Freehand

Studies from an old sketch book of mine - so you can know what my work looks like when no one is looking.

When attempting a realistic interpretation of someone I start with the soul in their eyes. The subject has to be there - be alive - in the room - in front of you - the fact that it has been drawn is no more - they’re here. The curl on Jimmy’s lower lip as he gives away forever some of his life force to an audience thru sonic daredevilry - Duane’s strength and exultation while effortlessly dragging a solo down from eternity as it passes by. And like Duane’s solo, our work should look effortless. We’re not drawing a picture, we’re drawing life and emotion. It should conjure our experiences with the subject, and their part in shaping our landscape. The viewer should think of the subject, not about a poor attempt at drawing the subject.

If digital freehand counts - here it is.

On this strip I wanted an awkward, fast and fed-up look. So to make sure I couldn’t draw what’s in my head, and get that quick and horrible look, I drew this strip entirely on computer using only a worn out, bumpy wheeled mouse - and with my left hand. This panel was lifted from the strip and embellished.

Metal stamp cut animals that fold into a stand-alone figure - created for a stamp design company.

I drew some stock designs and also some that hinged, clasped and “stood” differently - something to give value to the customer who is most likely a fan of the animal in question and would enjoy that “something extra” that shows interest and respect for their favorite creature. The Stegosaurus that clasps by locking the bone plates thru each other at top - the waddling of the duck - the Racoon’s “mask”. Something to show that the design was created by a like-minded fan of the creature, rather than yet another poor representation done as a cash-grab by someone who couldn't care less about what the customer values most.

Got to caricature the entire staff of an ad company where I worked. Presented is a caricature of a great guy with real soul. Few people care - and even fewer actually do something about it - Allan did something. Always. Lots of character to him - very distinct features - an easy and fun draw.

Also did a caricature booth for an orphanage benefit with the same company. Fantastic people - got to draw them doing their dreams - best art moments ever.

Waiting for someone so we could go somewhere, I knocked out this quick size and power study. Diesel trains exude adventure and myth - a life of focused sweat - turning gears of awe, admiration, the unknown and creativity in our mind that we wanted turned, but never knew it. My goal was to show the static and forgotten Diesel casually telling us of it’s irresistible force, loyalty in the night, “anything I can do, you can’t do at all” sense of self, and thousands of silent miles of lore over the years…without a word…

Storyboard art at hamburger speed for a media company in Irvine, Ca. Fast turnaround - but a thrilling time to spread out and feel a lot of spaces. Sequential art has always been very natural for me. Combined fast freehand with digital shading for mood, focus, direction, clean look and immersion.

Metal stamp cuts for an educational supply company. Realistic people are not that big of a deal, but these had to be in silhouette - so, age, attitude and in-family assigned positions have to be conveyed with no inside lines. The sketches are with the company somewhere - in a warehouse - pictured is the final digital result. Great challenge and fun, relaxed result.