Saturday, December 31, 2016

Ten Years and 100 Posts




Not to overshadow the post about my Uncle, but today marks exactly ten years ago that I started this blog. Ten years. Yikes! So much has happened and so much has not happened, ha, ha...

This post also marks my 100 post for this year, so I had to put something up. 
This is the very first image that I posted on December 31, 2006. It's called The Keystone and is still one of my favorite pieces that I've done.


Thanks for coming along for the ride.




Charles Gerlach 1946-2016



A couple of days ago, my Uncle Chuck passed away at the too young age of 70. He was a good guy with an adventurous spirit and filled with childlike wonder. He was a creative guy who did cartoons, had his own dark room in his basement when he was into photography and one who I could talk to about all things art, movies, politics, history and music. We could agree on so much, but when we didn't, I think we could understand where each was coming from. 

He was also up for all sorts of activities. Back when I was in my mid twenties and he was in his mid forties he would come out with me and my friends and play paintball in the woods. Age wasn't a problem for any of us, they accepted him and he accepted them. And we had a blast.

There was no one in the family who supported me more with my artistic endeavors. He never passed up a chance to read my cartoons, give me a quick critique if there was something obviously off (which happened quite a bit), but most important of all, he got them. I guess he was ok with my weirdness. And soon, I liked my weirdness.

He and my Aunt Janeen were the ones that I talked music with. They turned me on to so much coolness and we spent holidays and other family gatherings talking about what we were currently listening to, old favorites and all that. I don't think I'll ever find someone to talk to that was as passionate about music and talking about music than he was. 

He was a smart guy who never stopped learning and having a good time. He will be missed.

A sketch that my Uncle did for me when I was ten. You can see the tiny sketch to the right where I began a copy.

My Uncle and his wife during better times.

Another set of sketches done on the same day as the above one. Here he was doing up some characters, such as Archie and Rat Fink. I think the soft lead doodle to the left is one of my shabby attempts. I think that he was trying to instill some Mag Magazine influences upon me at this time in my life. It didn't take too much coercing. 

Friday, December 30, 2016

A Michigan To Texas Birthday Wish 2016


Each year my friend Sandra collects photos from her internet friends for her birthday. This year's photo was taken last August on my way back from Chicago. So, this was somewhere in southern Illinois and soon after this pic was taken the clouds formed a tube of sorts and the setting sun shone inside of it and it seemed to be on fire. Unfortunately, the pic that I took of that was too blurry. 

Happy Birthday, Sandra!






Monday, December 26, 2016

Captain Phasma


Everybody needs a little Star Wars this holiday season, right? Here's a drawing I did last year about this time of Captain Phasma from The Force Awakens.

Friday, December 23, 2016

Season's Greetings 2016


No matter how you celebrate, do it well, do it with joy and do it safely. All the best to you and yours!

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Prisoners


I was thinking about this drawing recently that I did in 2005, so I thought I would share it with Electronic Land, since I probably can't show anything new until the new year.

Can you name each 'prisoner' and why they are considered so?

Friday, December 16, 2016

Rogue One, Series One Sketch Cards


Now that the new Star Wars movie is out and the new card set by Topps has also been released, (just today, actually) I can show some of the work done for it. These are a few of the cards that I did for this set. Series Two is coming in early 2017. 

Monday, December 12, 2016

Paul Muad'Dib Sketch


And one last one to the Dune sketches. Well, maybe a Baron Harkonnen is in the future, but we'll see. This here is Paul Atriedes. Muad'Dib to you.

He had blue eyes, so help me God, blue eyes!

How's that for a vague Christmas reference?

Friday, December 9, 2016

King Cheeto


So, soon after the election a buddy of mine had this idea for a Trump toon. His idea was to have Trump as Kong climbing the Empire State building and in Fay Wray's place, the Statue of Liberty. I liked the idea, as I'm sure many more similar to this by many cartoonists will be coming, but I chose the 1976 version of Kong on top of the World Trade Center buildings, mainly because I thought Kong's gut would look funny with an orange Trump gut. So, yeah, he's orange. Of course.

And there's little hands, as well.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Feyd Rautha Sketch


Up next in the Dune sketches is my take on the Feyd Rautha character played by Sting. He kind of has a Heat Miser thing going on.

Monday, December 5, 2016

The Lost Worlds Of Gerry Anderson Artist Proof Sketch Card


This here charmer is my Artist Proof/Return Card for doing the Lost Worlds Of Gerry Anderson sketch card set put out by Unstoppable Cards. Below is the eBay link if interested:


Friday, December 2, 2016

Gurney Halleck Sketch


More Dune sketches? Sure, why not? This here sketch is Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Gurney Halleck. Perhaps, I'll do Sting's Feyd next.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Thufir Hawat Sketch


I started to rewatch 1984's Dune last night and thought it would be fun to do a sketch of the character Thufir Hawat. I think I'll do a Gurney Halleck/Patrick Stewart next. 

Monday, November 28, 2016

Comrade Drumpf


A quick little sketch that I did of our dictator hating (Castro), yet dictator loving (Putin) President Elect. Mr. Little Hands with the big hat. I think I'll be doing a lot of cartoons over the next four years. Just a hunch.

Friday, November 25, 2016

The Master


I have nothing new to show as I'm waiting on some approvals and finishing up some stuff, so in the meantime here is a sketch from last summer of The Master from Guillermo del Toro's The Strain. Well, at least it was the Master before he took over the rock star, before being beheaded and now in a new form. 

Monday, November 21, 2016

The Lost Worlds Of Gerry Anderson Sketch Cards


I hadn't realized that this set was released back in February with all of the other stuff going on, so here are the cards that I did for The Lost Worlds of Gerry Anderson. This set was put out by Unstoppable Cards and have sold out according to the site, so eBay may be your best bet.

Friday, November 11, 2016

Fantasticon Mt. Clemens


This weekend is the Fantasticon show in Mt. Clemons, MI. I am scheduled as a guest in Artists Alley, but due to my leg injury I just won't be able to make it. However, my wonderful wife has volunteered to run my table in my place. The full set up won't be there, but prints and some books will be on hand. So, stop on by if you are in the area. 

Thursday, November 10, 2016

October


So, October has been a challenging month for me physically, to say the least. After learning of the passing of a friend at the beginning of the month, it was a downhill from there. First, I was at the Detroit Zoo inspecting the main fountain and was walking to the smaller seal fountain when the next thing I know, my forehead bounced of the concrete. A few scant seconds later I heard a kid say, "Mommy, that man fell." Thanks for letting me know and that's no sarcasm. It was that quick. The culprit? Goose poop that had settled and spread out when it was filled with water. I slipped in it and down I went. I had a nice welt on my forehead, but luckily no concussion. No blurriness, no stars, just a Tommy Boy sized mark on my noggin. 

Next up, my colonoscopy. Not an injury at all, but not something pleasant to think about. All good with that, though. the worst part was the prep and the daylong purge. Fun.

And then, the coup de grace. My Godson Sam was having a laser tag party for his birthday and either he or his parents wanted an adult there, so who am I to pass up a chance to run around and be a goofball? Well, I paid the price. I stepped where I thought was a step and not a ramp, while my thigh was going one way and my calf/shin went the other. I finally found something more painful than kidney stones. To make a long story short, I fractured the tip of my left tiba, sprained every ligament around the knee, and tore the meniscus. No damage to the knee cap at all. Haven't been able to walk since, but I'm mending and can see the light.

So, a sketch was in order, of course. I need to find humor in all of this.

p.s. I had a teeth cleaning in the middle of all this that went superbly. Any port in a storm....

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Ghostbusters at The Phoenix Cafe

Jolly Slimer
8.5x11
india ink and watercolor


Tonight there will be a Ghostbusters themed art show at the Phoenix Cafe in Hazel Park, MI. Although, I do have a piece in the show (seen above), I will not be in attendance because of my leg injury. But, if you like all things Ghostbusters, check out the show. There is a cover, I'm assuming because there will be a couple of bands playing. This might be a one night thing, not sure if the artwork will be up after tonight, but it starts at 7pm and all artwork is for sale.

Monday, October 31, 2016

Happy Halloween 2016


This post is a little late, but considering what it took to do so, a little late is ok. You see, every little action is a painstaking one, as I took a nasty spill and did some ligament damage to my knee. Walking is out for the time being. But, I was determined to get something done, even if it was this sketch.

So, Happy Halloween everyone!

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Wicked Witch Castle Guard

A sketch from a couple of months ago. A guard of the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz. 

Monday, October 24, 2016

Invasive Species


A cartoon that I did for.....something. Make what you will out of it.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

UFO Artist Proof Sketch Cards





Above are my three Artist Proof cards from the UFO set done for Unstoppable Cards. Here are the eBay links, if interested:




Friday, October 14, 2016

The Hound


I've been so busy with various projects that I have neglected my blog this week, so here is a sketch that I did a couple of months ago of The Hound from Game of Thrones.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Fantasticon Birch Run


This Saturday and Sunday you will find me in Birch Run, MI for the Fantasticon event, the first time held there. There will be some veteran Marvel Comics guys there, such as Keith Pollard, Arvell Jones and Joe Rubinstein. Also Jason Moore, Bill Messner-Loeb and Erich Guttierez. 


I will have a new print available, which is shown above, as well as books, prints, sketch cards, original art and I will be available for commissions. Stop on by and say hello.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Gary Reed (1956-2016)



Gary Reed, the founder and publisher of Caliber Press, writer, con promoter, biology teacher and all around great guy passed away yesterday. I haven't known Gary as long as others, but it wasn't long enough. At first, he was a bit intimidating to be around, having done so much in the comic book and publishing industry. The guy was connected, that's for sure. But all of that insecurity passed quickly once you met him and talked with him. And you could talk about all sorts of things with Gary, not just comics. And he listened to you, as well. He always came by to talk at cons, usually a longer chat would ensue. Gary always said hello. He also came out to our sketching events when he could or a gallery show that any one of us were in. Oh, and he shared my disdain for wrestling, ha, ha. 


One of the stories that I like to tell about an interaction with Gary involves the illustration above. He was putting together his book Voices From The Deadworld and asked quite a few locals if we's like to be involved. Who could pass that up? The book showcased all the characters, good and bad from the Deadworld series. We could choose a character and could also design our own zombie if we liked to. So, I picked his character Tattoo and wanted to do one of my own, as well. I had this sketch that I did from a few years prior of an old man wearing a black robe with all of these clocks and watches attached to him. I always like the image and thought that it would be cool to make him into a zombie and have a place in the book. So, I presented the sketch to him. His reply? 

"Bruce.... what the fuck am I supposed to do with this?"

There was no mistaking his tone in the email as sometimes happens with text. He had that knack, though, being a writer. And using the 'f' word helped too, I suppose.

So, we chatted about it some more and he warmed to it. I think he finally saw what I saw, or maybe he saw my excitement with the character. Either way, he wrote a good backstory for the 'clock zombie' and it made it into the book. My happy moment. I wish I would have saved that email, because I can hear his voice speaking those words in only the way that Gary could.

Pic courtesy of Renee Martin and Dennis Barger (from left to right: Ted Woods, Bill Pulkovski, Tony Miello, Gary Reed, Dennis Barger, John Marroquin, and myself)

Above is a pic from a Free Comic Book Day event at Wonderworld Comics from a few years ago.

I'm sad and mad that Gary left us. I think it will feel a bit emptier not seeing him at conventions and I feel like he left us to fumble about in the dark without a kind word, a needed bit of criticism, a joke, ect. Gary will be missed.

Friday, September 30, 2016

Space 1999 Commission

Maya
8x10
ink and markers on bristol



Above is a recent commission that is now on its way to its new home. The character is Maya from the 70's tv series Space 1999. A fun piece to work on, for sure.

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

UFO Sketch Cards, Part Two



Here are the remaining cards that I did for the UFO set by Unstoppable Cards. I will post my Artist Proof cards soon, for those interested.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Paths Of Glory Sketches



After watching the Kirk Douglas movie Paths Of Glory, I just had to go back and do some quick and loose sketches. This is a beautifully shot film with plenty of contrast and shadows. The stance of George Macready in the bottom sketch was begging to be captured. 

When I do these quick sketches I'm not worried too much with laying out a structure, but go at it in an abstract way, concentrating on the shapes of the shadows (not so much with the Macready sketch). It's fulfilling to me and I seem to get good results.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

UFO Sketch Cards



Here are about half of the sketch cards that I did for the UFO set that is out now by Unstoppable Cards. UFO was another tv series by Gerry Anderson of Thunderbirds fame.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

British Horror Collection AP Sketch Cards


Above are my two Artist Proof cards for doing the British Horror Collection put out by Unstoppable Cards. The eBay links are below, if interested in purchasing.



Monday, September 12, 2016

Convention Sketches WW Chicago





During down times at conventions I like to sketch some of the attendees and other artists. The best people watching can be at a  comic convention, that's for sure. These were done at the Wizard World Chicago show last month.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

The Bride Of Frankenstein.......Or, The Bride Electrified?

10x15
acrylic on illustration board


I started this painting some time ago and recently decided to finish it. So, here it is with some digital enhancements. Next up, The Creature From The Black Lagoon.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

The Ravager


This is my take on Dom Riggio's character, The Ravager, from his comic, The Arcane Awakening. You can check out all of his comics and more at Mess Bucket Comics

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

The Master


The new season of The Strain has started, so here is a sketch that I did recently of The Master.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Ardan's Gargoyle


Sometimes I do really weird stuff. This is one of them. A few months ago I was reading Circling The Moon by Jules Verne and was inspired to do this drawing from the passage on the drawing. I wanted to take a black and white lifework approach that might have been appropriate for an illustration of that time. And for today, too. I plan on doing a series of deep sea diver drawings of this ilk, so look out! Click on the drawing to bigify. 

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Admiral Ackbar Commission


This was my favorite commission that I did at the Wizard World Chicago convention this past weekend. It was based off one one my sketch cards and wanted to make it better if I could, add a few more details that weren't on the card. The background is a different color, as well.

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Wizard World Chicago



Tomorrow through Sunday you can find me in Rosemont at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for the Wizard World Chicago show. I will be in Artist Alley at table B5, right next to Action Joe Corroney. Besides the brand new King Kong print (which you can see the black and white version above), I will have the latest Stoopid Stuf book, other prints, official sketch cards, all the books that I have work in and will be doing commissions, as well. So, come on by and say hello!