still seeing things.

A few years ago I wrote a post about how I see characters emerge when I stare at patterns. Here is another example, this time from a carpet I was looking at. Why I am staring at the floor so much is probably a story for another day.

Working on this illustration, I wanted to show the character escaping from something that was ruining their environment. Upon completing it, I think it also could represent someone overcoming addiction to alcohol.

finished illustration, breaking free. — finished illustration, **breaking free**.

black kitty.

Years ago I created a series of simple cat illustrations to accompany some writing I had done. Looking back at them now, I still appreciate the writing and simplicity of the cat designs.

recycling.

While I am a big recycler, this blog is in reference to my art. I recently created two new t-shirts, that are available here. But both recycle art from years ago. I guess it speaks to my love of the art and that I want to see it live on.

I created the tadpole art back around 2005 and since then it has shown up several times. They have been in both Dragon Kid illustrations and in my book, the Boy with the Big, Blue Hair.

The Star Girl art was created by my Uncle Nick, back in the 1960s or 70s. I have always loved it and turned the pencil sketch into vector art for the shirt. It felt nice to be able to collaborate with him on this.

maybe you can go home again.

In May 2017 I had my first art exhibit. What made it so special was not only that it was my first, but that it was at the Watertown Public Library, where I worked during my high school and college years. I spent most of my time in the children's department, so this venue was very appropriate, since my illustrations are largely inspired by those picture books, I used to shelve.

I don't think any of the librarians I worked with are still there. But if one had come by and told me to get to work, it really would have felt like home.

sketchbook.

Despite working digitally, I always start my drawing with a sketch. Below are some recent ones.

2016: odd and ends.

2016 was an odd year. Difficult personally, but very fruitful creatively. Maybe one fueled the other? Without taking on the challenge of producing a picture book, or any other large scale project, I was able to have the most productive year of my life. I created a lot of illustrations, started a blog and will have my first art exhibit in April, at the Watertown Free Public Library. I'm excited about the exhibit and what 2017 might hold. Thanks for reading!

I have started making prints for the exhibit.

Rose and IV. A sketch I hope to revisit in the new year.

Source: blog post: 2016-odd and ends.

animal affirmations.

This series of simple, geometric animal illustrations started after I read the story of Cecil the Lion. Once I started, I couldn’t stop morphing the simple form into various other animals and telling their shared story.

The series has appeared on bored panda, design taxi and awesome inventions.

the little prince.

The Little Prince (1943) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry has always been a favorite book of mine. Even before I even read it (I can't remember if this was due to being too young, or too lazy), the illustrations really captured my imagination.

I just had the pleasure of watching the new animated film, based on the book, on Netflix. It's a beautiful film. And while I didn't enjoy the third act, which is new material, its a faithful, adaptation, that honors the spirit of the book.

One of the themes of The Little Prince is, it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. While I agree with this sentiment, the film version proves that there are some things worth seeing with both your heart and your eyes.

growth.

In an effort to step outside my comfort zone and continue to grow...I experimented with a more abstract, conceptual design approach to some illustration ideas.