Barclay-Studio

Second Bow Tie Guy of the Week

2012-02-17T10:45:00.002-05:00

Pangolin 2.0 (pa ng ˈgōlin)

Being one that is rarely satisfied with his work, I have redrawn the Pangolin Bow Tie Guy. This one has more personality. You can see the original here. He still looks like a poké mon

Bow tie Guy of the Week

2012-02-15T10:48:00.003-05:00

Cockatrice (käkətris; -ˌtrīs)

These funky mythical creatures are a mix between a dragon and a chicken. Most of the illustrations of these that I have seen have them looking rather grotesque and or horrific. I kept thinking “it's got a chicken head! how can that be scary?” So I gave him that vacant chicken stare.

Just a note. I am hoping to have some good news next week. I am just trying to not count my chickens before they hatch.

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-14T10:27:00.001-05:00

Weekly Bow Tie Guy

2012-02-01T12:15:00.003-05:00

Moose (moōs)

I am always amazed at how big and awkward these guys are. Years ago I was driving on Rt. 114 in Vermont and a bull moose came out on the road from the left. I was in my Geo Metro at the time and I swear I could have driven underneath it and not get a scratch.

I wasn't happy with my previous moose. so I spent a great deal of time researching and drawing moose over and over. I keep coming back to what I learned in my MFA with Bunny Carter and Denis Nolan. Draw it a hundred times and then you can draw it.

LSC Presidential Candidates (IF Forward)

2012-01-30T10:20:00.006-05:00

With all the hubbub about the republican candidates running for president, Lyndon State College had the four final candidates for the Presidential Search came to campus (this was for the colleges president). During the faculty meetings with them I took the opportunity to draw each one. It was the only time I had during the day to draw. Each one talked about how they would move Lyndon forward so I thought it was appropriate to post them to Illustration Friday for this weeks word.

I am looking forward to hearing the results of who is selected and I am hopeful that a good final selection will be made.

IF Twirl

2012-01-23T08:06:00.005-05:00

This is an illustration I created a few years ago for a book I am still trying to get published. It fit the idea of Twirl well.

The title is 9 Elephants Dancing and it is for the book The Twelve Elephants of Christmas. The center elephant is a parody of one of Degas ballerinas. When I was in high school I had this dream of recreating Degas with elephants instead of women. Some Ideas just stick with you until you can get it on paper.

IF Prepare

2012-01-18T10:14:00.004-05:00

Here we have a kiwi bird preparing for the difficult task of tying a bow tie. What makes it more difficult is that he has no wings and yet through the act of preparing through mediation or prayer we realize that he just might be able to accomplish the seemingly impossible.

I have found this to be true in my life as well. I find that when I make time in the morning to pray, to contemplate the day ahead of me, and to meditate in silence, I am able to accomplish a great deal more. I also accomplish it with more peace than when I go into the day without the proper preparation.

IF Grounded

2012-01-09T10:14:00.003-05:00

Bowling Ball (ˈbōli ng bôl)

These don't bounce very well. It seemed to me their weight made it difficult to leave the bonds of earth, but it still hopes to take flight one day. I am slowly coming to a better understanding of what hope is and how it can help us even in the most trying or seemingly insurmountable situations.

101 Bow Ties in 100 days More or Less

2012-01-05T11:16:00.004-05:00

Dalmatian (dalˈmā sh ən)

To this point I have refrained from drawing dogs. They, like cats, are too common. I prefer the odd and the unique, but when Julia suggested I do this I couldn't resist.

I have recently begun reading and studying Richard Williams book, The Animators Survival Kit, and it has reminded me again the need to be an expert drawer. It is a wonderful book for any artist. In just the first chapter, I realize I have more to improve upon. Here is to a year of drawing.

-99 to go.

Happy Holidays

2011-12-19T09:42:00.003-05:00

This is the image my children chose for the Christmas card this year. I fear what I have done to them. I will be taking a break for the next week or so to enjoy some time with the family. Here is wishing everyone Happy Holidays and a Merry Christmas.

And Now for something a little different

2011-12-15T14:52:00.003-05:00

Over the summer I was asked to do some branding projects. This is one of them. Branding is another thing I enjoy. I particularly like doing the icon. They are a great company as well.

I still have a few bow ties up my sleeve. I will be posting them soon, I just need a small break to finish my grading for the semester.

100 Bow ties on Parade (IF Highlight)

2011-12-14T11:43:00.004-05:00

In looking back over the year, finishing this personal project was definitely a highlight. I learned much about myself and my art in the process. It really helps to set goals and then to stick with them. I have always felt that an artist should work on drawing everyday, but with teaching and other responsibilities it seemed impossible. This last year, I made it a goal and set aside time to do it. It has been rewarding in so many ways. I am less stressed, my drawing improved and I feel I became more creative.

After all that work this is what I did. It is currently being shown in the Quimby Gallery at Lyndon State College as part of the 100 year celebration of the school. It was a fun project.

100 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-12-13T10:03:00.004-05:00

Hummingbird (ˈhəmi ng ˌbərd)

This is the last of the 100 bow ties in 100 days I actually managed to finish 2 days shy of the actual due date. Tomorrow I will be posting the final illustration I completed for this project. I wanted to end on a simple note. I have fond memories of watching the hummingbirds swarm the feeders my mother set up. They are beautifully fascinating fowl.

My mind is already twirling for the next bow tie project.

99 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-12-12T10:39:00.003-05:00

Tractor (ˈtraktər)

Over the years I have lived in Vermont I have developed a great love for the beauty of old tractors. This is based on a friend of mine's tractor. I saw it and I had to draw it. He wanted to put the other light on, but I loved it the way it was. They have so much character. Now, when I drive through Vermont, I slow down whenever I see an old tractor. I'm not so sure about his thoughts on my adding the bow tie.

Tomorrow is the last day of the 100 bow ties.

98 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Separated)

2011-12-10T13:02:00.002-05:00

Brain in a Jar (brān in ā jär)

I came into work on Saturday to get some grading done and thought I would also post for the Illustration Friday word “separated.” A bit of a different take on the word the Brain is separated from the rest of the body.

2 left until the 100 are completed. At some point next week I will post the Illustration I completed for the 100 year celebration for Lyndon State College.

97 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-12-09T13:04:00.002-05:00

Giraffe (jəˈraf)

The internet access is currently spotty on campus today. I managed in the hectic end of the semester insanity to find a computer that works to post for today. I am not counting the sloth as I have already done one.

3 left.

96 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-12-08T14:35:00.000-05:00

Zebra (zēbrə)

My oldest daughter loves Zebras. So I drew a dancing one.

4 left

R.I.P. Dugald Stermer 1936 - 2011

2011-12-07T10:49:00.003-05:00

I just found out that a wonderful Illustrator Dugald Stermer passed away recently. I don't know that I could add more than what Greg Newbold has said here at his blog “Life Needs Art.”

95 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-12-07T10:45:00.003-05:00

Walrus (wôlrəs)

It is getting down to the wire. for both this project and the end of the semester.

5 left

94 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-12-06T09:57:00.003-05:00

Moose (moōs)

Almost drove under one of these in my Geo Metro a few years ago.

6 left

93 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-12-05T11:10:00.001-05:00

Q (kyoō)

Q is my favorite letter.

7 left

88-92 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Brigade)

2011-12-02T10:53:00.003-05:00

Tribbles (ˈtribəls)

I thought it would be funny to draw a tribble with a bow tie. When I had completed one I realized you can't have just one tribble, so I drew two thinking that would be enough, but it was not. I don't even think five is adiquate, but it will do for now. Here we have a brigade of deadly tribbles in there conquest of the Klingon Empire for Illustration Friday's word of the week, “Brigade.”

6 left to complete by December 15 (I think this might continue past 100)

LSC Faculty Exhibit 2011

2011-12-02T08:30:00.007-05:00

Today at 6 pm is the opening for the Lyndon State College Visual Arts Faculty Art Exhibit. In celebration of the 100 years of Lyndon State College, the theme is 100. The Show will be up until January 20. I received my print today and was overwhelmed with excitement. This has been challenging project in its size and complexity.

The wonderfully fun and well designed poster was created by Owen Fogg.

Any resemblance to any particular Lyndon faculty is purely coincidental.

I hope to see you there.

87 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-12-01T14:22:00.004-05:00

Pangolin (ˈpa ng gəlin)

Again a student of mine told me I should draw one of these. My children asked what it was and All I could say was it was a cross between an armadillo and an anteater. They thought it looked like a Pokémon.

13 left

86 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-30T10:14:00.003-05:00

Unicorn (ˈyoōnəˌkÃ´rn)

I am in the midst of completing my art work for the faculty exhibit that opens this Friday. Nothing like a deadline to make life stressful. The challenge of this one was I didn't want to anthropormorphise it to much. I wanted it to look as if a horse could walk on it's hind legs naturally.

14 left

85 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-29T08:36:00.002-05:00

Winged Buffalo (wingd ˈbəfəˌlō)

A student of mine put in a request for this one. An early memory of mine was from the time my family was living in Oklahoma. We went to see buffalos. Since then they have always fascinated me. They are majestic creatures. They are even better with wings.

15 left

84 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-28T09:07:00.004-05:00

Stegosaurus (ˌstegəˈsôrəs|)

I believe this is my last dinosaur for at least the remainder of the 100 bow ties in 100 days or less. My list of what to draw has gone quite a bit beyond 100. We will see what happens when this is complete.

16 left

83 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Round)

2011-11-25T07:49:00.003-05:00

Elephant (ˈeləfənt)

Another one that was bound to show up was the elephant. This is animal is a favorite of mine to draw. I love the awkwardness of them, and yet they are also so beautiful and majestic. For Illustration Friday they definitely have a roundness to them.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

17 left to go.

81-82 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Happy Thanksgiving)

2011-11-23T10:23:00.002-05:00

Turkey and Alligator (ˈtərkē ˈaliˌgātər)

Happy Thanksgiving! Due to the holiday I will not be posting for the next few days. I hope everyone enjoys the festivities.

18 left

80 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-22T17:18:00.001-05:00

Robot (ˈrōˌbät)

I knew this one would be coming eventually. I enjoy drawing robots. This is one that has just developed over time. He crops up occasionally in an illustration.

20 left to go.

79 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-21T08:14:00.003-05:00

Roadrunner (ˈrōdˌrənər)

I lived 5 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, one of the most beautiful states in the U.S. While there I grew to love the wide variety of desert creatures. I clearly remember the chilly fall day where my father and I went on a hike around the Rio Grande and I saw my first and only roadrunner darting around.

21 left

75-78 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Vanity)

2011-11-18T12:38:00.005-05:00

A Toucan, Dodo, and Puffin with a Teapot and Teacups (drinking mulled cider) (ˈtoōˌkän, ˈdōdō, ˈpəfən, ˈtēˌpät, ˈtēˌkəp)

Here is my post for Illustration Fridays “Vanity.” Aside from the fact that this whole project is somewhat vain, I felt the Dodo displayed a level of vanity in comparison to the Toucan and the Puffin. He just seemed full of himself.

22 left

74 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-17T10:13:00.001-05:00

Hippopotamus (ˌhipəˈpätəməs)

I love the girth of these creatures.

26 left

73 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-16T08:03:00.002-05:00

Owl (oul)

This one is is going to go on top of the cactus. Yesterday, I had scanned it in at 10% of the original size. This is one I struggled with doing. I felt an owl in a bow tie and glasses was a little obvious, but I am glad I did it.

27 left

72 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-15T10:44:00.002-05:00

Triceratops (trīˈserəˌtäps)

I had another image almost ready to go today, but I had accidentally scanned it in at home as a very small image. So today I did another dinosaur. I love the mass that they have. This is one of my sons favorite dinosaurs, so I have drawn them a few times before.

28 left to go.

71 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-14T11:31:00.003-05:00

Dragon (ˈdragən)

This is a quick color sketch. As I have mentioned before, I love drawing dragons. They are so majestic, and a bow tie, glasses, and sweater vest seem to fit them so well. The exciting thing is I keep coming up with different ways to do the head ornaments.

29 left.

70 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Silent)

2011-11-11T08:16:00.002-05:00

Blob (bläb)

This is the fourth Blob Bow Tie Guy I have drawn Two of them can be found here. I mention this because He got better. I love the idea of the glasses and the bow tie floating in the gelatinous mass, but it just didn't have any character. Here I feel I have finally succeeded. Of course I am sure I will continue to explore ways to make it even better in the future. As for Illustration Friday, It slowly slides silently to submerge its victim into its viscous form. It also has no mouth.

30 left to go.

69 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-09T16:46:00.001-05:00

Snail (snāl)

It seems this is my week of slow things.

31 left to go.

68 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-09T11:42:00.003-05:00

Moon (moōn)

This is a drawing I posted a few years ago. I did some minor tweaks. Here I am adding color. Just practicing.

32 left to go

67 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

Apatosaurus (ˌapətōˈsôrəs|)

I am still lamenting the loss of the brontosaur. I just like how it sounds. In my mind they are the elephant of the dinosaurs.

33 left

66 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-07T08:30:00.003-05:00

Tortoise (ˈtôrtəs)

Slow and steady wins the race is a way of living that I see many people and businesses forgetting. More and more I am coming to realize the truth of this statement. Going fast may in the short term give you a feeling of progress, but true change and improvement comes over time. Rushing things never really got anyone anywhere faster. It just got them more stressed.

34 left to go and still not slowing down.

65 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-04T07:56:00.004-04:00

Pot of Petunias (pät əv pəˈt(y)oōnyəs)

"Oh no, not again,"

35 left to go.

60-64 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-03T14:36:00.002-04:00

Hydra (ˈhīdrə)

This one has a little more class than the Hydra Hercules defeated. I felt that each head should have it's own personality. The bottom one really stands out as different.

I really don't know if I should count this as one bow tie guy or five, but for now it is five.

36 left

59 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-02T07:40:00.001-04:00

Fox (fäks)

Again I seem to be moving faster when it comes to drawing these. They are jumping off my pencil.

41 left

58 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-11-01T10:43:00.002-04:00

Seahorse (ˈsēˌhôrs)

This has been on my list to do for quite some time. I was rather intimidated at the prospect of drawing it. The seahorse seams rather complex. I was surprised at how quickly this drawing came out.

42 left to go.

57 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (scary)

2011-10-31T09:05:00.002-04:00

Anglerfish (ˈa ng glərˌfi)

In honor of Halloween and the Illustration Friday word “scary,” I am posting my anglerfish. Enjoy the holiday. I am going trick-or-treating with the Tucker Family Zoo today.

43 left.

56 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-28T12:07:00.000-04:00

Pygmy Jerboa (ˈpigmē jərˈbōə)

This is a refined drawing of a previous sketch that was posted earlier this year. They are just too cute and awkward.

44 left to go.

55 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-27T10:24:00.003-04:00

Cactus (ˈkaktəs)

One of the first posts I made was of a cactus bow tie guy. Initially I thought I would just play with colors on it and resubmit it but I am never satisfied with past work so drew a new cactus.

45 left.

54 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-26T12:26:00.002-04:00

Hornless Jackalope (hôrnles jakālōp)

I believe the title says it all.

46 left

53 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Fuel)

2011-10-25T09:02:00.004-04:00

Steam Boiler (stēm ˈboilər)

It was a challenge to come up with a bow tie guy that related to Illustration Friday's word this week, but I managed to make a connection with the steam boiler and “fuel.” Now the trick will be working it into the final illustration.

47 left to go.

52 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-24T07:30:00.004-04:00

Embolotherium (em-bol-oh-THEER-ee-um)

This is a prehistoric mammal who's name means “ram beast” or “wedge beast.” This is a member of the brontotheres family that lived in Mongolia. I really enjoy drawing bulky animals like this.

48 left

Hal Mayforth Opening

2011-10-21T16:51:00.004-04:00

The Quimby Gallery had a nice opening for Hal Mayforth's exhibit “Conversations with a Blank Page” last week. His work is spectacular. The rain got in the way of people showing up but it was one of the best student showings I had seen in a while. above is a shot of the gallery with his work and one with my family and Hal. the gallery is open on Mondays through Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm. The show will run until November 1. If you want to see more of his work go to http://www.mayforth.com/

51 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-21T07:53:00.002-04:00

Jellyfish Alien (ˈjelēˌfi sh ˈālyən)

As mentioned in a post a few years ago. These guys show up a lot in my sketchbook. Its hard to put glasses on something like this so the tie will have to suffice.

Today, I am at the regional AGAEA design conference. Fun stuff.

49 left to go.

50 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-20T14:56:00.001-04:00

Manatee (ˈmanəˌtē)

Really busy day today. I wasn't sure I would get this done. Off to another meeting now. I hope you enjoy today's bow tie guy.

I am now Half way done.

49 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-19T08:20:00.005-04:00

Rhinoceros (rīˈnäs(ə)rəs)

Similar to the Chameleon, this is an illustration that has been dancing around in my sketch book for a few years. It is based on the word “Quagmire.” The sub title is something like, “They realized they had a problem when the rhinoceros sat down.” I am currently working on the color version of it. It might be awhile before I am done but I will post it when it is finished.

51 left

48 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-18T10:42:00.004-04:00

Parasaurolophus (pærəsɔːˈrɒləfəs)

Time for another dinosaur. I love the head adornment. Life is getting more and more busy as the semester progresses, but I am still managing to do a drawing daily. The amazing thing is I am also getting my grading done faster.

51 left

47 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-17T15:19:00.003-04:00

Tiger (ˈtīgər)

This is the beginning of multiple projects for me and the end of months of a struggle with trying to figure out how to draw a tiger. They are difficult creatures to draw. I took the advice from Denis Nolan and Bunny Carter when I was in the MFA at University of Hartford, Hartford Art School and drew many tigers to get it down. I am grateful for their wisdom.

52 left

46 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-14T08:35:00.003-04:00

Frog (frôg; fräg)

It seems the majority of my professional work has centered around frogs and elephants. It seems fitting that I do one more. I prefer the elephants over the frogs, but right now frogs make me more money. I'm not quite sure why.

53 left.

45 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-13T10:15:00.003-04:00

Balloon (bəˈloōn)

I am in the midst of getting mid term evaluations done. With the complexity of the contraption and the challenge of the griffin, I needed to make it simple today.

54 left

44 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-12T12:23:00.003-04:00

Griffin (ˈgrifən|)

This is actually a second version of the griffin with a bow tie. This one is much better. I was showing it to a student and he basically said that only I could take such a cool thing and make it look like a geek.

55 left

Quimby Gallery Opening

2011-10-11T14:24:00.006-04:00

Taking a brief break from the bow ties. This coming Friday (October 14th at 6:00 pm) the Quimby Gallery is hosting an opening reception for Hal Mayforth. He is an incredibly talented artist and illustrator. I am looking forward to the evening.

41-43 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Contraption)

2011-10-11T10:33:00.004-04:00

Newt on a Redundant Winged Airborne Flying Contraption Machine Device Thingy

(n(y)oōt ˈflī-i ng kənˈtrap sh ən)

I am better at drawing creatures than machinery, but I took the challenge from Illustration Friday to draw a contraption of some sort this week. (it took me a lot longer). During the college retreat at Lyndon State last Friday, a bit was said about redundancy (I really like the word). So I decided to play with that as well.

I am only counting one bow tie on the kite.

56 left to go

37-40 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-10T13:24:00.003-04:00

More Fish (fi sh)

This is just a wide range of fish. I had to work fast today. My drawing time was cut short. Spent the weekend nursing a sick child by watching episodes of The Muppet Show.

59 left

A Beautiful View

2011-10-07T14:19:00.002-04:00

Had to take a break today. I spent most of my time in a school retreat and I wasn't able to scan in any new drawings. I'll be back again with more on Monday.

I thought I would leave this week with a picture of the view from my office. I am a lucky man. I love living in the North East Kingdom, particularly a during the fall. There is a wonderful crispness in the air and the colors are breathtaking. I wish this photo could do it justice.

A sad day

2011-10-07T07:31:00.002-04:00

On Wednesday a great mind left this world. In thinking about what Steve Jobs did, I realized I would not be where I am today without his innovations. I am grateful for his wisdom and the tools he has provided for me to do my work and to also impact others creativity as I teach. Upon hearing the news yesterday morning, Harry Mueller, a colleague of mine, asked if he could put his Classic II Macintosh in the Quimby Gallery window as a small memorial for what Steve has done.

36 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-06T15:04:00.004-04:00

Quetzalcoatlus (ˌketsəlkəˈwätləs)

It was time for another dinosaur. This is the largest known flying animal. The wingspan was up to 50 ft. Quiet amazing. I just like things with the letter “Q.”

63 left.

35 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-05T11:17:00.005-04:00

Otter (ˈätər)

So last week I did the find you patronus on Facebook (I usually don't do thing s like this, but I couldn't resist). Mine came up as an otter. So I started working on the Otter Bow Tie Guy.

64 left.

29-34 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-10-04T10:19:00.004-04:00

Flying Monkey Juggling an Eggplant, a Green Chili, Broccoli, a Jack-O'-Lantern, and a wedge of Cheese (ˈflī-i ng, ˈmə ng kē, ˈjəgəl ing, ˈegˌplant, grēn ˈ ch ilē, ˈbräk(ə)lē, ˈjak ə ˌlantərn, ch ēz)

There is little that is better in this world than cheese and green chilies (the ones from New Mexico). My children had thought it would be funny for me to do a Broccoli Bow Tie Guy (I was tormented as a child with the nickname. Some times the similarities between me and Lt Barclay of Star Trek the Next Generation are frightening). I couldn't just draw a monkey. It needed wings.

65 left (unless my math is off)

28 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (hibernate)

2011-10-03T11:35:00.002-04:00

Sloth (slôθ; släθ; slōθ)

Often times this one gets a bad rap for moving so slow. I am doing this in connection with this week’s word from Illustration Friday, “Hibernate.”

71 left.

27 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-09-30T12:06:00.002-04:00

Dumbo Octopus (ˈdəmbō ˈäktəpəs)

I didn't have much time today to draw. I am behind in grading assignments. A student of mine mentioned a dumbo octopus so I looked it up and did a few quick sketches.

72 more to go.

26 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (stripes)

2011-09-29T10:04:00.005-04:00

? (?)

I was drawing and this came out. I have been working on a tiger, sloth, and jackalope and I guess they got squashed together in my mind. I don't know where the helicopter head came from. I am not sure what to call it at this point so if you have any ideas send them my way.

In looking at this I thought it would be good for Illustration Friday's word “Stripes.”

73 more to go.

23-25 of 100 Bow ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-09-28T08:48:00.002-04:00

Stilt Legged Puff Ball Things (stilt leged pəf bôl θi ngs)

I like things in groups of three or five. I find odd numbers fascinating. After drawing these I realized they look an awfully lot like the Fry-Guys.

74 more to go.

22 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less (Dueling Banjo Pig)

2011-09-27T09:28:00.003-04:00

Dueling Banjo Pig (ˈd(y)oōəling ˈbanjō pig)

I have finally created an illustration for the Dueling Banjo Pig blog (I would highly recommend visiting the site) It is fun and anyone can participate. I have a few ideas for this and will most likely be posting more in the future.

77 more to go.

21 of 100 Bow ties in 100 Days or Less (ferocious)

2011-09-26T07:39:00.004-04:00

Deinonychus (dīˈnänikəs)

This dinosaur from the Cretaceous Period has a name that means “terrible claw.” I am doing this in connection with this week’s word from Illustration Friday. Every Friday they post a word and you have a week to post something that relates to it. This week’s word is ferocious. In thinking about the word, I really need to work on illustrating the man-eating sheep I had a dream about a few years ago though.

If you are enjoying these share it with friends, follow the blog and/or give feedback. I welcome ideas for new bow tie guys.

78 more to go

20 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-09-23T13:13:00.001-04:00

Fish (fi sh)

A very quick sketch with a quick painting. Just exploring and trying things out.

79 more to go.

15-19 Bow Ties in 100 Days or Less

2011-09-22T14:13:00.003-04:00

A Platypus (ˈplatəpəs; -ˌpoŏs), Kiwi (ˈkēwē), Short-Beaked Echidna (sh ôrt-bēked əˈkidnə), and a Book (bŏk)going for a ride in a Bath Tub (baθ təb)

Some one had asked about doing some furniture. Here it is. This is a reworking of the Bath Tub Bow Tie Guy from August, 2008. The main difference is I had claw-footed bath references to look at. As an instructor of mine, C.F. Payne, said, “Your only as good as your reference material.”

This one was a little more complicated so it took me some time. I had more planed, but that will have to wait.

80 more to go

14 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 days or less

2011-09-21T12:06:00.003-04:00

Chameleon (kəˈmēlyən; -lēən)

I've been working on color variations for this illustration for some time and have been stuck. It has ranged from a plaid shadow to a pock-a-dotted lizard. Still working.

86 more to go.

13 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 Days or less

2011-09-20T09:37:00.005-04:00

Octopus (ˈäktəpəs)

This is a color test for a sketch that I made last year. I am practicing my use of color and how to better apply it to my drawings.

If you are enjoying these I would encourage you to share it with others and also follow me on this blog. Not that I am running out of ideas for more Bow Tie guys, but if you want to see one send it my way. I am having fun.

87 more to go.

Top Public Schools Regional Colleges (North)

2011-09-19T16:29:00.003-04:00

Lyndon State College Rated 15 in the Top Public Schools Regional Colleges (North).

Just some exciting news about where I teach.

11 & 12 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 days or less

2011-09-19T13:28:00.004-04:00

Alien and UFO (ˈālyən; ˈālēən)

This past weekend was another whirlwind of activity. Between trying to grade, help set up the Quimby Gallery for the Alumni show and Lyndon State College's Alumni weekend festivities (part of Lyndon's 100 year celebration) I squeaked in a few moments here and there to draw. This is a character that has been reappearing in my sketch book for years. I named him Uz.

88 more to go.

10 of 100 Bow Ties in 100 days or less

2011-09-16T06:44:00.003-04:00

Glyptodon (ˈgliptəˌdän)

These prehistoric mammals just look cool. The fossils were found in South America.

I had this ready to go yesterday, but the computer had issues with a security conflict and my updating software. Today, I will be heading off to Boston to visit the MFA with second year students in the Visual Arts department. On Monday, I will be posting for Friday, Saturday, and Monday.

90 more to go.

9 of 100 Bow Ties; 100 Bow Ties in 100 days or less

2011-09-14T10:40:00.003-04:00

Mock Turtle (mäk ˈtərtl)

This is my version of the character from Lewis Caroll's Alice In Wonderland. I understand I broke from the connection with Mock Turtle Soup, but I thought the tapir head was more tragic in appearance. I also wanted to break away John Tenniel's wonderful work. In the end it was fun to draw.

91 left to go.

8 of 100 Bow ties in 100 days or less

2011-09-13T10:03:00.003-04:00

Tapir (ˈtāpər)

This is a nocturnal, hoofed animal with a short flexible snout. One of the best reference books I have is Animals, 1419 Copyright-Free Illustrations of Mammals, Birds, Fish, Insects, etc. selected by Jim Harter and published by Dover. I just love the book. It was one of the best art gifts I have received. When I am stuck with what to draw or I am trying to draw a specific animal, I just open up to a page and practice drawing an animal. Eventually the sketches anthropomorphises and dons the bow tie glasses and sweater. vest.

92 left to go.

Day 4 and 5 of 100 days of bow ties

2011-09-12T11:39:00.006-04:00

Kangaroo (ˌka ng gəˈroō) and a Whatchamacallit ((h)wə ch əməˌkôlit)

This is for Saturday and Monday. It was difficult to find time to draw as I spent Saturday morning helping with the clean up from Tropical Storm Irene and then trying to do much needed yard work. It was sobering to see how much the floods had devastated the areas. On the flip side it was humbling to see the care of so many people for those in need.

93 to go.

Day three of 100 bow ties in 100 days or less

2011-09-09T11:36:00.004-04:00

Blue Whale (bloō (h)wāl)

Blue whales are more difficult to draw than they appear. I struggled with the sketches but finally found three I was happy with. I painted one for practice. This is only counting as one bow tie guy.

I will be posting again on Monday with two more One for Saturday and one for Monday. Sunday I take a break from work. 94 more to go.

Blue Whales always look happy.

100 Bow Ties 100 days or less pt II

2011-09-08T14:00:00.004-04:00

Tyrannosaurus Rex

This is a really quick sketch, but it has some of the feel and the angle I am going for. 95 more to go.

100 Bow Ties 100 days or less

2011-09-07T08:02:00.006-04:00

My Drawing time has increased because of a project I am working on for the Faculty Exhibit at Lyndon this year. As such I will be posting more often in preparation for the final illustration. This is my updated Mushrooms with color. three down, 97 to go.

Barnum

2011-06-30T16:29:00.004-04:00

Illustration for the Vermont Children's Theater's Production of Barnum. I feel like I was really channeling my inner Bill Peet.

12 Dancing Princesses

2011-06-17T08:27:00.003-04:00

Twelve Dancing Princesses is the first show for the Vermont Children's Theater this summer. I love doing work for them.

It seemed to me the most obvious option would be to illustrate the 12 princesses dancing. As I thought about it, I realized the amount of worn out dancing shoes would be enormous. I thought this would be a great image that depicts a quite, but humorous moment behind the scenes. Hiding shoes in a few spots was particularly entertaining for me.

The best moment working on this was when I was at the computer painting the illustration and my youngest daughter was at my drawing table drawing. She wanted me to make all the shoes pink. I just couldn't bring myself to do that.

The show runs July 8 at 7 pm and july 9 and 10th at 2 pm at the Vermont Children's Theater. The shows are fun to watch.

New Bow Tie Guy

2011-06-06T11:24:00.003-04:00

Merino Sheep (məˈrēnō sh ēp)

A sheep that has long fine wool. I enjoyed the look on this guys face.

With the onset of the summer I have set a goal to draw daily. At the beginning of the day after my personal study and prayer time I have been dedicating at least 15 minutes to free drawing time. My hope is that I will be able to continue this through the school year in the fall. The results have been increased creativity on my part and drawing is once again becoming an easier process.

I keep telling my students that they need to draw daily in order to improve their own work. It seems that life always gets in the way and the first thing to go is art. This is frustrating because art is one thing that helps me manage the stress.

Isn't it funny that the things that help us deal with life the best are the first things we drop when life gets difficult.

Rembrandt

2011-04-13T09:53:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago I took my art history class to the MET. This is just a quick sketch of one of the Rembrandt self portraits.

Back to the Weekly Bow TIe Guy

2011-04-07T13:43:00.003-04:00

pygmy jerboa |ˈpigmē||jərˈbōə|

So I recently found out about the jerboa and was fascinated by by the size and oddity of the dessert rodent.

Wallace Tripp Opening

2011-03-24T10:02:00.004-04:00

It was an honor and a privilege to host the Wallace Tripp, Illustrator exhibit at the Quimby Gallery this last Friday. I was able to meet an illustrator that has had a great influence on my work. His illustrations are truly a reflection of the man-intelligent, witty, and kind. He is a master illustrator. Above are some photos of Wallace and my family at the opening reception.

Wallace Tripp Illustrator

2011-03-15T08:35:00.004-04:00

This Friday the Quimby Gallery at Lyndon State College will be having an opening reception for a Wallace Tripp exhibit. This has been a dream come true for me as Wallace Tripp is one of my my most influential illustrators. His illustrations for the book “Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I'm Going to Sneeze!” has had a great impact on me as an artist.

Recent Logo

2011-03-09T10:42:00.001-05:00

A recent reworking of the Vermont Children's Theater Logo. This was a fun project. I always like it when I can put a dragon in something.

A Few of My Childhood Heroes: Opus

2011-01-21T15:01:00.002-05:00

Hardly a day went by in my youth where I did not read Berkley Breathed's Bloom County. Breathed is one of my major influences in my humor and art. Opus was the every penguin (man). He ran for Vice President numerous times and succumbed to some of the greatest vices (infomercials, nose jobs). He also looks really good in a bow tie.

A Few of My Childhood Heroes: Yoda

2011-01-12T10:56:00.002-05:00

What can I say about Yoda? He is a profound character. I can only hope to be as wise as he is one day.

Happy Holidays

2010-12-22T13:07:00.000-05:00

A Few of My Childhood Heroes: Gonzo

2010-12-17T09:47:00.003-05:00

Gonzo falls into the just weird category of my childhood heroes. Not only does he wear a bow tie, he also likes to quote Shakespeare while hanging from a spoon by his nose over a vat of oatmeal. That's just cool.

A Few of My Childhood Heroes: Spock

2010-12-03T13:36:00.003-05:00

This evening the Visual Arts Faculty Exhibit at Lyndon State College opens. We were all given the assignment to create a piece related to the theme of Heroes. This is something I had been bantering around in my head for some time. I have three pieces done and have around 14 more planed for the future.

I noticed a common theme in my list of childhood heroes–they were either under appreciated or misunderstood, extremely wise or smart, just odd, or any mix of the three.

Spock is one of those characters that is both misunderstood and extremely smart. He was smart and in control at almost every moment. I wanted to be like him and I related to being the odd guy out. I cried when he died and was excited at his return.