Second Star Progress

 

I'm currently inking issue #3 of my comic, Second Star and I was pleased with how these pine trees turned out. Just thought I'd share some progress. 

Happy Day After Thanksgiving

 

I had a great Thanksgiving, good meal, saw some family, gonna see some friends, and actually, feeling quite festive. But, sometimes an image comes to mind and needs to be tended to. I couldn't help think of what we will be serving ourselves up to in the coming years. So, I give you a sacrificial Uncle Sam as a turkey.

I sincerely hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving  and enjoy the weekend! 

And, again, I'm feeling quite festive!

Saint-Exupery Woodblock Printing Process

 

The process as to how my print of Antoine Saint-Exupery came to be is now up on my Substack.

Sketching At The Detroit Institute Of Arts

 This past Friday found me at the Detroit Institute of Arts and I brought my sketch book along, but wasn't sure if I would do any sketches. It's better to be prepared and as it turned out, I did do a couple of sketches. I really enjoy sketching sculptures with a wide, flat pencil and that's what these two were done with. I've had this pencil for years and it seems like it never wears down. But, I do need to sketch more with this old friend.

I'm not sure who the artist was of this statue called The Rakan (1688-1695), Japanese, but interesting and fun to sketch.

This smaller casting of Standing Lincoln was done by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, 1887 (this one cast between 1913-1917). Fun shadows to play with.

Leaf Printing Class

 I needed an artistic distraction from things, so last Saturday I attended a leaf printing class with Nobuko Yamasaki at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. They have been having some good classes with some good peeps, so it was much needed. I brought some leaves from trees in our yard, both front and back and used some of the ginkgo leaves that Nobuko had brought. After some less than thrilling experiments I hit a groove and made a few that I was happy with.

A repetitive pattern of Nobuko's small gingko leaves.

Experimenting with two colors of gouache on leaves from our front yard maple tree.

I believe that these leaves are from my neighbors Japanes maple tree.

Experimenting with multiple colors on some larger gingko leaves.

It felt good to be around some like-minded, creative and decent people. 

Vote (You Know What to Do)!

 

Resurrection Joe

 

7x7

colored pencil on black paper

Here is Christopher Lee as Resurrection Joe from the movie Corridors of Blood. It's not really a horror movie, but was pitched as such for American audiences. But Resurrection Joe was rather creepy.

Happy Halloween!

Donald Mcdonald

 

5x8

ink and colored pencil

from sketchbook

So many people have done their version of this, so I wasn't going to, but it is a funny image to imagine and you really can't make this shit up, so I did my version of Donald McDonald.

Imagine being so triggered by a smart, black woman that you go and stage an event and then claim that you are the FIRST president to have worked at McDonald's. What a toddler. Oh, and then he blocked a road to go into hurricane ravaged North Carolina so that he could receive a 'fry order' pin, or some such nonsense.

Truly, a fast food clown.

Inktober Day 21 Rhinoceros

 

5x8

ink in sketchbook

If you are paying attention, I haven't been partaking in this year's Inktober art challenge much at all, but today I thought that I would. This day's word prompt is 'rhinoceros.' So, I did this right, right? 

Gusoline Alley/Nixon Commission

 

9x12

ink on bristol board

A customer who bought one of my books last Saturday wanted a bigger drawing of the sketch that I did inside of said book, so here it is. This may or may not be put up on the wall of his establishment in Royal Oak. Will need to do some investigative work soon...

Sh!tshow Book Signing, Part 3

 

This past Saturday was my book signing for my collection of caricatures of the Orange Stain and his cohorts at Comics & More, an awesome comic shop located in Madison heights, MI. It was good to get out and meet some like-minded peeps and get a few more copies of my book out in the world.

Above, are a couple of samples of some sketches that I put into copies. If you missed out on the Kickstarter and the signing, you can always contact me for a copy. 

Sh!tshow Book Signing, Part Two!

 

Here is a gentle reminder that I will be signing copies of my book of caricatures, called 86 Sycophants, Charlatans, Leeches, and Opportunists of the Donald J. Trump Sh!tshow this Saturday, October 12th from 1-4 pm at Comics & More located at 28059 John R Rd in Madison Heights, MI. 

I will have paperbacks ($25), hardcovers ($40) and original art from the book ($75 per). There will also be bookmarks and stickers.

And make sure to buy some comics!

The Devil's Grist Sketches

 

So, I will be working on some illustrations for a book that will be in collaboration with a friend. These will be new drawings for an 1883 book of Detroit mythology and folklore, with updates on what these areas look like now. It's still in the planning stages, but I am doing some sketches and designs for what those pages will look like. 

Some of the imagery and descriptions are just great. These sketches above are for a story called The Devil's Grist about a one half owner of a grist mill who curses that she 'will leave her part to the devil.' Legend has it that during violent storms one can see said devil working away in the ruins of the mill, claiming what is rightfully his. The location of this event is kind of close to where I live, a place called Windmill Pointe. I'm having fun with these sketches and will post more about this as it proceeds. 

Sh!tshow Book Signing!

click to bigefy

As you prepare to head out to the polls to vote in the next month and change, you may need a not so gentle, yet comedic reminder as to just who did what to our country (and still are). January 6th was what ignited the drive to do this book.

On October 12th, 2024, from 1-4pm at Comics & More, you can pick up a copy of my book of caricatures, titled, 86 Sycophants, Charlatans, Leeches, and Opportunists of the Donald J. Trump Sh!tshow. The foreword was written by none other than Noel Casler, the comedian and producer, who actually worked with Trump on Celebrity Apprentice. 

I will have paperbacks ($25), hard covers ($40), stickers, and will also have original artwork from the book ($75 each), should you be so inclined. And I will sign them all, of course. 

So, if you missed the Kickstarter from the end of last year, then come on out to Comics & More at 28059 John R Rd in Madison Heights, MI on Saturday, October 12th from 1-4pm and get a signed copy. 

And make sure you pick up a few copies of your favorite comics! This is a good shop!

 

Rick and Morty

9x6

ink on bristol board

I did this smallish drawing for a customer who bought some Rick and Morty related artwork.

 

Sarah Huckabee-Sanders

 

9x6

ink on bristol

Ol' sourpuss Hucka-Sands was in Michigan the other day spewing rays of sunshine. The peasants need to have children, dammit. Who else is going to work the slaughterhouses? 

Anyways, since she was in the news, above is a drawing of the said Spewer of Sunshine from my book 86 Sycophants, Charlatans, Leeches, and Opportunists of the Donald J. Trump Sh!tshow, a collection of caricatures of all the best people. I'll be having a book signing next month, so details to follow!

Neanderthal Skulls Artist Proof Sketch Cards

 

I have a ton of Artist Proof blanks laying about and I'm trying to plow through them to get them out there. Occasionally, I an contacted to see what I have, but I'm a bit impatient at times, so, here are a couple from the Dinosaurs and other prehistoric entities set released in 2015 by Upper Deck. I like how they put the names on the cards to take the guess work on just what to do. I have many specific dinosaur blanks, if anyone is interested in those.

I went with fossils of the skulls and may do the same with the other cards that feature dinosaurs. And, I took a little different approach with these two. I used colored inks and watercolor. If interested, the eBay links are below:

Neanderthal Skull 1    Neanderthal Skull 2

Sugar Skull Gar

5.25x7.25 framed

ink and watercolor

This here sugar skull gar (among a few others) is now available on my Etsy store for purchase

Click here to take you there. 

 

Red Lipped Batfish Sketch

 

5x8

ink and colored inks from sketchbook

It's been awhile since I've done a #SundayFishSketch and this week's theme was a good one. The fish sketch theme of 'beastly' fish is in conjunction with the #SciArtSeptember challenge of the same word.

Originally, I was going to go with another fish, but after a little bit of digging learned that it was an AI generated fake fish, so I ignored that trash and went with an even weirder and real-life fish called the Red Lipped Batfish. In my original sketch, I used some red colored inks to do the lips, as they actually have bright red lips, as if heading out on the town. But, I like the greyscale look better and went with that. So, these fish are found around the Galapagos Islands and off the coast of Peru and you could not find an odder looking fish if you tried. Well, actually, you probably could, but this one will rank up there somewhere. 

Apple Sketch

 

Here is a sketch of our dog Apple (2008-2024) done in 2015. We lost her on Friday. She had these great independently   articulating ears that operated like chameleon eyes. She listened to everything. Except us, of course. 

Heike Diver Process

 

There a new post up on my Substack detailing the process of my Heike Diver drawing. Click here to check it out.

Heike Diver

 

12x18

ink on bristol

I move slow on drawings at times. Sometimes because there are paying gigs in the way and at other times because I'm stuck or lazy or have a weird sort of gridlock because there are a lot of ideas to be had. 

This one was because I was stuck and then put aside for awhile. I'll have more on the process of creating this one in a future Substack.

So, what's this about? Some years ago, I learned of the Heike crabs found in Japan. They have on their carapace what looks to be the face of a samurai warrior, hence they are also known as the samurai crab. Legend has it that they began appearing after the Battle of Dan-no-ura at the end of the 12th century in feudal Japan. It was a fierce naval battle amounting with massive casualties across the board. It ended with the grandmother of the seven year old emperor of the Heike clan took him and jumped into the sea, drowning them both, instead of being captured by the enemy. These Heike crabs emerged with many believing them to be the reincarnated souls of the samurai warriors who died in the battle. 

And, I do like a good legend, so I incorporated a deep sea diver with the Heike crab/samurai warrior face/carapace. The imagery speaks something to me, not sure what at times, but how can I pass up a crab with a human face? I even added a touch of Hokusai in the background waves. 

If you have the interest, read up on the Heike crabs, the legend, the actual history that it is based on and so forth. It's a good story. And stories must be told.

Ultraman, Series 3 Artist Proof Sketch Cards

 

As promised last week, here are my Artist Proof sketch cards done for the Ultraman, Series 3 card set recently released via RR Parks Cards. The links are below:

Twintail    Alien Pitt    Alien Icarus    Alien Goron    Ultraseven

Ultraman, Series 3 Sketch Cards

 RR Parks Cards has launched their Kickstarter today for the Ultraman, Series 3 card set. You can get all the details here.  Below are some of the cards that I did for this set. 

Surprisingly, I went more Ultraman and supporting cast than Kaijus. I fixed that on Series 4.

I took a weird route with the large 'U' on the bottom half of the cards. I was trying something new... As always, I will post my Artist Proofs soon, so stay tuned. 

And, as always, drawing Ultraman is super fun. 

The Beanfield

So, I have a new post up on my Substack account about a cartoon strip that I used to do that was quite fun. Check it out Here.  

 

A Sketch Of The Controller

 

I'm currently working on a sketch card set and wanted to work out the poses some before committing to the actual card. I was kind of happy with this here sketch of the Marvel Comics villain The Controller. He was always one of my favorites, with his craggy, sculpted face. Pure evil. I gave him some funky teeth to go along with that beat up, etched face. 

All That Glitters...

 

The price of make-up should spike soon, if it hasn't already.

A Frankenstein's Monster Sketch

 

5x8

pencil in sketchbook

A couple of years ago, I entered a local contest to design alternate covers to certain classic books and this was my entry, Frankenstein's monster ominously coming through a doorway.

Obviously, I didn't win.

Recent Sketch Card Commissions

 

These two sketch cards were commissioned along with the sci-fi drawing posted last month for a gentleman across the pond. As I've said before, I always enjoy doing commissions for this client, as he always knows what he wants and they are always fun to do. 

The first card was based on one of the original Mars Attacks cards from the set by Topps in the 1950's. For this one, he wanted the figures to be reversed with the Martian being the victim to the Polka Dot Girl (the client's own creation). The second card was based on the intro to the Man from U.N.C.L.E. series from the 60's, but with the Polka Dot Girl in place of Robert Vaughn. A couple of fun cards.

Manos: The Hands Of Fate Sketch Cards

 

As promised, here are the bulk of the sketch cards done for the Manos: Hands Of Fate card set released by RR Parks Cards. EBay sucks these days, so if anyone is interested in the Artist Proofs, you can contact me directly. I'll be starting an Etsy page, as well, so that will be another option. But, buying directly from me will eliminate any obnoxious fees. 

If you haven't seen the 1966 film, I encourage you to do so. It's baaaad. 

Manos: The Hands Of Fate Artist Proof Sketch Cards

 

So... it's been a couple of years since I'd done these Manos: The Hands of Fate sketch cards for RR Parks. I didn't even know that the set was released and quite frankly, forgot about it. There are a few sets that I'm still waiting to be released so that I can show those cards. Anyways, here are the Artist Proof cards for that set. If you haven't seen the 1966 movie... It's bad. And not in a Plan 9 from Outer Space bad. But, you can laugh at it via the Mystery Science Theater 3000 showing and can mock it in that way. 

It was a fun set to draw, though and I will show the rest of the cards that I did for this set soon. Probably this week.

Here are the links for the auctions:

The Cop    Margaret and Michael    Manos

The Master   Torgo     The Burning Hand. 

Saint-Ex

 

This past Saturday I wrapped up a three week Japanese woodblock workshop with Yobuko Yamasaki, which was a lot of fun. Good instructor, good classmates. 

My subject this time around was the French aviation pioneer Antoine de Saint-Exupery. I've been immersed in his world for the past few months, reading his bio and a couple of his own works of fiction that were based on his adventures. In this workshop, we were able to do two colors, so that meant two separate pieces of wood to carve. However, when I did my initial design, I had three colors in mind. So, when the time came to print, I needed to make some choices. I think that it came out ok. I'll go into more of the process in one of my next Substack posts. 

A Recent Sci-Fi Commission

11x14

ink and markers on bristol board

This here drawing is a recent commission for a fine chap across the pond. He always has fun ideas and is a treat to work with. The gal on the speeder bike is his own creation, in which I've drawn before. The speeder bike is an unused concept from the original Star Wars trilogy, in which was designed by Joe Johnston, I believe. A fun commission, for sure.

 

Rupert Murdoch

 

So, this post has two parts to it, both somewhat serendipitous. First, a shameless plug for my book of caricatures that came out earlier this year. The book, titled 86 Sycophants, Charlatans, Leeches, and Opportunists of the Donald J. Trump Sh!tshow features all kinds of questionable people who just can't stay out of the news, including Rupert Murdoch, who as you you know by now has married yet again, joining his media empire with that of Putin (close connection, ex, etc) to make things even more questionable. Of course, you can get a copy of my book by contacting me via any of my social media accounts or directly through email at madplanet@sbcglobal.net.

Now, on to part two of this narrative. I am currently absorbing Peter de Seve's latest art book, Local Fauna, which is quite awe inspiring, as you can imagine. Today, I read a bit where he talked about a certain cover that he had done for The New Yorker, in which he and his editors and fact checkers scanned repeatedly for any errors in it. After it was published (of course), a reader noticed the two right feet on the figure in said cover. Now, what does this have to do with Rupert Murdoch, you might ask? Well, just before getting everything together for the layout and after hundreds of checks, I noticed something a little off. you guessed it. Old Rupe's right hand was... well, a left hand. Now, I know that professional artists do this from time to time, as Mr. De Seve's tale will attest, but man... that one almost slipped by. Too close for comfort! And I couldn't tell you what made me 'see' it that one time as opposed to all the others, but I sure am thankful for catching it in time. So, yeah, it happens.

Darren McCarty

 

9x12

ink on bristol board

I wasn't going to post this drawing that I did prior to heading up to Traverse City (Acme Twp) for the Cherry Capital Comic Con because I wasn't too sure how I felt about it. Meaning, that I wasn't too sure if it looked like him. Once there, I showed it to a few people and they saw a likeness, so I put it out to sell. 

Well, to make a long story short, I showed it to a friend/colleague who sets up alongside McCarty at shows and he liked it and showed it to DM. After a short exchange, he now possesses the drawing. 

He sincerely seemed happy with the drawing, so I was happy to give it to him. I just love making millionaires happy! It was a good moment, though, with some fun chit chat between us. 

Cherry Capital Comic Con 2024

 

This weekend I will be set up in Artist's Alley at the Cherry Capital Comic Con at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, MI (Traverse City). So far this is my only appearance for the year and I will have all the usual stuff; books (including the latest), AP sketch cards, original art, stickers, prints, as well as doing commissions.

So, if you are in the area of northern Michigan and into this kind of stuff, make sure to stop on by. I will be there all three days (Fri-Sun). They will be having some interesting media guests as well as some of the Midwests finest creators. Go here for all the details.

Hope Hicks

 

Hope Hicks is in the news, testifying against her former boss, because, you know, it's now beneficial for her to do so. I sense a book coming soon. So, here she is, from my book 86 Sycophants, Charlatans, leeches, and Opportunists of the Donald J. trump Sh!tshow. Copies are available, both in hardcover and paperback. Just contact me.

Go Figure! Sketch Night at Rainy Day Art Supply

 This past Saturday was live model sketch night at Rainy Day Art Supply in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. Darian Wolfe as Death from the movie Puss In Boots 2. She did a great job, for sure! This time I took the fountain pen approach instead of the colored pencils that I've been using. 

All done in my sketchbook.