T14:52:05+00:00

A tribute to Scott Bondy ( ex Verbena) and his new album 'American Hearts.'
Verbena was a favorite band of mine, a Stones-y outfit with punk roots and Southern swagger. Unfortunately, myopic critics dismissed them as Nirvana clones and, after 3 albums and an EP,they disbanded without much fanfare.
A bit of digging revealed that Scott Bondy, Verbena's singer and guitarist, has resurfaced as AA Bondy and has a new album of acoustic songs.

I only wish I could tell you more. An e-mail to his publicist went unanswered, his record label hasn't updated their website, and tour dates are only available via his label's MySpace page.

To hear the music that inspired this piece, go to AA Bondy's Myspace page. He'll be playing at Brooklyn's Southpaw on March 17.

Maybe I should be getting his publicist's paycheck!

UPDATE: I just received this response from his label, Superphonic records:

We're still not exactly sure when AA's record will be released but it will probably be early June.

You Kids and your Digital Thingamajiggies!

2007-03-05T15:22:15+00:00

Seems that the young people of today are less likely to go to the theatre and take in a moton picture- they're accustomed to a more 'on-demand' lifestlye as a result of downloadable content. Well, duh.

I put this little number together for friend and fellow Drawger Dave Bamundo at the Wall Street Journal. I'm still a poking around with the new 'no outline' style. Slowed me down a bit, but made me think and be a little more engaged, which is always welcome.

And while we're on the subject of movies, we went to see David Fincher's latest, "Zodiac" this weekend and I'm sorry to say I can't recommend it. Without getting too deep into it, I'l simply say it would benefit greatly from a "45 minute-ectomy'.

A Brief Recap Of My Recent Travels

2007-03-02T03:50:09+00:00

And I'm Off

2007-02-16T15:23:17+00:00

As of the very minute I stop typing this post, I'm on vacation. Which is well-needed, I might add, as I have a rather advanced case of what medical professionals have termed the "Mid-Winter Blues".
I might also add that this morning while I was walking my dogs, a small Japanese sedan full of misanthropic teens slowed down to a crawl in order for the passenger in the front seat to roll down his windows and shout a string of unintelligble epithets at me. Why they felt it neccessary to bring midmorning traffic to a halt to assail a stranger is beyond me, but I guess boys will be boys. I could easily shrug it off had he not followed up by flinging a Popeye's takeout cup full of ice and the remnants of an orange soda at me.

Fortunately, they missed by a country mile, but really - it gets one thinking, and the thought that occured to me was-

Who the holy hell is eating fried chicken at 8AM?

Anyhow, here's a portrait of Grammy Nominated New York No-Wave trio the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

And with that, I bid you adieu. I'm on vacation.

Poe-Poe Zao

2007-02-12T14:26:26+00:00

It's a wild world when one finds onesself at the confluence of Edgar Allen poe, Scott Bakal, and K-Fed. But here we are- a portrait of the author, as inspired by my colleague and titled in a tribute to the pop icon himself.

A while back Scott and I got to talking about Poe and he proposed that we both attempt a portrait. I was in the throes of some project or another and replied that, while game, I wouldn't be able to get to it for several days.

An hour later I found myself at a standstill- my client had not responded to my sketches and I was doodling my time away. So I got a jump on my Poe portrait. I finished it within an hour and posted it on my illoz site, to my discredit and Scott's dismay.

Anyhow, here it is. No musical accompaniment, I'm afraid, although I believe I was listening to the Ron & Fez show on XM 202 at the time.

Houdineed

2007-01-31T19:05:52+00:00

The other night the missus and I settled in with a digital video disc entitled "The Illusionist". The entire affair was filmed in Prague and was visually quite a stunner. This is in no way meant to discount the story or acting, both of which were immensely satisfying, but I couldn't seem to shake the vision of the ornate Victorian theater.

And so the next day found me producing this image of famed escape artist ( and NOT illusionist, yes I am aware of the difference) Harry Houdini. After I completed it I pulled a shiny nickel out of my ear! It's magic!

The Illusionist, starring the incomprable Ed Norton, fellow Brooklynite Paul Giamatti, and the truly, truly lovely Jesssica Biel. Maybe not a 'must-see", but more of a "more enjoyable alternative to two hours of Alf reruns".

Start Every Day Inspired

2007-01-30T17:14:49+00:00

I've developed a recent obsession with the late Aurelius Battaglia. He was enormously prolific and equally talented yet little information is available regarding the man behind the magic.

A quick googling led me to the door of one Leif Peng and his blog, the aptly titled "Today's Inspiration". Leif is an Ontario based illustrator who, like me , reveres some of the greats of yesteryear and is loathe to see them vanish into obscurity.

Leif's pithy and informative articles are always accompanied by scans of some jaw-droppingly beautiful artworks from his own collection. His enthusiastic tributes to yesterday's art-stars are truly inspiring.

Check it out here:

TODAY'S INSPIRATION

Dig it now and thank me later.

Conejo Con Radio

2007-01-26T18:33:15+00:00

Painting from a sketch that's been tacked to my corkboard since Regan was president. This piece might give the viewer the impression that I like jazz. The sad fact is that I've been unable to foster an appreciation for it, despite multiple attempts.

Go ahead, Jazzbos of Drawger- lemme have it.

Nostalgia Act

2007-01-22T17:01:35+00:00

Late-Onset Sentimentality is an inherited disorder; my father became quite a mush in his later years and it seems that I'm genetically predestined to follow in his footsteps.

This portait of Minneapolis rock outfit The Replacements is a good example on several levels.

First the band:

This is them in 1985. I was a Junior in High School and going through what I imagine every boy my age goes through; a maelstrom of emotional turmoil, a combustible mxture of arrogance and self-doubt, drunk on possibility.
The Replacements had just made their masterpiece- a poignant album called Tim, that spoke volumes to me. It was a raucous affair, dirty and full of boozy bravado, but at it's center it was fragile and, at times, downright mournful. It was a band on the verge- they imploded after this record with a bid for commercial acceptance that didn't suit them and they collapsed under their own uncertainty.
These days I listen to "Tim" and I can still smell the moldy floormats and sun-baked naugahyde upholstery of my old VW. It's atill a perfect album.

As time's gone by I find I've developed an anachronistic streak a mile wide. This is especially true in matters of aestetics, and doubly so where design and illustration for the juvenile market is concerned.
I did a job last year- a rather massive job, in fact, over 30 full color illos - for a children's almanac. Somehow, I allowed myself to call to mind my Childcraft Encyclopedias from the late 1960's and I used these as a touchstone for all my work. I honestly don't know WHAT I was thinking here, but the designer didn't stop me...
When I received the finished product in the mail I was appalled. Not at the garish, saturated, drop-shadowed, hysterical mishmash that I held in my hand but at my foolishness. How could I have believed the end result would have been anything else, let alone the simple and understated beauty of my beloved Childcrafts?

These drawings by Aurelius Battaglia ca 1952 say it all for me. My Replacements portrait was inspired by these; their simplicity and lyricism is at the zenith of 'children's book art' in my eyes.

Raves!

2007-01-16T16:03:14+00:00

I've got a big deadline breathing down my neck, so no time for any experimenting, sketching or painting - I've had my ass pretty firmly planted in front of the old computer for the past week or so.

Still, I know how you all eagerly check my blog every morning with the hopes that I'll impart some of my hard-earned wisdom, get-rich-quick schemes , or real-life tales of coming up in the 'hood, gangsta-style.

As I find myself in a bit of a crunch, that will all have to wait for later. What I offer you here is a few raves. They are as follows:

#I) Children Of Men - a motion picture that Mrs W and I saw this weekend. As realistic a piece of science fiction as I've ever seen; a believable dystopia, a plausible storyline and at it's core an amazingly touching drama. Pitch perfect acting, jaw-dropping action. A 'must-see' and I would think MUCH better on the big screen.

#2) Walton Ford at the Brooklyn Museum - see it now; it's over at the end of the month.

#3) Scott Walker performing 'Jackie' on TV - a Jacques Brel song as performed by Scott Walker.

Robert Deniro And How He Got To Be This Way

2007-01-02T22:00:00+00:00

I often find myself defending my lack of interest in art galleries and museums. I'm not particularly well acquainted with the masters of the art world and despite my best efforts to stay awake, often found myself in a black and dreamless sleep during Art History lecture.

Most of the art that I love and respond to is commercial art. A great many of my favorite artists are still alive and living in relative obscurity . Some of them include Art Seiden, Hawley Pratt, Tom Oreb, Aurelius Battaglia, Lowell Hess,Charly Harper and Moritz Kennel. It's more than likely that your average culture-vulture on museum mile will respond to this list with anything more than a blank stare. But these are, to me, awe-inspiring giants of the art universe.

I've been concentrating on portraits lately. It's a discipline that I never put much effort toward and as a consequence have rarely been called upon to produce them.

Over the holidays I spent some time browsing through my files and books, especially some Childcraft Library Books from the late 60's that have been a longtime source of inspiration. I've referred back to them on this blog repeatedly; they are my primary jumping-off point when approaching work for the children's market. Of course, this usually provokes criticism from AD's and editors that implore me to make my work 'less retro'.

Anyhow, I love how these drawings are done in blue and black.

Also I'd been looking extensively at Art Seiden's work letely- this drawing he did of the Rockefeller Center Xmas Tree in particular. I love the way the crowd eventually leans to the right. I shamelessly appropriated his cityscape for my Deniro portrait.

Lastly was this great piece for Collier's by Lowell Hess. Almost everything that guy ever did makes my head explode, but I know very little about him.

Rising To The Challenge

2006-12-20T18:11:07+00:00

The holidays. A busy time of year, we must all agree. Last minute shopping, social engagements, travel, violent sacrificial rituals, overeating, binge drinking and uncontrollable mood swings- why, it's a wonder we get any work done at all!

I have a full dance card lately; a big job that I'm trying to get under control before I head North for the holidays.

But J.D. King posed a challenge to me and I'm not one to back down from a challenge. Unless there's some risk of bodily injury or financial loss. Then you can pretty much forget it- my Mama didn't raise no fool.

Anyhow, JD posed the following challenge: produce a portrait and post it without any indication of who it's meant to represent.

I thought about doing either Hitler, WC Fields, Woody Allen or Groucho Marx. But in the end I decided on this fella.

So, JD ( and whomever else chooses to play) go ahead- make your guesses. There is no prize for the winner, but wrong answers will be penalized with a tax audit and a 'frog punch'. So guess carefully.

A Little Later, Another Nader

2006-12-19T17:45:11+00:00

My last post was a portrait of Ralph Nader. It was an ugly affair and I considered it a failure. What left me somewhat vexed was why someone like Nader would present such a challenge. Bell's Palsy has left half his face partally paralyzed. His eyes and eyebrows alone say almost everything that need be said.

I felt that my previous portrait captured his likeness ( although looking at it now I see it even less- he looks more like actor Dan Hedaya), but I felt that stylistically it was stiff and graceless. I put it away for the weekend and tried to put it out of my mind.

Today before starting work I sat down a doodled a portrait of Nader from memory. I wanted to implement the convention that all the great characaturists do: exaggerating the most prominent features to capture the likeness. I thought again about Nader's eyes and eyebrows and his crooked smirk.

And lo, Ralph started to appear! I went to my photo reference and tightened up the sketch until I had a likeness that is at once recognizable and stylized and, to me, sums up Nader much better than my previous attempt.

Ad Mac, This One's For You:

2006-12-15T20:23:43+00:00

Esteemed colleague Adam McCauley recenty recalled a grueling experience he had trying to capture the likeness of Ralph Nader.

I thought to myself: "Self, how hard could Ralph Nader be? With those brows and crooked countenence; why he's practically MADE for a characature."

And so I set about the task. And to my surprise, Mr Nader resisted interpretation quite heartily. "Sonofagun", I said to myself,"Ad Mac was right- this guy's tough".

It was a bitter struggle. After mopping up the blood, sweat and tears I was left with a portrait that i believe is recognizable as Nader, but at the expense of style and finesse. It is, in technical terms, a big soggy sack of sh*t.

Star Gallery

2006-12-14T17:17:59+00:00

I've never concentrated on doing portraits; I enjoy character design so much that it's always seemed somewhat pointless. In addition, I've suffered the most at the hands of egotistical subjects that feel that i didn't adequately capture their unique beauty and radiance .

I'm not really interested in plastic perfection, which is why I prefer doing portraits of male stars to female- it's difficult to make the ubiquitous Beyonce (above) not look like omnipresent Eva Longoria - it's all hair, teeth and eyes.

But I had a great time doing these and I think most are pretty succesful. I ask you, my friends, to critique these so i can hone my skills.

Check 'em out HERE.

A Brief Treatise On The Bomb Pop and It's Influence In Contemporary Illustration

2006-12-08T21:48:08+00:00

The Bomb Pop; A masterpiece of efficient and iconic culinary design; at once a refreshing and sweet summertime delight and visual reminder of US military might.

My artistic output has been bedeviled by these frozen treats for . years now. Though it pains me to do so, i reveal to you a piece I had published in the venerable Annual of American Illustration #16, published in the late Juraissic ( and, incidentally, the first and last time my artwork would ever be included between it's hallowed covers).

See what lengths I;'m willing to go for you, dear reader? So that you may see the evolution of the Bomb Pop and better grasp it's place in the annals of Illustration history?

You're Welcome.

Anyhow, here's one I did yesterday that was the catalyst for today's painting. And yeah, JD King- those antennas in the main image above are indeed ripped-off directly and unapologetically from you.

A Little Holiday Cheer

2006-12-06T18:37:17+00:00

Keeping the momentum up. Oddly, this one took 4 tries until I got it right and I must confess: I took it to Ye Olde Photoshoppe for a bit of clean up.

The Devil You Don't Know

2006-12-05T19:03:47+00:00

I've been painting as much as time will allow. Results are still mixed, but I'm getting a feel for what I'm doing and 'finding my feet' as they say.

Maybe this doesn't take advantage of the wet medium so well, but I really dug it. The drawing needs some help - one of those horns is kinda skewed, but I'm gonna do more of these and keep it loose and easy.

I've titled this one "Sin" for complicated and personal reasons. Don't try to figure out why...

More About Me.

2006-11-29T16:24:48+00:00

Ah, the "Blogospere"...ever expanding and virtually all-encompassing. It is a true testament to the power of the internet that gainfully employed people with families and hobbies will still take time out from their days' schedule to enjoy a 'virtual tour' of my explosively messy studio.

With that in mind, I give you THIS , an interview with yours truly on the subject of our house renovation.

Within you'll also learn what I expect when I eat out and more about my dog. I really bared my soul for this interview. Please- one at a time- don't crash the server!

Send Help

2006-11-28T15:38:43+00:00

I've noticed a trend lately: many of my fellow artsmiths posting pics of their pristine and well-organized workplaces. I am a true devotee of neatness and am easily driven to a state dangerously close to rage when I can't locate my keys, a particular item of clothing, or my evening sedatives. Don't ever want to be without those- believe me.

However, it has been noted by many that man intrinsically posesses a dual nature, and here's where mine is most clearly illustrated: The workplace. It may surprise some of you that the magic tapestries I offer for your delectation are not woven isn a pristine vaccuum, but instead cobbled together in a maelstrom of detrius that most closely resembles the aftermath of a tropical storm in a trailer park.

Frequently onlookers will find me excitedly rifling through mountainous piles of scrap, looking for an errant sketch or hastily jotted note. brushes and pencils logjamming up the right hand side of my workspace with careless abandon. A fine peppering of eraser dust coats nearly everything. Books, magazines and receipts add to the landscape. An ancient Rolodex loaded with long-outdated contacts has taken up permanent residence in the left hand corner.

Indeed. this is a place for creation and nothing will stand in the way!
Fortunately my workplae is not subject to health inspection and in light of that fact it seems unlikely that things will ever change.

Happy Birthday, Okie!

2006-11-20T16:38:37+00:00

Okie's one year old today. He celebrated with a chew followed by a nap.

That's my boy! Happy Birthday, Pal- and many, many more!

And Now Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Program

2006-11-20T02:07:40+00:00

I did this little number for tne esteemed Dave Bamundo at the WSJ this week. Dave Bamundo is good people in general ( despite supporting a losing team ) but as an Art Director, he's tops!

He gave me an overview of the article, a thumbnail for layout and dimensions and gave me an indication of which of my pieces he liked most stylistically. Sketches were promptly approved. e-mails promptly returned - it was downright heavenly.

I had a blast doing this piece! I decided to forego the Streamline/ Illustrator technique and do it all in Photoshop. Which was a bit of a revelation for me - I think my old technique might be obsolete. Somehow the Photoshop finish just looks more natural.

Anyhow- hats off to you, DaveB! Thanks for the gig!

Brushing Up On My Portraiture

2006-11-15T22:01:37+00:00

Get it? BRUSHING Up? 'Cos they're paintings? Ha!

I've never been the go-to guy for portraits, even though I've always thought I did a serviceable job. I always would get my sketches rejected on the grounds that the likeness wasn't close enough. This was most often coupled with teh helpful advice "I dunno, maybe it's trhe eyes? Or the mouth? Maybe more hair on top?".

Eventually I stopped trying for those giggs; it was too aggravating and I'm a guy that's all about avoidance of aggravation- just ask my parole officer.

Still, I'm up for a challenge, so I challenged myself thusly: Grab a magazine. Any magazine. Open it and paint a portrait of whomever is pictured. In this case it was Leo DiCaprio. In case you can't tell.

I did a sketch in under 10 mins and finished the painting within an hour. The pink slash is way too hamfisted and the sketch was a slightly better likeness, but it's a start. I plan to do one of these a day until I lose interest and stop doing one a day.

I have very few 'painting' heroes. Gary Panter and Picasso are pretty much it. So if you plan to comment, please make sure you reference one or both of them. Here's a sample comment to get you started: " WOW! It's like Picasso and Gary Panter had a son and that son was you!"

Or, conversely: 'You suck!"

Dogue de Bordeaux Paintings

2006-11-15T16:10:01+00:00

While I know that some of those amongst us consider dogs the embodiment of evil and a suitable visual metaphor for man's inhumanity toward man, I love 'em. I mean, I LOVE the critters enough that I ( a devout athiest) consider them probably the only living proof of the existence of a divine being. Once I sw the face of God in a brick oven fired pizza, too. That's probably a story for another time.

So, as those of you who care enough to actually read my longwinded blather here already know, I've started pushing paint instead of pixels lately. We're still very much in the experimenting/relearning phase of this mission and are attempting to stay light on our feet and not get bogged down. Failures have been numerous, but slowly some interesting works are emerging from the pile.

I was contacted by the head of Australian Dogue de Bordeaux rescue to do a couple of pieces for a calendar, the proceeds of which will be funnelled back into the rescue efforts. These dogs remain fairly rare and it is a source of wonder to me that someone will go through what i had to go through in order to obtain one only to mistreat, neglect or simply throw it away. In fact, though, it happens enough to neccessitate rescue organizations to collect and rehome these magnificent creatures. I was happy to help ( and declare the paintings as a charitible donation to the Feds).

Here they are. I'm pleased with them, although they represent a stage in the process and not what I'd consider mature or confident works.

The Pleasure Was All Mine

2006-11-10T16:48:53+00:00

Last night's festivities were fun. Fifty bucks a head fun? I dunno, but fun. And what's with the lychee martinis? Maybe I have a warped self image, but I don't think of myself as the lind of man that, when ordering a martini, gives off a 'lychees instead of olives' vibe.

Was great to see and or meet you: eRod, Goldin ( David, one day I'll introduce you to my wife- I think you'd really hit it off), Leo E, Ad McMuffin and Wig, Tim O'B and Marc B.

Also big ups to my college chum and roomate George Bates, recently married.

Book looks pretty good this year ( although with what I would term a 'tragic' lack of Wacksman, the sonsofbitches). Mark Matcho, errant drawgerite and man of mystery, had a nice piece displayed despite his claim that he 'didn't get anything in again this year'.

Stopped in to see DaveB at the Local around the corner, too. Go Rutgers!

Did anyone go to the after-party? I'd had enough art-geeking by midninght and threw in the towel. I guess it was the Lychee martinis.

A Self Portrait Of Myself

2006-11-08T19:37:17+00:00

I love it when poeple say that. Or "Seven Thirty PM in the evening".

Here's the first self portrait I've done in over 7 years. As much as I resisted the idea of getting glasses, it's been surprisingly fun. If 'fun' is the word to describe advanced decrepitude. At least it's something new.

Been enjoying painting, although the amount of abject failures I've produced is a bit alarming. Thought maybe I'd concentrate on portraits for a bit - maybe the New Yorker will hier me next time Lionel Richie comes to town...

Seeya. Sucker!

2006-11-08T18:01:24+00:00

Is it true? My sources say that Rumsfeld just stepped down!!!

Smoke Pot Now!

2006-11-02T18:29:56+00:00

Not that i advocate the smoking of marijuana. I could care less.I was just looking for a provocative headline.If you're just sitting home watching Fashion House and eating microwave popcorn in your fuzzy slippers you can be chasing the dragon for all I care.
Presonally, I get all claustrophobic when I smoke pot- had to give it up. I'm too much of a control freak to enjoy drugs. But that's not to say I won't cash the check of a pot-advocacy group when they hire me to do 20 drawings debunking many of the long-established myths that accompany discussions of the ol' wacky tobaccy.

Here's a couple of 'em.

The book is as-of-yet unpublished (and, I might add, the check is as-of-yet undelivered...) but if you want to be one of those blowhards at parties who loves to pontificate about how hemp makes really strong rope and all that, this might be one for your 'must read' list.

Taking Apart A Well-Oiled Machine

2006-10-20T15:05:19+00:00

Yesterday I visited the optometrist. After gazing through a series of high-tech binoculars, stereoscopes. monocles and spectacles I was rather ruefully informed that I was 'in biiiig trouble'. It seems that i've been in need of specs for some time now (15 or so years, by the doc's estimation) and have been forcing my eyes to focus, the equivalent of spending your waking life with your fists tightly clenched.

When I was finally fitted with lenses of the proper perscription I felt a sense of relaxation and relief that I had no earthly idea I was missing. It was as if someone had loosened a screw in the center of my forehead.

Interesting, right? But what's the relevance, you ask. Well, ( and bear with me; this might be kind of a stretch)- it's all about ways of seeing. I've been focusing, literally and figuratively, on one level for so long that I've lost touch with other...planes? possibilities? And while my 'style' has most certainly evolved over the years, I fear that my thinking about my artwork hasn't.

I'm trying some new things; new approaches, techniques, media. I'll keep the rambling to a minimum, but here's a look at what's been going on. Keep in mind that these are baby steps- I'm unbelievebly uptight. But I'm dipping my toe in...

Personality Plus!

2006-10-16T15:34:00+00:00

Did this one last week for the Boston Globe. I spent the majority of my time working on character design ,which tends to be my favorite part of any job. This one, I'm afraid, suffered for it somewhat; I'm not thrilled with the dynamic of the 'lead character' in the crowd.

It was done piecemeal and the 'lead' figure was concieved in a seperate sketch. I had to rework it extensively to fit the dimensions of the cover and allow for type. In trhe end time got tight and there wasn't enough time left over for a bunch of fidgeting. And man, can I fidget when time allows.

Another issue that came into play was the fact that I finished this piece in Photoshop, a method that, while gaining chops, I'm still not entirely proficient with yet. I had a plan to attempt to add depth to the image using a splatter-y airbrush technique, but multiple passes at it were unsatisfactory and I finally gave up the fight.

Anyhow, the article is about how sometimes it's best to look past the resume and hire someone with a sparkling personality- you can train him to have the skills, but you can't train a guy not to be a complete dick.

Think FINK!

2006-10-09T11:30:49+00:00

Monster Art of the 1960's is one of the things that inflames the passions of my inner child, along with Funny Face Drink Mix, Pilsbury Food Sticks, Evel Kenevel and Rankin-Bass holiday specials. Here's to the king monster of Monster Art- RAT FINK!

Hope For Today's Youth

2006-10-06T14:21:13+00:00

Attention Parents: Turn off Dora. Turn off Thomas.

DIG THIS!!:

YO GABBA GABBA

Could it be? Is someone daring to actually challenge young minds?? Where are the marketing execs? Why haven't they put a stop to this?

Taking Another Crack At Ye Olde Photoshoppe

2006-10-03T21:35:41+00:00

Just turned this one yesterday. I'm feeling pretty good about it. Photoshoppin' is still a bit alien to me. In fact it slowed me down quite a bit. But I've been displeased with the work I've been doing for the children's market for a long while and I think I might be coming around the bend here.

Whenever an assignment for the kids' market comes up I immediately channel my set of 1967 Childcraft Encyclopedias. Almost the entire set is done in Cyan and Black tones and is the coolest goddamn thing ever. I've tried to slip this past several clients but to no avail.

Anyhow, the texture and line in those books and in the illos of the era are something I've been after for some time and with this last one I believe I'm closing in on it.

Stockholm, Mi Amore

2006-09-21T17:46:04+00:00

I'm just back at the helm after a few days in Stockholm. And there's a ton of stupid crap nipping at my ankles; the monthly job that I'm too lame to hit up for more money, the sketch that's due TWO WEEKS before the finish, the ongoing book project that's been hanging around my neck like a goddamn ten-pound goiter. And jetlag.
So I nip on over here to see what you scalawags are getting up to while I'm not around to check up on you and I find that so much has happened that I'm damn near out of the loop. A peek into the speakeasy finds it's nearly doubled in content in the last week! Illustration Mundo? RSS feeds? Annuals?
Look here, people: When I'm away I expect you spend your 'free time' weeping and composing poems and prose celebrating me. WTF?

Seriously, though; thanks to the people of Stockholm, Sweden for being so cool and good-looking. What a town!

A "Delusional System" Is Born!

2006-09-15T18:25:40+00:00

"The distress of chaos followed by the establishment of a new order is a typical course of events which takes place in all creative activity, whether in the arts or the sciences. This Eureka pattern is also characteristic of religious revelation and the delusional systems of people we label insane".

-Anthony Scott
Feet Of Clay: Saints, Sinners and Madmen: A Study Of Gurus

Leading Headlines

2006-09-07T20:58:04+00:00

Sometimes an article's headline puts a real lock on your creativity. This was one such case: the article was about how candidates want GWB to fundraise for them, but due to his sagging poll numbers they don't wanna be seen with him. There were some geat examples of the excuses offered- a real laff-fest. But the article's headline?

'I Have To Wash My Hair, Mr. President"

How you gonna work around that one?

Anyhow, believe it or no this is my first crack ever at capturing the likeness of our fearless leader. He's pretty easy, too with those squinty eyes, chimplike ears and pointy upper lip.

Outraged Illustrator is Outraged By Outrageousness!

2006-08-29T15:50:02+00:00

The phone just rang. I picked it up, as I sometimes do. "House O' Wax," I chirped in my best imitation of cheery "how may I help you?"

The voice on the other end sounded weary, distracted and slightly sinister. "Um, I'm looking for Steve Wacksman"

"You found him-"

"Oh,,,hi. Uh, my name is Lefty Romaine*and I'm calling from Chunks* magazine. We're a new food mag..."

I'll spare you the blow by blow and hack publishing boilerplate about how Chunks* mag is different form any other of the myriad food rags littering the racks. I did my best to sound interested and toyed with injecting a touch of intrigued.

The pitch: "We'd love it if you'd do a piece for our upcoming issue".

Great, I think...here's a chance to get a foot in the door while this baby's still on the ground floor.

Then the zinger:
4 x 5" horizontal.
Full Color
Unproofed manuscript
Sketches: Wed PM
Finish: Fri AM

Fee: $200

I couldn't help myself - " Two hundred?! Is that EARTH dollars?"

Lefty gave me the ol' "We're all in this boat together-we're just getting started- this could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship" rap. I've herad this millions of times- it used to be " this'll be good for your portfolio" or "I'm not gonna be at 'plumbing today' forever - I'm going places and I'll take you with me".

Mister Romaine, I'm sure you had the best intentions and really wanted to work with me and you've been a fan forever, but I've got mouths to feed. Well, I have MY mouth to feed, and your offering of a sock full of dusty nickels is barely gonna accomplish that ( I have a healthy appetite, so what?). So to you ( and those like you who seem to have a real knack for finding me) I say:

Good Day, Sir.