Portrait of Stephen King

It's come to my attention recently that a piece of my artwork is on display on Stephen King's website. There's a new feature of the site called The Office that's a flash display of King's office. In the website you can roam around the virtual office and examine artifacts and posters and different items on display in bookcases and such.

One of the items is a silk screened portrait of King that I did years ago. It's pretty neat to see it on display and know that I did it, even if I'm not credited on the site.

I'd done a similar portrait earlier of E.A. Poe and sent it to King asking him if I could do his portrait in the same fashion. He agreed and the finished portrait contains his short story 'Rainy Season'. The King portrait was issued in an edition of 100 signed and numbered prints, signed by King, his wife Tabitha and myself. Long since sold out.

Doing King's portrait opened the door to portraits of Richard Matheson, Robert Bloch, Ray Bradbury and Harlan Ellison issued in similar editions all signed by the authors and myself. There are still some available at: Mushroom Plant Graphics

Variations on a Gargoyle

This pen and ink drawing appeared in the small press magazine, Noctulpa, published about a decade ago (give or take a few years). It also appeared a couple of years later as the back cover for a Year in Horror calendar.
Once I started to learn how to use computer graphics programs, I decided to use it as the basis for a drawing in CorelDraw. It was almost as time consuming (at the time) to use the computer as it was to do the original drawing in pen and ink. But I like the different looks.
When I draw I usually do a pretty tight sketch in pencil and then elaborate on it in india ink and dip pen, which is my favorite method to work in.
I'm always interested in seeing the work of other pen and ink artists if anyone wants to point any out to me. I'm familiar with the work of Allen Koszowski but love pen and ink work of any genre.

First Post

There are a lot of different paths to various ends. When I left art school 25 years ago I figured my art and design career was pretty much over. On the first day of orientation the school president spoke to the incoming class and tried to impress upon us that we were different and that work, work, work was the means to an end.

I might agree with him on the work part, but I don't think we were any different than any other young person trying to make their way in the world. Some might have better gifts than others artistically, but each person is gifted in a different way. Whether that's artistically, mechanically, socially or otherwise, everyone has something to offer.

I love illustration in general. Pen and ink illustration in particular. I hope to share and display some work (much of which is old) and hope you enjoy it. I'll even attempt some explanations on inspiration, methods and tools. Comments and collaborations are hoped for.

Today I am involved in the day to day operations of a sign and graphics shop. I miss the chance to sit and draw and hopefully this blog will help to get whatever creative juices I have flowing again. Comments are always welcome.