Random Thoughts From A Random Kind of Guy

William Reichold

2012-02-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

William Reichold
Northside, Pittsburgh, PA
1986

A Must See Show.

2012-02-09T10:12:00.000-05:00

Two incredible artists in the same gallery.

Opening tomorrow through March 3.

Go. Enjoy.

http://potteryandpaint.blogspot.com/

Today, I have been crowned . . .

2012-01-30T13:48:00.001-05:00

. . . his majesty, "The King of Random Thoughts".

Therefore . . . I give you . . .

"Banana".

Thanks to artist extraordinaire Lauren Chaikin for bestowing this honor upon me.

JAE IS AWESOME TOO!

2011-12-04T13:31:00.001-05:00

I love that he has the same glasses as me . . .

Illustration Friday: Round

2011-12-01T13:30:00.001-05:00

Click on image to view at a larger size.

Marker.

Sketch of model Phat Man Dee from Dr. Sketchy Cleveland.

Pose from above.

In addition to her comedic burlesque act, she is an amazing Jazz vocalist and was voted #2 Best Local Jazz Act in the Pittsburgh City Paper Poll of 2010. An an interesting mix and another entertaining night at Dr, Sketchy.

Take me back to more Random Thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Vanity

2011-11-22T18:07:00.003-05:00

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Marker, digital.

Return me to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Silent

2011-11-22T14:13:00.001-05:00

Click on image to view at a larger size.

Digital.

Keep Drawing

2011-11-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

keep drawing from studio shelter on Vimeo.

Illustration Friday: Stripes

2011-11-11T11:40:00.002-05:00

Click on image to view at actual size.

Quick sketch. Ball point pen and cheap PhotoShop color.

Illustration Friday: Scary

2011-11-01T15:31:00.001-04:00

Click on image to view at a larger size.

Quick sketch. Ballpoint pen.

Steve Jobs 1955 - 2011

2011-10-06T10:10:00.001-04:00

Just before the May, 1998 Macworld in which Apple unveiled the very first iMac, my department and I were nervous. Apple was in terrible shape; we just weren't sure what to expect. So we crafted an email of our concerns and sent it to sjobs@pixar.com - we rolled the dice. We expressed our concerns about the Mac and all the rumors, but expected no reply - we knew it was a long shot.

Amazingly within a couple hours, we received a reply . . . from Steve. It simply read:

"Have no fear.

Steve"

We didn't. And we don't.

Thank you Steve.

May you rest in peace. God Bless you and your family.

Olympic-Themed Bingo Dabber

2011-09-22T15:37:00.007-04:00

Them: We'd like you to design a dabber commemorating the 2012 Olympic Games in London for our U.K. customers.
Me: Awesome. I'll start some concepts.
Them: Wait. We didn't obtain the licensing agreement with the Olympic Committee. So you can't use the Olympic rings, medal images or the official mascots.
Me: Umm, okay . . .

One 30-second sketch on the back of a note pad, two hours of illustration, one trip through legal and an email across the pond . . .

3D model of the approved design.

I love days like this . . .

Coronation Street

2011-08-17T13:04:00.001-04:00

Coronation Street is a British television series that has been in production since 1960 and is currently the longest running soap opera in history. We designed bingo dabbers with caricatures of some of the more memorable cast members that have a long history with the show as part of the "Classic Corrie Collection". The product was a smash in the U.K. and we were asked to design the "Corrie Today Collection" to follow up. More images to come.

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful

2011-08-11T15:48:00.002-04:00

Your new favorite artists turn the conventional pin up on it's pretty little head with dozens of drawings, paintings, and photos filling Tremont's swankiest salon.

Special appearance by HilarAtease, Cleveland's premiere comedic dance company. Specializing in hilarious burlesque, and vaudeville entertainment.

Friday, August 12 · 7:00pm - 11:30pm

Studio Le Beau

2360 W.11, Cleveland

Join us for our big summer party!

London Air Raid Drill, 1940

2011-07-27T12:13:00.001-04:00

Pencil Riot

2011-06-12T15:52:00.001-04:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

Digital.

Cruise the Galaxy!

2011-05-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

I found this link on the Juxtapoz Magazine's website. An entire series of Star Wars propaganda posters created by different artists . . . Check it out HERE.

Take me back to more Random Thoughts . . .

Stellar

2011-01-06T11:11:00.007-05:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

I know a few!
Beautiful decorative work on her and the cover; an amazing illustration.

James Jean: Mirada

2010-12-10T17:19:00.005-05:00

Click on image to view at a larger size.

A new design from the incredible James Jean. This was actually only a sketch that was rejected for another take on the concept. See the images HERE. Now please excuse me . . . I am going to bang my head against a wall somewhere.

Typographic Star Wars Posters

2010-11-19T12:13:00.006-05:00

Click on image to view at a larger size.

Very fun, creative typographic Star Wars posters from
H-57 Creative Station.

Check out their site here.

Take me back to more Random Thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Afterwards

2010-11-11T15:56:00.002-05:00

Click on image to view at a larger size.

A last minute entry for this week. Digital.
Take me back to more Random Thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Racing

2010-10-28T16:56:00.007-04:00

Click on the image to view at a larger size.

A quick, last minute entry. Pencil, marker, diigital.
Return me to more Random Thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Spooky

2010-10-25T13:01:00.005-04:00

Click on image to view at a larger size.

A scan from my sketchbook. I didn't have the chance to do a finished illustration, but here's a couple concepts for Illustration Friday, "Spooky"I've had a couple people email and ask me "What's the deal with the smoking in a lot of your illustrations?" Well, the simple truth is, I have no clue. I am not a smoker and never have been. But growing up around a family of smokers, it's permeated my conciousness . . . perhaps it just adds a little flavor or character to the image . . .

Take me back to more Random Thoughts . . .

I love Mad Men . . .

2010-10-13T11:51:00.003-04:00

"We're creative; the least important, most important thing there is."
- Don Draper

It's been a busy few months . . .

2010-10-07T18:26:00.010-04:00

When a friend and colleague had to ask me to do another "you're the only one that can do it" project, he could only smile at me and then bless me with these words . . .

Click on the images to view at a larger size.

Digital.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Brave

2010-05-14T13:11:00.005-04:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

Digital.

Take me back to more Random Thoughts . . .

Extensive Notes From My Morning Meeting . . .

2010-05-12T12:51:00.008-04:00

Click on image to see at full size.

Hey - At least I understand what they mean . . . I think.

Uniball GEL Impact RT Pen (awesome to sketch with), Sharpie Ultra Fine Point Marker (also awesome to sketch with), a little PhotoShop for flavor and to remove profanity, on whatever paper I had at the time.

Return to more Random Thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Perspective

2010-03-04T15:29:00.005-05:00

Click on image to view at full size.

Digital.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Propagate

2010-02-23T22:49:00.002-05:00

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Flair Pen on Graphics 360 Marker Paper, Digital.
Take me to more random thoughts . . .

Fashion Assassin

2010-02-16T10:28:00.005-05:00

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Ink and marker from my sketchbook.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

It's good to be king . . . even if it's for just a little while.

2010-01-18T17:48:00.007-05:00

Click on images to view at a larger size.

I have an incredibly talented crew of designers, illustrators, animators and production artists. Each year, we literally produce thousands of graphics and illustrations for the charitable gaming industry, i.e. bingo. If I could submit work from each and every one of them I would. This year I saw a specific opportunity to enter a series of package designs to Graphic Design USA's American Package Design Awards . . . and here are the results.

Congratulations to my illustrator Mike Koch for consistently creating work unlike anything our industry has ever seen. We knew we had something special when he showed me his concepts and we gave the project the attention it deserved. It's good to be king . . . even if it's just for a little while . . . until the next project!

Take me back to more Random Thoughts . . .

"Never discuss philosophy or politics in a disco environment" . . . or Welcome to Jack's Sketchbook

2010-01-15T12:10:00.013-05:00

Click on images to view at a larger size . . .

Frank Zappa

On several blog entries, I thank "Jack" for his input and art direction . . . Jack Snyder and I work together and is one of the most talented artists I have the pleasure to know. I appreciate and relate to his sense of humor and unique way of looking at things. Jack is a music aficionado, having worked in that business for a long time before becoming a full time illustrator and is incredibly knowledgeable. He started a blog "Jack's Sketchbook" in which he posts an illustration of a musician on their birthday and other related images.

Allen Toussaint

He's posted a variety of artwork and various quotes along with the images. It's a fun blog - check it out! Okay Jack . . . the pressure's on! Whose birthday is it tomorrow?

Illustration Friday: Confined

2010-01-12T16:51:00.005-05:00

Click on image to enlarge.

Something quick and graphic for this week.

Thanks for the art direction Sarah!

Digital

Take me back to more Random Thoughts . . .

"Entangled" Redux

2009-12-06T11:11:00.012-05:00

Click on images to view at larger size.

Pen and ink on Graphics 360 Marker Paper.

For Illustration Friday topics, I suppose it's the same for a lot of artists. Sometimes the concepts come right to you and at times it's a struggle. The "entangled lovers" concept came to me early on, but until last night I didn't know how I wanted to render it.

I started in my sketchbook with some simple, figurative organic lines intertwined, or "entangled" if you will. I liked the idea of one figure embracing the other from behind, rather than a more "conventional" pose. Then came the difficult part - refining and editing until I could convey the imagery in the most economical and hopefully elegant way possible. After roughly 30 re-draws with the brush pen, I settled on the final image shown above. I probably could have kept refining it, but I have heard it said somewhere that art is never finished, only abandoned.

The concept that caused me to literally laugh myself awake is shown below. You can see I started rendering it digitally after the original sketch, but after the Tiger Woods doodle shown in the previous post, I decided to run with that instead of finishing the rendering.

So there's a little insight into my creative process. From an entangled house cat, to an entangled golf icon, to entangled lovers . . . Enjoy!

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Entangled

2009-12-02T15:43:00.007-05:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

I was heading a completely different direction for this weeks IF entry. After a lively conversation about Tiger Woods at lunch, I doodled this during a 5 minute phone call.

A co-worker convinced me to post it "as is."

Original art for sale!
Ball point pen on copier paper.
Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Music

2009-11-25T14:59:00.008-05:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

What I thought would be a quick, last minute entry before the holiday turned into a huge pain in the arse. It will be interesting to see how many people recognize the imagery.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Digital.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Unbalanced

2009-11-17T12:58:00.008-05:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

My eyesight is so unbalanced, it's impossible for me to use the old 3-D glasses.

Ball point pen, cheap PhotoShop color . . . drawn and colored very quickly.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Skinny

2009-11-04T13:01:00.004-05:00

Click on image to enlarge.

Another quick sketch for this week.
Ball point pen.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Fast (2)

2009-10-29T12:58:00.004-04:00

Click on image to enlarge.

Faster than a speeding . . . or used to be. It's tough getting old.

Digital.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Fast

2009-10-27T13:11:00.006-04:00

Click on image to enlarge.

A quick sketch for this week. Ball point pen on copier paper and cheap trick PhotoShop motion blur.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Germs

2009-10-02T12:33:00.016-04:00

(click on image to view actual size.)

"Good evening, ladies and germs," Berle would say to his audience. "I mean ladies and gentlemen. I call you ladies and gentlemen, but you know what you really are."

Digital.

Thanks to Jack for the art direction!

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Infinite

2009-09-22T12:34:00.006-04:00

(click on image to enlarge)

Hell has been described as a lake of fire . . . but also as the complete separation from love and God . . . infinite loneliness.

Ball point pen, Sharpie marker, collage, and digital on an office notepad.

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Strong

2009-09-09T15:55:00.006-04:00

(click to enlarge)

For some reason I like to sketch coffee cups . . . no idea what that's about.
Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Chuck Jones 1912 - 2002 . . . "Suuperrrr Genious . . . "

2009-09-08T12:17:00.016-04:00

"In timing a film, we used to assume that sneaks move slowly. This was great for animators—thirty-six to forty-eight drawings for a single step—but it was sheer hell for the pace of the picture. So the rapid tiptoe was invented."

Chuck Jones

I watched a short documentary on Chuck Jones last night. I was reminded that he was not just an amazing artist/animator/director, but a interesting human being as well with an amazing outlook on life. Check out his blog. His letters to his daughter are especially moving and insightful. The cartoons created for adult audiences in the 1930's through the 1960's are still relevant even today. We can all relate to characters like Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, The Coyote and Road Runner. His website has many of his quotes, but I found this one particularly funny with brilliant problem solving. Plus it's just fun to say "rapid tiptoe".

Many more posts coming on Mr. Jones in the future.

Image from Mr. Jones' official website http://www.chuckjones.com/

Illustration Friday: Magnify

2009-09-02T23:14:00.006-04:00

(click to enlarge)

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Caution

2009-08-24T17:03:00.006-04:00

(click on image to view at a larger size)

Take me back to more random thoughts . . .

Illustration Friday: Wrapped (up in a good book)

2009-08-21T09:20:00.013-04:00

(Click on image to view at a larger size)
This was for the Illustration Friday challenge from August 14, so I am indeed running a week behind. The new word has already been posted for this week (August 21), "Caution". I would have made this weeks deadline except the idea didn't come to me until yesterday when I was . . . errr . . . you get the picture. Enjoy the sketch!

My friend Amy has a great book review blog. Check it out!
http://readhammysmind.blogspot.com/

Art Out Loud!

2009-08-14T15:20:00.009-04:00

I was going to spill on what I have been doing since May and why I haven't posted - blah, blah, blah. Instead, let me tell you about Art Out Loud. Art Out Loud is an event held at The Society of Illustrators in New York City a few times a year. Well reknown illustrators come and demonstrate their techniques in front of a group of observers in a very loose, fun atmosphere. I attended one of these events three years ago and the atmosphere was electric! I left there re-invigorated and just blown away at being able to interact with such talented artists while they completed their work. These aren't boring, stale demos . . . they start an illustration and discuss their techniques and thoughts as the work takes shape and comes to life. The next event is September 12. The artists who will be demonstrating are:

(Click on images to enlarge)

Donato Giancola

James Gurney

Gregory Manchess

Charles Vess

Sam Weber

If there's any chance of getting to this event, do it. You'll be floored with what you experience . . . Just being in the Society of Illustrators building, in New York City . . . it's amazing what you'll take away from Art Out Loud.

Illustration Friday: Hierarchy (I guess you had to be there . . .)

2009-05-04T15:54:00.006-04:00

A little at work silliness . . .

Sharpies on chipboard.

Click on image to view at larger size.

Illustration Friday: Theater

2009-04-30T22:42:00.006-04:00

Our poor Vaudevillian robot just can't catch a break . . .
Click on the image to view at a larger size.

Gustaf Tenggren

2009-04-20T10:25:00.006-04:00

(Click on images to view a larger size.)

"Toys"

I have a passion for the early days of commercial art. Before the terms "graphic designer" and "illustrator" became thrown about so recklessly as they are today. My friend Mike Koch shares that passion, especially for old book illustrations. He recently introduced me to the work of Gustaf Tenggren.

Pinnochio Concept Sketches

"Pinnochio"

"Geppetto in the Whale"

"Shipwreck"

"Puppeteer"

Tenggren was an amazing talent and was a head illustrator for Disney during the 1930's - known as he golden age of animation. His concept illustrations are nothing short of exquisite and his pencil concept sketches are far beyond what some consider finished art today. He had a very diverse career, working for such companies as Walt Disney, Milton Bradley, and Little Golden Books. So much can be learned from studying such masters as Gustaf Tenggren. Much more can be found HERE. Enjoy!

Illustration Friday: Fleeting

2009-04-17T10:32:00.007-04:00

Very quick last minute entry. No reference, just the concept down on paper.

Art School Redux . . .

2009-04-16T00:05:00.010-04:00

Sorry, can't resist. More pics from art school. In 1985, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh was a 10-story building on Penn Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh. And it was ALL art school - no real amenities, just classrooms, paint splatters and atmosphere. After high school graduation, it took over a year of working 100 hours per week making slightly more than minimum wage to get there and it was worth every minute. The day I arrived I called my mom on a pay phone outside my apartment. "Hi mom, I'm here" were the only words I got out . . . we laughed hysterically in pure joy for a half hour that I had achieved my goal. It was the greatest experience of my life.

Steinmiller and I owned the joint . . .

Doug.

Yours truly.

Tracy at work at the parking lot and Doug. "Did you take the stairs?"

I guess enough years have passed that this has lost all blackmail potential . . .

Taking a homework break . . . but bar stool handstands?

Doug and I on Mt. Washington.

Homework, homework and more homework. Getting a little scruffy . . .

Talk about getting scruffy . . . Is that supposed to be a beard?

The start of my cancer year . . . thank God for my friends.

I found a bunch more pics for a special project I am working on. I'll probably start a set on Flickr and put up a link as I scan more. Until later . . .

Tattooing circa 1984 or "Move your arm again and I'll break it."

2009-04-15T23:10:00.009-04:00

A couple posts ago, I mentioned my interest in tattoos and tattooing. While working on a project for my friend, I found these pics of me getting my first tattoo. Back in 1984, there wasn't a Miami or LA Ink, it was still pretty taboo, reserved mostly for bikers and punk rockers . . . which made it all the cooler.

The last chance to change your mind . . .

The finished outline.

Starting the color.

Finished.

There were no consultations, or considering the "clients feelings" back then as it is now on the bi-coastal "Ink" TV shows. When I squirmed a bit after the artist started the outline, he stopped working and in the most calm and yet threatening voice I have ever heard, did indeed say, "Move your arm again and I'll break it." Needless to say he did not need to repeat his warning.

My only regret really after all these years is that I didn't design my own, especially given the fact that I was an artist and followed that career path. I guess I was just too excited at the prospect of getting "inked" that the thought didn't cross my mind.

Special thanks to my wonderful and cherished friend and step-mom Judy who signed for me (I was a tad too young at the time ;-). And yes, that is my Who concert t-shirt from the 1983 tour . . .

Art School Circa 1985-86

2009-04-09T01:32:00.008-04:00

I had this photo posted on the blog before my attempted re-design of it last year. This is a photo of me taken by my college roommate and long time friend Doug Steinmiller, probably during the middle of the night. Someone recently asked me why I had taken it off the blog, so I thought I would re-post it. This was long before the computer became what it is today . . . I miss these days gone by when not only did you have to complete the creative portion of your projects, but the production art as well. A successful career as a "commercial artist" required a broad level of skill and craftsmanship that is sadly lacking today in a lot of respects. I reflect on these days fondly . . .

If only . . .

2009-04-02T16:38:00.003-04:00

Illustration Friday: Legendary

2009-03-19T13:56:00.008-04:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

This week was tough. I started off with a sketch I really loved, but struggled to bring the concept to fruition. I tried to retain as much of the same feel as possible the sketch contained and still create a finished piece.

Original concept sketch.

Illustration Friday: Intricate

2009-03-09T00:59:00.006-04:00

I would imagine that robot vomit would be quite intricate . . .
alright I admit, it's a stretch. Enjoy!

Click on image to view at full size.

Here's the original sketch:

Click on image to view at full size.

Graphic Artists' Tattoos

2009-03-07T09:51:00.004-05:00

Tattooing is something that has fascinated me for a long time. I think it's the whole idea of "living, breathing art" and I have been honored to have my artwork adorn the bodies of several friends. Check out the link below. A lot of very creative, beautifully done work. Enjoy!

Illustration Friday: Time

2009-02-09T16:55:00.002-05:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

Illustration Friday: Flawed

2009-02-04T13:07:00.003-05:00

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Illustration Friday: Climbing

2009-01-28T10:57:00.003-05:00

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Illustration Friday: Pale

2009-01-21T10:04:00.007-05:00

Click on image to view at full size.

Andrew Wyeth has died and I am a hack.

2009-01-16T17:35:00.008-05:00

The great American artist Andrew Wyeth has passed away at age 91. I was first introduced to his work by my college roommate Doug Steinmiller in 1985. I immediately fell in love with not only his work, but also that of his father, N.C. Wyeth and his son Jamie. To say that the work of the three generations of Wyeths has been an inspiration to me would be a gross understatement. The legacy of their work will forever be etched upon our world's artistic landscape. One of Andrew Wyeth's most notable works is "Christina's World" painted in 1948 shown below.

Wyeth garnered significant attention upon the discovery of the "Helga Pictures" in 1986 and the cover story featured in Time Magazine. From 1971 to 1985, Wyeth created the approximately 240 works that record an intensive study of Helga Testorf. She is a German immigrant whose family worked for Karl Kuener, the Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania neighbor whom Wyeth made the subject of many works during the 1960s and 1970s. Wyeth created his Helga Pictures in nearly complete privacy without revealing to anyone -- even his own wife -- the series' existence, the identity of the model, or the extent of the project. This exhaustive exploration of one subject is unprecedented in American art. Wyeth drew and painted Helga clothed and nude, indoors and outside in every season for over a decade. When his wife Betsy Wyeth was asked what the Helga pictures represented, she simply replied, "Love." This intensified the mystery and motivation surrounding the body of work.

Braids, 1979, tempera, 16 1/2 x 20 1/2 inches

Wyeth had his critics. Some believe he was saddled with the reputation of his father N.C. Wyeth who is known for his book illustrations of classic stories. (See my blog post "The Magic of Glendorn and the Wyeth Painting") One critic called him, "a facile realist, not an artist but merely an illustrator." My friend Mike Koch had a terrific response to such nonsense: "If anyone would ever calls me 'a facile realist, not an artist but merely an illustrator', I will punch them in the throat, pour their hot latte over their head and then go look up what 'facile' means."

In looking for images for this post and viewing his vast amount of work, my mind was flooded with the thoughts of a "traditional art education", my struggle to maintain a fresh viewpoint, the impact of the digital age and my desire to regain my ability to communicate visually. As I looked through my blog prior to this post I realized I am merely a hack standing in the long shadows of great artists such as Andrew Wyeth. It almost sickens me to think about posting this weeks Illustration Friday entry. But then I am reminded by my friend Tracy, "It's about the process, dammit!"

Rest in peace Andrew Wyeth, and thank you.

The New Yorker Magazine's 2009 Eustace Tilley Contest

2009-01-15T15:50:00.011-05:00

"Chicken Tilley"

Last year, The New Yorker magazine ran a contest whereby people had an opportunity to illustrate their take on the famous character from the magazine's first issue, Eustace Tilley. The 20 winners had their entries published on the web and in the pages of The New Yorker. This year they'll be picking 12 winners and above is my entry into the fray. The winners will be featured on the website.

The cover of The New Yorker magazines first edition.

--------------------------------

I have been fortunate in my career to work with some incredibly talented people. Mike Koch is one of them. Mike and I have worked together for more than five years and I have come to greatly admire his artistic skills as well as his love for old books and the illustrations that grace their pages. He and I decided to take on this project at the same time and his entry is below. Needless to say I think it is definitely one of the better entries in both technique and concept.

"Darkest Before the Dawn Tilley" by Mike Koch

Illustration Friday: Clandestine

2008-12-26T15:16:00.018-05:00

Click on image to view at full size.

Illustration Friday: Voices

2008-12-23T16:48:00.001-05:00

Amazing Save! This is for you Nate!

2008-12-18T11:51:00.006-05:00

I fell in love with soccer when my son started playing as a little boy and because he works so hard at it. I am so proud of him. When I saw this I knew I had to post it. The save was made by Columbian Goal Keeper Rene Higuita. Click HERE for the story. Amazing. Enjoy!

Illustration Friday: Balloon #2

2008-12-02T15:44:00.003-05:00

Contrary to popular belief, balloon people are not a peaceful race. Click to view at a larger size.

Illustration Friday: Balloon

2008-12-01T15:38:00.005-05:00

Click on image to view at larger size.

Illustration Friday: Opinion

2008-11-23T21:03:00.011-05:00

Click on illustration to view at full size.

Illustration Friday: Pretend

2008-11-20T02:45:00.005-05:00

My sincerest apologies to Gil Elvgren.

Illustration Friday: Wise

2008-11-10T22:29:00.004-05:00

Timeless . . .

2008-11-06T14:59:00.007-05:00

My friend sent this to me today to cheer me up, and as usual he accomplished his goal. After all these years, I find myself singing and humming the song to myself regardless of the time of year. Just due to it's longevity it has to be considered one of the greatest pieces of animation ever. I can only wonder what would happen if Tim Burton took a stab at a remake . . . enjoy!

Illustration Friday: Vacant

2008-11-06T12:03:00.001-05:00

The Magic of Glendorn and the Wyeth Painting

2008-11-03T17:26:00.026-05:00

For the fetching Mrs. Overlow's 40th birthday (and at my boss's suggestion - thank you Gary!) I took her to the beautiful Glendorn in the Allegheny Mountains. When we were sat for dinner the first night, we were captivated by the decor and the ambiance of our surroundings. As we settled in to enjoy dinner, we both noticed the painting hanging above our table - an original N.C. Wyeth!

After some serious hunting on the web, I found that the painting was an illustration for the book "Michael Strogoff - The Courier for the Czar" written by Jules Verne in 1876. The book's first edition was published in 1927. It is considered one of his best books by critics. The painting is for the plate "When he was fourteen, Michael Strogoff had killed his first bear, quite alone."

There were many wonderful original works of art in the "Big House" and in the cabin we stayed in "Dale's Cabin". This was just one of many highlights that made a perfect weekend away.

I'm really an okay guy . . . no, really!

2008-10-17T13:51:00.004-04:00

My friends and colleagues (talented illustrators all!) have commented how twisted (in a humorous way) some of my concepts are on the art that follows. I started worrying that members of my Church, the parents of the kids in my Cub Scout Pack, etc. would stumble upon my blog and run for the hills. My wife has stayed with me for 18 years, so I guess I'm okay to some degree. Bugs Bunny and all Looney Tunes cartoons have had such a huge impact on my artistic life . . . maybe watching the Coyote crush, burn, glue, shoot and blow himself up chasing the Road Runner has tailored the fabric of my artistic humor if you will. Chuck Jones is one of my heroes.

But alas, I started getting a little concerned, and then found this book: "Clean Cartoonists' Dirty Drawings". I guess if such beloved illustrators including: Dr. Seuss, Charles Schulz (Peanuts - you know . . . Snoopy?), Chuck Jones (Bugs Bunny, my all time favorite) and Johnny Hart (of "B.C." fame - who actually has a lot of Christian themes in his comic strip) can have a little "racier" side then I guess I am in good company, even though they're a tad bit more talented. So fear not! I am not a blood thirsty killer of cats, robots, birds, fleas, beloved cereal box cartoon characters, and . . . ummm . . . . maybe I should just shut up.

Until later,

Illustration Friday Redux

2008-10-16T01:10:00.002-04:00

I have been participating in Illustration Friday since December, 2005. My friend T.R., a terrific illustrator, and I worked for the same company at the time and he "suggested" that I enter an illustration every week. I have been an art director for 17 of my 20 years in this crazy business and found myself doing more administrative work than anything else. I was in a rut and he knew it. He threw the challenge my way and I have done my best to keep up since. It's become an important exercise to help keep the creative cobwebs away. And in fact, I have completely filled (jammed full) my sketchbook for the first time and am on to filling another.

Earlier this year, I had some ideas on changing this blog into something more than a place to post I.F. entries, so I deleted all the posts. As it turns out, I received a lot of inquiries asking, "What the hell did you do to the blog?" and "Where's all your artwork?" etc. So, I've decided to re-post all the images and then keep going. I get aggravated when something doesn't turn out as well as I think it could have, but T.R. keeps hammering at me that it's all about the process. I think he likened my removing the posts to tearing out the pages of a sketchbook - something you never, ever do . . . "it's about the process dammit!"

So here are the entries, re-posted from the first to the last. I have even posted some that I removed because I hated the image so much. They're all separate posts because as I found out, some folks have been linking to specific images from their own sites. I try to complete each entry, concept to rendering in no more than 60 - 90 minutes. The concepts are usually the very first thing that comes to mind, which I am a little afraid to admit. They all start with a sketch and then are finished in varying degrees on the Mac. Some are completely re-drawn over the original sketch, others merely have color added, some are just as they're drawn.

Look for more to come, good or bad . . . now T.R. needs to play catch-up!

Until later.

MO

Illustraton Friday 12/30/05: Flavor

2008-10-16T00:50:00.001-04:00

Illustraton Friday 01/06/06: Sea

2008-10-16T00:47:00.000-04:00

Illustraton Friday 01/13/06: E is for . . .

2008-10-16T00:46:00.000-04:00

Illustraton Friday 01/20/06: Cats

2008-10-16T00:45:00.000-04:00

Illustraton Friday 01/27/06: Glamour

2008-10-16T00:44:00.000-04:00

Illustraton Friday 02/03/06: Chair

2008-10-16T00:42:00.000-04:00

Illustraton Friday 02/10/06: Simple

2008-10-16T00:41:00.000-04:00

Illustraton Friday 02/17/06: Song

2008-10-16T00:40:00.000-04:00

Illustraton Friday 02/24/06: Tea

2008-10-16T00:37:00.001-04:00

Illustraton Friday 03/24/06: Monster

2008-10-16T00:36:00.001-04:00

Illustraton Friday 04/07/06: Speed

2008-10-16T00:35:00.001-04:00

Illustraton Friday 04/21/06: Robot

2008-10-16T00:34:00.001-04:00

Illustraton Friday 04/28/06: Under the Sea

2008-10-16T00:33:00.002-04:00

Illustraton Friday 05/05/06: Fat

2008-10-16T00:32:00.002-04:00

Illustraton Friday 05/12/06: Angels and Devils

2008-10-16T00:31:00.002-04:00

Illustration Friday 05/26/06: Cake

2008-10-16T00:22:00.002-04:00

Illustration Friday 06/09/06: Jungle

2008-10-16T00:20:00.001-04:00

Illustration Friday 06/30/06: Sticky

2008-10-16T00:19:00.002-04:00

Illustration Friday 07/07/06: Skyline

2008-10-16T00:18:00.002-04:00

Illustration Friday 07/14/06: Aging

2008-10-16T00:17:00.002-04:00

Illustration Friday 07/23/06: Rain

2008-10-16T00:09:00.004-04:00

My long time friend and college roommate Doug Steinmiller and I talked about concepts for this topic. An amazing artist, we thought maybe we could try to collaborate on this. Unfortunately it didn't materialize.

Illustration Friday 08/04/06: Clean

2008-10-16T00:06:00.002-04:00