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

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Don't Bug Me

Some of my most productive doodle time happens during long boring meetings.  This last week was no exception.  I had to go to an all day meeting up in Salem (A 5 hour drive north of me), and while everybody else is sitting at a table trying to ask pertinent asks, there is Rick Green off to one side drawing his poor "whittle" fingers to the bone.

This particular doodle is a product of my creative expressions from that day.  I have a few more that I will post in time.

The thing that I like about my "Meeting Doodles" is that they are so unplanned.  I just start drawing and what comes out, comes out.  And, if you make any mistakes, you have to incorporate them some how into the illustration.  I really like how the guy on the left turned out.  I was feeling a bit sad about adding the second, long and lean fellow, on the right, but when I added the captions I felt that it all came together well.  But, as I often say, we're not talking about brain surgery here.  It's just a little fun—we're not creating the Mona Lisa.

I you haven't seen my free Valentine doodle yet be sure to scroll down for your chance to "copy and share"  something for your honey on Valentine.  AND!... Come back Wednesday for a doodle that I am looking forward to share with you.  (How's that for a teaser?)

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Hair Ball of Love

This doodle may seem a little early, but I wanted to get it out there so that you could have plenty of time to post it on your blog—that is if you were so inclined to do so.

Since I've had some free doodling time on my hands I've just been doing some sketches for the shear fun of it.  For some unknown reason, other than just trying to draw something different, this cat came out the other night.  Then, while realizing that St. Valentine's Day is almost upon us, I decided to try and use it for an appropriate holiday post.  But, the question was, "What does is cartoon feline suppose to be saying?": "You're my little catnip?"  You're the my one and only litter box of love?"  Nothing seemed to work.  AND THEN!... it hit me!  "Hair Ball of Love!"  What more poetic statement could a cat make?  The two, (cats and their hair balls that is) are so connected.  Just like two people in love.

So, it's with a deep appreciation of heart felt love that I release this Copy & Share If You Dare doodle to you, my romance loving blogging friends.  And for the first time I am releasing two different version at once—a total black and white one, and one that has been highlighted with some hints of color.  You must choose.



Why not celebrate to occasion by giving your own little Hair Ball of Love this doodle printed out on a little note on the 14th?  Wouldn't that be special?

Thursday, January 21, 2010

A Message From Your Guardian Angel


Last night my wife's choir had a party at the church.  Family members were invited and so I, being a good husband, went along.  During the party I snuck out and called my sister.  While I was talking to my sister (hi Jan) I started this little doodle.  Then I went back into the party, as it was finishing up, and worked on the illustration some more.  Afterwards I worked on some finishing touches at home.  So, here now is my version of a guardian angel.  The Bible says that we have angels watching over us.  I think this one might be yours, and he's feeling, shall we say, a bit "put out."

Copy & Share If You Dare.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

A Little Unhinged

We all have those little moments in our lives (for some it's more than just a little) when our insanity gets the best of us. Most of the time we are able to keep it hidden, but then, one bad day comes along and the whole world knows that we're ready to be committed. Just bring along the straight jacket and find a nice dark, padded room for me to sit quietly in. Are you there today? Then maybe you'll want to Copy & Share If You Dare this doodle. Just go ahead and admit it—you're plum nuts!!


Monday, January 4, 2010

Knock, Knock, Knockin' on Heaven's Door


It was a year ago, January 5th, that our family said goodbye to Jim.  Jim was my sister, Becky's, husband and a dear friend to me.  Becky asked me about creating an illustration of him as he entered heaven.  She had one idea for the doodle—I had another.  She let me go with my idea.

The death of a dear friend and loved one is not an easy subject to tackle as a cartoon—it is such a serious subject. Cartoons, obviously, tend to be more appropriate for humorous situations.  But how could I refuse my sister?


Once I got started the doodle went easier than I first thought it would.  This is not the first time that I've drawn Jim.  I created a birthday tribute to him back in September of '08.

Jim is a great guy, and after a 6.5 year battle with cancer he has received his reward.

I asked Becky to write a response so that I could add it to this post.  She was kind enough to send me this response.

Dear Rick,

My mind and my heart are overwhelmed tonight with missing Jim. I can hear him struggling for breath in my thoughts. I can see him trying to live even though his time here had come to an end. I pictured the Lord standing before him in those last seconds literally saying to him, "JIM! Come forth!"

When I asked you to draw me a picture to give to Jim's mom for Christmas, I envisioned you drawing a picture of him in a track suit, having made it to the finish line at the feet of Jesus. He would have looked exhausted but done with the race on earth. I saw him kneeling at Jesus' feet and the Lord pronouncing, "Well done good and faithful servant." But you had another idea and ultimately, I thought whatever was inspiring you would be what was best. I had no idea it would move me so profoundly.

When I first saw the picture, I was a well of tears. (I still am) You chose to picture Jim with all his hair back, with a anticipatory grin on his face and with an excitement in his demeanor. Even the angel was excited about what would take place. I really can't describe what that meant to me. I needed a picture of him that was whole again! He was so exhausted from his cancer battle when he died. It has been hard to get that picture out of my mind. The picture you drew has helped me with that.

I loved the picture so much I had you make several copies. I gave one each to the girls, one to Jim's brother and the original to Jim's folks. Everyone cried when they opened their picture. Dena told me that night that a couple weeks ago while she was at the mall, she had written a note to "Santa" and put it in a drop box. She told "Santa" she wanted to see her daddy for Christmas. She said her wish was granted with that picture.

Jim's mom called me Saturday and told me she was overwhelmed at seeing the picture. She said it is just what she needs to help her when she thinks of Jim in heaven.

Rick - you know I have always loved your artwork. It graces my walls throughout my house. But this is a masterpiece. Everyone who sees it is moved by the scene. It is my favorite Christmas gift. It was the hit and the tear-jerker of Christmas for us all.

I love you,

Becky

PS - And I know Jim is pleased to know the Egg-man made it to heaven with him.


I am so glad that everyone seemed to like the illustration.  I am honored to be asked to do it, and it is a point of pride that one of my creations brought so many tears of joy.  And, by the way, this isn't the first time that Eggy has made it to heaven.


Love ya!!

Friday, January 1, 2010

Love Sick T-Rex


I asked my daughter tonight what I should draw.  She said, "a dino -saur."  So, for my first post in the new year... (drum role please) ...here's a love sick t-rex.

I figure that this little doodle is one that you can use, especially with Valentine's Day coming up.  So Copy & Share If You Dare.

You know the rules, just please tell me when and where you post it.  I like to come and visit my bit of internet art.