FTF - May 20

Today is the first of what I hope becomes a weekly tradition for a while: First Try Fridays!
I will be taking random requests from readers and passerbys on what I should draw; the thing is, I'll only draw something I haven't attempted before. This could be a single item, animal, place, person, etc. that I haven't attempted before, or a few things composed together in a way I haven't before.

This week's is the latter; as I have drawn both a lily and a dragonfly before, but never together, or as "a lily turning into dragonflies."

[Pencil and ink]

I'm like 98% I haven't drawn a hedgehog before, and that's good enough for a first try in my book. A single stroke to define the eyes turned out to make him mad. Maybe cause he's alone?

[Pencil and ink]

Please, don't be shy of commenting or emailing me suggestions of things to attempt!

New: First Try Fridays

I've been trying to think of a way to keep this blog updated on a somewhat regular basis, and in a way I'd be motivated to do so as well. Last night while sketching, I came up with this idea called First Try Fridays.

Basically, I'll draw something that I've never done before, and post up the results regardless of quality. Depending on time during the week and what my actual Friday looks like, I may even attempt a few things at once.

So please, if you have any ideas of what I should do, leave a comment on here, and if you suggest something I've never drawn before, you'll probably see it soon. Suggestions can be as mundane or crazy as you'd like.

Examples:

• Lionfish
• Inside-out soda can
• Horse wearing a tutu
• President Bush karate chopping Vice President Cheney.
• etc.

Morbid humor

Inspired by my friend's awesome comic series, Deadcat, I've been thinking more and more about the afterlife; and how humorous it probably is. Instead of Death being this depressing and sad thing, I wanted to put a jovial spin on things and touch upon the lighter (and possibly laughable) side that the holiday, Dia de los Muertos, invokes.

What started as an idea for a series of illustrations similar to the 1880-1920s era, my mind is leaning more and more towards a comic adaptation--with a possible shoutout to the 1880-1920s era in a few moments. Whether it'll only be one collected volume, or a continuous series, I am leaving up in the air at the moment. One thing is for certain, though, it is entitled Posthumorously: Ridiculous Stories of the Afterlife.

 For the moment I have written two full, very short parts for this story, and so far it revolves around one man's experience with the Afterlife. But as the title discloses, there are many stories to tell. Since this is my art-related blog, I thought I'd post up some sketches on here, and if you're still curious, you can go check out the typed up stuff on my Seattle Blurbs blog, specifically this post.

Original sketches of this story, before I even started typing. So this was the springboard that I jumped off of during a bout of boredom.

Brief rework / continue from last page. Also, a few looks at the Hallway Elevator, a brief moment with it interacting with memories, and the Phone Book.

Another moment with the Hallway Elevator and memories. Mock-up for spirit-based smoke.

Some sketches of a recurring character, Caretaker. He's the one that greets and councils every soul as they "fall into the Afterlife." Very laid back, and is almost always puffing away at the Spirit Hookah.

Views of Caretaker's office, and some more Hallway Elevator.