I had a blast at work this week making this picture. The short story described a boy who had just come home from playing at his friends house. Smelling the sweet aroma of homemade spaghetti in the kitchen (ironically enough my amazing wife made that very dish the same evening I finished this piece), the boy passes through the living room past Dad’s depressing news show, only to find his sister watching something extremely lively and entertaining in the den….CARTOONS!!! I had soooo much fun coloring this piece….and the dinner that evening was just as enjoyable 
I had an itch to draw Garfield this week for our weekly theme. It’s probably been about 20 yrs since I’ve drawn this famous cartoon cat. I can remember laying on the living room floor with my brother Mike on a Sunday afternoon and drawing from our favorite Sunday comics. I may even still have a copy of those childhood drawings that I can post to the archive section sometime.
I was inspired tonight to start trying to come up with a character for my first attempt at a webcomic. I am stilling thinking that the idea of “JaidenTown” is a great place to start. So as I sketched away to try and capture the essence of my son Jaiden, it was a rough start. I did however come up with one attempt that led me to another and before I knew it I came up with this latenight scenario. I am also considering the idea the puppy he sleeps with almost every night could be one of his friends that comes to life on occasion. Which seems really fun, since he also has an alligator too. Now it has occurred to me that the concept of a boy, a puppy, or even stuffed animals that come to life has been done before ( Winnie the Pooh, Toy Story, Calvin and Hobbes). But when it is inspired by one of my boys, whom I love so deeply….it can never be cliche. So I am hoping that will come across to others who read the comic, and not just me:). I think an awesome dream sequence every once and awhile would be fun too! ….All that being said, just typing as I get inspired….. maybe I will completely change my mind tomorrow…who knows…..sure seems like a great idea right now though.
I was trying to decide earlier this week what subject I was going to sketch this weekend and I was leaning toward revisiting the ninja turtles. I have fun memories of drawing these guys all the time, especially in school around the time the first movie came out in theaters. I even made a few quarters from copies I made, with my teachers permission ofcourse, by selling them to other students. Too bad I spent all my profit on some totally awesome sports pencils! Anyways, I considered it confirmation when one of my favorite artists, Jake Parker, decided to post a version of the original Leonardo from the comic book series on his blog. So Saturday turned into playing some TMNT on the computer with Jaiden and watching the latest movie which I haven’t been in the mood to watch in atleast a year. Good times…too bad I chose to color this sketch and stayed up way too late….haven’t done that in a while. Pray for me that I’m not too grumpy when Jaiden tries to wake me up early tomorrow….thanks! Oh yeah….COWABUNGA!!!
I had a little fun today in Photoshop. After watching Peter Pan with Jaiden I couldn’t help myself from drawing my own flying ship. I enjoy imagining the view from the boat and allowing myself to see the clouds come to life. I think I am remembering how much I enjoyed watching Disney movies as a kid and the importance of imagination and finding that peaceful place to rest. A Saturday well spent..with friends and family…I hope to make a habit of it.
