Black is the new black...

Hello Lovelies!

Well, the weather is turning colder up here in Maine and the days are shorter and grayer and you know what that means. Perfect weather for creating new art! (Or, writing how-to articles.) I did an article for My Shopping Connection recently, a little how-to on creating scratchboard illustrations. Go check it out!

I have been so busy, so I'm just going to post a ton of pictures of my new work so you have some eye candy. Sounds good, huh? Below are 2 out of 3 new scratchboard pieces I've listed as part of my Night Revelry series. They come matted in letter pressed mattes from Yee Haw Industries. Very nice. Perfect for Halloween.

Then I listed 2 new art photos that I think bring some color to this fall weather. These pieces are entitled Pumpkin Camaro and Carnival Jewels.

And last but not least is Leonidas the Dog-Faced Boy, the latest addition to my Cigar, Creeper & Dark Circus and Sideshow series. I love how this one came out! I'm doing another shot for this series tomorrow so standby...

I have discovered a wonderful painter on Etsy who's sweet as pie. Alex Kuno does dark and intriguing paintings with subjects and titles that make you wish there was a novel to go with them. The pieces below are entitled The Fog and The Vengeful Dunces. Beautiful.

And I want to wrap up with 2 pieces of awesomeness! As you all know I puffy heart Tim Burton. He recently did a fashion shoot inspired by his movies and aesthetic for Harper's Bazaar magazine that is just amazing. The pics below give you just a taste of the awesome. And, here's even better news. The Museum of Modern Art in New York is doing a major retrospective on Tim Burton's work that opens November 22nd. I'm there. Totally. Can't wait.

Until next time: unpleasant dreams...

Alice and the Dust Train...

Well Hello Lovelies!

Whew, the weather here in Maine has been misty and rainy for almost two weeks and while it does wonders for my work (because I always imagine my characters in this sort of setting), it doesn't do wonders for my mood. But alas, I'm grateful for the inspiration. Let me start off by sharing a little bit of excitement, one of my photographs made it to the front page of Etsy! Yep, my Skydiver print has done me proud and it has convinced me to keep taking those photos and listing them for you fine folks.

Moving on, as I mentioned in my last post, I have been busy working on a new painting for the gallery and July's First Friday Art Walk in Portland. It is finally done so take a peek at From the Dust to the Grave, a fun little romp inspired by the art of Joseph Mugnaini. Joseph collaborated a lot with Ray Bradbury, illustrating some of his most famous book covers including Fahrenheit 451 among others. Both are favorites of mine. Make up any story you wish when you see this. I like to think that this run-down and eccentric train is taking these monsters to a ball far out in a barren wasteland where ghosts and witches and creatures of all kinds dance and celebrate in a dark mansion until dawn.

And, as many of you faithful followers know, I am a huge fan of Alice in Wonderland. I did a photo illustration series based on this story and I find the imagery and characters in general one of my biggest inspirations. I also adore Tim Burton's work so you can imagine how overjoyed I was when I found out he was doing Alice in Wonderland slated for release next year. Well, some promo shots have been released and uh... IT LOOKS AWESOME! Oh. My. Goodness. Seriously. Johnny Depp's makeup? Needless to say, this is going to be a version that resembles none of its predecessors. Sigh. Love all of them.

And let's wrap up with some more strange news folks, shall we? Sigh. You are not going to believe this one kids. Apparently, a couple in Shelbyville, Tennessee has been charged with assault against each other... using Cheetos as weapons. (For those of you not from the US, Cheetos are puffed cheese snacks.) Now, I don't know how one commits assault on another person using a snack but it can be done because both were arrested and charged. I don't think that's what they meant when health experts said excessive snacking wasn't good for you.

Until next time: unpleasant dreams!