Marker Monster Madness!

In my ongoing quest to expand my artistic boundries, I recently invested in a set of Prismacolor markers. My friend Jeff Preston is an astounding talent who produces vivid, eye-popping visuals with these often maligned tools. Classic horror fans may remember his beautiful cover illustrations for magazines such as MONSTERSCENE and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. I was shocked when I discovered these stunning pieces were created with design markers, which are as challenging as watercolor to work with, if not more so. Below is one example of Jeff's mastery of the marker...

Impressive, isn't it?

So, without fear of humiliation, I have taken the big leap, and started experimenting with this arduous medium. Here are two first attempts, Boris Karloff from BLACK SUNDAY, and Glenn Strange from ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN.

The fall 2008 issue of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS will feature a Jeff Preston cover and a Frank Dietz back cover. I'm honored to be working with the master.

Lon Chaney Jr. As Quasimodo

I recently revisited the 1939 version of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, and started wondering what Lon Chaney, Jr., fresh off OF MICE AND MEN, might have done with the role of Quasimodo. Charles Laughton's performance is truly wonderful, but I think Lon might have brought something quite good to the part as well. The Hunchback is the kind of character that Chaney Jr. was best at - simple, yet very emotional - so it isn't difficult to imagine him doing well in one of the roles that made his father famous. But in case you need a visual, here's one possible vision of that scenario...

A Nod To Jack Davis

Most "Monster Kids" will recall with great affection the Jack Davis six-foot Frankenstein poster that was sold through the pages of Famous Monsters Of Filmland magazine. It is one of the iconic visuals of the 60's and 70's when it comes to monster merchandise. Not long ago a paid a small homage to Jack's wonderful sketch with this watercolor piece. I decided to include little Donnie Dunagan under Karloff's arm, just to make it my own and pay tribute to Donnie, who has become a friend to myself and the classic horror community in general.

Unfortunately, this piece is not six feet tall. But it might be someday...

Recovery Time, Poker Time!

Sorry for being away for a bit, but I've been recuperating from some surgery. I'm not fully recovered, but am well on the mend. I do have new artwork to share, but first I'd like to travel back about a decade...to the drawing that would become the quintessential Sketchy Things piece. "Four Monsters Playing Poker" was created as a tee-shirt design for a Las Vegas model convention called ImagineNation. The idea came from the convention promoter, my old pal Rob Rotundi, and eventually the famous Vegas sign was incorporated into the design. But this sketch became my fans favorite. I have sold more prints of this image than any other.

I still get a chuckle whenever I look at it...

Tattoo Boo, Part Deux

Tim Gore is a huge fan of Romero's zombie series, and his Sketchy Things tattoo reflects that obsession. Below is Tim at the recent Fango Con, showing off my caricature of Bill Hinzman, the Cemetary Ghoul from NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, to the man himself! I've met Bill many times, and he's always enjoyed my sketches of his iconic alter-ego, but I'm willing to bet this isn't the first - or last - portrait of himself he's seen on someone's skin!

If you or someone you know has a Sketchy Things tattoo (I know they're out there!), I'd love to see it and post a photo of it here on the blog.

Tattoo Boo

Over the years I have seen my Sketchy Things artwork transferred to the skin of many a fan. Below are two examples of how nicely the caricatures translate to body ink. Do you or someone know of have Sketchy Things art permanently emblazoned onto their epidermis? I'd love to see it, and post it here on the blog.

Mark Chan from the San Diego area has many a Frankenstein decorating his integument, including the work of two of my heroes, Basil Gogos and Jack Davis. His lower leg features three of my caricatures, all of Boris Karloff as the monster. Mark is kind of like a walking Frankenstein art museum. Now he needs a Bernie Wrightson.

From the original Frankenstein

From The Bride Of Frankenstein

And from Son Of Frankenstein

Mark's tattoos were created by his pal Guf of Tattoo Royale in San Diego. If you need an excellent tatt artist, seek him out!

A Monstrous Challenge

Over at the Classic Horror Film Boards, I've invited all my monster art colleagues to participate in a monthly "challenge" - a character or actor is chosen, and each of us creates a piece of art based on that subject. First up is Bela Lugosi as any of his many vampire characters, and already the results are fantastic. Stop in an take a look:

http://monsterkidclassichorrorforum.yuku.com/topic/16352