Doodley Self Portrait

Just a quick self portrait. Gearing up for CTN in a few weeks! I've never been to California (or west of Texas, for that matter), so I'm so excited for this trip! It'll be so great to see friends from college too :)

Larkstorm

It has been too long since I last updated on my blog. I could give an array of excuses. The truth is, graduating from college and the resulting years after has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I and so many others graduated in a time when jobs were sparse, hopes were low and the drive to keep going was quickly hindered by the constant rejection after rejection that we have all faced.

It hasn't been easy, and at times downright terrifying. But I do firmly believe that if you somehow keep going, surround yourself with people that want you to succeed and above all believe that you simply can, that anything is possible.

I was contacted by Kathleen Ortiz to work on a possible freelance opportunity last month. I was thrilled at even the consideration and was quickly thrown into one of the best experiences of my life. I was introduced to Dawn Rae Miller and her wonderful world of LARKSTORM, and given the opportunity to do what I could to make her beautiful story shine.

It was most certainly a test in faith, for they took a chance on picking me. While I might have a decent portfolio, I don't have a wealth of experience like so many others. I am humbled by their trust, and forever grateful for their friendship. I know this is just the beginning for me on my quest to make it in this world as an artist, and I am so honored and truly excited to share with you my first book cover for the upcoming YA novel LARKSTORM by the brilliant Dawn Rae Miller.

Quick Sketchy's update

Quick update. Caught a really bad cold at the beginning of the month, had an even worse cold front move in that resulted in hours without power, and then a week later my iMac decided it wanted to fail. I don't really have anything backed up (long story), so it's currently at a data recovery shop. Hopefully I won't lose most of my work from the past year, but you live and you learn.

I have my windows open today: 76° and sunny. I'll take it. Things are looking up for the rest of this month (but they really couldn't have gotten much worse). Hopefully I'll have some more work to show soon once I get my iMac back. Hope everyone enjoyed their Valentine's Day!

Ringmaster

Here's a character design I came up with, partially inspired by reading Water for Elephants recently for the book club Erin and I started with some friends. I had an image of a sleazy old circus ringmaster pop into my head and had to draw him. His teeth are disgusting and I love it!



I've dubbed him Big Louie Curbludgeon, mostly because my friend loved how curmudgeonly and sordid he looked and I wanted to be subtle. But not really, because I can't imagine Big Louie being subtle at all.

Can't wait to explore more of this seamy circus world.

Exploring with some brush and ink

At the weekly figure drawing we have going on, we started experimenting with some sumi ink. It was a lot of fun getting used to using a brush and ink again. These are all around 5-7 minute sketches that were started in a diluted ink and water combo, with the final drawing opaque. Should have more coming over the next couple of weeks!

A new year for more Dr. Sketchy's

Hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and new years! Last week, we had an awesome model at Dr. Sketchy's, so here's some of the drawings from that. Enjoy!