Behind the Seen

September is almost over and I know some of you really, truly organized bloggers out there are already thinking of.... (Dare I say it?) Christmas.

As I look back I realize that my Christmas art has been rather cynical. Actually, I do enjoy Christmas. I just don't enjoy getting ready for it. But you know, those sleigh bells will be a jinglin' soon!

So, this doodle may be a little too early for most of us, but I have another one that I'm really looking forward to sharing with you later on. I figured that I should pop this one in on you now - while you were least expecting it.

Also: I meant to share some photos with you when I posted the illustration I drew of Jason the Gray. But I forgot to.

I had my daughter take a few pics of me while I was working on that caricature. This is meant to be your peek into my inner sanctum. It's the story behind the story. It's the rest of the story. It's... It's... Well, it's another way for me to get attention from you - my kind blogging friends.

I start out making a pencil sketch of the concept I am trying to make. I use the pencil very lightly at first. When I'm happy with what I've got down, I come back with a pencil again - laying down a stronger line.


This is me at my art table in my home office, with my trusty little Mac at my side. I am constantly referencing the photos on it that my clients have sent me, and pics that I've down loaded from the web to help me create a better concept. The mess on the corner of the desk (I fear) is typical. You can see a bit of the T.V. in the corner of the room, which is also something I am constantly referencing while I draw.


Here I am going back over my pencil marks with a pen. I always seem to need to take a breath before I start on this step, because if I mess up here the whole project is ruined.


I always feel better when I get this part done. The rest takes time, but it's much less stressful.


I almost forgot to get my daughter to take another photo before I was finished with the color pencils. I have learned to start at the top left-hand corner of the illustration and work my way down and across it. The pencil uses wax as a base and so my hands can easily smear some of the pigment if I am not careful. When that does happen it makes for some very interesting creative color work. (Do you see my Dollar Store glasses?)


When I am done I photograph the final product and e-mail a small copy to the customer for their approval. They send me payment, either by check, or through PayPal. I then mail them their original artwork, and we're all happy.

I've been going crazy on this caricature thing for nearly a year now. You can generally find me in the evenings sitting at my desk doodling someone's face on a piece of paper. I honestly do enjoy it, but sometime I think I've created a.......