Micro Rex
Part III: Dino Soars

Image three of six for the upcoming Super Big Micro Show. I've had a lot of comments on the size of the dragonfly, and yes, they were once that big. Some fossils have been discovered with wingspans over two and a half feet. Worthy prey for a T. rex pup, I'd say.

Watercolor, prisma pen, and ink 4x6

26 days...

Micro Rex
Part II: Shoo, Fly!

Micro Rex takes his first steps out of the nest, and into a dangerous world. Micro Gallery image two of six for the Super Big Micro Show. Happy Thanksgiving everyone, may your turkey be one of Jurassic proportions.

Watercolor and ink 4x6

31 days...

Micro Rex
Part I: A Visit from Mr. Odonata

Final color for the first of six pieces for The Super Big Micro Show. Gallery Nucleus will be hosting a gallery opening December 11th, if you're in town please swing by and check it out.

Watercolor and ink 4x6

33 days...

CHADES CHALLENGE XXXIX:
SYNTACTIC GIANTS

I was going to draw something with Brian Wilson "schooling" the Rangers, but since I drew this while in line for The Deathly Hallows, it was impossible not to draw everyone's favorite giant siblings: Hagrid and Grawp.

Any other giants out there? If so, lemme know and I'll post below. Or join us Friday, December 3rd for...

CHADES CHALLENGE XL: ABJECT COLOSTEMY BAGS

...yep...

0 days...Expelliarmus!

And, just for fun, here's Emma and I at work today, turning the saturation up to 11 (with matching beverages)!!! Looks like it's another Tragic Fashion Friday.

Captain's Log
Part I: Shoving Off

With funds secured and crew assembled, this weekend marks the launch of my new animated short, Nail'd. The project is being produced independently of Pixar with some old friends from back home in Sacramento, including my highschool animation teacher, Shawn Sullivan. I'll be working with Shawn's current students, hopefully giving them a taste of what the film-making process is like. And if my previous student films are any indication, we're in for some stormy seas!

Our local newspaper, The Elk Grove Citizen, was kind enough to cover the story.

7 days...

Micro Rex

This is the first color pass on a piece I'm working on for The Super Big Micro Show. If you're going to be in LA December 11-January 4th, swing by Gallery Nucleus and check out the rest of the gallery which will include artwork from other Pixarians, as well as our pals at Dreamworks and Disney.

9 days...

Next time you go to Disneyland...
1. Try a Secret Souvenir Santa gift exchange. Everyone in your group is randomly assigned someone to buy a souvenir for. It's much more fun than shopping for yourself! Here's a note I left in the sketchbook I bought for my Secret Santee, artist extraordinaire Katy Wu.

The pen is mightier than the sword. Unless the sword is a pen!

2. Look for weenies! Weenie is the term Walt Disney used for a visual magnet, or a striking landmark, that compels a guest to take a certain path. Game designers use weenies all the time in vidyuh games to nudge players toward the next leg of their adventure.

Splash Mountain is one big weenie.

3. Get out of line, and enjoy the scenery. It's so tempting to spend the entire day running from ride to ride, trying to cram everything in. Take it from someone who's been there before: relax, look around, and notice all those awesome details that imagineers have pain-stakingly planned for your enjoyment. And while you're looking, take a picture, it'll last longer!

Yvie and I represent the First People. And "how!"

4. (Added Nov 9th, thanks to a suggestion from Adrienne) Look for hidden Mickeys! Mickey's iconic tri-circular silhouette is all over the park, in the unlikeliest places. For some helpful hints on where to find them, consult this handy field guide. Thanks for the reminder, Adrienne, and happy hunting!

Erik gets the feeling Mickey's been shadowing him.

If you have any tips on making the most of the Magic Kingdom, please let me know. I'm all mouse ears!



11 days...

CHADES CHALLENGE XXXVIII:
BITTER CEREAL

I hope you're all enjoying your stashes of Halloween candy. I know Count Chocula is, as you can see in Part VII of the Bitter Moments with Count Chocula series. I call this one Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands.

Part VI: Sour Grapes

Part V: The Pumpkin King

Part IV: Brought to You by the Letters F and U

Part III: Darth Hater

Part II: The Twilight Chick

Part I: Oh SNAP!

Let me know if you have a take on bitter cereal, and I'll post your design below. Or you could always join us in the next challenge, to be posted Friday, November 19:

CHADES CHALLENGE XXXIX: SYNTACTIC GIANTS

If you're like me, and have no idea what syntactic means, the definition is here.

Zane "Follow Your Nose!" Yarbrough

14 days...

What the Devil?

My version of Beelzeboss from our Tenacious D Halloween act. The gag was that I was coming for the soul of Lee Unkrich (how else do you think Toy Story 3 grossed over $1 billion) but Tenacious D challenges me to a rock-off. Needless to say, their Pixarified version of "Lee" melts my brain and saves Mr. Unkrich's mortal soul...for now.

16 days...

World Series Riots in SF Wake C'thulhu

If there's one thing C'thulhu hates more than vuvuzelas, it's car horns at 2am.

17 days...