Wow, it's been a long time since I last posted!  Things have been busy I guess.  Well, in honor of Halloween, here is a mashup of that fearsome, freaky monster of Frankenstein and the dashing, debonaire James Bond.  "You Only Live Twice" was on TV the other day (one of my fave Bond movies), and this came to mind.  So here we are, the great Frankenstein in, You Only Live Thrice!

Project Update

Update on the "Hats Off" project - WE MADE OUR GOAL!  Yeeehoooo!  And we still have a few days left on our Kickstarter campaign to help us publish it, so you can still get your awesome goodies and an early copy of the book.  Hurry over to the site here and pledge while you still can.  There are some neat rewards, including original drawings and paintings by me, customized poems by Jessica, and of course the book.

If you are wondering what in the world this is all about, you can read more about it in my last blog post here ... And then, get thee over to the project site and get your book!  (Above is a spread from the book, in a hurry to see all the animals at the zoo)

Hats Off! launch

Once upon a time, 10 years ago my then girlfriend, now wife, and I said we would someday collaborate on a book together.  She writes awesome poems, and I make pictures.  Then life went on, and you know how things go, yadda yadda....

10 years later the kernel of an idea grew, and we decided to finally make the book a reality, before all the kids our friends are having become adults!  So she wrote a great story, I'm working on the illustrations, and this summer we should have a great picture book about animals in hats (two spreads from the book above).  But we need help to make this happen.  That's where you come in, beautiful people who like to support cool projects and see neat things come into the world!  Please visit our Kickstarter campaign here, and help us make this book happen!  There are some neat rewards for giving, and for as little as $15 you can get your own signed copy when it comes out!

We aim to bring a little joy, a cup full of imagination, and a pinch of fun into the lives of children with this book. And possibly in the future, to bring loads of joy to little hearts with more books!  But for now, we are super excited about this book, and can't wait to share it with you!  Don't hesitate to contact me with questions about the the book, the way Kickstarter works, or anything.  Thanks for taking the time to check it out, and let's bring some wonder into kids lives together!

Hitching a ride to the Wild Rumpus

After learning of the passing of Maurice Sendak yesterday, I went back and read the books I have of his, and listened to every interview I could find.  What a genius!   Such a creative, courageous and honest force he was in his storytelling.  Thank you to the man who brought his dreams to life, hitched you to them, and then brought you back down gently for supper.  While it was still warm.  Here is my humble tribute sketch.

Jump!

A good time jumping session on the trampoline for everyone on this sunny spring day. Well, almost everyone! I always have a great time getting some air on the trampoline with my niece and nephew when we visit. And they love being rocket propelled into the air by me... at least I hope they do. That was my inspiration for this weeks Illustration Friday.

Also, coming soon will be some fun news about a cool new project I'm working on! Stay tuned and check back in a week or two for more...

Good time treasure hunt

These guys are all about having a celebration on the beach. A little music, a little dancing, and a little... wait... We're not all having a good time!

I'm trying out a new style, playing with textures, lines, colors. Let me know how you like it!

New project

I've been working on a new project that I'm really excited about lately. A book dummy is almost finished for it, and I'm ready to send it out. Crossed fingers and the stars aligned, this will be a book in a couple years! This is one of the spreads, lots of fun to create!

Library show

For the months of February and March, I will be showing artwork at the San Mateo main library. The paintings include some originals from my books, other children's book inspired work, and some newer paintings on wood panel. Lots of cool stuff, and it looks great in the library gallery! Check it out if you get a chance, and please come to the reception if you are around the area!

The library is located at 55 West 3rd Ave., San Mateo, CA
The reception will be on Saturday, March 3, from 1-3pm in the Laurel room (first floor). I am also doing a reading and drawing in the kids' section on March 14, at 4pm.

This year's a rollin' on!

Wow, almost two months since I've posted! December found me busy with finishing up a book I'm working on, Christmas vacay, and few Holiday shows. It's the new year now and I'm still finishing up the book, just hung work at the San Mateo main library, and put some goodies in a show at Creative Framing & Gallery in Oakland.Whew, getting off to a good start!

Above are two of my new paintings at the gallery in Oakland, titled "Love Birds (1 & 2)". They are part of a group show called "Red, Hot Chocolate". A great grouping of art for Valentine's day, lots of juicy, tasty, 'lovely' art! If you're in the area, check it out!

I'm looking forward to doing some new work this year, and have started a new project, daily doodles. More info to come on that... But for now, thanks for checking my stuff out and enjoy!!