Sketches for Newt
This week I began sketching character styles for Newt the Gnat, the main character of a children’s book by John and Jenny Call. We’re unsure of how or when this will be published, and I could be rejected by the publisher for all I know. Regardless of my uncertain role and the publishing house versus self-publishing battle, it’s been inspiring to research children’s books in the past week. I suppose I never took that genre seriously because, well, they’re books for kids and I don’t read those. When it comes to the art, however, there’s such an unlimited freedom in style and voice. If you get your bearings in place as an illustrator, the possibilities for experimentation across storylines are vast. Afterall, the kids aren’t really going to pick up on the technical stuff, right?
When I ventured out to B&N last weekend, it was intimidating to flip through the old and new. It’s similar to finding new music or being critical of art in a museum—of course it’s all good on some level or it wouldn’t be there. The talent is obvious, some just speak to you more than others. That being said, I spent 2 hours reviewing eye-catching books– making art the priority. If the story reached new heights, then the book made the list. I’m not requesting gifts or anything, but here’s an easy way to check out the books that made the cut. Gabriel’s Children’s Books Wishlist
Rita, Dog #2
(also known as “the last dog we’re getting until one of them dies”)
Rita, Rita Pita, Pita Pit, Lovely Rita Meter Maid, damn dog. Those are just a few of the names that I’ve used to address our new puppy/dog. Last week my wife found a litter of three puppies that looked exactly like our first dog, Rosie–a lab/shepherd mix. They were perfectly cute, probably whiny, with razor-sharp teeth and uncontrollable bowels and bladders. We made our way out to the FLAG farm and met the last available puppy, Shannon. Meh. No connection, barked too much, and a bit mangy. Ready to leave and lying to ourselves by claiming, “we’ll sleep on it,” we said our goodbyes to the manager while eyeing this beautifully red-coated puppy that greeted us in the first kennel. She was the same size as Rosie and had the requisite cuteness to become a member of our family. Penny set her loose to give us a closer look and the little hound/lab mix threw herself into our arms. Rosie and Rita got along famously and looked like a pair ready for trouble.
Look into our eyes. You WILL feed us now.
At that moment, we felt ready to leave with her but we again said, “we’ll sleep on it.”
When it comes to dogs and the money they seem to siphon from my wallet, I must confess that I tend to be a little cheap if I can help it. I got cold feet the next day. I even resorted to asking for second opinions from people with two dogs, as if they could determine what would be best for us. The general feeling I had was that I, personally, didn’t feel the need for a second dog but that it would be good to provide a companion for Rosie. That and dogs are expensive and a pain in the ass to take on trips. I slept on it another night.
The second opinions did help because it reminded me of the thrill and love that I have for dogs. They’re like kids that don’t talk, which is awesome. (Sorry to any parents out there.) I stared at the photos and eventually gave in. Rita has been with us since Sunday afternoon. The only unfortunate issue is that she has heartworms for which she’s being admitted next Monday for intensive treatment. Other than that, it’s as if she’s been with us since she was born. Dogs and parents roll up together on the couch with just enough space.
When I attended JMU, I started out as a Fine Arts student. Perhaps the first year isn’t meant to be a good representation of the entire 4-year program, but my spidey-senses told me that I wasn’t going to be able to survive in the real world as just an artist. Reluctantly, I switched from Fine Arts to Graphic Design because I knew I could at least get a job that way and all of my work had a design lean anyway. In the third year I had the privilege of meeting a guy that shaped my focus and interests, 
So, after years of pondering, bookmarking artists, attending my first comic convention, and falling in love with comics again, the beast is awake. I started drawing again a few weeks ago. It comes along with a few positive changes I’ve made in my life along with my wife. There was also that looming guilt of talking and not acting upon the conversation that I had with Mrs. Jennifer Burt, also known as 
Lucky for all you readers and unsuspecting future fans that the wheels of that comic are turning. I’m thankful to be in talks with 
