bill's studio

Ride Rhino

2012-01-22T13:39:00.000-08:00

More drawing stuff. A little digital coloring.

As I Paint

2012-01-19T14:01:00.000-08:00

As I paint I do these drawings as you know by now. How about a series of stilt wheeled animals.

"Don't Cut Me"

I Paint on Wood

2012-01-12T17:17:00.000-08:00

Just a little piece on wood. Part of a hell story.

I Still Love to Paint

2012-01-04T12:33:00.000-08:00

This painting is kinda personal. I've been doing a few here and there that have to do with the past. Maybe I have a few issues. And here I thought I was issue free. Some process shots too.

"The Novitiate or Bleach Will Help Keep Those Shirts White"

Sketch 'em up

2011-12-29T07:21:00.000-08:00

I let a week go by. Got caught up with the holidays and my new toy, yes I was surprised with an iPad. For those who know me, especially my students, I know what you're saying; he can barely answer a cell phone. Well you'll see. I'll make this beautiful thing work. But I won't read any books with it. Anyway here are some sketchbook pages. Should have another painting up soon.

Chester Shat a Kidney

2011-12-22T16:06:00.000-08:00

When I do a drawing I like to create a digitally colored version as an exercise and to see how it might look as an illustration. Sometimes it makes the drawing cooler and sometimes not.

It's Done

2011-12-17T17:59:00.000-08:00

This is it. Been working on this for quite some time. It's the largest painting I've done in awhile and was a blast to paint. One of those that to which I just kept adding. Man I love that I get to do this.
"Bomb Salvage" ( I think this will be the title)

2011-12-11T13:30:00.001-08:00

A new painting on copper. This is not the big one coming. Just another started and now finished.
"I Can Hear Better Now"

They Come

2011-12-05T09:35:00.001-08:00

Please have some patience with me you won't be disappointed.

Sketch gra la

2011-11-28T10:34:00.001-08:00

Just to keep you here until the paintings are finished. I have started working on them again. I barely made it through Thanksgiving with my life.

If You Remove the Glasses the Demons Will Fade

2011-11-23T17:15:00.001-08:00

I have not been able to sit at my table and paint. Creeping cruds with fever. But I could do short bouts reclining and drawing. Yeah even when I am at death's door I have to work. It's just so much fun. So anyway which do you prefer the original, top, or with slight value changes, bottom. Randy I promise I'll get back to your painting as soon as I can sit up for more than 5 minutes at a time.

Illustrators 54 Accepted

2011-11-22T13:19:00.001-08:00

This was also selected for Illustrators 54. My first selection in the book category. I am happy even as I type with a fever.

"Beesbite"

Ornament

2011-11-20T07:31:00.001-08:00

The Basement Gallery is auctioning off ornaments for Life's Kitchen. Here's mine. Probably won't be able to give it away but at least I have a heart. My students won't believe it but I do.
Basement Gallery

Illustrators 54 Medal

2011-11-15T07:17:00.001-08:00

The word on the street for awhile was that the Society of Illustrators NY was not keeping up. Kinda like the 19th century academy. The street is not saying that anymore or it's not paying attention. Still the gold standard for illustrators in my opinion because of the variety and quality. Proof? Well how else would something like this win a medal in the next annual, Illustrators 54. Anelle Miller, director of SI, called yesterday (I love that she calls all who got in) to inform me that I had been awarded Silver in the institutional category. This is my second medal with SI NY. Unbelievable. Of course it'll take another year to earn enough bribe money for the next one.

What?

2011-11-12T17:26:00.001-08:00

I am working a some pretty intense paintings and when I do that I usually have a few drawings going at the same time to keep me sane. Here is one I just finished on some old photo mounting paper.

New Yorker Event

2011-11-12T07:14:00.001-08:00

Wish I could be there for this event! But I did see a coyote out my studio window.

Sketchboooook

2011-11-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

Because I feel like I haven't been updating often enough.

Painting Again

2011-11-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

I never stopped painting really. Just all that other stuff getting in the way. So here is a very traditional, normal piece that you might see in Southwest Art Magazine or something. I'll get back the the strange stuff later.

"Rate of Travel"

Final NY Adventure Pics

2011-10-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

The final set of pictures in Bill and Dave's Excellent Adventure.

From r to l: Heidi Leigh, Bill Carman, Gorrn Bphlatzz

A kickass Martin Wittfooth show at Lyon's Weir. Coolest pic of the trip.

The ultra-cool Society of Illustrators.

Metaphorical only. Can't imagine setting this show up for Serra.

The last subway trip back to the hotel. I may have cried.

New York Adventure

2011-10-28T07:34:00.000-07:00

Just the beginning of evidence from my New York adventure. There are many more photos from the opening at the Animazing Facebook page taken by my friend Dave.

A few blocks from the Empire State Building and didn't even know it.

Ahhh, red dots. Not sure what they mean but I think it's good.

More.

Why I was standing like that?

People in NY were cool and had more money.

Beautiful couple and of course wonderful Heidi my host.

We were talking about tall athletes and I brought up Peter Crouch of Stoke. His girlfriend then related a wonderful answer from Peter Crouch (a bit homely by his own account) when asked what he would be if not a soccer player. His response: " A virgin." Love those who can laugh at life and themselves.

Aritst Bruce Jensen. Check out his work. Great guy great stuff.

Chris Buzelli whose work I've watched go from good to better to great and then, "Wish I'd done that." Dude, look how big my noggin is. Large brain pushed out all of the hair.

Show Is Live!

2011-10-21T12:48:00.001-07:00

The paintings and drawings are now up. Let me know what you think.

VIEW PIECES HERE

Batgirl et al

2011-10-16T11:43:00.000-07:00

I really loved doing this painting. Sometimes just getting a word starts an avalanche of ideas. Thanks Gregg.

"Batgirl and Batsquid Ride Batpug with Batbat as Guide"

Unbalanced

2011-10-15T07:02:00.001-07:00

Another image for the media blitz of my show. If any of you are in NYC the weekend of October 22nd, please stop by the opening and meet me. We'll talk art and life. I've attached a link for the RSVP. The President will stop by along with Brangelina . Well not really but my friend Dave will be there. A look at the work will be available opening day on the Animazing Gallery website.

But that's not all! If you order now you can read this interview done for Design Tonic Magazine online.

Interview for Design Tonic

Respite

2011-10-05T09:30:00.001-07:00

"Well Deserved RESpiTe After a Particularly Brutal Goring"

En Fuego

2011-10-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

I told you, I can't be stopped. Acrylic on copper.

"The Translator"

I'm on Fire

2011-09-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

I'm in the groove. The last lap before the show. Can't wait for NYC

acrylic on wood

"Made for Each Other"

Something Different

2011-09-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

Now that I think about it, I guess everything I do is something different. This is for a figurative show in Boston at The William Scott Gallery. Some heavy hitters in this show including Rick Berry who invited me.

"No Really, I am Vampire"

Making Up

2011-09-23T18:13:00.001-07:00

See how much I love you all. Making up for letting all that time pass I did two posts in one day. This is acrylic on paper, about 11x18 inches.

"A Careless Horning"

1000 Pardons

2011-09-23T07:56:00.000-07:00

Been fishing and painting and crying. I swore I would never let this many days go by without a post and I have failed. the art police are on their way. I may never see you all again. Well, I've never actually seen most of you but unless there is a computer and art supplies in art prison you may never hear from me again.

This painting is almost done. Just a hint. A promise to a new friend in Boston.

The Worth of an Albino Tree

2011-09-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

Ever seen an albino tree? If not you really need to live in my world for awhile.

I Still Sketch

2011-09-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

To let you know I'm still alive I post sketchbook pages.

Strange Little Piece

2011-08-25T18:16:00.000-07:00

Another small one. Strange even for me.

"Oh Look, the Sky is So Beautiful"

Getting Serious

2011-08-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

Another on copper.

"Those Are My Ears"

A Sting Can Be Bloody

2011-08-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

This is on copper. What size do you think it is?

Keeper of the Armored Beaver

2011-08-13T12:51:00.000-07:00

The latest.

"Keeper of the Armored Beaver"

It's Really Coming

2011-08-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

I'll post a few reminders along the way. They will have all of the work posted on their site after the opening.

Paint, Paint, Paint

2011-08-06T19:11:00.000-07:00

Another 9x12 on copper. Hope ya'll are still enjoying these.

I Could Escape If I Wanted To

Around the Corner

2011-07-31T10:07:00.001-07:00

On copper. The show is seemingly just around the corner. I am working hard and having fun. I could paint all day. Wait I do paint all day. School starts in three weeks but I think that will actually be a boost for me.

Race Head

2011-07-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

I worked on this piece at Comic Con and finished it yesterday. It's on wood.

Comic Con Adventure 2011

2011-07-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Comic Con San Diego was a true adventure. I was surrounded at one time by Star Wars storm troopers, saw people who should not have been dressed as scantily clad super heroes and warriors, saw people who were, thank God, in scantily clad costumes, met cool celebrities and even cooler artists. I'm really glad I went but not sure I'll do it again. But if I do I know what to do. I could write for hours about the experience but I won't bore you. Instead I'll post a few sketchbook pages and try, in the next couple of days, to get photos off of my phone. That failing I will direct you to places with photos.

Comic Con

2011-07-19T18:18:00.001-07:00

Latest painting on wood. I will be taking it to Comic Con and adding a few little touches and working on a new painting there. Wish you all could be there.

I Think We Need a Bigger Tramp

Book 'em

2011-07-16T16:44:00.000-07:00

These are the front and back covers of my black and white book prepared for ComiCon. It's on the way to me now. Hope it turned out. Anyone going? My first time. Gonna see what a real art circus is like.

Experiment

2011-07-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Just trying some new things. After all that is the most exciting part of what we do.

"Hey, Do You See That Perfect Stand of Trees?"

Buy Prints - Thumbtack Press

2011-07-09T12:02:00.000-07:00

Thumbtack Press is now selling prints of my work. I am in some great company with artists on their site. I've also put a link in the for sale thingy on the side.

3 Wishes

2011-07-03T19:26:00.000-07:00

Been working on this one for awhile. It's 9x12 inches on copper. This is a painting that I could just keep working on but I need to get on the move. I think I might do a few little doodas digitally for fun. We'll see if I have the time.

UPDATE: Sorry I forgot to post the process shots.

Nearly There

2011-06-30T19:15:00.000-07:00

Another day or two and it should be done.

Coming Together

2011-06-28T19:10:00.001-07:00

The book is coming together.

Wishes

2011-06-23T08:52:00.001-07:00

Something painted this way comes.

Book 'em

2011-06-17T07:43:00.001-07:00

Three more for the book.

Bees Bite

2011-06-12T11:02:00.001-07:00

These small paintings seem to get finished faster than the larger ones, which are coming for real.

More Book

2011-06-08T19:23:00.001-07:00

Couple of more possibilities for the book.

Book Stuff

2011-06-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Just some pages from the black and white sketchbook book thingy I'm doing for ComiCon. I think these will make the cut.

Good God It's the Lepus

2011-05-29T14:41:00.001-07:00

Another on copper. Inspired by a wonderfully awful movie.

International Artist Magazine

2011-05-26T19:15:00.001-07:00

I was honored that Rebecca Guay asked me to be part of a section on illustration in International Artist Magazine. It was particularly nice to be associated with 3 other such great artists and illustrators: Rebecca Guay, Eric Fortune, and Edel Rodriguez.

Here is what my section looked like.

Different Languages

2011-05-24T16:46:00.001-07:00

It's always cool to see my work in publications from different countries and cultures. Somehow this type goes well with my imagery don't you think?

The Race Continues

2011-05-21T16:25:00.000-07:00

Another racer on wood.

Race

2011-05-16T19:21:00.001-07:00

This is a series on wood. They're about a race I think. It's just fun to paint on malleable surface like wood as a diversion from rigid surfaces like copper.

Another Distraction

2011-05-14T17:27:00.001-07:00

Just another distraction on the way to fame and fortune. Had a mix up on a shipment of brushes so things slowed a little. Should be back on track soon.

Bunny Sandwich

2011-05-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not this is not the blockbusteriest of the blockbusters. But it sure was fun to paint. I love what I do. I tried to give some nice steps in the process. Someday I'll make a video, I promise.

Ooh, Something Coming

2011-05-07T19:50:00.000-07:00

Should be done in a day or two. After you see this one you'll never want to leave.

Book Cover

2011-05-06T18:53:00.001-07:00

Just thought I'd give you all al look at the final cover for jim and the Flims by Rudy Rucker. I didn't do the design just the illustration. It's a trippy story. You can buy it on Amazon or from Night Shade Books.

Quantity

2011-05-01T17:17:00.001-07:00

I'll make up for the lack of blockbuster paintings, they are coming, by quantity.

Slow Patch

2011-04-30T13:57:00.001-07:00

I am toiling away and my paintings. The problem is that I am working on several at once and can't seem to finish any of them. But when I do I will win you all back to my loving embrace. In the meantime these erupt from my psyche.

Thar She Blows

2011-04-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

Yeah I know I should just give up on these narrative illustration things but they are just way too much fun. So forget it. I'll do them whether you like it or not.

Sketchy

2011-04-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I like to set up color wash formats in my sketchbook.

Spectrum 18

2011-04-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

Just got word about which pieces got in to Spectrum 18. Of course the poster will be in there but I was happy to see the others. I love Spectrum. Two of them will also be in Illustrators 53. Know which?

OW

2011-04-15T10:06:00.001-07:00

You know you really can't blame me for doing these things. They are mind burps, kinda sketchbook things. Things I think about when I'm not thinking. Getting ready for ComiCon so a superheroish tribute.

Do You Work Out?

2011-04-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

I rarely do images from dreams but this one had to be done.

Nasal Spelunking

2011-04-09T17:18:00.001-07:00

I'm really thinking of putting together some of these drawings in black and white for a book. Kind of like a sketchbook thingy for sale cheap. I'm doing it because I would like to have something for ComiCon in July.

Gold Painting

2011-04-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Just another in the series. This is on copper. A multi-tasking bird thing.

Forgive Me

2011-04-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Oh man please forgive me for this. If I ever got the chance to work on an animated movie there would have to be a wise pug in it. This one, having been abducted and probed previously, is prepared with a probe shield. I'm sure I will lose all of my serious clients for this. Oh wait, I don't have any serious clients. Let's just say I did this on a dare.

Real Events

2011-04-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

Drawings for a little book I'm putting together. This is real stuff you know. I did a second one with color just for the hell of it. Which do you like? I do the color things as sort of an exercise for possible illustrations.

Me

2011-03-29T18:51:00.000-07:00

I will probably regret this but I thought a studio shot or two might be in order. The man behind the curtain so to speak. This kind of takes the mystery out of things. Most people believe I have tats and take drugs. Neither is true but a tattoo would not be out of the question. I even offered one of my classes the opportunity to pay for a tattoo which I would get. We did a brief segment on tattoo art and they almost raised the dough. Never knew why it fizzled out.

Bird Bird

2011-03-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Startin' to like these. Maybe I should stop. If it's too fun it's not art right?

Just a Trim

2011-03-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

I never know what will influence me. I've always enjoyed black greek pottery. The lighter images against that black background just pop. I also remember a beautiful piece of furniture with chinoiserie decoration. Beautiful gold against black. I've been wanting to do a series of paintings against black. Here is a start. A silly start but a start none the less.

Smart

2011-03-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

These are great fun. They are not a bad way to get to know color a little better too. Paintings coming soon.

More Bear

2011-03-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Right now it's bears. Who knows what's next. I'm just having some fun with this mix of drawing and computer coloring thing. A little diversion from intense painting which I continue every day.

Bidding Live

2011-03-12T08:53:00.001-08:00

The bidding is live for the Art Blocks for Ghana fundraiser. Go and buy some great artwork and support an even greater cause.

ebay auction

Another Color Thing

2011-03-07T19:17:00.000-08:00

Just trying another color illustration thing. Having a different kind of fun while I paint.

Society of Illustrators 53 Invitation

2011-03-04T16:48:00.001-08:00

I guess this is cool enough to post. One of my pieces was chosen for the Advertising/Institutional invitation of Society of Illustrators annual exhibition. It's always an honor to be noticed by them.

Sketch Bookin'

2011-03-01T12:27:00.000-08:00

Been so busy with this show that I haven't posted sketchbook stuff in awhile. So here are a couple of pages.

Horn Envy

2011-02-23T19:32:00.001-08:00

I Love Your Horn. A new painting on copper.

Color?

2011-02-20T19:50:00.001-08:00

I've been trying some new color treatments of previous drawings. What do you think, original or new treatment?

The Joust

2011-02-13T15:38:00.001-08:00

What the world has been waiting for. I kinda like the way this one turned out. Couple of process shots included at no cost.

I Haven't Stopped Painting

2011-02-11T18:15:00.000-08:00

It's like visual diarrhea. As I paint, these ideas distract me and won't let me continue until they are actualized. It's a curse.

Man, Strange Mind Drawings

2011-02-10T12:14:00.001-08:00

I can't control this. They keep coming out of me from some place that is hidden from my conscious mind. Don't ask me to stop because I can't.

It's Almost Here

2011-02-09T09:31:00.001-08:00

I know, you just can't stand it.

Draw and Illustrate

2011-02-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

I like to continue drawing and illustrating.

"Nother Painting Coming

2011-02-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

Just another major masterpiece in the works. A little bigger so will take a few more days.

When the Beesting

2011-01-29T08:35:00.001-08:00

Strange little painting. Not that all of my paintings aren't strange little paintings but this one is particularly so.

Bus Stop

2011-01-22T15:17:00.001-08:00

Just a new painting. Hope you all are still there.

Cautionary Tale

2011-01-22T09:57:00.000-08:00

Just something I've learned lately. This is what happens when you leave drawings out with an oil palette nearby - oh and a roaming ball python that drags his fat ass, well maybe not ass, through the paint and then all over my table and work. Maybe the drawing is worth more now.

Getting Close

2011-01-19T18:50:00.001-08:00

Closer.

Something Wacky This Way Comes

2011-01-17T17:16:00.000-08:00

Just another little teaser. Paint, paint, paint.

Octo vs. Snake: You're Missing a Great Match Ref

2011-01-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

The match of the century. On copper.

Octo vs. Snake (process)

2011-01-12T12:38:00.000-08:00

I Tease Again

2011-01-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

I should finish by tomorrow or the next day. Call the press, send out the news. Or just go on about your business as if none of this is happening.

In the meantime, don't forget that the deadline to enter Spectrum 18 is January 28th. It is a great book full of great work. I'll post one more reminder to remind you when reminding is imminent.

OK, Sneak Peeks Again

2011-01-10T18:37:00.001-08:00

I'm almost finished with a new painting and thought I'd give little visual hints again. If you don't like me doing this then ignore it and just wait 'til the painting is finished. But make sure you come back when it is finished because it's really cool.

Cover - Jim and the Flims

2011-01-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Dave Palumbo over at Night Shade Books on a cover. The book is JIM AND THE FLIMS by author Rudy Rucker. I added some of the preparation work and process shots. You can see that at some point in this process I tried a few things digitally just to get a quick feel for how thing might work. The steps jump around a little so if you have any questions just comment. So a hold on old drawings for awhile now.

Cover - Jim and the Flims (prep)

2011-01-07T07:35:00.000-08:00