Tom's Mad Blog
December 17th, 2007 | Posted in News
I thought I’d post some additional info and a reminder about the National Caricaturist Network mini convention happening March 2nd through the 5th at the Drury Inn & Suites in St. Louis, MO. The early bird registration fee deal of only $50.00 ends on January 1st, so you have about two weeks to register to save some money.As I previously posted, I will be the main speaker at the event along with a number of other guest speakers and several mini-workshops. I will be doing a powerpoint presentation that will include work from live caricature, illustration and from MAD as well as details about my… READ MORE
December 16th, 2007 | Posted in Mailbag
Q: Do you ever get a hankering to stretch your artistic legs by doing some “serious” art like portraits or landscapes, or to try your hand at more traditional media like oils and watercolors? A: Not as much as I used to, but I still like to break out of the box when I can. I am still challenged artistically daily with my regular work, but I have always found it relaxing and fun to switch gears entirely and work realistically or with different mediums. Life drawing I especially enjoyed, and just can’t find the time or the venue for it these days. Here’s an… READ MORE
December 15th, 2007 | Posted in News
That’s right. You asked for it! You got it! Dreaded Deadline Demon merchandise, apparel and other useless garbage is ready for purchase at our very own Cafe Press store! Right now I’ve only got the Deadline Demon as an option, but I’ll be thinking about other things I might be able to add soon… So! Now you can support The MAD Blog and wear a nifty bit of trash at the same time! Or get a coffee mug, or a clock, or a mouse pad, or a….. READ MORE
December 15th, 2007 | Posted in General
I took a short break on Friday to catch a matinee of “I Am Legend” (see my review next week sometime) and to also see the rumored full teaser trailer for the new Batman movie “The Dark Knight” due in theaters this summer. My reaction to the trailer? I can’t tell one way or the other about this movie. Heath Ledger‘s Joker looks like a 60 year old prostitute, but he might be brilliant or he might be ludicrous… you get no real information or feel for the film from this trailer. No clues to the story, and you barely see Christian Bale or Batman… READ MORE
December 14th, 2007 | Posted in On the Drawing Board
Lots of projects at lots of stages right now but as always nothing to show until things get into print. In the meantime here’s the latest workplace poster. I often manipulate relative sizes of people or objects for either composition purposes or effect with these poster illustrations, and here is a prime example. I made the lady “winning” the race much bigger than her co-workers because I wanted to force the perspective a bit without having to draw those others too far in the background. That was because the humor of the piece rests in the actions and expressions of those other characters. Here’s the… READ MORE
December 13th, 2007 | Posted in General
I’m still extremely swamped with several jobs, but I thought I’d share something about a new project I’m getting involved with. It’s something very different and I’m looking forward to seeing where it all goes. Some may recall I did the illustration above some months ago as a favor to the incomparable audiobook vocal artist David Ian Davies, which he used as an “album cover” of sorts for a new audiobook collection of the complete Arthur Conan Doyle Sherlock Holmes canon. The collection, One Voice Chronological: The Consummate Holmes Canon, features all 56 Doyle short stories unabridged and compiled in chronological order. David’s son Dana… READ MORE
December 12th, 2007 | Posted in News
My flat files are overflowing and my walls are covered with originals, so it’s time to start selling off some of the artwork I just don’t have room for anymore. Not mine… I can’t give that crap away. No, this piece I just put up on eBay is by legendary caricature illustrator Bruce Stark, and was published in TV Guide back in April of 1984: Click for a closer look… I bought this from Bruce a number of years ago. It’s a gorgeous acrylic painting measuring 14″ x 18″, showcasing his immense talents. My reserve is very low considering Bruce charges $1,000.00 for an original… READ MORE
December 12th, 2007 | Posted in Sketch O'The Week
Singer, songwriter and absolute train wreck Amy Winehouse. This woman makes Courtney Love look like Miley Cyrus. Self destructive behavior seems like a prerequisite for rock stars. Lyrics to her hit song: “They tried to make me go to rehab, I said NO, NO, NO.” Better rethink that one, Amy. I would have done more with her hair if I’d had more room and more time. READ MORE
