Fear Itself

I just finished reading a new book that's comprised of 30-second Horror stories. Interesting read, though I'm not sure they are targeting the right age audience. Some of the stories would give young kids nightmares. Bad ones.
Anyway, after reading their collection of stories I wrote my own 30 second story (or less). Hope you enjoy.

“FEAR ITSELF”

Ken Chandler

Copyright © 2009

A large figure loomed ominously in my doorway, a deep rattling breath rumbled in the its’ chest. I could sense its gaze piercing the black of the room, scrutinizing me.
I gathered my courage, and remembering something my father had told me, I said, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.”
A low guttural laugh echoed through the room, followed again by that hideous rattle. In a voice that sounded like dried leaves being dragged across sand it said, “How right you are. He’s in the next room, I’ll get him.”

What I Draw When I'm In A Pneumonia-Induced Trance

It's true, I drew these while visiting my new friends at the local hospital. I started out with plain-old N1H1, which turned into Pneumonia (since I didn't get it treated right away). I'm still battling with the Pneumonia part of it, but should be recovered by Monday. I'll try to use this time to do some more posting, before things get back to normal (a.k.a.- crazy).

And... if you like a good Halloween tale, and I know you do, then you might enjoy my annual contribution to the Halloween tale telling tradition. (Yeah, I draw and write. I got A's in all my creative writing classes. Weird huh?)

You can find my short stories here:

http://golemchronicles.blogspot.com/

My Halloween themed stories are:

• Ghost Story (Not sure how to categorize this one...)

• Big Black Dog (Suspense)

• Bed (Comedy)

And just by way of fair warning, I enjoy throwing my readers off, until the very end of my stories. I like "Twlight Zone" endings, in other words.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

New stetch + N1H1 Flu + Pnuemonia = PARTY!

As the title of this piece suggests, I'm submitting this for your perusal from a hospital bed. My wife was good enough to have some compassion on my ADHD and bring me my laptop. It's saved me from slipping into the brink of boredom madness on several occassions. My sketchbook has also been a life saver too.

I should be outta here in the next 12 to 24 hours, and when I am I'll be sure to scan and post the newer stuff I've been working on.

... and most importantly, Happy 4th Birthday Spencer! Wish I could be there Bud.

Animal Crackers & Sketches

Once upon a time, not long ago, I considered working for a craft publisher (crafting supplies, stamps, that sort of thing). I created this in Illustrator for my portfolio.

I really enjoyed this exercise, and I'm fairly happy with the results. Not the sort of thing I do a lot of, but I had fun with it.










... and here are a few sketches.

The beaked creature I drew this afternoon, it started as a doodle, just goofing off. Guess you never know what will come of playing around.

Thanks to everyone who stops by for a visit. Have a great weekend.

Sketch Challenge-Day 9: Weiner

Apologies to those who were expecting a pencil sketch. Hope you enjoy it anyway. 

Sketch Challenge-Day 8: Dino Critter (Color Sketch)

I've been attempting to load Photoshop onto my new laptop, and it's aging me faster than normal (or Customer Service is at any rate). I'm still not there, but was able to put some color on this sketch. Hope to have more in the near future. Thanks for visiting, and for your feedback.

Sketch Challenge-Day 3-7: Alien Insectoid & friends

I can't even imagine how big the flyswatter would have to be to flatten this guy... and how upset he'd be if it didn't do the job properly. Hope to have more sketches/illustrations soon.

Sketch Challenge-Day 2: Battle Cry

Not sure what he's yelling, but I think it'd either make me cringe or snicker. In my minds ear I hear an angry "GRONK!". I really shouldn't laugh at his battle cry. I'd be offended if he laughed at mine.

Sketch Challenge-Day 1: Weiner

I don't have much experience with fishing, but I think this is the general idea.

I'm doing an experiment... pushing myself really. I've been avoiding drawing lately, then I read Mel Milton's blog entry where he's challenged himself to sketch every day for a month and post the results. Inspired.

So my challenge to myself is to draw a minimum of one sketch for every 3 days. If I can fit more in, I will. Thanks for coming 'round to see my stuff.

Sketches: June-August 2009

Sorry for the long absence, and thanks for your patience.

Ain't Love Grand?

Spring has sprung, and love is in the air... for some anyway.

And here's another illustration I'm working on. Hope you enjoy!

And lastly, but not least, Happy Father's Day to all those who 

enjoy the privilege of being a Dad.

Thanks for stopping by.

URGH!

This critters been hiding under my bed, and keeping me up, so I thought I'd get even and post him on my blog.

Sorry for the long absence. I hope to start posting more frequently soon. 

Many thanks for stopping by. 

Vampire ('Pale' Topic: Illustration Friday)

I'd be Pale too if the only thing on the menu was blood.

Thanks for dropping by. Happy 2009!

Summer

Improvisation.

Scuddlebund

Not sure how he gets around, but he seems to keep his sense of humor about it.

Thanks for stopping to take a look.
Happy Thanksgiving! or whatever holiday your currently celebrating. Hope it's a good one.

Tagged

Tag rules:
- You must link to the individual who tagged you and post the rules of TAG.
- Post 7 random facts about you
- Tag 7 bloggers and link to them
- Let them know that they have been tagged by leaving a message

7 random facts about me:
• I had a bike accident doing (roughly) 37 mph. My only injuries were a rug burn on my left shoulder and a minor puncture wound where the sprocket drilled my wrist.
• I've never tasted alcohol, or done drugs, and frankly, was never tempted to try that lifestyle.
• I still play with Lego's.
• When I was a kid, I dreamed of working in the film industry, and hoped to illustrate a children's book. I've done both.
• One of my personal goals is to publish a children's book that I've both written and illustrated.
• My wife and I kick butt when we team up playing Pictionary.
• My favorite super hero, of all time, is Spider-Man.

More Sketchin'

Having fun sketching.
Thanks for dropping by.

Return of the Sketch Dump

I figured it was about time for another sketch dump. Hope you enjoy.
















































My son did this sketch of the characters from the Lord of the Rings series. He's in the middle of Return of the King, and loving it.

Jessica drew this dog and these cats. She's a fan of most animals, but she draws dogs and cats most of the time.





















Abbey threw me a curve ball with this latest entry. I think it's hilarious, just unexpected.


















Thanks for stopping by!

Toon Club: Me at 100 Years of Age

Over at Toon Club, the topic is "What would you look like when you hit 100 years old" this is to commemorate Toon Club reaching its 100th topic.

You say I look pretty good for a 100 year old guy, well it cost a pretty penny to look that young. Not to mention all the upgrades.

I didn't have room to elaborate on all the weapons I had installed too (including the shoulder-pack S.A.M.). I understand the future is a violent place; but at least I'll always have my music with me.

Sheriff

While waiting in line to see Brandon Mull, author of the New York Times best-selling book series, Fablehaven, I started doodling. I came up with this and another dozen or so sketches. I gave away the other sketches to kids who were bored, and/or who liked my drawings.

I borrowed a Bic pen from the ladies at the event; a medium I'm not accustomed to, but I liked it.

Thanks in advance to those who consistently come back in spite of my best efforts to avoid posting work on my blog. I'll try to be better.

Serpenyuo (Ser-pen-yoo)

This is a drawing my son did for a school assignment. The object was to write a description of a creature of his own design, then pass the written description on to another classmate and see if they come up with the same design based on your description. Cool idea!

The creature is called a Serpenyuo (Ser-pen-yoo). It's a snake-like creature, with wings and strong legs and claws.

When my son asked me to do the assignment, I was thrilled. He wrote down his description and based on that this is what I came up with (shy of the black scales which cover it head to tail). He was really pleased with the outcome. He even said it looked "cool". He's my best critic. He tells me honestly when I'm on the ball, and when I've fallen off of it. Thanks Drew! I love you Bud!

Sketch Dump

Sorry for the long absence. Here's some stuff I've done just for the fun of it. Thanks for stopping by.
(Note: Action Stickmen is a Registered trademark.)

Bat Gadget Blunders

The Bat Cell Phone is abandoned after the Joker plunges 81 stories to his death, laughing all the way. Less humiliating options are being pursued.

Toon Club: Tiger

Since it's Sunday I was feeling sentimental... so here you go.


Sorry for the Copyright stuff on my image. With the new Shawn Bentley Orphan Works Act and The Orphan Works Act of 2008 Bill #H.R.5889 being considered for law, I figured I'd better protect myself.
Enjoy.

The Slug vs. Frankenpillow

Can our hero survive the pummeling power of the maniacal menace, Frankenpillow?



Back in April 2006, the topic over at Toon Club topic was "Unnecessary Super Heroes". I came up with The Slug. This time around, the topic is "Unnecessary Super Villains". Frankenpillow is my answer to this topic. Sure he looks scary... if the very pillow you sleep on gives you nightmares.

Intergalactic Jug Band

Here we have Shug on the jug, Kazoo on percussions, and Moober on woodwinds. Truly great musicians. Too bad they don't play locally.

Doodlin'

A preview of things (in an ideal world) to come.
Did a bit of sketching before getting down to the serious business of sawing logs.

Just goofin' around...

Happy Daylight Savings!

Platypus: Natures masters of disguise

Gertie the Dinosaur (1914)

The Internet Archive has a copy of Winsor McCay's "Gertie the Dinosaur". It's a free download of the original animation (and its accompanying live action). This short video is a treasure! I recommend it to anyone who enjoys art or animation.

Here are some stills from the movie and the link:
http://www.archive.org/details/Gertie

The video is a 39 MB file quicktime formated video.

Look Here... VIRUS WARNING!

If a guy named Jon (he may also write under a different name) leaves a comment in your blog comment box that says "Look here" or something like it, don't click on it, but erase it immediately. It is a virus. Luckily I have a Mac, and it didn't have any effect. I hate to think of what it might have done if I had a PC.

Robots and Mazes

I drew this robot for Toon Club.




















For those of you who have visited before, you know that I draw mazes in Church-- my kids like the distraction and it helps me to focus my somewhat unfocused mind.

These are free, but are still Copyrighted. So here's the deal: Print as many copies for family and friends as you can afford. Just please don't sell the copies.

You can click on the image to enlarge it, and click and drag the image to your desktop (if your using a Macintosh), or right click and make a copy to your desktop.
Enjoy! And thanks for stopping by.
Ken

Elves Impersonator

Don't step on my Blue Suade Shoes.
Thank you. Thank you very much.

Maze Madness

For those who enjoy maze's here's a little something to occupy a few minutes of your time. This came about while trying to entertain my kids in church. It became a very popular time killer and my mazes got more involved (partly to keep myself entertained).

This second one (titled: Madness) had my 10 year old stumped, so if you take the challenge let me know how long it takes you to complete it.

Feel free to copy and print as many as you want, just don't sell them please. Thanks guys, have fun!

When printed these should fit on a 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. Let me know if you have any technical difficulties. The "Madness" maze is 7" x 7" and spaced 1/4 inches between lines. If you guys create mazes that you think are a challenge. Please post them and let me know. I love a challenge.

Introducing the 2007 T-1 Widower-maker!

Supermodel Hagilda displays the must-have witches broom of the year. Introducing the T1 Widower-maker. When getting there NOW isn't fast enough.

(Scroll down for more sketches...)