sketchcteks

Haven't done a sketchbook post in awhile. So here's a sketchbook post.

Lovecraftian Hell

Save me from a Lovecraftian hell. Sometimes I just head in uncontrolled directions.
This is acrylic on copper. 2.5 x 5 inches.

Idaho Watchable Wildlife

 As I look at my recent posts there seems to be a divergence from the norm. Not that I really have a norm. But fear not, some new paintings are on the very horizon. in the meantime I have just been working on a few fun projects. This one is a poster for Idaho's watchable wildlife. They haven't decided on a final yet but here are a few of the many possibilities I sent. Actually the first one, and possibly my favorite, is new but I don't think they want a bleed. So probably it will be a version of the last one.

On another note, the reason for sporadic posting involves trying to make things like Facebook work for me. I changed over to the new page thingy and am having hellish night mares. Just when I was getting a handle on how things work I change over and have to start at less then scratch. I'm failing badly. My Facebook Page or is it Page?

Batman Has Issues Too

Doing superhero drawings is like eating pistachios. You can't eat/draw just one. I beg your forgiveness for this.

Superhero

Ever since the Batgirl painting I've wanted to do some more superhero stuff. So I give you a Hulk drawing. I'm sure the comic book bigwigs will come a callin'.

NPR Calendar

Here's an illustration I did for an upcoming NPR calendar. National Public Radio has been a part of my listening life for a long time. It's an honor to be among a list of artists and illustrators who have been a part of this project year after year. I'll let you know when they go up for sale.

Prints at Nucleus

 For those who can't buy an original painting Gallery Nucleus has these prints for sale. They are beautifully done and very reasonable at $30. I was really happy with the quality.

Bill's Prints at Gallery Nucleus

Optical Allusions at Gallery Nucleus

Optical Allusions by Bill Carman
My show at Gallery Nucleus opens this Saturday May 12. The opening runs from 7-10 pm and I will be there. I hope to meet some of you who have been so loyal to me. So if anyone can stop by the gallery in Alhambra (Southern Cal) please do and introduce yourself. On another note, it's kind of fun to do these thumb grid things with paintings. As this moves down the links will remain at the top and side of blog for the duration of my show

Revival

As I finish a couple of illustrations which I can't post yet I thought about posting older pieces which I am thinking should be completed. Sometimes it happens that I stop in the middle of a painting because of time, deadlines, or other issues. I'll return later only to think, "Hey this one isn't so bad."

That's the case with this piece. Part of a story which has yet to be completed, this painting is about a little guy who steals color. Do you think it's worth finishing?

Wrapping Up the Show

 A couple of drawings to round out my show at Gallery Nucleus in May. The opening is May 12. I'll be there and hope to meet some of you from the area. I'll post more as it gets closer.
"The Real Rocket Man"

Spectrum 19 Pieces

 These are the pieces that got into Spectrum 19. The first one is up for an award. I think this is a record for me. Just goes to show if you pay enough in the way of bribes... Seriously, It's always a incredible honor to be included in such a great publication.

Are Those Giant Zombie Pandas?

You see with a little patience something great, well at least good, OK pretty cool, adequate, well unique can happen. These guys are obviously high paid top tier assassins.
"Time to Break in the New Scope"

Keeping Madness at Bay

As I continue to do these new and strange experimental things you may think I am giving in to madness. The reality is that I'm keeping it at bay by releasing it from my head. Plus I'm doing some other cool things along the way that may not be quite as mad.

Narrative Experiment

Of all the little experimental pieces I've been doing lately this one seems to have the most promise as far as future possible narrative directions. I really like the look of this.

What Are the Odds?

Sometimes a painting has that glowing quality. This is on copper about 5x7 inches.
"Narduel: What Are the Odds?"

Really Red

Different color scheme than usual but I'm allowed to do that. Artistic license purchased and renewed every year.
"Blue Birch Crown: The Objects and Symbols of Piety"

Another Quickie

Another fast study/experiment. This one feels kind of teenage angsty. Nice to know an oldish man can still have a little teenage angst, at least on the surface.

Sketchin' It Up

Once again I have let time slip by. This time I have a legit excuse. Tax season. One of my least favorite things about living in the good ol' US of A. Anyway some sketch book pages to hold my friends over.

I Apologize

Sometimes I go off the deep end even for me. I have no idea what this is about except that I kept sketching this guy in my sketchbook. Acrylic on wood.
"Merrill: Bred For Breeding"

For My Guys

Told you guys I'd finish this right away. I knew that face was begging for something greater. Another speedy experiment.
"Tastes a Little Bitter"