Drawn using Artflow App on Samsung Tablet.
— TLR October 2018.
#lifelessons [5] (For artists) – Don’t let an obsession with creating works with “meaning” deter you from having fun.
Are you occasionally obsessed with “the meaning behind it al?”
On a number of occasions I’ve drawn things only to be met with that tough question, “what does it mean?”
Sure, sometimes I get all “emo” and try to convey something with hidden meanings.
However, if you only strive to create art with a “deeper meaning” you might end up not enjoying your own creative efforts.
Obviously you can load your work with symbolism and hidden imagery and whatever floats your boat, but keep in mind that “meaning” will always be subjective to a large degree.
No matter what you write, or what you decide to inject into your art, everyone out there will inadvertently continue to overlay their own interpretations on top of your “deeper meaning.”
These days I mostly try and create images that I find visually pleasing, or at least enjoy scribbling.
I really don’t sit down and think, “what would any of this mean to my audience?”
I need to enjoy what I’m doing, that’s all.
If that isn’t happening, then why bother?
Without over thinking cartoons I occasionally start with a freeform figure sketch.
I enjoy drawing fantasy creatures.
That’s all there is to it.
I start with some shapes and poses and see where it leads to.
This one titled “Taking the black sheep for a flight” Started out as someone walking a dog.
I added wings to the figure and the would-be dog became a flying “sheep.”
A black flying sheep to boot.
EDIT: A friend informed me this was a “paradoxical oxymoron” … there you have it! Deeper meaning and all!
So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plow
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plow
Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road
-“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
I sketched this in 2017. Time flies!
After a short little hiatus I started doing “pinup drawings” again.
I sketched this by using a reference pic from a friend’s photo shoot.
I removed the chair, substituted a box and changed the facial features into a slight caricature of the original damsel.
#oldoriginalcomics [3]
The Giant Riders Of Sluggoroth
#oldoriginalcomics [4]
Come Hell Or High Water
#oldoriginalcomics [5]
Social Media Warrior
#oldoriginalcomics [1]
King Byron and The Mighty Eastern Wind
I sketched this comic a few years ago.
Every time I go through my vast archive I cringe at some of the things I thought was “funny” back then.
I found myself going “WTF” a number of times…
The comics that I give another lease on life here, on my “new” site should only meet one criteria… If they can still make me smile then they’re “ok.”
The artwork begs for a “redo” but I will resist the temptation.
These old drawings are part of a “time capsule”, things I saw and experienced in a certain way back then.
I will keep them as they are … with the good, the bad and the ugly, all intact.
