Sunday, May 27, 2007

Illustration Friday: Cars

As a topic, 'cars' is as vast as the concrete wastelands we've paved in order to accomodate their travel, parking, and merchandising. I like cars (favorite I've owned: a 1985 Honda CRX) and the freedom of movement they represent, but I'm ashamed of the consumption of resources they -- and we car owners-- are responsible for.

Some of my best memories are of road trips with the family... Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Canada. Charlie and Louie took many road trips together and bonded their friendship over many miles.

Yesterday I was at the mechanic's waiting for a service on one of our cars, and I saw a brochure on the Indianapolis 500. Knowing it was running today, I knew I had my subject for the challenge. I'm not a race fan, mind you. I know that I risk offending members of the legion of Nascar, demolition derby, and Monster Truck fans, but I don't get the going around in circles repeatedly. Yes, I realize there is athleticism and skill involved, but I don't get the attraction.

Anyway, even though I'm not a fan, I've drawn this with Micron pens and shaded it in Photoshop. Here's to that Memorial Day weekend tradition... the Indy 500.

Peace to all, and don't forget to wear your earplugs at the raceway.

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Illustration Friday: Signs

Howard missed the sign and soon found he was going nowhere fast.

This is in memory of the late great comedian Mitch Hedberg who once said, "I like an escalator because an escalator can never break, it can only become stairs. There would never be an 'escalator temporarily out of order' sign, only an 'escalator temporarily stairs. Sorry for the convenience.'"

I was going to go all soap-box and put a gun with the international 'no' sign over the top of it, but I thought that would be hypocritical, as I own a gun (unloaded and with a trigger lock, thank you), and I come from a family of hunters. I have thoughts about automatic weapons and how I don't get NRA fanatics, but just thinking about putting it all down in words made me tired, so you get a Hedberg tribute instead.

I originally did the illustration to the right, but my wife thought it really didn't convey the non-moving aspect of poor Howard, so my post was delayed a day whilst I put the view from behind the poor beggar.

I've seen some great illustrations this week on the topic, and I salute those who've
put some great thought and talent into the challenge.

Anyway, peace to all of you and just know that some signs are of more consequence than others.


Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Illustration Friday: Citrus



















Louie lifted his glass of bio-engineered citrus smoothie in a toast to his friend Charlie, who was at that moment several states away and trying to scare pigeons off his roof with dog biscuits, the closest projectiles at hand.

Peace to all, and here's a toast to all friends near and far.

Monday, May 07, 2007

Illustration Friday: Neighbor

When the Joneses moved out, Charlie led the neighborhood in the good- riddance-to-bad-neighbors dance. Little did he know that many in the neighborhood were biding time until they could do the dance in his honor.