The Golem Hunter

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T23:00:00.000-06:00

Halloween Freebies: Part II

2011-10-25T14:34:00.001-06:00

Here are the other critters I said I'd try to send your way in time for Halloween.
Hope they're a treat and not a trick.

Happy Halloween everybody!

Happy Halloween... Freebies!

2011-10-14T02:57:00.012-06:00

I found these little critters hiding in corners, on bookshelves, and pasted to windows. The only way I could get rid of the little vermin was to put them on my blog and give them away.

Since I can't give out treats to all the world (and since you can't smell my feet), this is my trick.
Print 'em out and color 'em, then decorate your house... just don't feed 'em after midnight. You've been warned!
Happy Halloween!

I'll try to post a few more Critters before Halloween!

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(Click on images to enlarge)
(Note: Left as they are (simply dragged to your desktop) they print out at about 3" wide. Enlarged (by clicking on the image) they nearly fill an 8"x11" page. The good news is that most printer menus allow you to adjust how big they print out.

I'll try to post a few more before Halloween.

Wee Beastie

2010-07-29T00:08:00.002-06:00

For the past few months I've been engaged in writing a juvenile fantasy fiction novel. I came to a pivotal chapter where the characters unwittingly draw the attention of a local predator. When I went to describe the creature I had only a rudimentary idea what it looked like and decided (as I'd done before) that I needed to do some sketching to help me visualize it. After a few dead ends this is what I came up. I imagine from nose to tail he's about 8 to 9 feet long. (The original nearly fills an 8" x 11" sheet of paper).

Thanks for dropping by.

Banjo Blues

2010-06-24T07:00:00.002-06:00

Banjo playing pigs prefer the blues.

Check out these other Banjo Pigs, and play along... http://banjopigs.blogspot.com/

As always, thanks for dropping by.

Toon Club: Mighty Mouse

2010-06-15T07:51:00.000-06:00

Terry Toon's 'Mighty Mouse' with a little something extra.

Captain America Costume - Highly Anticipated First Look

2010-06-07T10:45:00.002-06:00

Not sure how the rest of you feel about Chris Evans (aka Human Torch of Fantastic Four fame) playing the highly anticipated role of Captain America, but I'm hoping that it will be good. I like Chris, and Cap is pretty amazing, so I anticipate that the movie will terrific.

And what think you of the costume? I figured they weren't going to stick to the scales on his suit, but I still think it would work. I can't tell if they kept the skull wings, or if they're just going to elude to them, but if they don't they'll be missed. Not loving the shoulder pads, but overall it's fairly true to the original design, so I'm good with it.

And for those who enjoy Iron Man Spoofs and children, you ought to enjoy this:
http://www.mefeedia.com/watch/31471155

Here's a still:

Stickmen continued... and an announcement

2010-05-20T04:03:00.006-06:00

I'd like to take a moment and apologize for the Minotaur post. I admit that I got caught up in the details and lost sight of the overall design. I'll do better in the future. Many thanks for the kind words in spite of the poor design. Hopefully this round of sketches is a bit more digestible.

In other news, I'm excited to inform that I'm working on a fantasy novel (pre-teen/teen audience). I'm pouring on the coals, and have a solid plot-line and characters down on paper. I'm projecting a trilogy, but nothing's written in stone. I'll keep you posted.

Additionally, a good friend of mine wrote a short story and posted it on Smories. It's read by an adorable little British girl.
Here's the video link: http://www.smories.com/watch/matilda_mcbean/
You're in for a treat.

Minotaur

2010-03-02T22:46:00.001-07:00

Over at Toon Club, the topic was "Mythical". One of my favorite mythical creatures (for some reason) is the Minotaur.

I'd like to think that I'm going to splash some color on it, but since that may or may not happen, I'll post it now.

Action Stickmen® Revisited

2010-01-11T22:50:00.018-07:00

Those of you who have been long time visitors (thanks Mom) will recognize my brand of stickman. I call them Action Stickmen ® (yes, they're Registered, 2007). This character is simply called 'E'. Her powers are highly classified.

I've decided to upgrade my Avatar.
Sure makes me look like a grouch, but maybe it's a good look for me.

Shout out to Rob, Joanne, Em and Chase. You know who you are.

Focus...

2010-01-08T17:59:00.022-07:00

This critter is 1/8th of an inch tall, has rubber teeth, and lives under MY bed. Now you ought to sleep better.

... and I can't be sure, but I think that he's discovered that something has become unaccountably attached to his finger. Hope your new year is off to an incredible start.

Lookie What I Caught

2009-12-09T07:21:00.009-07:00

Did some sketching this past week and figured I'd post. Splashed some color on one of 'em. Maybe I'll find some time to color the critter too. For now, my pillow is calling me by name. Gotta run.

Toon Club Sketch: Horror Cliches

2009-11-28T22:21:00.003-07:00

One of my favorite cliches in the old 1950's B-Horror Movies is the idea where a creature or alien is discovered, it proceeds to kill everyone, and still there's one scientist who wants to study it, learn from it, communicate with it. In the end he attempts to protect it, and it kills him too. "The Thing From Another Planet" (aka 'The Thing'), circa 1951, is a prime example of this Horror Cliche. Though by my estimation, it's a classic black and white monster movie. Right up there with "Frankenstein" and "War of the Worlds".

I did another (failed) drawing of this same idea not long ago, and threw it away for this image. Not sure it's an improvement, but I like the composition better. Imagine a scientist standing in frot of it, defiantly shielding it with his body.
One day I'll take a stab a finishing this and you'll see what I'm talking about.

As ever, thanks for stopping by. I'll try to post some more stuff soon.
- Ken

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

2009-10-27T22:10:00.009-06:00

It's true, I drew these while visiting my new friends at the local hospital. I started out with plain-old H1N1, which turned into Pneumonia (since I didn't get it treated right away-- among other causes). 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!

2009-10-27T10:17:00.003-06:00

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

2009-10-02T21:30:00.015-06:00

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

2009-09-04T18:30:00.001-06:00

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

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

2009-09-02T06:33:00.004-06:00

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

2009-08-17T23:18:00.009-06:00

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

2009-08-12T16:54:00.007-06:00

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

2009-08-11T17:15:00.001-06:00

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

2009-08-10T22:45:00.006-06:00

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

Ain't Love Grand?

2009-05-30T07:05:00.026-06:00

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!

2009-03-20T07:58:00.008-06:00

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)

2008-12-21T00:23:00.009-07:00

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

Thanks for dropping by. Happy 2009!

Summer

2008-12-10T23:54:00.003-07:00

Improvisation.

Scuddlebund

2008-11-27T04:12:00.004-07:00

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

2008-11-24T14:31:00.001-07:00

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'

2008-11-12T13:42:00.013-07:00

Having fun sketching.
Thanks for dropping by.

Return of the Sketch Dump

2008-10-20T19:37:00.039-06:00

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

2008-10-05T22:32:00.006-06:00

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

2008-09-24T23:08:00.004-06:00

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)

2008-09-13T20:06:00.005-06:00

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

2008-08-24T22:50:00.006-06:00

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

2008-07-08T23:39:00.007-06:00

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

2008-06-22T22:47:00.005-06:00

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

2008-05-27T23:16:00.004-06:00

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

2008-05-16T21:54:00.006-06:00

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'

2008-03-31T07:04:00.005-06:00

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...

2008-03-09T19:34:00.005-06:00

Happy Daylight Savings!

Platypus: Natures masters of disguise

2008-02-29T16:39:00.004-07:00

Gertie the Dinosaur (1914)

2008-02-28T19:14:00.005-07:00

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!

2008-02-20T16:54:00.002-07:00

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

2008-02-17T18:08:00.018-07:00

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

2007-11-29T15:32:00.001-07:00

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

Maze Madness

2007-10-22T17:31:00.000-06:00

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!

2007-10-08T22:08:00.001-06:00

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...)

Toon Monster

2007-09-27T17:36:00.001-06:00

Witty as a boulder, and twice as smart too!

Toon Club: Criminal Mastermind-Mister Meanie

2007-09-09T00:59:00.001-06:00

Watch it, he's got a timer! Or is that a detonator? Either way it scares the carbs out of me.

I've put some more time in on this-- it was looking kind've flat and lifeless so I added some shadows and highlights, etc. He makes me think of a Hockey Player gone rogue, or are they all that way?

This next guy came from just sitting around doodling. That's often how most of my creatures of this type come about. Just doodling. Sometimes the outcome is strange and wonderful, this time I think it leans more toward the strange. Ah well, can't win them all.

Killer Agent

2007-08-30T23:46:00.001-06:00

Here lies my post for Toon Club. Last week's topic was Killer Whales, and this weeks was Secret Agents, and since I missed last weeks topic because I was finishing my BFA Project (Bachelor of Fine Arts) and couldn't make time to work something up. This is my answer to killing two posts with one illustration.

I still can't figure out how he got the cigar lit.
Thanks for stopping by!

Illustration Friday: Missing

2007-08-05T17:20:00.001-06:00

Don't blink, you'll miss it.

I confess I got the idea from one of my favorite movies of all time; Monster's Inc. Booya! The idea is borrowed but the creature is my own. (Confession over.)

(Update:) I've sketched a few more things while warming up for some more 'serious' work I'm doing.

Enjoy

(Update again:)
I did some sketching in church...

We were discussing Acts 10-14, (Peter & Cornelius the Centurian), and this sketch of a Roman soldier mysteriously appeared on my sketch paper. The alien, I have no explanation for his appearance other than, that's what I do. His pet was inspired by my daughters sketches (who also love to draw in church).

The first is Jessica's, the second is Abbey's.

Deathly Hallows: SPOILERS!

2007-07-26T09:38:00.001-06:00

Throughout the entire series of books Snape, more than Dumbledore, or Voldemort has been the biggest mystery to me. The one thing I was certain of was that Snape disliked Harry and never had his best interests at heart. J. K. Rowling in a recent interview on NBC's Today Show Meridith Vieira both reflected my thoughts about Snape and simultaneously shot down my theory about him.

Since I've already written my bit about Snape prior to reading the book, I was curious to see that my thoughts about Snape were justified. This is an exerpt from the interview:

Meridith: Was Snape always intended to be a hero?
J. K. Rowling: Is he a hero? You see, I don't see him as a hero. Really, he's spiteful, he's a bully, all these things are true of Snape, even at the end of this book. Um, but was he brave, yes, immensely.

Greta, Age 8: If Snape didn't love Lily, would he still have protected Harry?
J. K. Rowling: No he definately wouldn't have done. He wouldn't have been remotely interested in what happened to that boy.

I'd figured that he didn't like Harry (genuinely), and the only reason he saved Harry was to repay his debt to James Potter (who saved his life when they were teenagers). What I didn't see was the dynamic between Lily and Severus-- that he felt something akin to love for her. I also didn't see the promise made between Severus and Dumbledore, to kill Dumbledore in the 6th book. While reading Half-Blood Prince, I rationalized Snape killing Dumbledore somehow (I'm still not clear what I was thinking but was sure that it was all legit). After all, Dumbledore trusted Snape.

Later when I had a chance to listen to the book on tape (CD actually) I was more sure than ever that Dumbledore trusted Snape right up until the moment before his death. In that scene, when Harry is immobilized under the invisibility cloak and Snape approaches him, Harry says that he'd never heard fear in Dumbledore's voice before. Having read the 7th book, I now understand that he was pleading with Snape to do the job he'd promised to do, rather than allowing him to die a victim of Fenrir the Werewolf, or Belatrix, or Voldemort himself.

I admit I'm still not okay with asking a friend to kill you. Especially when you know ahead of time that you're going to die whether it be from a curse or some other way. Dumbledore had several options available to him, including going to St. Mungos, or retiring to place where Voldemort would never find him, and dying in peace away from the action. In either of these instances he wouldn't have put Snape in a compromising position.

In any case, it's been a wild ride. Trying to figure Snape out was a challenge, and I guessed wrong, but I at least figured out that Snape probably would have continued to be a Death Eater if Lily hadn't died.

Snape is a Death Eater

2007-07-16T16:00:00.000-06:00

On the eve of the release of 7th and final Harry Potter book I wanted to go on record stating with some certainty that Snape is a Death Eater.

My theory is based on the way he treats everyone around him-- with loathing. Snape loves the Dark Arts, and talks about Voldemort with something near reverence. When Harry calls him by his name, Snape tells him to shut up. Snape himself refers to him as "The Dark Lord".

As further proof of Snapes allegiance being with Voldemort, I cite the following:

During his meetings with Harry in which he attempts to teach Harry Legilimancy. Harry asks if Voldemort can read their minds at that moment. Snape tells Harry that he cannot because... "The Dark Lord is at a considerable distance..."

How did Snape know this? Unless he knew Voldemort’s location?

Later, he comments, "You seem to have visited the snakes mind because that is where the Dark Lord was at that particular moment. He was possessing the snake at the time, and so you dreamed you were inside it too."
"How do you know?" said Harry urgently. "Is this just Professor Dumbledore guessing, or...?"
Snape responds, "It is enough that we know."

How did Snape know that the Voldemort was possessing the snakes mind at that moment unless he got this information first hand from Voldemort himself?

Later, Harry, reflecting on his dream about the snake attacking Mr. Weasley, asks what’s in the department of Mysteries?
“What did you say?” Snape asked quietly, and Harry saw with deep satisfaction that Snape was unnerved. “And why would you ask such a thing?”

Why would Snape be ‘unnerved’ that Harry would ask about the Dept. of Mysteries, and dodge the question unless he knew that Voldemort was searching for something in it? And didn’t want Harry to stumble upon the truth?

I believe that this conversation between Harry and Snape is very revealing about Snape's true character, and where his allegiance lay.

In roughly 24 hours we'll know the true story of the fictional character. It should be interesting.

You Have To Exhale Sometime, Kid!

2007-07-16T04:37:00.001-06:00

Now for someone really Harry... er... hairy!

2007-07-02T18:26:00.001-06:00

Anyone who know's Harry Potter knows hairy Hagrid, the Hogwart's Game Keeper. I've been listening to the books on tape in preparation for the last book in the series... "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" and personally, I think the Prophecy that predicts that Harry is going to kill Voldemort is wrong.

My prediction is that Hagrid is going to pop Lord Voldemort like a zit. Hagrid's awesome!

Toon Club: Dr. Seuss

2007-06-23T01:51:00.001-06:00

Over at Toon Club, the topic is Dr. Seuss. I wanted to experiment and see what I could come up with. Drawing inspiration from Seuss' own creative genius, this is it. I want to call it a "Seussian Dog", but it could be a number of things. The imagination truly has no limits.

Smurf-Thing!

2007-06-17T21:35:00.001-06:00

Over at Toon Club, the topic is Smurf. Not my choice of topic, so I made it more fun for me and mixed it up a bit with more of what is fun.

Apologies for not posting in a very l0ng time. I'll try not to be such a slacker in the future.

Tagged! I'm it! (Sketch Dump!)

2007-05-18T09:20:00.000-06:00

Mel Milton, fantastic artist and all around good guy, 'Tagged' me. So I guess that means I'm it. As it, I am morally constrained to create 7 sketches (any topic of my choosing) and post them on my blog.

I'm not sure if posting an old sketch is cheating or not, but here are 6 original (drawn last night), and one from my sketchbook of yesteryear.

Thanks for stopping by.
Comments are always welcome.

700 Hoboes: Pickled Noggin Nettles

2007-05-11T21:35:00.001-06:00

This is my submission for The 700 Hoboes Project . I've known about the project for a while now, but suddenly got an itch and had to scratch it.

This is "Pickled Noggin Nettles" (#469). He gets nervous as Midnight approaches and the other hoboes get 'snacky'.

Spider-Man Guy™

2007-05-07T17:35:00.000-06:00

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a bug! Yes folks, Spidey's gone stick man.

Walter Matthau

2007-04-25T11:46:00.000-06:00

Here's a little something I did for my portfolio while trying to get into the Columbus College of Art & Design in Ohio. I don't generally do portrait work, but this worked out okay.

Toon Club: Super Grover to the Rescue!

2007-04-15T15:18:00.000-06:00

You can imagine Bert's dismay when he can't find his bottle cap collection and Super Grover comes to his aid. Bert will recover-- he always does.

Mr. Peabody and his boy, Sherman

2007-04-09T00:06:00.000-06:00

As a kid, Mr. Peabody and his boy, Sherman, always cracked me up. Their adventures going through time in the WABAC machine were both amusing and educational. I think. Actually, I don't remember learning anything pertinent, just laughing my head off.
Who says learning can't be fun?

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T14:34:00.001-06:00

Happy Easter everyone. Thanks for stopping by.

The Chandler Family

Sketch Dump

2007-04-04T10:53:00.000-06:00

Toon Club 3000 A.D.

2007-03-31T17:03:00.000-06:00

In the year 3000 we'll be invaded by aliens-- but nobody will be aware of it because of the ingenious disquises they use to hide their true identity.

This man will run for, and get, the U. S. Presidency.

Toon Club: Frog Prince

2007-03-22T15:25:00.000-06:00

Inspired by the works of Bryan Beach (who is also a member of Toon Club) whose amazing illustrations are created in a program known (oddly enough) as Illustrator, I decided to do a little experiment (something I'm utterly opposed to doing normally). The topic at Toon Club is Frog Prince, and I figured I'd take a stab at creating a frog in Illustrator. This is the result.

I confess I've had enough experience using the program not to hurt myself in the attempt, but not enough to make a living at it. I've got a long way to go before I'm 'good' at it, but I thought the only way to get better is to try. So here's my attempt. Enjoy!

Toon Club: 80's Video Games

2007-03-16T20:38:00.000-06:00

As a kid one of my favorite arcade games was Joust. I spent way too many quaters in that game and got pretty good at it. I never quite got the score that's illustrated, but I was better than most of my friends.

Somehow flying around on an ostrich jousting with guys riding vultures seemed cool-- probably since ostrich's are flightless. Go figure.

Toon Club: Imaginary Friend

2007-03-12T23:30:00.001-06:00

Over at Toon Club, the topic this past week was Imaginary Friend. I admit I didn't have an imaginary friend growing up, but always drew funny critters and characters that I though would make good friends if they took on a life of their own. Confronted with the topic I though what my Imaginary Friend would look like if I'd had one. After a few sketches Stillson emerged. He gets startled easily, one of his defining and endearing qualities.

Mr. Prickles was one of the "imaginary" sketches I drew prior to Stillson. I liked the head & mouth shape, and went another direction with the body-- and put clothes on him. Cheryl Spears (from my high school days) would be proud of me. She was always telling me to put clothes on my characters. Nobody tells me to do that anymore. What does that say about our society? Probably nothing... just posing the question.

Cordelia's Corner

2007-03-07T23:11:00.003-07:00

On Friday Cordelia's Corner will be featured at the WTHRA toy trade show. The trade show will be held March 10-13 at the Fairplex in Pomona, California. The hope is that this will give them lots of opportunities to show off their line of products and make contacts. As part of their advertising campaign they've hired me to make a logo and clean up some photographs of girls wearing their dresses. Below is a sampling of what I've been doing for them. In each of these images, I had to do some serious work in Photoshop to get them where they are. Some of the many things I've been doing to these photos includes tearing up sidewalks and planting sod, planting and watering flowers to brighten up the photos, and tearing out the sides of houses and putting up brick where windows used to be. It's hard work being an artist. I should have been a doctor like my mother wanted.

My wife, Deborah, and her sister Rebecca Blake are in the business of designing and making dress up clothes for young girls ages 4-8. The idea to make dress ups originated when the two sisters would get dress up clothes for their girls only to have the dress-ups fall apart in the washing machine after only a few uses. Cordelia's Corner dress ups are mostly machine washable, and are durable enough that most of the dress ups will be worn by their sisters, or cousins after they're through with them. This is why the companies slogan is "Quality products for enthusiastic play". The fact that they're gorgeous, and that the girls love dressing up in them is just a perk.

For more information you can look them up at their website at www.cordeliascorner.com.

Cordelia's Corner. (Click on "Cordelia's Corner" to go to their website and see their amazing line of girls dress-ups.)

Good luck in California ladies. Wow 'em!

Toon Club: Cartoon Villains

2007-02-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Over at Toon Club the topic is Cartoon Villains. I chose Mojo Jojo for my villain-- though my first choice would have been Mad Madam Mim from The Sword and the Stone-- she makes me laugh hard. But Mojo Jojo is my favorite angry green monkey with a turban-- so I went with him.

Mojo Jojo is a character created by the artists at Cartoon Network and is property of the Cartoon Network. TM & © 2007 Cartoon Network. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.

Toon Club: Tortoise vs. Hare

2007-02-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

Could this be the real reason the rabbit 'slept' long enough for the Tortoise to cross the finish line? Kids don't try this at home.

I'd also like to tell my wife thank you for her years of devotion, trust, and tender loving support. I love you more than words can express. You're my best friend, and for that I'll thank you every day for the rest of my life.
Happy Anniversary Sweetheart.

Toon Club: Love

2007-02-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

When I think about love I instantly think, God, Family, and Country. But since there are standards to be kept, I went with my next set of favorites-- drawing critters (an alien in this case) and eating junk food (ice cream represented here-- though in retrospect maybe I should have drawn a Nestle Tollhouse Cookie... Yummmmm).

More Aliens

2007-01-22T17:03:00.000-07:00

Still more sketches.
They live on a planet where the only vegetable is brussle sprouts. Thus the expression, or lack thereof.

Scroll down to see more critters simular to these. Thanks for stopping by.

Toon Club: Duck

2007-01-21T01:24:00.000-07:00

Why is it Mad Scientists have unnattractive servants? Perhaps they're more trustworthy. Maybe it's a work ethic thing. At any rate, over at Toon Club, the topic is Duck. Here's my post... for what it's worth.

Aliens

2007-01-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'm in one of my
"sketching aliens" modes. Hope you don't mind too much, cause I'm having a blast.

Happy New Year everyone!

Drop the Cookie!

2006-12-19T18:47:00.001-07:00

I always get sentimental around the holidays, but most especially at Christmas time. So without further distraction I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

This is a piece I made back in 2004, but thought it was appropriate since I hadn't posted it before now, and it's Christmas. 'Nuff said.

I hope your holidays are warm and bright and full of the happiness of the season. And... God bless us everyone!

Action Stickmen™

2006-12-05T22:09:00.001-07:00

Hey guys, I need to bounce this off you, pick your brains.

These characters are called "Action Stickmen™" and I'm in the process of creating a marketable product line; including, but not limited to: A graphic novel, t-shirts (one's already available on my Zazzle site), greeting cards, and a feature-length movie (Tom Hanks will be doing the voice of Chrome-Man). I'm kidding about the movie.

The Trademark for the Action Stickmen, and the copy rights to the characters, were just recently purchased, and now that I legally own them, I need to DO something with them.

Feedback is desireable. Any advice? Thoughts on who should my Target Market be?

I thought that my most likely target market would be a younger-teen audience, and possibly a slightly older audience as well (up to 40 year old men who live in their mother's basements). Your thoughts please...

(The link to my Zazzle Gallery is just there in the right-hand column.)

Mer-accountant

2006-12-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

The Toon Club topic this week is Mermaid. Okay technically this is a Merman, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go against the grain, and do something unexpected, and I hope, on some level, amusing.

This is the side of the legendary creatures you don't often see, the brains that make Mermish society run smoothly.

Thanks for coming 'round!

Tiki

2006-11-19T01:18:00.000-07:00

The new topic over at Toon Club is "Tiki". This 'sketch' is a bit non-traditional, but it was fun working it out. Thanks for stopping by!

Gronk Discovers Irony

2006-11-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

Gronk, tired of nearly being eaten by the large predators he's been hunting decides to try smaller less intimidating animal life, and discovers irony.

Over at Toon Club the topic is "A Day in the Life of a Caveman". We've been kind've slacking lately as far as contributing to the weekly sketch, and Adrian threatened to kill a baby seal if we didn't get our sketches done this week. So, in order to save a baby seal from an untimely death, I've done this sketch. I wanted to color it, and still hope to get around to it, but here's my sketch at any rate. Things have been sort've crazy lately. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my stuff.

Toon Club: The Living Dead

2006-10-14T14:06:00.001-06:00

Philip the young fashion-conscious zombie cut down in his prime.

The topic over at Toon Club is The Living Dead. Not sure why Philip came into being but after I drew his nails and considered what color he was going to be, I thought if he was a fashion-conscious zombie he'd be having fits at the condition he'd gotten into since the 'accident'.

More Critters

2006-10-07T18:29:00.000-06:00

Sorry for not posting in a while. Hope all's well for everyone.

These are some critters I made a few years back and never got around to coloring them.

Thanks to everyone for visiting.

Un-paid Advertizing

2006-09-05T18:56:00.002-06:00

It's true... I've jumped on the bandwagon.
A few of my friends over at Toon Club have started on-line stores through Zazzle. Of course I was so impressed by the stuff the guys came up with, I decided to start my own line of T-shirts and Mugs.

You can find me at:
http://www.zazzle.com/ken_chandler

The ideas, thoughts, and opinions expressed on my t-shirts and mugs may or may not be my own... but I'll never admit it.

New Golem Hunter Banner

2006-09-04T01:06:00.001-06:00

Wanted to extend a heartfelt thanks to my good friend Adrian Ropp for his blogging prowess. It was his genius that enabled me to post my blog banner. Thanks Adrian! And thanks to Shane Lewis for recommending Adrian for the assist. You guys are the best!

If you haven't seen their blogs you only have to click on their names (above) to link to their sites.

Special thanks also go out to Mayang's Free Textures for their free high-res textures. I used one in my banner. Check them out, their textures are amazing!

Toon Club: What if Monkeys Ruled the World?

2006-09-02T23:30:00.002-06:00

If monkeys ruled the world, they'd still have Monkey Wrenches, but they'd use them to bash stuff.

So much for the Theory of Evolution.

Digger McMudd

2006-08-15T12:02:00.001-06:00

Did some sketching on Sunday, playing around with face shapes, and came up with this guy. I call him Digger McMudd. He may look sinister, but he's pretty harmless, just diggin' nightcrawlers.

Toon Club: Freaks

2006-08-13T00:26:00.001-06:00

Over at Toon Club the topic is Circus Freaks. While brainstorming what to draw I thought about the 1958 movie, "The Fly". Then I thought about Edgar Bergen, his ventriloquist dummy Charlie McCarthy, and their comedy act, and married the two ideas.
Kinda freaky!

Toon Club: Swamp Critter

2006-07-28T11:00:00.000-06:00

Tis the mighty & affectionate Boa Constrictor.

Wasn't sure if I should put in more time on this one, but in retrospect, I'm glad I did.

Toon Club: Space Pirate

2006-07-21T17:58:00.002-06:00

Avast! Tis a Space Pirate off the port bow! He's nothin' pretty to look at, and he wears the traditional garb, so he must be a scurvy dog!
Now walk the plank ye Earthlubbers!

Here are both my original pencil sketch, and my colorized versions. I posted the pencil sketch last night thinking perhaps I was done, but then woke up around 5:20 this morning and got an itch to put some color to it.

Illustration Friday: STICKY

2006-07-05T08:43:00.000-06:00

The topic over at Illustration Friday is 'Sticky'; I couldn't pass up such a great topic! Sticky is a funny word to begin with and, at least in my mind, conjures up many funny images. Hope you all had a great 4th of July! I did.

Toon Club: Patriotism

2006-07-01T17:06:00.002-06:00

The new topic over at Toon Club is Patriotism. The way I see it, why should Earthlings be the only ones to enjoy the freedom of Liberty and Independence.

Happy 4th of July everyone!
Happy Independence Day!

Avatar

2006-06-30T14:25:00.000-06:00

This is an Avatar I made for my sister-in-law, Rebecca Blake. She's an Entrepreneur, so I wanted to make an avatar that was both professional and personable.

WELCOME! Guy

2006-06-25T18:33:00.000-06:00

I've started a blog for my family. Where I can post pictures of my kids, their drawings, stories, etc. and wanted a fun way to Welcome family & friends to the site. Here's the guy that greets you on the first page.

(P.S.) This is not a self-caricature.

Toon Club Entry: The Grump

2006-06-23T23:30:00.000-06:00

Meet the Grump! He's the guy who complains constantly, can find no silver-lining in any cloud, and even when things couldn't get any better, he'll still find a reason to complain bitterly. He's got an opinion, and by golly you're going to hear about it!
Did I mention he's always right?

Any resemblance to persons living or dead is mere coincidence.

Black Mage

2006-06-17T19:16:00.000-06:00

Just finished this for my Brother-in-Law, er... for his blog: this is his avatar. The character is the Black Mage from the Final Fantasy, a video game of yesteryear. The 'light' you see in the background is from a detonation spell of Black Mages that essentially leveled an entire forest, and killed a giant. 'nuff said.

Toon Club2: Aliens

2006-06-16T11:24:00.000-06:00

The topic over at Toon Club is 'Alien Life Forms'. I'd already posted a full-color image, and had a few minutes of sketching time this morning. I had fun with it, so I'm posting these sketches too.

Happy Father's Day, June 18th!

New Avatar

2006-06-13T14:45:00.000-06:00

Trying out a new Avatar. The other one looses readability, so this is another attempt. Let me know if it's working or not.

Toon Club: Alien Life Forms

2006-06-12T23:27:00.000-06:00

The newest installment of the Toon Club: the topic is Alien Life Forms. I originally was going to go with a semi-realistic pencil sketch of an alien, but when this idea crept into my head, I had to go with it.

Illustration Friday: Jungle

2006-06-10T14:22:00.000-06:00