42

I grew up playing baseball. I loved to play. I especially loved the snow cones, Gatorade, and/or ice cream after the games. I grew up when all the baseball movies came out too; Angels in the Outfield, Rookie of the Year, The Sandlot, Field of Dreams, and I have sisters so you bet I saw A League of Their Own.

As I got older I pursued other interests but my love for the game rounded a different base. I loved learning about the history of the game and about the players and the stories from a different day and age. Athletes who's motivation was to prove something as they played for the love of the game and not for the fame or monetary reward. One such player was Jackie Robinson. Once I learned who he was, I was hooked.

Here is a pencil on paper piece I did many years ago. I didn't plan this but I happened to find a frame to fit it the same week 42 hits theaters. All these years it finally has a frame and a part of his story will cinematically be told. Needless to say I am excited for 42.

"The way I figured it, I was even with baseball and baseball with me. The game had done much for me, and I had done much for it." 
- Jackie Robinson

A Day at the Zoo

Great company, great weather, creatively inspirational subject material, and a great day to bring along the sketch book. Who doesn't love the zoo?

This little monkey was one of my favorites.

 He finally slowed down for a quick sketch.

NunchuckTASTIC!

This Saturday tune in to Nickelodeon for some action packed entertainment! Many talented artist have worked very hard to bring these brother's together again. 

I had the honor of spending some time on this project. I look forward to sharing more but not now. For now head on over to Nick.com, order yourself a pizza, and get psyched for the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles coming to Nickelodeon 9.29.12 - 11/10c am! Don't miss it!

Family Growth Spurt

An early week in July featured much change for my family. In one week my family grew by three nieces and one nephew. One of my sisters and her husband welcomed a beautiful little girl into this world. That counts for one of my nieces. Another sister and her husband were finally able to call three amazing kids theirs on that wonderful adoption day back in July.

I wanted to do something special for their family so this post is for them. It had been a long road when they began their foster parenting journey. It's been exciting to watch my sister, her husband, and these wonderful kids grow together. Super proud of you sis and I am happy to be your uncle Gabby, Lily, and Noah. (You too Adalyn!) Thanks for family growth spurt!

sAvengers!

This mild mannered animator has been eagerly awaiting this silver screen team-up! To conceal their identities (and to keep this fan-art legit) I have changed their names. This began with The Bulk and it originally was only going to be him, Steel Guy, Thodin, and General USA. White Spouse, Rick Furry, and Opticbird came later but completed the sAvengers! (click on images to see larger... enjoy!)

May the 4th be with you.

Keep your eyes peeled. We may see The Unbelievable Bulk again...

A Summer Date

Inspired by personal events and a lot of fun to create. Tried something new for an exciting new chapter. 

Oh yeah, and that new chapter is... I'm getting married! WOOT!

Pencil Test - Animation with a Tortoise

This little guy originated from a small sketch in my last sketch book. He was surrounded by other attempts at who-knows-what and there he was with a simple charm about him. I decided I wanted to see him move and live. Then I thought, "what was I thinking?!"

I chose the traditional route for this animation because I want to constantly improve those skills in my career and I simply love the hand drawn medium. I had downloaded the program Pencil a while ago and proceeded to think of the personality which would drive this turtle into motion. If you have ever heard of the program Pencil, check it out! It's 'traditional animation software' which you can download for free.




It may not have been as successful as originally hoped but you don't learn unless you fail. I don't consider him a complete failure but I did learn a lot through this project. In James Baxter's podcast interview he encourages young animators to have the discipline to try and learn more by not constantly testing their animation. Just to absorb that learning experience's successes and failures.