Micro Rex
Part VI: The Ill-Fated King

Alas, our little tyrant lizard king becomes part of the circle of life. On the bright side, those Anhanguera hatchlings are going to grow up big and strong, with such a good mom hunting for them!

This is the sixth of six pieces for the Super Big Micro Show, which opens Saturday at the Gallery Nucleus. Thanks for following the tragic tale of Micro Rex, and for all of the positive feedback.

Speaking of Pixar (how's that for a forced transition?), my friend Chris Chua and I have an interview on latest episode of Derrick Clements' The Pixar Podcast.

Tune in to learn why Walt Disney is like the Death Star and how Pen Ward and JG Quintell instigated an animation lockdown during our CalArts days.

17 days...

Micro Rex
Part V: Rex on the Beach

Our prehistoric pal is moving up in the food chain from dragonflies to pterosaurs (Anhanguera, to be specific). But has he bitten off more than he can chew? Find out Wednesday, when I post the thrilling conclusion of the Micro Rex series for The Super Big Micro Show.

19 days...

CHADES CHALLENGE XL:
ABJECT COLOSTOMY BAGS

Easily the most disgusting Chades Challenge to date. I thought a Christmas spin on the subject would up the appeal a bit. I was wrong.

My second attempt was a full embrace of the potty-humor.

If you have any colostomy designs, let me know and I'll post them below. Or you can join me December 17th for the new challenge, in honor of NASA's latest discovery, CHADES CHALLENGE XLI: ARSENIC MONSTERS.

Meanwhile, in the gaming world...

The Dandies (my gaming group, derived from "dnd" to "dandy") tried out a new game last night that we can all heartily recommend. The game is called Cosmic Encounter, and comes from the 1970's. Apparently there've been dozens of editions released throughout the ages. Every player is assigned an alien race who starts with five worlds. Here's Chris with his foppish feline race, the Traders.

The goal is to colonize five of your opponents' worlds (the more players, the more worlds in the game universe), and the first to five colonies wins. With 75+ races, each with different abilities, every game is guaranteed to be a different experience. Races can ally with an alien invader (victorious defenders get to build colonies), or ally with the native defenders (victorious defenders may regenerate previously defeated warships).

My race was the Spiff, whose ability was to crash land one invading ship in the event of a severe loss, to insure colonization. I loved the race for it's obvious homage to Calvin and Hobbes, and loved even more that I won the game without a single colonization on my home worlds. The moment called for an extra nerdy photo-op.

So for all you nerds who love strategy board games like Risk or Dominion, Cosmic Encounter would make a great addition to your Christmas List. But don't take my word for it, check out this review by fervent Scottish nerd Robert Florence.

22 days...

Micro Rex
Part IV: First Kill

Watercolor, prisma pen, and ink 4x6

A baby's first kill is one of life's precious moments...at least it is for tyrannosaurs. The joy of the kill is short-lived, however, when Micro Rex spots larger prey on the horizon. Image 4 of 6 for the Super Big Micro Show. Here are some sneak peaks at works by some fantastic contributing artists.

(Top row, left to right) Clio Chang, Jeremy Costello, Victoria Ying, Lissa Treiman

(Middle row, left to right) Lorelay Bove, Don Hall, Rick Moore, Nicole Mitchell

(Bottom row, left to right) Steve Anderson, Brian Kesinger, Ben Ballistreri, and yours truly

While I had my watercolors out to finish my Micro Gallery pieces, I did this "Happy Thanksgiving/Welcome to the World!" card for my new baby cousin, Jack (aka Jax, aka Jack-Jack). I know everyone says this about babies, but my cousin really IS the cutest kid alive. It's science.

24 days...

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...