"Jim Dandy". Digital Painting from pen and ink, and markers (generic). 2013. Learned optimism is the psychological theory that training people to be positive is the solution to improving the physical, social, and mental state of individuals. It is the cornerstone of advertising and marketing, as well as the model for success in business. "Jim Dandy" is an example of the naivete of that theory.
"Baby, It's Cold Outside". Digital painting from pen and ink drawing. 2013. Nothing romantic about living outside, especially during winter.
"Homage to Happy Hooligan". Digital painting from pen and ink, and colored pencil. 2013. One of my favorite comic characters is Happy Hooligan, created by F. Opper in 1900. Happy is always that, and of a pure heart, even if he is a couple beers short of a six pack. But because of his station in life, the way he dresses (with rags and a tin hat on his head), and his eccentric manners; Happy's good deeds never get rewarded. In fact a cop drags him away at the end of each comic strip, while declaring that he "will not get less than 72 years for this". I see a parallel in this with some of my own characters and stories.
"Sorry America, it Seems that my Cup Doth Runneth Over". Digital painting from pen and ink, and watercolor. Drawn in response to Heritage Foundation's report that poverty just isn't as bad as people are making it out to be! This guy is no more ridiculous than that report!
"Eureka, I'm Wasted". Digital painting from pen and ink, and prismacolor markers. 2013. Alcohol consumption is something that is depicted in advertisements and consumer media, as being synomonous with relaxation and celebration. And that is well and good for many people. But it certainly is not always a brilliant idea!
"An Avocational Hazard of Being a Career Drunk". Digital painting from pen and ink drawing. 2013. This painting depicts one of the characters of my comic being crushed by a giant, hallucinatory bottle of gin.
"False Dichotomy". Digital painting from pen and ink drawing. 2013. The flag nearly covers the stock ticker, as the company man implores you to vote. Yes. No. Republican. Democrat. It doesn't matter! Just participate this one time a year and keep your complaints and dissent to yourself.
"Game On!" Digital painting from pen and ink, and colored pencil. Suit up, the Game is on! It's a sporto world; compete, win, and accumulate. Or else...
"Gin and Pondering". Digital painting from pen and ink, watercolor, and markers. 2013. A warm seat in a dark club, with a tall, cool, gin and tonic; seeking an epiphany...
"Jus' Chillin". Digital painting from pen and ink, and watercolor. 2013. Chillaxin with a yo-yo and a joint; just watching life go by. Slacking; opting out; living outside.
