Awakened

So, a few months ago a friend sent me a link to a letter.  A letter challenging the North American churches in regards to artists.  It really connected with me, not so much in the vein it was intended, but that it awoke some, thing, with in me.  The artist that has been dormant far too long. 

From that spouted a conversation with my pastor about using those talents, and he suggested/asked that I make our churches Christmas Eve Story/Coloring book this year.  Two months later, barely on time for deadline I produced "Gordon."  It was the most hands on drawing I had done in years. 

3 to be exact.  When I last went home for Christmas.  Right after creating Gordon, I went home to PA again.  I had a few really great conversations over the scant 3 days I was there.  Conversations that have given birth to new ideas.  Conversations that are still reverberating with in me nearly 2 weeks later.

I got a few books by comic artists that I love, and studied their work, and words (if provided) about what they learned as they drew etc.  I then purchased a cheap set of new markers. 

Breaking them in lead me to the following image below.

He came from the idea of doing poster like images of Bible Stories.  Since we're talking about Daniel at the Bin this month, I figured I'd start with Daniel in the lion's den.  I roughed out a few thumbnails, and was frustrated.  So I thought I'd just try a close up his face.  So I googled "old man's face," and sketched this fellow. (I just re-did that search and you can probably find the basis for this sketch there)

There are things I like and don't like about it, and that's all good cause it's a sketch.  Granted it took about 30-45 mins so it's a long sketch, but there he is.  I will continue working with my style and try to find a place I like.  When I get the full image of Danny with the lions, I'll share it too.   I do like the different line qualities the different pens gave.  I found a loosenes in the line work when I inked it that I've not experienced before.

Thanks to J. Scott Campbell for the idea of the "black triangle" bust look.  I'm sure others have done it, but I know that's where pulled that black "V" from.  (I think it ended up giving him an Obi-wan vibe.)

For now, I going to try to sketch at least 15-20 mins a day and shake the rust and cobwebs off the old drawing hand.  See what comes of that.

Til then, Happy 2011!