So what time is it? Kidding!

Nice job on this one, Joe!

-Dean

Thanks for the review and reading recommendation, Joe!

-Dean

Oh yeah! these are both great sketches.

I've really enjoyed anything Strathmore. A few months back I got a black hardcover that's real cool, but I'm always too scared to draw in it.

Hey these guys would make great Lord of the Rings orcs - are they?

Joe!

Maybe the larger sketchpad size will allow you to make even more elaborate sketches!

Sometimes a smaller drawing space can stifle creativity.

The first guy looks dangerous!

-Dean

Thanks Dean, you are too kind! And yes i agree that it stifled what I could have been doing with a larger space.

Anthony, this one is just called Flexi-Sketch. I got it at Blick for like $9. good deal for 300 pages. and I too have struggled with the nicer hard backs. I always would feel like I had to draw something amazing or it was a waste of the book. I think that the novelty of having a cool sketchbook has worn off and now i just want the ability to draw in a larger space and i dont feel like it has to be perfect.
they are very LOTR inspired guys, but the first guy is inspired by the art of Steve Prescott. Hes amazing and he lives not too far from me. Does a lot of stuff for WOTC.

ok, thanks for the nice words guys.
Later...

Joe!

Nice shot of him laughing in the lower left-hand corner.

-Dean

Glad to have you back, Joe! you've been missed.

and I can't just leave my comment at that - not with those villains in the previous posts. will we see them in some action?

Hi Anthony!
Im not sure if you will or not. they are for an ad project for work that only required their mugs. They were fun to draw though.
and, even though I havent been posting, Ive been checking your blog daily!

joe, i really like the bird and switch of direction from the mugs. really vibrant and bright. i love the mugs too. i'm so glad you're posting again.

Joe!

What a happy and colorful illustration from you!

-Dean

Glad to see that you are back at it Joe. Congrats on the move.

Just awesome! Your work has such a classical feel, but with a great unique look all your own.

So, same graduating year! ha! We may have had classes together all those years ago.

Adorable Joe!

He sure looks happy!

Great job as always!

-Dean

Joe!

Awww, how cute! I bet it brought a smile to your mom's face.

Happy New Year to you!

-Dean

You too Dean.
She really loves it for sure. Ive been enjoying painting these little critters for people. They are only 3.5" x 5" and then framed so they only take a few short hours to complete. And the frames are like $6 at Walmart so its not expensive for me.

What paints/materials are you using?

Great job again!

Gabe, as usual, this is a pencil drawing - inked with dip pens and FW acrylic ink (umber and black mixed together) then a watercolor-style painting using Holbein Acryla Gouache. then another step of inking over top of everything to sharpen some fun details.
its not a technique i learned but rather one that I have adapted to from several years of my techniques blending together. Its just what happens when you study the art of others with your eyes and mind and imagine how you would do it yourself, combined with things you become comfortable at and things you push yourself to try.

Fantastic job on this, Joe!

He sure looks caught up in his sketching, now doesn't he?

Another fully-rendered, professional looking illustration!

-Dean

Thanks Dean!
I dont always come up with great scenes for my characters so I fall back on coffee and art when Im struggling.

Joe,
This is a real coincidence, I just had some dandelion tea Christmas morning. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Glad to see you are posting your drawings again.

Merry Christmas Joe.
Some dandelion tea and some Jolly Pirate would sure make my day! ha!

Joe!

This is excellent!

Nice facial expression, wonderfully drawn, and meticulously colored (I love the intense greens and reds)!

Very professional looking!

I hope you had a Merry Christmas and hope you'll have a Happy New Year!

-Dean

Joe, I hope you and your family had a great Christmas, and have an equally happy New Year!

I'm loving these new pieces. The color palette is perfect, and I wish I had a mug like that (being an avid coffee drinker and all)

Anthony, you too friend!
I actually referenced my own coffee cup for this illo. try hitting up some thrift stores, its a pretty common mug to find there...
thanks Jimmy, Mikey and Dean! Merry to all of you and have a great New Year.

Hey Joe, glad to see you're blogging some more! Is that inspired by tony diterlizzi's spiderwick dragons?

Awww, what a bunch of meanies those guys are!

Fun illustration, Joe!

Looks exactly like something you'd see in a children's book!

-Dean

That's really funny.

Great job!

thanks guys...

Joe!

This looks fantastic!

So many wonderful details from the facial expressions to the little berries and leaves strewn about.

Beautifully rendered too! Was this all hand-painted or did you use some computer programs for this?

Very professional looking piece! Be proud of this one, Joe!

-Dean

This is all hand done. I use FW inks with dip pens and paint with Acryla Gouache.