The New Republican Party

This illustration is based on this blog post from The Texas Observer. It is printed in the current issue. The article discusses new republican activism and the major players behind the movement. One being American Majority (the name is a little deceiving), a super conservative group training activists and candidates. Below is an excerpt from the blog by Josh Berthume:

Ryun is practicing the ancient art of political organizing, a tradition once thought lost in the age of television campaigning. But after the Christian Right and the Obama Left reinvented personal politicking for the 21^st century, the old wizardry is making a comeback. After the Tea Parties are over and the Fox News van has skipped town, American Majority is training activists to organize their communities and win elections. When conservatives talk about taking back Congress, and eventually the White House, this is how they plan to do it.

Storm the Border Patrol Cover

This is a cover illustration I did for The Texas Observer. You can read the cover story from the magazine here. I have been thinking about doing some work using only color and images cut from magazines, for this piece I started to try out this idea. There are a few pieces of this image cut from painted paper, but probably 70% of this piece is using color cut from other printed material. Let me know what you think.

Cruise Themed Spot Illustrations

I recently did some spot illustrations for AAA Traveler Magazine. These illustrations highlight some of the must do's on board and ashore for your next cruise. These cruise illustrations are made with painted paper, collage, and a few drawn marks. The will be printed much smaller than they are showing on screen.





















Blue Footed Boobie















Brand New Ship



















Century-old Tiki God











Celebrate on board






















Life preserver with rope for opener of article

Killed Summer Books Cover

This is a recent cover piece I did for The Texas Observer. The items on the front all relate to summer or something from the books reviewed within. Completed with collage and acrylic paint. With so much going on, I used a limited color palette so the copy would be very legible. I left room at the top for the title and a space for "Summer Books" in the middle, and for teasers under that. Unfortunately, just before press time, this cover got killed and replaced with some artwork from one of the books reviewed.

A Bag for Books

This is an image I created to be used on book bags for Ingram Book Company. The bags were given out at Book Expo America (BEA) 2009 in New York City. We wanted to make an attractive bag that would draw people to the Ingram booth. Also, to make something that would remind people of their time in the city. Done with painted paper collaged together.

Crusin' for a Cause 2009

This is an illustration I did for the May 2009 issue of Knoxville Magazine. The illustration is for Knox Life page. The article is about a motorcycle ride from Knoxville to New Orleans, lead by two prominent college basketball coaches. Click here for more info. The final is completed with collage and painted paper. Below is the initial sketch.

Presentation, Portfolio Review, and Show

Last month, fellow artist/illustrator/designer Bill Elliott and I were invited to participate in some exciting opportunities at Itawamba Community College. On March 6th, 2009, we packed up some work and made the trip from Music City, USA to Fulton, Mississippi. We gave a presentation describing the creative work that we do to a group of 1st year art students. After the talk we reviewed portfolios (It was interesting to be on the other side of the table). After the reviews we hung some artwork in the gallery on campus, where it stayed for a month long show. I would like to extend a big thanks to Bill, Tom and ICC for making this happen!

Reviewing a students portfolio