This is what you get when you combine a parrot, giraffe, and rhino into a powerful, dangerous and colorful animal without wings…otherwise known as the Parraffino.

This was created by playing a fun artist game.  In down time at the park we entertain each other by writing a list of key words and then handing it off to another artist to illustrate.  As listed above, the key words for this were: parrot, giraffe, rhino, must look powerful, dangerous and colorful, no wings.  Then we hand the finished drawing to the writer of the words for a grade.  I got an A+ on this one.  The only problem with this game is those pesky costumers keep coming up to the stand and wanting to get drawn…

I only have a few weeks left in Orlando.  I’m trying to get the most out of my time here and stretch my brain.  I give you some of the fruits of my labors.

I really haven’t disappeared from the face of the Earth…just the face of Iowa.  For those of you who do not know, I am spending a few months drawing with the artists at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.  It’s been a great experience so far.  I’m having a great time.  I especially like the 70 degree days in January.  It’s the slow season currently, so I am also enjoying all the rides and attractions that Universal has to offer.  Here are a few examples of my work.  They are graphite and airbrush.

I’ve updated my “live caricature” tab.  I have new examples of my quick caricatures done at parties and events.  For a set fee I will come draw your guests with no charge to them.

My first experience of drawing in a mall.  Jordan Creek Mall: a main attraction in the state of Iowa for the general spending of money especially when potency for wallet extraction is multiplied during the holiday season.

the GOOD: 1) climate control  2) lighting control  3) absence of creaking rides  4)better opportunity for my friends to stop by and visit me  5) option to spend money in a great variety of halls decked with bows of holly

the BAD: 1) booth is in a relatively low traffic area  2)less business  3) longer hours  4) longer drive  5) option to spend money in a great variety of halls decked with bows of holly

Here are some sketches of people I’ve seen walking by.

The difference between this and the previous sketch is that I spent many hours on this one.  It is watercolor and colored pencil.

Sketch of Michael Scott (Steve Carell) from The Office

I know a lot of people who like “The Office”, myself included.  Here is a sketch of everyone’s favorite boss:  Michael Scott.  This sketch is done with a black verithin prismacolor pencil.  I spent approximately an hour on it…maybe a little more…divided into three short sittings.

Last week I was in Sandusky, Ohio at the International Society of Caricature Artists (ISCA) convention 2009.  I received an injection of inspiration which will keep me going through next year.  I met some great new friends as well as reconnecting with old ones.  The talent people have is breath-taking!  I created this image at the convention using the pen tool in illustrator.  Angie does live digital caricatures on her large screen cintique tablet.  Her husband, Scott, does magic (yes, the REAL kind) as well as digital video effects and editing.

In the aftermath of the convention my resolution is to update my blog at least once a week, so stay tooned! 

Did you know librarians do a lot more than shush the patrons?  This one does!  Amy writes plays, knits and populates the perimeter with puppets (was that a bit of a stretch??).  I had a wonderful time illustrating this commissioned work for her.  It is 11 x 14 in, done in ink, watercolor and colored pencil.  The original piece can be view at the Lisbon Public Library, located in Lisbon, Iowa.

Located in Altoona, IA, Adventureland is the destinations of many Iowans for a day of fun, or more accurately a day of spending money.  Actually, that’s all good with me as long as that money goes to us poor caricature artists.  We get paid by commission…  There was a day this week that I made $3 to take home.  Not even enough to pay for the gas to get me to and from the place.

So, on those days where I sit and wait, I sit and draw.  This is a page from one such occasion.  The face at the top is a fellow artist while the other two are people I saw in the park.  The medium is ball point pen.