Recent Blog Posts

Fabulous Friendly Freaks

Fabulous Friendly Freaks

Summary: Reflections on an Instagram Character Design Challenge Last year I put together a really fun five day Instagram Character Design Challenge called Fabulous Friendly Freaks. The challenge kicked off on June 15th, and ran through June 19th. This creative sprint was filled with fun, freakiness, and fabulous artwork that brought together a community ofContinue Reading

The Un-taping of Bo Diddley

The Un-taping of Bo Diddley

Summary: A nice drawing, two big mistakes, and a failed in-class demonstration. Scroll to the bottom to see this painting’s satisfying conclusion. This illustration started as a simple sketch for an in-class demonstration. I’ve been hammering away at the Chris Payne illustration process for some time now. Mixing in elements from here and there tryingContinue Reading

Painting of a Young Jedi

Painting of a Young Jedi

Over the past few months, I’ve been pushing myself to continue learning. Most recently I was motivated by the exercises in the class on painting that I teach. During the demo’s and in the studio I tried a few new materials, such as the Strathmore 4ply 500 series vellum board, and gouache. This painting wasContinue Reading

Storytelling with Beautiful Illustrations

Storytelling with Beautiful Illustrations

 I did an interview with 4by6.com… here it is! How did you get into the visual arts? Dogged determination. Like many of your readers, I too was the ‘creative’ kid in class. I just never stopped. How did you get to where you are now? It has been, and continues to be quite a journey.Continue Reading

Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride

Mr. Trump’s Wild Ride

Powered by xenophobia, religiosity, and the interests of the 1%, Trump drives the GOP jalopy hard to the right. Swilling black gold, drunk on power, he salaciously leers at Lady Liberty, and she is having none of that! He remains unaware that the sword of Justice is swiftly catching up. #Resist.Continue Reading

Visiting with Friends

Visiting with Friends

Summary: Nameless Toads Playing Cards, Clandestine Notes, and Surprises! And so it was, that on a bright afternoon friend and fellow Foolscap Press owner Larry VanVelzer stopped by the studio to ask me to create a watercolor as a surprise birthday present for his wife and partner Peggy Gotthold. Without hesitation we set about crafting ourContinue Reading

The Un-taping of Bo Diddley