Monday, April 20, 2009

The "Gruncher"


Well a fellow blogger Tom set up the latest art challenge. He threw the name "Gruncher" out there and said lets see what everyone can come up with. So here is my little sketch of The Gruncher.

The first thing I thought of was a huge massive beast. Then I thought how cool would it be if this big tough name was actually this little unassuming bugger. Then the little guy could actually change into the huge beast whenever he wanted.

I love drawing long ears and putting these black lines and symbols on my characters. A lot of my characters in my next project have the ears and marks. Anyway enough rambling. Hope you like the pic. It's a quicky. I colored it with a few Prisma color markers I have laying around.

If anyone is interested in getting in on these challenges just post a link on either Toms site or my own. Love to see what everyone comes up with. Check out Tom's blog at http://www.traversart.com/

Sunday, April 19, 2009

What Drives Me!




Here is a little sample of what drives me. My wife and kids are my life, everything else is pretty much an added bonus. I've been fortunate enough to grow up in an amazing family. I have one brother and three sisters. Even though we are spread out between Ohio, NY and Texas we are all very close. We have an incredible relationship and bond. Especially me and my brother, he's been my best friend through out my life. We owe it all to my amazing parents.

It's because of them that I appreciate my own family so much. Through out my life they've helped teach me what is truly important. I look at my wife and kids and it makes me want to be a better man, and truly give my all in everything I do. I work hard at being a good father and husband, and push my self at work. Some how I find the energy to try and get this art thing going as well. I guess I want to teach my kids to work hard and play hard, but never give up on your dreams. I hope I can pass that down to them.

These pictures where taken by my insanely talented wife. She started her own business two years ago and just keeps improving every day. She's really amazing, and I can't believe how far she has come in such a short period of time. She's is the hardest worker I've ever met and often stays up til 2am then chases two wild kids around all day. She's incredible. Check out her work at http://www.design489.com/This last pic makes me proud. Both my kids like to draw and make a mess. I love when my son wants to hang out with me while I work on book. He's left handed just like his old man. Thank you God for this life! It's the simple things I love the most.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Little Angels and Broken Hearts


Well this one is a tough one for me. I'm writing with a heavy heart. I announced a few months ago that my wife and I where expecting a baby. Unfortunately we lost the baby a few weeks ago. I think we are still in shock. We miscarried a few years ago before we had my son. It hurt then, but we had some warning signs. This time we where caught completely off guard, and where really knocked off our feet.

We are trying to pick ourselves up and return to some kind of normalcy. I know I'm a guy and these things aren't supposed to effect men that bad, but I tell you what; I'm crushed. I can only imagine how my wife feels. She has to deal with the emotional and physical loss. She is a rock, and I'm amazed by her strength every day. I thank God for my son and my daughter every day. They are truly the best medicine, and keep us laughing. We are getting back on our feet, and the kids have no idea how much they are helping. It's the little things they say, the smiles and their laughter that help us through. We are doing better and appreciate all the prayers from friends and family.

I did this picture to help work my way through the loss. I don't always understand Gods plan, but I know he has one, and it's better than mine. So I trust him and just ask him to help us through what ever obstacles come our way. It's just hard when they are so painful. I guess he thought we needed two little angels in heaven to watch over us. So I talk to them every night, tell them I love them and ask them to watch over us. May God bless you and your families. Give your kids a squeeze and remember to appreciate the little things in life. Take care.