Looking Back

I was recently compelled to look back through my blog and see how far I have come. Here is a complex vector illustration that was the first piece of my own art I posted. Back in the day, I used to do a lot of realistic vector conversions but I am glad I have moved on from this style. While I feel this is a good illustration I don't feel it has nearly as much life as my more recent work. Keep in mind this is one of my better pieces from 5 years ago; if you saw my other work you would truly recognize how far I come.

The Cave or IF: Deja Vu

Here is a vector illustration I did for fun. The idea of a lazy man taking a load-off being represented by a bear is a concept I have been thinking about for a long time. Working on this was kind of a Deja Vu experience because it brought back feelings I had back when I conceptualized the art. I never actually illustrated it until now. I put a little twist to the original idea by making the bear take back the cave from a man.

I went ahead and posted it to Threadless even the though the composition did not lend itself to a shirt as well as a taller composition might have. Here is a Threadless link if you feel so inclined:

Two Can Dance (or) Toucan Tango

Here is some art I made to submit to Threadless. If it does not print there, I intend to make over-sized prints of this image in the future. I know the phrase is Two to Tango but I could not resist making Toucans dancing; as opposed to having people dancing in Too-toos. Click on the image and make sure to check out nocturnal jungle animals in the background.

If you get a chance, please vote here:

Row Bot

Here is a pun design that I have working on very slowly. I have had some other projects that have been consuming my extra time that I will detail later.

This Row Bot is idly enjoying a sunrise, or a sunset, on a lake. I have included some process images below.

Row Bot (8 x10) vector graphics.

The first vector version had a smaller sun with tighter line width, submerged boat and row elements, and a slightly different tree line. When I showed this art to some people they mentioned an adversity to the purple so I went with maroon in the final version.

Here is the original sketch and inked drawing. Initially, I had a swirly water affect which I really liked. When I imported it into the computer I decided I wanted to play with the lighting to add dimension. The light direction did not lend itself well to the swirls because the shadow cut across most of it. Instead I played with the random, yet mathematically repetitive, nature of water and shadow play; as seen in the previous two vector versions.

If you feel so inclined please visit and vote Threadless:

Camel Flying on a Rocket

I hope this makes someone laugh.

I didn't get to the "Chades Challenge" therefore I lost this week. I finished this piece because it was related to work.

The Blues: Part One

I love the blues. The soul, the sound, the history. I think of the roots of rock music, the influence on jazz, the jam. The oppression that brought this heart felt music and the further exploitation when it was stolen and commercialized.

This Blues installment is a dedication to John Lee Hooker, one of my favorite Blues players. He best know for "Boom, Boom, Boom," and "One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer," which are classics. If you listen to his work you can hear the roots of Hendrix, Clapton, and Rock'n'Roll as we know it. I saw him once and he was more entertaining at 75 years old than most other musicians are at 25 years old.

This is my slick installment, done in vector, to show the slick showmanship of hooker. My next installment will be about the roots of the blues, and will be more gritty.