A collection of doodles with a bit of commentary by RICK GREEN - your cartooning friend

Saturday, September 20, 2008

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.......

20 comments:

Patti said...

Christmas??? Are you kidding me???? I am sooo not there yet.

Excellent post title, by the way - nice play on words.

I'm COL at your use of wax pencils, btw - I'm a leftie, and would have to do it exactly the opposite way. Except I have no artistic ability, so it's not really an issue.

Anonymous said...

yes I have started thinking about making my Christmas cards - I usually make some special ones for family and friends but give shop ones to the rest. I would love a funny doodle to post on my blog for Christmas if you're planning one we can steal from you.
It was great seeing you at work. It's how I imagined you late at night as I was just getting up here in the I'm.
How long to the wedding btw?

Rick said...

To Tismee2: The wedding? Three weeks from today!!!!!!

Laura ~Peach~ said...

ahhh the inner sanctum.... :) I am thrilled to have some fantastic art from there :D

raccoonlover1963/Lisa Myers said...

Hi Rick. Great post. I, myself, am NOT looking forward to Christmas this year. Not having a lot of money puts a strain on things. I love the decorating and the celebrating, it's just the gift thing I worry about.
I like the step by step of your drawing. Keep up the good work.
Lisa

Chris H said...

Awww eggy is so cute in that one! Quite relaxed in fact... and shut the h*#@ up about bloody Christmas coming! Gawd I am soooo not ready for that! Nice photos of you drawing too.... like to see where you work!

our shabby cottage said...

These are great Rick!
I too am getting ready for Christmas!! It will be here before we know it...Kathryn

Jessi Nagy said...

hey there thaks for stopping by.
what a fab blog you have.
love all your doodles.
i was so happy to see jerry. but i wasn't contagious anymore. i should have jumped up on stage and gave him a big ol kiss.
o well, next time.
oxoxox,
jessi

D_Morrison said...

Christmas? Ha...right now my life goes by one dirty diaper at a time. I look forward to the next two hours of sleep I'll get in a roe. Christmas? EONS away as far as I am concerned.

Anonymous said...

Turn that Christmas hating guy into a woman and once again you've captured me. Of course I love Christmas and the significance of it in our lives, but I hate the planning, shopping, and hussle/bussle of it all.

This just cracked me up because it's this time of year that all of my blogging buddies begin to shop and post about it....ugh!

Lib said...

Hi Rick,
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment,
Love your work!
I thik Christmas yr. around.
Have a great wk. end!
Blessins;Lib

The Blonde Duck said...

I've been thinking about Christmas for months already! But, I'm a magazine editor so I have to...

Tonjia said...

thanks for the peek inside of the creator of such art!

I saw the Dollar Store glasses, LOL.

Your doodle about Christmas sums up my opinion exactly. LOL is this one we can borrow?

Camille said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog. I like your "doodles" and I'll be keeping an eye on your blog.

Kim VanDerHoek said...

O.K. now I'm totally freaked out...Christmas?! It's still September!? Ahhh....

More wonderful artwork Rick!

Pearl said...

Hi Rick... Thanks for your recent visit to my blog... glad that you enjoyed the Vintage Halloween art... I still have a boat-load to post, and will be doing so until I run out...

You have a very interesting blog 'n I enjoyed having a peek... thanks for sharing...

~blessings~
Pearl

Cathie said...

I have showed the picture too many people and they want to know who drew it and I give them your link! My kids say those two hobbits are them! Another added Bonus! Really, his birthday needs to hurry up and get here!

MaBunny said...

Hey Rick, hop on over to my 200th post and have a go at my contest! Hope you know your movies!

Unknown said...

oh I love everything about Christmas! great work Rick....thanks for popping by and I am thrilled you enjoyed that song!

Reddirt Woman said...

Not a monster....

I guess Christmas has been on several people's mind. Must have had something to do with the 50 degree mornings we've had around here. Starts cooling and we think it's fall... but we will have some Indian summer before it cools down for fall for good. Last year I was still mowing on Dec. 16th, then the next day it decided it was time to get cold.

Check you later.

Helen