Family Practice - Aging Parents

This is another one of my Family Practice cartoons that came right out of real life. Sometime ago I was given a free copy of a book entitled "Caring For Your Aging Parents." When I saw the book I knew EXACTLY what to do with it. I put the book on our coffee table at home - right where my loving mother-in-law could easily find it. Sure enough, she saw it and asked, "Is this about me?" PERFECT! It couldn't have come off better.

She thought we were studying up on how to deal with her in her old age - I mean - "golden years" - whatever. I had to laugh and explain where the book came from. I think she has forgiven me - or maybe she has just forgotten.

I love my mother-in-law and what joy she brings to me by giving me opportunities to torture her just a bit.

I don't remember what I did with the book, but if I could find it I would be happy to loan it to you so that you could torture some of your in-laws as well.

Bridezilla

Here is the second attempt at a Bridezilla illustration. (Check out the Sept. 13 posting) It may seem like I have marriage on my mind, but 28 years of happily married would say that certainly isn't so. Just the whole concept of what a bride/Godzilla creature might look like inspired some ideas. My youngest daughter thinks that I got a little carried away on the "bust" size. I was just trying to mimic what I've seen on the TV show. I'm still not totally happy with this one, but I think it's time that I let the idea go.

What do you think?

Black Sheep

Here's another illustration for my growing motorcycle collection. I have friends that have just join a motorcycle club called "The Black Sheep." I thought the name deserved illlustrating.

Black Sheep

I like how this drawing turned out. I did it while my wife was in the hospital. She is home recovering now - thank you for your prayers.

There are some things about this illustration that I don't like. The words "Black Sheep" got too crowded, but I was trying to stay within my 8X10 frame. I think the sheep itself doesn't look mean enough - it's hard to draw sheep that are mean. And, it's really not obvious that the animal is a sheep. One guy looked at it and called it a camel. Maybe I should have put some wool on top of its head. But, over all, I like the look of the piece and I don't mind looking at it.

I will probably try and draw the concept again - maybe get a little closer on the face of the sheep - make him look angry or something. What do you think?

Banana Slug Love

I've been reluctant to publish this drawing. Some people thought it was a bit perverted. That was never my intent. Maybe, it's the way the slug stands in reference to the little old lady that makes it seem so bad - no further comment there needed. I guess that one cannot account for the dirty minds that are out there.

Regardless, I thought that this is an appropriate illustrate for a guy living on the Oregon Coast - the slugs are every where! Though, most of what people call banana slugs out here are not really banana slugs, but just a green cousin. The banana variety definitely fit their description. Also above I've included a photo that I took of an actual banana slug. He was making his way through a redwood forest at the time.

The slug in my drawing is exotic. Not only because of his size, but because of the polka-dots all over him. But if you were a 330 lb. slug you would probably would have a few spots all over you as well.

Keep your comments out of the gutter, but what do you think?

In other news: We're still in the Ashland Hospital. My wife's recovery is moving along slowly. We should be heading home tomorrow.

Me

I'm trying to post this photo of myself in my profile section, but having a few problems. They don't make this stuff easy.

Family Practice - Five Pound Bag

It's been a while since I posted on of my Family Practice series. This was my one attempt to syndicate a cartoon strip for publication. I was turned down by all the best syndicates. I think that they weren't interested in another family based cartoon.

This is another idea that came right out of life. My wife has to be a gold medalist when it comes to finding a bargain. I've often accused her of having an affair with some guy named Clarence. She's always looking for him when she goes shopping. He's some kind of Sailor ("Sale-lor" - get it?) O.K., she didn't think it was all that funny either.

I'm sitting in the lobby of the Ashland Community Hospital. My wife is having some surgery done. It's been three hours now. It should be over with soon - hopefully.

There's Somone For Everyone

I don't know what you think of a 50 year old guy that still draws stuff like this, but I like drawing this particular piece. I was inspired by the WEtv cable television show called "Bridezilla". If you've never seen the show, the premiss is that someone takes a camera and follows the most self absorbed girl you can find around while she is planning her wedding. Godzilla would probably be a lot kinder than some of the subjects of the show.

My girls like the program, and... I'll have to admit to watching it occasionally. When I see the premadonnas on that show, it makes me want to go up to the TV screen and shout out at the poor sap that is planning to marry the girl, "Wake up you idiot. Can't you see that you're about to make the biggest mistake of your life?" But I gave up talking to my TV years ago. They probably wouldn't listen anyway - they're "in love!"

Anyway, back to my drawing...

I decided to keep this piece as a pen-n-ink illustration. It think it comes across much stronger without color. Normally I like to draw ugly guys. I like this drawing because it's of a female and she is just as ugly as any guy I've ever drawn. I like how the hair turned out. Hair can be difficult to illustrate.

But, I will probably have to revisit the bridezilla theme. A bridezilla would have to be more lizard like - with a tail, breathing fire, and everything. Don't you think?

My youngest says that the title of the drawing should be: "There's Someone For Everyone." What do you think?

Dr. Knight

This is a drawing that I did about three years ago - before I even knew what a blog was. It is of the gentleman that was the president of my college, three of the four years I was there. My class invited him to speak at our 25 year reunion. We were too cheap to pay him anything, so I drew this cartoon for him instead. He seemed to like it.

Dr. Knight is a gracious, warm person. His message was enjoyable and humorous. After being president of the college he was "promoted" (depending upon your point of view) to the position of General Superintendent; an honored position, which I figured is close to sainthood. Dr. Knight questioned my theology.

I found this copy of the drawing while I was looking through some old files on my home computer. What do you think?

Bee Sting - Color

Here is the color version of the Bee Sting piece. Look below for the explanation as to why I drew it. I spilled milk on it this morning - long story - but I didn't cry about it - just blew a gasket. I just use regular water-based ink pens when I draw the outline. Normally, spilling any liquid on a piece would be the death blow, but I got on it quickly and just dabbed up the milk. There appeared to be little damage.

This is the first drawing in a long time that I drew something just for fun. Lately it's all been a drawing for someone. I still have other drawings to do, but this one was just for nonsense.

Again - what do you think?

Bee Sting B/W

My wife was painting our front deck last Saturday and unbeknownst to her (or anyone) some bees had taken up residence under a rock close to the front door. I guess they didn't appreciate her beautification efforts and stung her on a toe - PAINFUL! That night, after the bees went to bed, we gave them a house warming party - burned the little beggars with fire! It took two such events to remove our new neighbors - haven't seen them since.

My wife's plight inspired this cartoon. Today is her birthday.

The drawing will return with a color version soon. But, what do you think of this one?