Frankenbread Men are FINALLY DONE!

Click Image to see all Frankenbread at a larger size.

Ahhh, FINALLY.  As some of my followers may have noticed, I started the Frankenbread Men series back last Christmas.  I was hoping to crank out 7 little gingerbread men and make a charm bracelet. . . then it didn't happen.  But what's amazing, this year went by so fast that it feels like just a month or two ago that I stopped working on them.  Because of that, the idea of making the charm bracelet was still relatively fresh in my head and I started making the last 4 just before Thanksgiving.  Then, buy the end of it, after all 7 were complete, I had to throw in a little Frankenbread House for good measure.  You can see the finished one in more detail over in the Crypt of DOOM!

The finished Bracelet over in the Crypt of DOOM!

Next on the list is the annual Christmas Card.  In all honesty, I've got a bad feeling it won't get done in time, as I've only gotten the sketches above done for it.

In other news, I've finished my last episode of Season 7.  Well, my last full episode.  I've got only a month and a half before I go on hiatus (I'm thinking positive that it's hiatus and the show won't be cancelled).  I'll now be spending the holidays doing revisions and helping out on other episodes.  It's been a crazy year so far, but a lot of fun.  Got to board a lot of stuff that I never thought I'd have been able to and learned a lot.  Keeping my fingers crossed that 2012 will have another season of American Dad in the stars.

They're Coming . . .

The Second Batch.

Last year I got three out of the 7 intended Franken-Bread Men created in time for the Holiday Rush, and this weekend, I took the time to create #4.  I've already printed him out and shrunk him down into the beginnings of ADORABLE earrings.  They will be posted in the shop before the end of the week.  Seriously TINY and cute.

With any luck the next three Franken-Bread Men will be done in the next couple of weeks and (as was my intention last year) will be turned into a charm bracelet.  :)

**UPDATE**

Earrings are in the shop now!

The Pumpkin Party

"Pumpkin Party"  9"x11"  Gouache;  2011

Ahhh!  Finally finished.

It turned out pretty decent.  Spent a lot of time on this one trying to figure out how the light from the fire place and light from the TV, along with light from the pumpkins might work.  Pretty happy with it.  Wolfboy, the Boogervampire, and the Mummy are getting in the Halloween mood by carving their pumpkins as they watch a "Munsters" marathon.  :)

Speaking of marathons, I get to happily report I enjoyed a lovely Vincent Price marathon while working on this little gem.  Enjoyed The Raven, Comedy of Terrors, and Twice Told Tales.  Then for good measure I threw in the original Boris Karloff Universal monster classic, the Mummy. 

If you're in the Silverlake, CA area, you can see it in person, along with a whole bunch of other "Spooky" paintings, plushies and toys over at Monkeyhouse Toys.  The show is up until November 9th!

Progress Report: Halloween Show Painting

 
The painting is, as of now, still untitled.  In all honesty, I'm sweating it a bit.  I'm supposed to have it turned in by Wednesday, and as you can see it's still far from finished.  But it will be done this weekend, wether or not it's part of the art show.

I had been waiting to post the details of the Show itself until I'd received a flyer advertising it.  But alas, no flyer yet.  So here's the info I know so far.  I'll update this post with a flyer and more details as I find them out.

If you're in the area, the show is happening this Saturday, October 15th (2011) at Monkeyhouse Toys in Silverlake, CA.  I'm assuming the opening will start around 6pm, as that is when shows there have started in the past.  It is a group show, and I'm sure there will be at least 50 artists.

Tiny Purple Bat

Well, I've had a crazy couple of weeks, but thankfully I'm back to being able to work on my own projects again.  No updates this week on the Halloween Show painting, as it's really not much further than it was two weeks ago.  It's just been transferred to the water color paper.  I hope to start blocking in the background base color tomorrow after work.  We'll see.  There'll be an update next Sunday on it's progress.

This weekend I did do a couple of color tests for the painting though.  I usually mix my own colors, but in an attempt to expedite the process, I finally broke down and bought some purple gouache.  I wanted to test the purple and some lime green I bought a while back and see how they look and flow.  I'm really glad that I did, because had I not done this test, the final pumpkin carving piece would have suffered a horrible fate.

 So yeah. . . little purple bat painting.  Decided to throw it in the Crypt of DOOM!  This one is 1.5" wide and 3" tall.

Also, I enjoy having a textured ceiling in our apartment.  Earlier today I was laying in the bed staring up and spacing out (because I could), when I saw this little guy.  It was basically just his head and shoulders on the ceiling, so I quickly filled in the rest.  :)  I may have to paint this guy later.

New Art Show Coming Soon

Well, as some of my Facebook Followers have seen, I'm working on a new painting.

I was invited into a Halloween Themed show at Monkeyhouse Toys in Silverlake, CA for the month of October.  Don't have all the details yet, but the opening is slated for October 15th.

As with most of the theme shows out there, the subject matter is pretty broad, so as long as it has something to do with Halloween it's good to go.  I've been looking for an outlet to paint the Mummy and Wolfboy for a while and thought how CUTE would that be if they were carving pumpkins.  Since it looked like the boys were making a mess, I decided to invite the Boogervampire to the pumpkin carving party.

I'll be doing bi-weekly "Work in Progress" updates as the painting comes along.

Enjoy and thanks again for stopping by!

Purple Spider Mini Painting

So, Carlos and I have a new "friend" living down stairs in one of the bushes.  It has managed to weave one of the biggest webs I've ever seen.  Everytime someone breaks the web, it's up and functional again by 10pm every night.  The spider is seriously HUGE, I don't know that I've ever seen one as big as this guy, aside from the wolf spiders we had in Seattle (and the one I did an Irish jig on in Canyon Country my senior year in college).  It's freakin' HUGE.

So, I tried to paint it from memory tonight.  The painting is almost 2 inches square, and of course, is in gouache.  Top one is obviously a mess up.  Was smart enough to prep two little squares just in case.  ;)

Deep Sea Diving

As I previously mentioned, the last couple of weeks I've been working on mermaids, one of my least favorite mythical creatures.  The tiny mermaids were for a synchronized swimming team.  One of the team members contacted me saying that they'd like to have necklaces made of their mascot, a mermaid, and that their team colors were red, white and blue.

The client chose the tiny mermaid with her hair in a bun, and with the starfish decorations, because in synchronized swimming, when you swim your routine you put your hair up in a bun with Knox Gelatin and usually bobby pin in some sort of sequined hat.

After the client made her decision I decided to do a recolor of the girl with the octopus on her head in a color pallet that I find more appealing.  It's the little synchro mermaid's cousin, the deep sea zombie mermaid.

Finally, I couldn't let my three day weekend pass with out doing some painting.  Got out the blue paint and another Angler Fish appeared.  This one is just another Mini Painting, and measures 1.5" x 1.75", and is in gouache (of course).

 Above from "Zombies in Love" by Scott C.

And in closing, I had the opportunity to go check out a pretty awesome gallery show/book signing/drawing demo over at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, CA with my friend Brianne.  They were releasing "Zombies In Love" by Scott C. and it was a ton of fun.  They encouraged people to dress up in prom clothes or as zombies, so as I was walking around looking at the beautiful original paintings from the book, I was surrounded by zombie prom attendees. If you live in the Los Angeles area I totally recommend checking it out before the show comes down on the 26th of September (2011).  If you don't live in L.A. you can pick up a copy of the book over at Amazon.

Mermaids

BLECK!!

I'm not a huge fan of mermaids.  I used to be, once upon a time, but I won't get into that.  What I will get into is this:

My mom asked me a few months back for some mermaid drawings.  She's aware of how I feel, but since it's family and they do so much for you. . . you're kinda obligated to do things you don't like every now and then.  I've filled about 6 pages in my sketch book trying to figure out how I want these little buggers to look.  I've tried adult, sexy mermaids, a few really stylized, teenage type mermaids and even a skeletal mermaid (my personal fave thus far), but the need to draw more creepy bug eyed children prevailed.

With any luck I'll have one I'm happy with, put it in the computer, clean it up and color it in flash and be able to scratch this little bugger off my list next weekend.

Thanks for stopping by!

Clue

Growing up my brother and I played a few board games.  We didn't have a ton of them, just the basics.  Candyland, Battleship, Othello, a cheesey New Kids on the Block board game, and my all time fave, Clue.

I seriously loved that game.  I don't know if it's because it was honestly fun, or if it was because I'd watch a lot of Quincey, Perry Mason and Streets of San Francisco with my dad.  Detective TV shows with dad were the best, and a detective board game was seriously the most awesome thing on the planet when I was about 8.  If I could have figured out how to play it by myself, I would have.

Another awesome thing around that time was the Clue MOVIE.  Man, mom got stuck watching that movie with me about as many times as I had to watch the Lion King with her about 5 years later.  Chris had Top Gun and I had Clue.  Madeline Khan. . . man, I wish she was still around.  Today's funny ladies just aren't the same as her.

Anyway, enough rambling.  I decided while spacing out in the shower that I wanted to do fan art of my most fave game ever, and while I was thinking about it, I realized that the movie versions costumes and colors would be fun to paint (especially with flat color backgrounds that match the character's names).  So here's the first of six.  She has two names, the first rather obvious, "Ms. Scarlet".  The second, or true name, of the piece is one of my fave lines that Lesley Ann Warren said in the movie: "True!  Who are you?  Perry Mason?!"  It measures 5" x 7" and is gouache on watercolor paper.  I'm hoping to eventually frame all 6 of them together in one frame.  :)

I was also hoping to have Mr. Green done, which was why I waited so long to post, but he had a few technical difficulties and needs to be started over.  The other 5 will be posted as they are finished.

Shrunken Heads

Did a couple mini paintings today while I was waiting for my Fiance to wake up from his nap.  (His mom is coming to visit in a few days and we needed to make another run to the storage unit but he'd asked for a nap first.)

Top one is a self portrait.  Got my hair done last weekend by my good friend Carla over at the Double O Salon in Eaglerock, CA.  I've been dying to have lime green hair for a couple years now and decided that it was the right time.  Haven't really had the time to take a photo of my hair, so I decided to do a painting instead.  You know, because it takes such a long time to take a photo with a digital camera and upload it to the web.

Since the portrait was so small and I was working on a sheet of 4"x 6" paper, I decided to use up the rest of my paper and paint by just doodling something.  The shrunken head is what happened.  Been thinking about those a lot lately, glad I finally got that idea out on paper.

Fantastic Frida

Fantastic because she's FINALLY FINISHED!

Had some trouble with color on this one.  Note to self, stick to three color schemes or do better planning earlier on.  After many different tries this was the one I settled on.

Work, as usual has been interesting.  A lot to get used to even when you have "down" time between boards.  Revisions were nice to do though.  Got to work with two new directors doing revisions for them and it's nice to work on both sides of the storyboarding process.

. . .and I ramble.  Enjoy Frida and have a safe and happy Independence Day!

Angler Fish and Sugar Skulls

Things I'm learning at the new job:  When you storyboard at a "regular" studio sections take way longer than you anticipate they will to finish.

Finished up my first full episode on Thursday afternoon.  Got 11 full pages of script.  Had a lot of fun doing it and actually got to board a chase sequence with a gun in it.  Still have a ton to learn, but I'm getting the hang of it.

Back a couple weeks ago, right when things were starting to pick up in intensity and pace, Carlos found an awesome Animal Planet toy of an Angler Fish.  He knows how much I adore them so of course he had to get it for me.  Above is what was going on in my head when I opened my eyes to see it.

Now that I've gotten a little bit of free time back, I'm starting my 4th vectorized sugar skull for the Crypt of DOOM!

In high school, my art teacher actually tried to teach us about artists as well as how to draw.  Frida Kahlo was the first artist I actually could remember stuff about.  Her work was really interesting and spoke to me at that age (not that it's not still captivating now that I'm older).  In all honesty it was probably because she was the only female our teacher told us about as well as a lot of her work has graphic elements in it.

Any-who, the time has come to do a Frida inspired sugar skull and here she is, work in progress.

Til I post again, Boogervampire signing out!

Mommas and Bats, Oh my!

Once a year, most recently the first Sunday of May, there is an unofficial event that takes place at Disneyland.  And I must say it's my second year observing the event.

They call it Bat's Day, and once a year, a very large group of Goths decend upon Disneyland for a day of fun and frivolity.  They spend the two day's prior having a little convention of sorts, with a market place, costume party and some concerts.  Then they finish off their weekend of fun by spending Sunday in the park.

I went last year, and honestly I wasn't that impressed.  I don't consider myself a goth.  I appreciate their culture and I'm into a lot of the same things they are, but I'd be a total poser if I said I was goth. 

That being said, I do enjoy seeing them all grouped together in the "Happiest Place on Earth" and watching the reactions people have to them in their full regalia.  And I admit, the main reason I went back for a second year was because this year's goth day fell on Mother's Day.  I had visions of thousand's of goths running around the park and thousands of mother's having to explain to their children that the goths dress they way they do because their mommies didn't love them enough when they were children (I did actually hear that said about me once in college when I had pink hair).

Any who.  It was rather uneventful.  There weren't as many goths as I was expecting and the mom's were all totally un-bothered by them.  Sadness.

And on that note, I give you a new sugar skull.

More Journal Goodies

Well, the last couple weeks have been a little dead here on the bloggy blog for a good reason.  My first storyboard, at the new job, had it's deadline last week.  Or so I thought.  I found out it's actually not due til this week, but I'd rather it be early than late.  As a result the only thing I've been drawing, aside from my evening journal entry, has been a buff guy dancing with some Mr. Pibb . . . and cars. :)

Speaking of cars. . . as you can see in one of the above sketches, when Carlos and I go visit family in San Diego and he drives home, he always seems to want to race people.  Once I realize what's going on and call him on it, he totally denies it.  Until he wins his imaginary race, that is.  Enjoy more of my silly adventures and lets all hope that next week I post something that's NOT from my journal!

Sketch Journal Dumpage!!

Well it's been a crazy couple of weeks.  I started the new job and I wasn't even there three days before I got sick.  I think that's a new personal record.  This last cold was a doozie, in fact I still am not 100% and sound a little like Scarlet Johanssen or Kathleen Turner AND I completely lost hearing in both ears for three days due to boogers in my inner ear.  Sexy huh?  Guess I'm not the Boogervamprie for nothin'.  Anyway, there is nothing more embarassing than being sent home from work on your 6th day because they fear you are going to bring the plague upon the office.

Enjoy the Doodle Dumpage.  I went through and found all the suitable for the web drawings. . . although I didn't blur out the curse words, so sorry about that.  I was raised by a sailor you know.  My mom tried her hardest, but I guess I'm daddy's little potty mouth at heart.

Shave & a Haircut!

 Well, next Saturday evening (March 19th, 2011) is my first show at Monkeyhouse Toys in their new location.  I seriously LOVE doing shows with Mayra from Monkeyhouse, if only for the reason she loves toys, art and trying to get her local community involved.  (Currently on display, until they hang the new show, she is showcasing some of the artwork created by second graders at the local elementary school next to the shop.  HOW CUTE!!)

Anyway, "Shave & a Haircut" is kind of a tie in with the small hair salon located above the toy store.  Mayra had the idea to have a show devoted to crazy hairstyles and kookie facial hair, and asked me if I'd like to participate.  How could is say no, honestly?

So I thought on it a couple of days, trying to figure out what I wanted to do.  I thought about doing a detailed version of Marie Anotinette's severed head. . . but then realized there would probably be one or two of those.  Then I thought of doing Medusa, but not normal Medusa.  Which led me to what you see here.  :P

For more info on the show, just click the flier.  Oh and let me add, if you are going to try to make it out to the show there's a bunch of construction going on in the area.  In fact there's a giant forklift directly in front of the shop, so if you DO come out and you pass a giant forklift, you just missed Monkeyhouse.  :P

A little over a week ago I was honored to be asked to show some work for a few months at Altered States Tattoo Shop in Olympia, WA.  For them, I printed some exclusive archival quality sugar skulls (the ones I offer as earrings and charms in the Crypt of Doom!) and framed a them.  I'm beyond excited about sending them these primarily because they are the first place back home to ask to show some of my work.  I already warned them that if a group of older people, with no tats or piercings, show up it's just my family coming in to show their support.  :D

And finally, to everyone effected by the recent events in Japan, my heart and prayers are with you. 

Ice-Scream Social

Well now that the opening for the Women In Animation show has come and gone (to those of you who made it out to the opening I sincerely thank you) I can now post the finished painting!!  To all my Facebook friends and followers, I apologize for showing you stuff you've seen a million and a half times already.  :P

"Ice-Scream Social" is an 8"x10" gouache concoction featuring my little "Bride of Frankenstein" character who's named Frannie, and also introduces her little Frankenstein boyfriend Hugo.  They're at the local Ice-Scream Parlor enjoying a deadly nightshade milk shake with ectoplasm and whipped cream topping and finished with an eyeball on top.  I think they're quite enamored with each other, don't you?

Coming in two weeks will be my next art exhibition of 2011, this one taking place at Monkeyhouse Toys in Silverlake, CA.  As I've said before, I'm very excited about that show.  The piece has been done for over two weeks, but I'm trying to be good and not post it all over the web until closer to the show's date.  BUT, if you are a follower of the Boogervampire over on Facebook, you have already seen it.  ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Things Going On!

First an announcement.  Even though I've known about this for a couple of weeks I totally forgot to start pimping it and realized that the opening for it is this FRIDAY (March 4th, 2011).  I asked if I could participate in a Gallery Show being curated by the Women In Animation organization.  As I said, the opening is being held this Friday evening, March 4th, 2011 from 6-9pm at the Animation Guild's fancy new building's gallery space.  For more information visit the Women In Animation or the Animation Guild's sites.

As for the pieces, I'll post the finished one next week.  Two of them will be old one's with the finished new one you can see above.

Next Crypt of DOOM!!  stuff.  I created this new little gem.  I've made her into the regular DS Charm, Earrings, and a single Hair Clip.  If I get enough custom requests/purchases I'll probably offer it as a pair of hair clips, but I'm testing the waters right now.  So far the reaction has been pretty positive.  Which mean's I'll probably make a couple more new skulls before the end of the year.  (Wow, this blog entry is ramble-ier than usual.)

Finally, I actually will be participating in another art show over at the NEW Monkeyhouse Toys location, in Silverlake, on March 19th.  The piece is actually done WAY ahead of time, but I'm holding off posting it here until closer to the date of the show.  All I have to say is that it was a ton of fun to work on, but the custom matte I invested in has made the piece truly SING.

Well, that's it!  Thanks for stopping by and checking in with me, I'm always grateful.  :D

Tiger Girl vs. Batman

Well this week's post isn't that original, BUT it's also the first commission I recieved through the Crypt of DOOM!

Back at the beginning of the month I was contacted by a woman who thought my painting "AH Ha-ha, I WIN!" was adorable and reminded her of her kids.  She asked if I could change Cheetah to a little girl in a Tiger costume and if I could turn Wonder Woman into Batman.  I told her it should be easy enough and accepted her challenge.

This time around I bust out my markers (which had been sitting out since I did the drawing of Natasha) and hoped that I was warmed up enough to tackle an 8x10 detailed drawing on good paper.  I changed up the cats on this piece as well, omitting Loki and Nico and replacing them with a gray kitty and a siamese kitty.

All in all it turned out okay.  In some ways I like it better than the original.  Of course there are things I would change, but there always  are.  :D