Fun with Classics

Seven

So, I was tagged recently by Susan to fess up seven things about myself. However, I do believe my foot was touching base, so instead I'll offer seven sources of creative inspiration.

1. Buster Keaton. Not only the greatest of the silent comics, but film's purest genius. He was also the best director of the silent era. Watch The General and think about his editing, pacing, and composition. Also, it's hilarious.
2. Orson Welles. The sound era's genius. Yes, Citizen Kane is that good. Also check out his radio work..all of Welles' stuff is about rhythm. Extra genius points for his sketching abilities.
3. Charles Schulz. I grew up devouring the Peanuts on Parade books and I think Schulz has had the greatest influence on what I find funny. His drawing is superlative. Huzzah to Fantagraphics for reprinting the complete works.
4. Ernest Shepard. One of my favorite children's book illustrators. The Pooh books and The Wind in the Willows are simple perfection.
5. The Beatles. Creativity, energy, and confidence. Listen to all of A Hard Day's Night and hear four guys who know they're the best band ever. And they're right.
6. King Kong. Of course I mean the original. No other movie has the power to instantly make me a kid again. Remains one of the greatest adventure movies of all time.
7. Jim Henson. Originality and conviction. The Muppets are one of the great creations of the twentieth century. Orson Welles thought so, too. Extra genius points for Henson's drawings. There's a reason the Muppets haven't been good since he died.

Another brush sketch

Brush Sketching

BookExpo/ABC Auction!

Going to BookExpo next week? Enjoy the thrill of an auction but feel shy about waving a little fan while some guy talks really fast? Like this drawing? Go to the ABC Secret Garden Silent Auction on June 1st and quietly bid away to your heart's content. All proceeds go to supporting projects that benefit the Association of Booksellers for Children members. Remember, Friday night at the Copacabana...yes, the Copa, Copacabana.

Ranger, Alone

Ratty Mountain Breakdown

Bear in a Boat

Conte pencil owl

Breakfast Sketches

Sketched whilst drinking coffee and listening to Studio 360 talk about the new Buffy comic (go, Joss!). Why this led me to medieval-esque doodles, I have no idea.

Illustration Friday: Neighbor

Red Cross!

Yikes. 2 posts in one day...well, heck it IS my birthday. This one's a sketch for my upcoming Dust Bowl-era graphic novel.

One of 6000

Another Ireland sketch. So many walls, so little time.

Old Salt