Floating heads collaboration

What is it about floating heads that's so darn compelling? Well, you'd have to ask Ben Dougal, super-talented artsy friend of mine, because this is his drawing... which I painted (hence, the 'collaboration'). This was actually really fun, and extremely refreshing to do a painting without photo reference or color studies - the painting equivalent of doodling, almost. Useful, as well - if you're stuck in a rut and low on creativity, collaboration can get the gears going. Incidentally, this also marks a major milestone for me: the first mustache I've ever painted. I have a feeling it won't be the last.

Friend Magazine Illustration

This is an illustration for the November issue of the Friend for a pumpkin cookie recipe. It was pretty exciting to do an illo. for a magazine I actually read as a child. Hopefully more will follow!

Idaho International Dance and Music Festival

This was the image I did for their poster and brochure this year. Their faces still look goofy to me. *Sigh*

Ballet Frog

Finally, another portfolio piece!

So, you know how it is sitting all by yourself painting for hour on end, and you get to a point where you can't really tell whether something stinks or not? That's how I feel about this painting, and it's weirding me out! So, how do you think it holds up, quality-wise compared with the rest of my portfolio? What would make it better?

Otherwise, this was pretty fun. Frogs in tuxes and evening gowns just proved to be irresistible subject matter.

Senior Show

Well, here it is: a series of illustrations designed as book covers for children and young adults. Some are for books which have long been favorites of mine, some are newer versions of very old stories, and some are just plain wacky ideas come to life. As most of these need some sort of touching-up before going on my permanent website, some real honest, nit-picky critique would be most welcome!


The Really Ugly Duckling


The Cricket in Times Square
I'm surprised by how many people haven't read this charming book. Granted, it is a little dated, but its appeal as a celebration of friendship, of finding one's place in the world, and of the power of music is universal.


Rapunzel


Leonardo
What if a young Leonardo da Vinci were to do some time travelling and end up in a present day grade school? Would he be able to save the art program? Would he get beat up for wearing that silly hat? We may never know. . .


The Secret Garden


"Please Sir, I mean Ma'am" & Other Stories


The Hobbit

Overdue Announcement

So I've already posted this painting, but I do so again with the addition of good news: it got in the Society of Illustrators annual student show and is currently on display in New York City! (I'm pretty stoked about it).

More Perspectives

Whew! Sorry these aren't so clean and beautiful. (I've learned my lesson, and next time I'll take the pains to scan and piece them together). Anyway, just some more drawings from Creative Perspective class. (The last one is a 'villain's lair'). Did I mention how much fun this class was? When I was little, I always wanted to create whole worlds through drawing, but never thought I had the skills to do much with environments. Now, at least I have somewhere to start from.