Sketchbook - More pregnant practice

More practice at drawing pregnant ladies for Seth's commission. Just playing with colored pencils, the Pentel brush pen, and a Copic Multiliner.










I also wanted to try another pose idea for Max in Sonia's commission. I think I like this one better. And yes, he'll be fully dressed in the commission. I was just focusing on the body here to try to get the anatomy a bit straight.




These next two are close-ups of poses from one of the pages above. Composition layout ideas for Seth's commission.






Okay, got to run. We've an appointment to get to. Later!


"If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my axe."
-- Abraham Lincoln

Sketchbook - Pregnant ladies

Hey guys. I know, I've been bad. Ignoring my practice work and all. I'm afraid I let myself be intimidated by a person who made practicing in public sound like a bad thing to do. As if people who do so have inflated egos or something. Which, made me feel that maybe I was doing something wrong by sharing my stumbles and mistakes.

Thing is, I enjoy learning and sharing as I go. I also feel really foolish for letting another person's issues with their own ego stop me from doing something I like. My practicing - in public or otherwise - isn't hurting anyone. If you enjoy watching my attempts to figure stuff out great, I'm glad to have you. If it's not your thing or you feel my attempts to improve insult you in some way, please feel free to stop watching the blog or following me on Twitter. It's that simple.

Now, on to nicer things. I didn't get my work done yesterday, I'm afraid. So, today is for sketching and the chiro appointment. For the moment, I've some scratchings of me trying to figure out how to draw a lady who is pregnant. Seth's commission is for one of his characters who is expecting. And, I've just realized that aside from Max's sister in Issue 8 of CN:H - which I'm not sure turned out all that well - I've never drawn someone pregnant.

So, I scratched up some practice sketches to get a quick idea of how the belly sits. The weight doesn't hang like extra fat on the midsection does - loose and flabby with rolls and folds. It's taunt, solid, and shapely. There's a new little person in there, after all.






I still have more practice to do before I can work up the comp sketch. I also want to do some research on how to improve Max's pose in Sonia's commission. I'm not too thrilled with his arm and leg positions.



All of which means, I need to get to work.


"Practice, practice, practice until you eventually get numb on rejections."
-- Brian Klemmer

Planning ahead and the new Copic case

Morning guys! At the moment, half of the commissions in this current batch are complete. It's also just about the end of February, which means I'm a little further behind than I'd like. Admittedly, I lost a little over a week to health issues and I gave a time frame of two months, but it still bothers me. A constant two-a-week is the goal I'm shooting for. I'll get there. It's all a matter of getting the kinks ironed out.

Drawing gives me a lot of time to think. As a result, I've been planning ahead for the next batch. It looks like we'll be finishing this bunch up about mid-March. After that, I'll be taking at least a week off to complete the sketch card requests and do some work of my own. I need to come up with a banner advertising commissions at the cons. On top of this, I may need to run out to the Midwest due to family issues around that time. So, halting commissions for a short break sounds like a good plan.

I've also been rethinking some of the commissions I'm offering. The "Steal a Scene" commission will no longer be available. The point was to offer something fun that I could turn into limited prints to help raise funds for charities, other artists, or groups like SpiderForest. But, the more I read about people's reactions to artists selling prints of commissions, the less I want to deal with that headache. So, I'll create extra work on the side to sell for those purposes.

I'm also going to break the number of slots up - five for full sized commissions and five for badges. We're getting close to AC, which means I'd like to offer badges that will be available to pick up at the con. While I'll be taking badge commissions at cons, they will all be take-home work only. I'll do sketchbooks and buttons at a con, but more detailed work is reserved for when I'm in my studio and not trying to manage a number of things at once. Trust me, the art will come out much better this way.

So, if you want a badge for AC, your best bet is to commission me for one when the slots open up again. I'm also interested in theme ideas for badges. If there's something you'd like to see, please let me know.

That being said, I will be bringing my supplies with me. To help with that, Matt found a carrying case designed for the Copic markers. It's so cool!




The sides are reinforced with a sturdy insert to stop the bag from getting crushed. Inside are six removable mesh bins which hold the markers.




I've been using it as a storage container for the markers now. Everything else I've tried has led to markers tumbling out when I pull one loose. It's designed to hold the Sketch markers more than the Originals, so mine are a little tight in there. But still, I love it! Now all I need to do is find a way of marking the bag as mine. The last thing I want is for my supplies to walk off, never to return. Hey, some people worry about their con sketchbooks being stolen or damaged. I'm concerned about my tools. I've a lot invested in my supplies. I can't run out and replace them easily.

Other than that, things have been fairly quiet. Today is for doing some practice sketches and studies for Sonia's first commission and Seth's second one, as well as checking up on my folks. So, I should get to that. Later guys!


"I'm just preparing my impromptu remarks."
-- Sir Winston Churchill

Ruby lives!

Hey guys! It's been an odd week. I've one more semi-private commission to do - Matt and I keep debating whether this one should be kept private or not - before I go back to our regular sharing program. At the same time, we've a friend coming down to visit next weekend, so I'm torn between commission work and starting spring cleaning early. Really want to clean and organize. Really need to get commissions done. Eeeek!

But, that's not what this post is about. I've something to share. Last Anthrocon I commissioned the awesome Gel of OMG Pineapples for a Ruby partial suit. Guess what arrived this week... Yep, she's here!

(I apologize for the backdrop. Our house is small and the best place for lighting was in the entrance by the back door. Which, is the cat's domain.)




Gel did an excellent job! The fur is so soft and Ruby's hair is actually rooted in. That must have taken a lot of work. My favorite part... the tail and the feet. I love the feet!




And yes, I still need to lose some weight. I'm working on it.

I have discovered, though, that I can't wear my glasses with it. Wish I'd kept trying different contacts now. I still have my prescription. I could probably get contacts made if I want. While I can see without the glasses, everything is very blurry. Breathing is a little tricky as well, though after a few minutes you get used to it. Kind of like wearing a bodice for the first time.

Which reminds me, I'll need to find some outfits for her. Specifically clothing that is loose and flowing for the top. Maybe I can hit up the local Taste of India downtown. I used to wear that style of clothing constantly in college. I'll need to shorten my hair length as well. I've a little too much to tuck into the head comfortably. All things to do before this year's Anthrocon.

But yes, she turned out wonderfully! This is so cute! Thanks Gel!


Ruby lives!




And she will eat your soul!




"Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure."
-- Irving Wallace

Commission slot reorders

Hey guys, Just a quick note to say things are going to be quiet on here for the next week. I'll be working on two private commissions so, I won't have much to share. I really appreciate Sonia and Seth letting me move their commissions back a bit so I can move another one up. Thank you!

Also, I will no longer be re-posting the blog links to Twitter. Nor will I be posting the various commission stages to FA. Only the finished versions of non-private commissions will be posted to FA from now on. I've been running about trying to post each stage everywhere. While this is good for exposure, it takes time away from working. Which, as you can guess, isn't good. So, the goal is to keep the downtime as short as possible from now on.

And yes, I still have sketch cards to do. I haven't forgotten, really. I've just been a little nutty these last few days. I apologize for the delay.


"You don't get ulcers from what you eat. You get them from what's eating you."
-- Vicki Baum

Sketchbook - Composition sketches

Hey guys. My back and shoulders feel like they're on fire today. Probably from moving things around yesterday. All of which is making leaning over to draw an uncomfortable experience. It's a sad day.

Still, I've two composition sketches for commissions finished. If the basic ideas pass muster, I'll begin the clean sketches tomorrow.

Sonia wanted Max dressed as Link belly dancing for Ruby dressed as Princess Zelda. Unfortunately, I'm not familiar with the game, so I've still some research to do on the clothing.




edit: The second commission has been switched to private.

Okay, I've still some emailing to do so, I should probably get to it. Later guys!


"Life is pain, highness. Anyone who tells you differently is selling something."
-- William Goldman

Finished - 'Undercover'

Wrist is a little sore, but the colors for 'Undercover' are finished. Yay!


'Undercover' | inks, copic markers, white pencil, white gel pen | 9x12 | Commission


Due to the delay from the marker running out yesterday - Matt and myself ran up to Boston yesterday evening to pick up some refills - everything has been shifted back a day. So, I'll be starting Sonia and Alan's first commissions tomorrow. I apologize for the delay.

Thanks guys!


"The truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music. Bodies never lie."
-- Agnes de Mille

Changing formats and Volume II - CN:H

Hey guys. I've been thinking about the future of CN:H since we closed the Supporters area a few months ago. Mainly I've been trying to decide how to keep the comic running while juggling commissions and other obligations. While I have a solution, I'm afraid it probably won't be a popular one with many people.

In order to keep CN:H running and still be able to bring in an income from commissions, the comic will be switching to a clean sketch format starting with Issue 15.

Inking takes a lot of time and is still a painful process for me. Thanks to Dr. Brian my wrist is functioning much better. Unfortunately, the damage is still there and it's never going to go away. The comic pages involve a much heavier inking style than the commissions do. Inking a large project still leaves me stiff and fumbling with the aspirin bottle, my wrist locked in a claw-like position.

Add to that the fact that CN:H no longer pays me. Yes, we do still have books for sale, but the money from those goes right back into keeping the comic and RCSI Publishing itself, running.

CN:H is my hobby now, a hobby that I'm looking forward to enjoying again. As such, I really don't want my hobby to cause me pain. The pain is one of the reasons I've been unwilling to work on CN:H over the last few months. I want the series to continue on to its completion. I really do! I just don't want to suffer for it. Maybe that's a little selfish of me... but I'm human. Selfishness is going to happen sometimes.

Why don't I just hire an inker or ask for a volunteer? Because I don't have the money to hire and I don't want volunteers to lose interest and wander off, leaving me flat. Also, Matt and I do plan to continue creating print copies of the comic. Bringing in volunteers may cause some trouble once money gets involved. So while I appreciate the idea, I'm afraid I'm not interested.

What are we looking at when I say clean sketch? Do I mean something like the clean sketches I do for the commissions? Not quite. I'm talking about something a little more polished. Shaded and fairly smooth pencil work. Just not inked. Pencil and marker are my preferred mediums. They cause me little discomfort, are ones I feel confident in, and I really enjoy working with them.

This also means that the covers will no longer be digitally colored. They'll be done in marker and resemble the recent commission work. Which means I'll be redoing the cover to Issue 15 soon.

There is a benefit here. It means I'll be able to increase the updates to three a week starting January of 2013. Why wait that long? Because I want to be sure we have a nice, large buffer in case of emergencies. Still, despite the wait that's something we can do and something I'm looking forward to.

This does mean Matt and I had to decide what to do about the Volume II trade paperback. The original plan was to end Volume II with Issue 16. But, we don't want the format change to happen in the trade. I'm also realizing that there is a lot more story that I'd like to add to the current storyline. So, we're going to end Volume II with Issue 14 - it has a nice little cliffhanger - and start Volume III with Issue 15. This will give me some extra room to do a little more with Max and the fey as well as bring the current story to a full conclusion without it seeming rushed.

We're still hammering out all the details. This weekend is for editing the issues and getting Volume II ready for print as well as working on commissions.

I apologize if the format change is unwelcome to anyone. The story will remain, the art is just changing to make the process a little quicker and less painful.

Matt and I really appreciate everyone sticking with us for so long. Thanks guys!


"You can avoid having ulcers by adapting to the situation. If you fall in the mud puddle, check your pockets for fish."
-- Author Unknown

Doing refill inventory

Hey guys! The base colors of 'Undercover' are almost finished. Unfortunately, I've run out of a color again. This time it's the one I need for the veil. I've one pass down, but need at least another to make the veil look smooth. Not to mention I'll need the color for the shading stage.

As to why I keep running across markers that are getting low, most of my markers - all the large, square ones below - are around four years old or so.

Most of them have never been refilled so, it's to be expected. Still, running out of a color slows things down. I can't buy refills here in town, so I'm left with either Dick Blick in Boston or ordering them online.

I decided that maybe testing all the colors and making a list of the ones that are running low might be a plan. That way I have a better idea of which makers to keep an eye on as well as what to pick up. I have a few refills already, but there's still a number of colors on the 'to pick up' list.

I guess I'll be putting in an order later today. I'm not sure how long it will take the refills to arrive, though. Maybe I can substitute the dry marker with another color. *coughs* I can't wait for the warmer weather to get here. All the marker fumes are making the studio a little whiffy today.


"Color possesses me. I don't have to pursue it. It will pursue me always, I know it."
-- Paul Klee

Inks - 'Undercover'

Hey, look what I just finished! The inks for 'Undercover' are setting and awaiting color.



Depending on how things go with Dr. Brian today, I may start the marker work later this evening or, wait until tomorrow. For now, I need to get ready for the appointment. Later!


"Everything starts from a dot."
-- Wassily Kandinsky

Finished - 'Ruby, What Does Playa Nudista Mean?'

Hey guys! I finished the coloring late last evening, but was in a lot of pain from my wrist. So, I decided to hold off on scanning until this morning. Here's the completed image. I hope it turned out okay. Thanks Bear!


'Ruby, What Does Playa Nudista Mean?' | inks, copic markers, white pencil, white gel pen | 9x12 | Commission


It was the background that did me in. Coloring these usually takes around four to six hours. This one took around ten. I don't remember how many times I went over those leaves in the bottom left corner. My wrist still aches!

Today is for finishing up the inking on 'Undercover' so I can do the coloring tomorrow. Oh, I have a nifty little thing to show you! If you look to the right-hand side of the blog, you'll see a 'Commission and Con Schedule' block. That's my tentative schedule of when I'll be working on everyone's commissions. I say tentative because I may move things a day forward or back now and then due to getting ahead or losing time to health matters. But hopefully that will give everyone a good idea of when work should be finished up.

Okay, I'm going to take some aspirin, crack the wrist a few times, and get my morning started. Later!


"We must learn our limits. We are all something, but none of us are everything."
-- Blaise Pascal

Ruby's a hard one to shade with Copics

I'm working on the colors for 'Ruby, What Does Playa Nudista Mean?' and have discovered that Ruby's a little hard to shade with Copics. I've been using the base color to help blend the shading. But, Ruby's base color is white. So, I've tried using the Colorless Blender as a base with C0, C2, C3, C4, and BV23.



It worked, but I still need some practice. She's a little dark because she's partially in shadow. But yes, more practice. That's what the Copic sketchbook is for, after all!

Okay, I need to get back to work. Later!


"The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply."
-- Denis Waitley

Inks - 'Ruby, What Does Playa Nudista Mean?'

Inking, for some reason, is still the most painful and time consuming part of the process. Still, I've the inks for 'Ruby, What Does Playa Nudista Mean?' finished.



Hopefully I can get 'Undercover' inked tonight as well. Then tomorrow... coloring! *grin*


"How did I come into the world? Why was I not consulted? And If I am compelled to take part in it, where is the director? I want to see him."
-- Soren Kierkegaard

Sketchbook - Starting a Copic sketchbook

I need to work on my color theory. I also need to work on my shading with the Copics. So, I figured since I have a spare sketchbook, I'll start a Copic practice book.

There is to be no inking in this sketchbook. Just non-photo blue pencil and Copic markers. The challenge is to see if I can figure out shading and how to manipulate color without relying on an inked line.

Here's the first attempt. The reference was from a Google image search for "belly dancers".



It's rough, but was a lot of fun. I'll try this again a little later. I've 108 pages in this book to play with, and am looking forward to filling up each one.


"Colors are the smiles of nature."
-- Leigh Hunt

A note on critiquing commissions

Hey guys. I'd like to talk about something that seems to be happening often lately. I appreciate that you want to help me improve my art. I also appreciate that you feel critiquing me is the way to do this. Still, I do have a request... please do not critique commissioned work.

Commissioned work is a contract between me and the commissioner. While the art is being shared, it is not made for general consumption. In other words, it is made to the commissioner's specifications. This may include characters acting in ways they normally may not or even characters with altered proportions. I refuse to permit you to make one of my commissioners feel horrible about their character simply because you don't approve of how they've designed it.

What it comes down to is, only the commissioner is to suggest changes in the commissioned piece. I no longer work digitally. These "simple changes" are not simple and run the risk of damaging the paper. It is the commissioner who gets three corrections in the sketch stage. Not the viewers. So please, leave those changes to the commissioner.

As for the rest, yes, my style is changing a bit. I'm moving away from the overly large heads I used to do. In fact, for the last year or so, I've been enlarging the heads digitally after I've drawn the body to keep the characters looking like the old style. I'm not willing to do that anymore. I'm working on learning proper anatomy which means the heads will be more in proportion to actual human heads. Please do not insist I revert to the previous style, especially under the guise of "helping me improve".

I was always told that you wait until an artist asks for critique before offering it. If I want critique, I will ask for it. Why don't you see me ask for it more often? Because I ask other artists I know and trust to critique me. They have the skills, know the lingo, and understand the difference between a critique and an opinion. They're willing to take the time to study the image and notice the construction lines underneath. They decipher where I'm going and point out areas where I may have missed a step. I have never had an artist I trust and approached personally steer me wrong. I have had people who pop up with a critique tell me to do something that is absolutely wrong anatomy-wise.

So please, leave off critiquing the commissions. While I'd prefer it if you'd wait until I ask for a critique, if you'd rather not, please limit them to the sketchbook work or the stuff I do for free. I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks guys!


"What a genius, that Picasso. It is a pity he doesn't paint."
-- Marc Chagall

Clean sketch - 'Undercover'

And here's the second sketch of the evening... Max and Ruby undercover in Sarubia.



I can't wait to add the colors to this one. Cloth is always fun to work with. But for now, I think I'm going to call it a night. I'm still feeling a little off. Later!


"To avoid mistakes and regrets, always consult your wife before engaging in a flirtation."
-- E.W. Howe

Clean sketch - 'Ruby, What Does Playa Nudista Mean?'

Unfortunately, I lost some work-time there due to being ill. I'm discovering that there are certain foods that I just can't eat anymore without ending up nauseous and in pain. Just means I'll need to be more careful in the future.

As a result, today is a 'back to work' day. Time to see if I can get back on track. For the moment, I've the clean sketch of Bear's first commission, 'Ruby, What Does Playa Nudista Mean?'



If Bear gives me the okay, I'll get to inking tomorrow. For now, I've one more clean sketch to do tonight. Later guys!


"I never expected to see the day when girls would get sunburned in the places they do today."
-- Will Rogers

Sketchbook - What a load of chicken scratchings

Hey guys. I've been feeling like crap since Wednesday, but wanted to get some sketching done. Luckily I decided to try working in the sketchbook before continuing on with the commissions. Why luckily? Because I can't seem to draw anything today. It's all coming out as hen scratchings.

Oh well - you win some, you lose some. The only reason I'm sharing these is because I said I'd share everything in the sketchbook. My poor sketchbook. It doesn't deserve this.

These first two were done while looking at Motley Crue's, Girls, Girls, Girls video. What? It's a good song.






The next four were just me trying to get something to work out. No such luck.









Yeah... I got nothing.


"A small voice whispers in your ear, 'you don't have anything exciting to say.'"
-- Rachel Ballon

Sketch card requests

Last weekend I offered up ten free sketch card slots on my Fur Affinity gallery. They filled up faster than I expected. I know, I'm sure that makes me sound stupid - duh, of course people snapped up free art - but I draw, not collect. So, I have no frame of reference. I figured they'd sit for a bit, especially since it was a Sunday morning. Instead, they filled up in about an hour.

Today I worked up the first two before my stomach decided to rebel. Since they're small and safe for work, I'm not going to put them behind a thumbnail.

For Wolfstorm...

'Wolfstorm' | inks, copic markers, white pencil, white gel pen | 2.5x3.5 | Request


For tobi3b...

'Tobi3B' | inks, copic markers, white pencil, white gel pen | 2.5x3.5 | Request


This was the first time I've used the Canson brand 'Fanboy' sketch cards. While I like the lines on the back for contact info, the cards themselves reacted a little oddly to the Copics, both the markers and the pens. The pens didn't seem to set as well as usual - they actually bled a bit when the markers hit them. As for the markers themselves, they were a little more resistant to blending. I resorted to breaking out the colored pencils for some finishing touches on the first one.

All in all it wasn't a bad experience, and now that I know what I'm up against I'll have a better idea for the future ones. But, I don't think I'll be purchasing this brand again. Hey, you never know until you try, right?


"The Law of Probabilities: the more things you try, the more likely one of them will work."
-- Jack Canfield

Sketchbook - Composition sketches

Hey guys. Sketching while dealing with a migraine is always an interesting experience. But, I think I came up with some compositions for Bear's commissions that might work.

Commission number one is for Max and Ruby taking a vacation to a nude beach. Poor Max doesn't understand Spanish, but Ruby knows some. "Playa nudista" = "nude beach". The thing hanging partially over her chest is a bathing suit top that's been untied at the neck but not the waist yet.




The second commission is for Max and Ruby in a belly dancing scene. I wasn't too sure what to do with this one, so I thought maybe Max and Ruby are undercover someplace. I think I like the pose in the second sketch for Ruby more than the one in the first.






Okay, it's nearly four and the head's pounding. So I'm going to sit for a bit with a cold pack and then do a sketch card later this evening. I apologize for being so slow with everything. Later guys and thanks!


"My son complains about headaches. I tell him all the time, when you get out of bed, it's feet first!"
-- Henny Youngman

Finished - 'Two Veils Left'

I'm not as quick as many artists out there, it's true. Still, I have good news. 'Two Veils Left' is now complete! Hopefully she turned out okay. Thanks Seth!


'Two Veils Left' | inks, copic markers, white pencil, white gel pen | 9x12 | Commission


Let's see... next is Bear's commission, which means I need to do a few composition sketches here in a bit. I also need to start working on those sketch card requests I opened up on FA. I've ten waiting in my queue. Everyone offered up some interesting characters for me to draw. *grin* I just need to get started.

One of the things I need to do this next week is set aside part of the shelf above the computer as an area for finished commissions and works in progress. That way I'll know where everyone's images are... whether they're still being worked on, waiting to be shipped, or being stored until a con. The last thing I want to do is lose someone's commission or accidentally end up damaging it.

You know how it is, just learning as I go.


"To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful."
-- Agnes De Mille

Inks - 'Two Veils Left'

Matt and I ended up going out of town today. As a result, I didn't start inking until a bit ago. And, for some reason, I've been jittery the last few hours. My wrist is naturally shaky anyway thanks to being injured years ago, but days like this it's a fight to get the lines smooth. But, since I want to be able to color tomorrow, the inks needed to be done this evening so they can set.



There's some wiggle in the front veil, but I managed to catch the rest and smooth them out. Now that the inking is done, I get to spend tomorrow playing with color. Ah markers, you make everything better. *grin*


"A line is a dot that went for a walk."
-- Paul Klee

Red line of 'Two Veils Left'

In response to a critique earlier on FA, I placed a piece of tracing paper over the clean sketch of 'Two Veils Left' and re-laid the forms down. Don't worry, the red things are pieces of artist tape.



Is it perfect? No, by no means. But, for someone who's only been trying to learn anatomy for a few months without the aid of a classroom setting... I'm not doing too bad. I am making progress. It's just going to take me a while.


"We cannot let external criticism, even if it's true, fortify our internal foe. That foe is strong enough already."
-- Steven Pressfield

Clean sketch - 'Two Veils Left'

HaHa! Here's the clean sketch of Seth's commission... 'Two Veils Left'. Looks like she's having fun.



Once any changes have been made and the clean sketch is approved, it'll be ready for inking. Then my favorite step, adding in the colors. She has a soft golden color to her fur, which will look nice with some purple and green in the veils. Or maybe some pink? We'll see when the coloring stage starts.

In the meantime, I might do a little work with some sketch cards. I have a few ideas I'd like to work out.


"Live and work but do not forget to play, to have fun in life and really enjoy it."
-- Eileen Caddy

Sketchbook - Composition sketches

Complete with fuzzy, furry boobs. I've been turning over ideas for the first three commissions today, which has been fun. After being asked a few times if Miss 'Foxy Dancer' did the Dance of the Seven Veils, I decided to look it up and see what the dance could look like. Here's a few of the videos I found...






After that, I got inspired. I've a few pose composition roughs for Seth's commission of Bridget dancing. I like the poses on the first page and the ones in the top left corner and bottom right corner of the second.





I've been given free reign to choose the pose, so this will be fun! Now to choose and start on the clean sketch. Woohoo!


"Pursuit and seduction are the essence of sexuality. It's part of the sizzle."
-- Camille Anna Paglia

Clean sketches and a lesson plan

Morning guys! Today is for contacting commissioners and working up some composition sketches. But first, I'm trying to come up with a plan to hopefully help me improve my drawing skills.

While keeping the sketchbook seems to help a bit, I'm also getting a little confused and frustrated. I'm one of those people who learns better in a more structured environment. As a result, I'm thinking about coming up with a series of lesson plans for learning various art concepts. Nothing major, just picking out some core books, focusing on a chapter a week or so, and doing work related to what's being discussed in that chapter. I've a few books on my Amazon wish list that are more like textbooks, complete with exercises to follow, which may be helpful eventually. (I can't pick them up just yet.)

I'm not sure how interesting this would be for you all to read about, but hopefully it won't prove too boring. I'll try to share key points in what I'm reading as well as the sketchbook work I'm doing. The hope is that the structure will help keep me focused. Right now I'm bouncing around trying to take in everything at once.

If anyone has any books and training aid recommendations, I'd really appreciate it. The areas I'm planning on focusing on are...

anatomy (human and animal)
color theory
perspective
composition
working with markers (Copics specifically)

The other thing that's rattling around in my head is how to attract more attention in the furry fandom. Matt had an idea last night... start a sketchbook of clean sketches within a theme, say belly dancers, and post those on FA. Which, might work. The only trouble I can see is while my color work attracts some views, my sketches and ink work does not. Which means, they'd have to be colored somehow. Marker doesn't work too well in these sketchbooks that I have. Hmm... I guess I could break out the colored pencils.

Still, 108 pages of belly dancers? That's a lot of shimmy! I need to find a smaller sketchbook for this plan, I think. I'd like to keep the books hardbound if I could - they hold up better. I know Moleskine makes a sketchbook with less pages, but they're pricey. It's something to think about. I could always try auctioning off the sketchbook once it's complete, I suppose. And it does mean I get to play with my colored pencils again.

I know if I can get my brain set on a path and started, it'll kick into gear. It's just getting started that's the hard part.


"The challenge for the artist is to persevere whether or not recognition is forthcoming."
-- Alice Rich

Sketchbook - Timed dudes

I'm currently hanging out, waiting for this week's chiro appointment. So, I thought I'd try doing some practice sketching. Just trying to move quickly to see how off my anatomy is. The poses on the first page were done in a minute. The poses on the second page in two.





Reference was the gesture tool on Pixelovely.Com.

That was fun but, it kind of hurt too. I guess I'll be reading for the rest of the day.


"You can't hire someone to practice for you."
-- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Commissions now open

Commissions are now open again. I am offering buttons, badges, themed commissions, and general commissions.

Button Commission - $10
Want something small? Why not try a button? Buttons are 2x2 and done with Copic markers or Prismacolor pencils. You decide. The original art is then encased in a metal and Mylar button. One of a kind, just for you! Head-shots only, please.

Badge Commission - $25
Need a new badge for the con scene? I can help with that. Badges are 4x6, fully colored with Copic markers on Bristol board, and laminated. Waist-up shots only, no full bodies or backgrounds. A badge clip is included.

Themed Commission - Starting at $40
The themed commission is a chance to cut loose and have fun with specific props, settings, and situations. Only commissions within the current theme will be accepted. Current theme - Belly-Dancers and Harem Dreams.

CN:H "Steal a Scene" Commission - $50
Is there a scene from the CN:H storyline that you'd like to see drawn? Maybe you're interested in a more detailed vision of an already shown event? Perhaps you'd like to see something hinted at, but not shown? Or, you're anxious for a glimpse at the future? Either way, the CN:H "Steal a Scene" Commission is the one you want!

General Commission - Starting at $60
Have an image in mind that doesn't fit into the current theme? Then this is the commission for you!

I'll be opening ten slots up at a time. Once those slots are filled, no further commissions will be taken until all ten slots are cleared. Due to health, other projects, and possible materials running out... commissions may take up to two months to complete.

For more information and to place an order, please visit my commissions page. Thank you.


"You wouldn't want any creative process to lose its sense of fun and adventure, but that doesn't mean you can't take it seriously as well."
-- Charles de Lint