I also created the title logo and an early ad for the show.
Ashputtel Illustrations: Bird, Slipper, and a Castle
A few more recent illustrations from the Ashputtel project.
I also created the title logo and an early ad for the show.
I also created the title logo and an early ad for the show.
Creative Inspiration: Perfessor Evil
Back in 2005, when I was art director on HGTV's
Outer Spaces, the executive producer asked me to help research, easy
but impressive looking, decorating projects for a possible Halloween
special on the DIY network. That show never happened, but in my web searching I discovered Perfessor Evil's HauntProject.com and was instantly a fan of.
What I enjoyed most was the simple layout that was Pinterest before Pinterest. Photos of great projects to scroll down and look at, each linked to their origin site (and by the way, just celebrated adding it's 1000th project). Perfessor Evil had created a portal to the vast world of Halloween prop makers I never knew existed.
A few years later, I stopped by the site as I often did and was happily surprised to see that not only one of my prop projects had been found and posted, but Para Abnormal was also added to Haunt Project's web comics link page. It made me feel I was now a legit member of the haunting community.
Perfessor Evil was actually Rik Cary. Rik unexpectedly passed away this weekend. He made Halloween decorating even more creative for me as a consistent source of inspiration.
What I enjoyed most was the simple layout that was Pinterest before Pinterest. Photos of great projects to scroll down and look at, each linked to their origin site (and by the way, just celebrated adding it's 1000th project). Perfessor Evil had created a portal to the vast world of Halloween prop makers I never knew existed.
A few years later, I stopped by the site as I often did and was happily surprised to see that not only one of my prop projects had been found and posted, but Para Abnormal was also added to Haunt Project's web comics link page. It made me feel I was now a legit member of the haunting community.
Perfessor Evil was actually Rik Cary. Rik unexpectedly passed away this weekend. He made Halloween decorating even more creative for me as a consistent source of inspiration.
Here's a fun video of Rik's 2011 home haunt.
My Ultimate Crossover Film
I've been enjoying the League of Extraordinary Bloggers ring via the fun site Cool and Collected for awhile now. Each week, a question is posed and members post their answers to their particular blogs. This week, inspired by the Avengers, the question was: What pop culture heroes or stories would make for the ultimate crossover? I had to join the League after reading that.
There's a movie crossover idea that has been in my head for a long time.
I've always wondered, where did the map that adventurer/showman Carl Denham acquired in 1933 leading to Kong's Skull island come from? Well, I thought it fun to imagine that it was originally created by a noted Archaeologist who had already been there.
This would be a prequel film taking place in 1931, a couple of years before Kong met his end in NYC and several before Indy found the Ark. I'll leave the details of this possible adventure to your imagination. But I'd love it to feature the return of Captain Katanga and his Bantu Wind pirate crew.
Okay, I know, I know... it was established in Raider's that Indy first meets Katanga.
But what if Katanga saying "Dr. Jones, you're exactly how I imagined you to look." is an inside joke between them set up in the Kong adventure? As an underworld pirate, Katanga's running gag might be to always pretend to never remember anyone or know anything, so he always has "plausible deniability".
There's a movie crossover idea that has been in my head for a long time.
I've always wondered, where did the map that adventurer/showman Carl Denham acquired in 1933 leading to Kong's Skull island come from? Well, I thought it fun to imagine that it was originally created by a noted Archaeologist who had already been there.
This would be a prequel film taking place in 1931, a couple of years before Kong met his end in NYC and several before Indy found the Ark. I'll leave the details of this possible adventure to your imagination. But I'd love it to feature the return of Captain Katanga and his Bantu Wind pirate crew.
Okay, I know, I know... it was established in Raider's that Indy first meets Katanga.
But what if Katanga saying "Dr. Jones, you're exactly how I imagined you to look." is an inside joke between them set up in the Kong adventure? As an underworld pirate, Katanga's running gag might be to always pretend to never remember anyone or know anything, so he always has "plausible deniability".
Halloween 2012 Plans
I don't think I've mentioned it yet, but one New Year's resolution was NOT posting about any new Halloween yard ideas for 2012 unless they were well under way being created. I've become fed up with myself having posted a 1001 ideas and sketches in the past that never became reality.
Having said that, I think this new cartoon posted on my web comic Para-Abnormal qualifies as a Halloween idea I'm safe to share for next October. I've already pulled materials from the garage hoard and started making.
As of right now, this prop seems possible to make with what I have. But I reserve the right to abandon at any time and exclaim "What a stupid idea!" should I find myself debating whether to spend money on or buy food.
Having said that, I think this new cartoon posted on my web comic Para-Abnormal qualifies as a Halloween idea I'm safe to share for next October. I've already pulled materials from the garage hoard and started making.
As of right now, this prop seems possible to make with what I have. But I reserve the right to abandon at any time and exclaim "What a stupid idea!" should I find myself debating whether to spend money on or buy food.
Asputtel Illustrations: Her Mother's Grave
The Asputtel project is coming along. Here are two variations of the hazel tree with her mother's grave - one day scene, one night scene.
Pumpkin Watch Day 18 - Zombie Seeds
A few days ago, more than two weeks since I planted them, the pumpkin seeds had yet to sprout. I looked at the packet to double check the germination time when I discovered something awful - they were dated 11/09!
That explained it, they were dried up and dead. I should of known better than to use seeds found on a shelf in my garage hoard. I knew they were old, but did not think THAT old.
I gave up on them and decided to try again after picking up fresh seeds later this weekend.
But, just this morning, I've discovered they're actually LIVING DEAD SEEDS!
That explained it, they were dried up and dead. I should of known better than to use seeds found on a shelf in my garage hoard. I knew they were old, but did not think THAT old.
I gave up on them and decided to try again after picking up fresh seeds later this weekend.
But, just this morning, I've discovered they're actually LIVING DEAD SEEDS!
Asputtel Sketches: Old Hags
Here's another thumbnail sketch for my recent Brother's Grimm Asputtel project. This one features the vile stepsisters later in life as old blind hags.
One of my favorite things about digital coloring is the ability to play with different hues quickly and easily.
One of my favorite things about digital coloring is the ability to play with different hues quickly and easily.
Creative Inspiration: Studio Prop Dept. Photos from 1937
Wonderful photos by Margaret Bourke-White inside the Warner Brothers and Paramount Prop Depts. back in 1937. Found these (and more) on the LIFE magazine gallery site.
 | ||
| Break-away club and prop filled pockets. |
 |
 |
 |
| Old time practical effects - unicorn horn for a horse, turtle on wheels to move, knife stabbing gags. |
 |
| Martha Raye marionette. |
 |
| Mosquito prop on thread of human hair to make fly. |
 |
| Spinning faux spider webs. |
Ashputtel Sketches
I'm illustrating posters and promo art for a stage production of Ashputtel.
Ashputtel is the original fairy tale of Cinderella by the Brother's Grimm. If you've never read it... be warned! It's not the warm and fuzzy Disney version. I don't want to spoil it, but death, visiting graves, self mutilation, and birds pecking eyes out are big plot points.
I'm in the early thumbnail sketch stage getting some loose ideas on paper. More later.
Ashputtel is the original fairy tale of Cinderella by the Brother's Grimm. If you've never read it... be warned! It's not the warm and fuzzy Disney version. I don't want to spoil it, but death, visiting graves, self mutilation, and birds pecking eyes out are big plot points.
I'm in the early thumbnail sketch stage getting some loose ideas on paper. More later.
Pumpkin Patch 2012 - Day 1
And once more unto the haunted garden breach, dear friends!
Although I only harvested two tiny pumpkins last year, it felt successful. They were grown from medium sized "Jack O Lantern" labeled seeds. I've decided to improve my odds for larger ones and try using seeds for immense sized pumpkins this time. We'll see what happens. The package says 110 days to harvest and being a little less than 200 days until Halloween, I think my timings good.
Whether I actually get giant pumpkins (or any at all) doesn't matter to me, it's the fun of trying every year I enjoy most.
The Easter Bunny Moves In
Unfortunately, we had to evict the Leprechaun renting our tree space. There were too many complaints from the neighbors about his raucous, late night partying. I don't mind, my bank always made it a hassle depositing the ancient Celtic gold coins he paid in rent every month.
Thankfully, a nice and quiet Easter bunny has moved in.
The Easter display is not as elaborate as I had planned in the sketch. It's a simple revision of the Leprechaun door. The past few weeks were busier than expected, so I didn't get the time hoped for to work on it.
Like the St. Patrick's display, it was enjoyed. The neighborhood was full of families this weekend gathering together for Easter and Passover. The Easter bunny's house was visited by numerous smiling and curious kids. So much so, I've run out of super glue fixing the handle every other hour as they keep breaking it off trying to pull the door open.
New Halloween Ideas for 2012
I've made a radical decision concerning my yard decorating this year. I'm going all-new. Nothing from any past year will be seen again. Below are several sketches of some of the new ideas.
The Abandoned Refrigerator Graveyard - I recently saw several fridges available for FREE on Craig's List. Not only super budget friendly, but will really help to fill up tons of empty space on the lawn.
Scary PETA Zombie - I want to be more socially conscience with my display this year, so I thought this character would work. It's also interactive, giving a fun BOO scare to every Trick or Treater wearing a cute animal costume.
Sidewalk of Holiday Magic - To add more enchantment and not-very-scary elements to the yard for little kids, I'm going to work beloved icons from other holidays into the theme.
The Zany Treat Station - Since the yard, front porch, and driveway will be completely full of new decorations, I'm adding extra space by parking a rented van in the street and will give out candy to kids from there. To be more friendly and inviting this year, I'm also planning to dress up as a cheerful Circus Clown.
I don't think I'm too foolish believing I can get these projects done by October, it's only April 1st. Plenty of time. This could be the best Halloween ever!
The Abandoned Refrigerator Graveyard - I recently saw several fridges available for FREE on Craig's List. Not only super budget friendly, but will really help to fill up tons of empty space on the lawn.
Scary PETA Zombie - I want to be more socially conscience with my display this year, so I thought this character would work. It's also interactive, giving a fun BOO scare to every Trick or Treater wearing a cute animal costume.
Sidewalk of Holiday Magic - To add more enchantment and not-very-scary elements to the yard for little kids, I'm going to work beloved icons from other holidays into the theme.
The Zany Treat Station - Since the yard, front porch, and driveway will be completely full of new decorations, I'm adding extra space by parking a rented van in the street and will give out candy to kids from there. To be more friendly and inviting this year, I'm also planning to dress up as a cheerful Circus Clown.
Hand of Glory Prop: Take 2
The Hand of Glory prop has a bit more age to it now. I weathered the lashing (dark brown paint wash) and gave the candles a layer of grime (yellow ocher tinted Mod Podge). Those elements looked too new in the first version. Small changes that really did make the prop better looking (I think at least).
Hand of Glory Prop
I've created a new prop for my cabinet of curiosities - a Hand of Glory.
The basic legend is, they were used as a tool by thieves well versed in the occult. The severed hand of a robber or murderer, executed for their crimes, was fashioned into a macabre candelabra. For each candle lit, one person in a home would sleep without waking until the flame was put out, allowing a thief to steal away without fear of being caught.
I imagined my Hand of Glory a very old and well used one... traded, bought or killed for by numerous nefarious criminals in dark pubs and alleys over many, many years. The hand has become mummified and skeletal, not as fresh as it was when quickly and crudely, snapped off a forgotten ne'er-do-well pirate's corpse hanging on the gallows long ago. It was created in haste during some dark ritual... an exposed forearm bone was simply lashed a wooden candlestick keeping it upright.
I should mention that although I used real candles in this prop, it was only made to display them, not safely burn them. They were lit just for these pictures, and even then, for only less than a minute.
This piece started as a zombie hand I was making to rise out of the ground for the Halloween yard display this year, but a new idea for it hit me.
The basic legend is, they were used as a tool by thieves well versed in the occult. The severed hand of a robber or murderer, executed for their crimes, was fashioned into a macabre candelabra. For each candle lit, one person in a home would sleep without waking until the flame was put out, allowing a thief to steal away without fear of being caught.
I imagined my Hand of Glory a very old and well used one... traded, bought or killed for by numerous nefarious criminals in dark pubs and alleys over many, many years. The hand has become mummified and skeletal, not as fresh as it was when quickly and crudely, snapped off a forgotten ne'er-do-well pirate's corpse hanging on the gallows long ago. It was created in haste during some dark ritual... an exposed forearm bone was simply lashed a wooden candlestick keeping it upright.
I should mention that although I used real candles in this prop, it was only made to display them, not safely burn them. They were lit just for these pictures, and even then, for only less than a minute.
This piece started as a zombie hand I was making to rise out of the ground for the Halloween yard display this year, but a new idea for it hit me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)