Finished coloring this guy earlier tonight. Not sure what's got him spooked, but it was fun to create the expression on his face.

And here's the original pencil sketch before adding digital color.

New Work

A couple of my newest digital pieces.  I draw the sketch with pencil in my sketchbook, scan the image into the computer, and color them in Photoshop.  Stay tuned for more images like these!

Digital Color

Coloring one of my sketches in Photoshop.

New work...

Part Fox, Part Squirrel...

This little guy is an update on the small critter that I've been toying with for some time now.  He's sort of a cross between a fox and a squirrel.  I really like this version better - definitely more personality.  Will post more of him soon!

Jack and the Beanstalk -- a work in progress...

I've been working pretty diligently on my next project, which is my interpretation of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk. So far, I've completed a pretty thorough character study of Jack, as well as a full scene focusing on Jack climbing the beanstalk.


Here's the line drawing...


And here's a color study I've been fiddling with in Photoshop...


As soon as I feel confident about the final composition and color scheme, I'll start painting the piece with watercolors. Stay tuned for more!

Inspired by "The Book of Three"

Here are a few sketches I've created based on Lloyd Alexander's The Book of Three. It's the first of the Chronicles of Prydain, a must-read for fans of Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and other fantasy adventure tales.

Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

I know, I know. It's been waaayyyyy too long since I've updated the ol' blog here. But as it goes for most folks, the holidays were an incredibly busy time for me -- running around, spending time with family, celebrating birthdays (including my own), shopping with Santa's help, and ringing in the new year.

But here's what's been going on:
My lovely wife bought me a new laptop for Christmas (thanks Wifey!), so I'm still in the process of transferring all my data.
I'm gearing up for the 2010 SCBWI Southern Breeze Springmingle coming up in February. Gotta get the portfolio looking spot-on.
I'm still working with watercolors and really enjoying it.
And I'm working on updating my website as well.

It's a full plate, but I enjoy all of it!

Check back soon to see some of my newest work!

Wishing all of ya the best in 2010!

Alexander Steffensmeier

As I was searching through the shelves at the library where I work to find some good examples of illustrators who work in watercolors, I came across a couple of really great books by an author/illustrator named Alexander Steffensmeier. The books are called Millie in the Snow and Millie Waits for the Mail, and they're all about the adventures of a cow named Millie who loves the mail. The stories and illustrations are absolutely amazing. I highly recommend you check them out to see for yourself!

And on top of it all, the author/illustrator is German - wie ausgezeichnet ist das? Die zwei Buecher wuerde eigentlich auf Deutsch geschrieben, und sie heissen Lieselotte lauert und Lieselotte im Schnee. Wen sie Deutsch lesen koenntest, vieleicht koennen Sie diese Buecher in einer zweiten Sprache geniessen!

Und hier ist die Website fuer Alexander Steffensmeier - www.alexandersteffensmeier.de

Altar Boys

Creative expression definitely runs throughout my family.

My brother is an actor/dancer/model who just finished touring as part of the hilarious production of Altar Boys. The fam' drove down to Louisiana last weekend to see him perform, and it was absolutely amazing! For those unfamiliar with the show, the concept revolves around the last concert performance of the Altar Boys - a Christian boy band out to save the lost souls of America through their pop music and awesome dance moves. If you get the chance to see the show, I guarantee it'll be a great time. And be sure to check out my brother Joshua David on Youtube!

(Josh - aka "Matthew"- is the one in the middle!)