My Little Artists (we're startin em young)

Here are my two little artists. My wife and I took the kids into the backyard and let them go wild with some paint. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. They went crazy, and after painting the canvas, then each other, they decided to move onto dad.

They are everything to me, and I thank God for them every day. The last picture sums up my life; crazy, messy, and full of love and laughs. Take care.

So, if you are looking for some family fun, grab some paint, towels and a lot of soap. Take care.

Skottie Young Takes on Oz

I figured since I talked about Mike Kunkel in my last blog I should follow up with my other favorite artist, Skottie Young. Like Mike he has a style all his own. He takes traditional comic characters and puts his own twist on them. He mixes digital and free hand work with ink washes. It's incredible.

Right now he is taking on one of the greatest stories ever writ en, The Wizard of Oz. Like it or hate it everyone has seen it. If not you are missing out on an American classic. It left an impression with me as a kid. I was scared to death of the flying monkeys. I think I actually like the movie more as an adult. (probably cause I know flying monkeys are not sitting out side my window)

I was so fire up when I heard he took on this project for Marvel. I was blown away by his version of the Oz characters. His scarecrow is amazing. Sooo, I figured in light of one of my comic artist hero's taking on Oz, I'd throw out a sketch of my own. Let me know what you think. I'm no Skottie Young but I'm trying. Check out Skotties' blog www.skottieyoung.blogspot.com

Take care.

Shazam! Here's more Mike Kunkel.

My last post I mentioned Mike Kunkel has just taken on Captain Marvel. So far it's a great series. He writes and illustrates the stories. I thinks it's great. He brings such talent to a traditional hero, and makes it appropriate for all ages. I love his artwork and the simplicity of youth he brings to each of his stories.

Here are a few I did of Captain Marvel along with some if Mikes' characters and mine. The first one I did with Colored Pencil, and the second is just Prisma Color markers. I have a better feel for the pencils, but I'm trying to dabble in a few different mediums. I'd like to eventually get into ink washes and digital painting. I just need to add a few more hours into the day.

Here is Mike Kunkels' site for Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam! Check it out. Take care.

http://www.kunkelshazam.blogspot.com/

Huge Mike Kunkel Fan

I think every artist has their Heroes. One of my favorites is Mike Kunkel. He is the author, creator and illustrator of Hero Bear And The Kid. For those of you who have not had the chance to read this book you are truly missing out. His stories are from the heart, and simply amazing. Hero Bear is one of my all time favorite books.It's a graphic novel/comic book fit for any age.

Mike also has a book called The Land of Sokmunster, it is really unique. This is another great story to share with your kids. I can't get enough of his work. He is currently working on a series for DC comics called Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam. The first two issues are currently available. My son and I read at least one of his books every night. Here is the link to one of Mikes' web sites dedicated to Hero Bear and Sokmunster. http://www.theastonishfactory.com/ Check it out.

I did a couple of quick sketches of Hero Bear and Tyler. I threw one of my characters (Joey) into the second sketch. These are rough pencil sketches but fun to do. I'll post some more sketches I did of Mikes' characters later this week. Hope you like it, take care.

Bane

Here is another character concept from my graphic novel. This is an early sketch of Bane. I keep changing him around. Quick sketch, I used ink and colored pencil.

Do these pants make my butt look big?

Here is one of my characters that I have been constantly changing over the years. This one if from the more "mature" graphic novel I want to do.

I drew this a few months ago, but there is something about it I like. It's another rough sketch. I colored it with a few Prisma Color markers I had laying around. Let me know what you think. As always any comments are appreciated. Even the bad ones.

Quick Sketch

Here's a quick character concept I am working on for my next project.