Chuck’s Book

This is a little side project for the children of a friend.  The first round of layouts for a story that was started by their father Chuck, and the duty of finishing it has passed on to his young brood.  A project of this scope can be a tough thing to ask of  kids, coming up with a story is not always the easiest thing.  I think it is a VERY common misconception that people make,”Well It’s just a kids book…”   

In fact, the story is really quite important to this family.  It was begun as a gift for the children but has now become an effort on their parts…but it is one I know they can handle well.  

So, to the Van De Merlen Three–I wish you good writing!

New Classes This Fall

This Fall I will be teaching Children’s Book Illustration I &II at the Silvermine Art School in New Canaan, CT. Please check their website for class schedules and listings.

Zombirdies!

This image is a rough draft from a comic I’m doing about Zombie Birds.  Please note that some of the artwork is not even drawn in the boxes yet…and this piece won’t appear in the actual publication…it’s more of a practice drawing for me.   I’m not sure what I can legally say ,so I won’t say much.  It will be released in 2010 in two compilation books, several authors and artists were asked to contribute a story about Zombies–their own take.  I have been reading lots of poetry lately so my take on zombies came out in a 22 stanza poem….Think Poe’s Annabel Lee, but with little zombie birds.  Now this poem is not for the faint of heart–as it does deal with darker themes..but all in good Zombirdie fun.

p.s.  I also illustrated Annabel Lee( in a stick-figure style)for fun in my sketchbook…here’s a few snips from that.  The cover, the first page and the last page.

 

Logo for Osetra Restaurant in Sono, CT

The  finished drawing for the new shirts at Osetra restaurant in South Norwalk, CT.

It’s an osetra sturgeon–which actually looks like some sort of dinosaur fish.

Timothy Decker: Author, Illustrator, Pal

Hello All–

Please check out my friend Timothy Decker’s new blog:  http://www.thepunkethic.blogspot.com/

ALSO…His new book For Liberty  is now on Amazon.  This picture book is a fantastic telling of The Boston Massacre.  Tim’s words and illustration are captivating.  In my opinion, he is creating some of the most impressive and innovative picture books in America.  There is nothing out there that I can think of which can be compared to his work.

Mole spread #2

Very little to say about these images–coming along ok though.

Made this painting over the past few days.  Been writing a story about a mole. He’s a simple creature–like I aspire to be.

A few more test images for a new story.

Latest…

Same painting, different face.