Wilson Swain

Castle of Shadows Map

2012-01-23T00:10:00.000-08:00

The Castle of Shadows is due out this spring from Houghton Mifflin. Here is a sneak preview of the map I did for this charming story by Ellen Renner, which I can best describe as a cross between a Hitchcockian political thriller and The Secret Garden.
The type placement is mine, and only an approximation. The final design will be cleaner.

Harbinger

2011-12-29T09:02:00.000-08:00

Sara Wilson Etienne has a new book coming out soon named Harbinger. She asked a number of us to create a piece in tribute to her story. To read more about me and it, follow the link!

http://alturl.com/krg3o

For the Price of a Song

2011-12-19T17:50:00.000-08:00

The safest miner in the coal shaft is the one with the most canaries. Are all of those cages a precaution against air quality or tonight's dinner? I picture our fella here as the guy to contact, after months from the surface, for what you need. And what you need is security. I bet he carries batteries too.

Brio and the Alien

2011-12-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

826LA is a non-profit that puts on field trips for kids in the Los Angeles area. I like to participate in the storytelling/bookmaking field trip as 'the illustrator'. The kids, often 1st-4th grades write a story together as a class while the illustrator draws it. The story ends on a cliffhanger, and each child writes his own ending. The whole thing gets bound together and everyone walks out as a new author. For fun, I'm posting one story about Brio, a fox with a love for Michael Jackson dolls, who lives with her family in their den. One day, while picnicking, a baby alien with 100 legs, ten eyes, and a face shaped like a cherry steals Brio away and takes her to his planet in his giant cherry spaceship. There, he puts Brio in a brain switching machine. The rest of the Fox family builds an army, then a shuttle (from legos and bandaids) to come to the rescue. But which being contains the real Brio? I illustrate while the story takes shape.

These are 20 minute drawings! By seat of pants, rest assured. Be gentle.

Castle of Shadows

2011-11-01T00:05:00.001-07:00

New this spring is Castle of Shadows from Houghton Mifflin. I did the wrap-around cover and interior spots. Be sure to check it out. I like to call it a mix between The Secret Garden and a Hitchcock political thriller for the chapter book set. Pretty nifty. Art directed by Scott Magoon. I'm one of the cool kids now.

Bay of Toughpigs

2011-10-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

I'm an unashamed muppet freak and I participated in an online tribute to the muppet website, Toughpigs with this digital offering. To the left are the variations I considered, color-wise. Did I mention that I got to watch them film a couple of scenes for the new movie?! Pretty exciting stuff.

Where have I been?

2011-06-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

Aside from some other projects I'm not posting yet, I challenged myself to exploring photoshop painting. For 90 days in a row, I illustrated a song from a showtune, giving myself two hours tops. I didn't include the time for an underdrawing, which added another hour and a half. Here are a couple of examples. Bare in mind (please!) that these are totally learning experiences and exploration. Fun, tho.
http://twohourstops.blogspot.com/

A sneak peek

2011-03-31T22:22:00.001-07:00

This is one of the projects I've been working on lately. Not finished yet, but I wanted to post.

Out of season is a delicacy, right?

2011-02-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas has come and gone, but it's the memories we still carry with us. This past Dec, I created a new set of spot illustrations for Vroman's in Pasadena. Every year they publish a number of YA short stories in a limited run collection and this year they asked me to draw a few images. In tandem, some original illustrations from The Nutty Nutcracker were also on display in the store. In fact, if you're in the area, I believe you may still be able to catch a glimpse.

Many Moons

2011-01-28T14:11:00.001-08:00

This is an image I created based on James Thurber's 'Many Moons' for the Picture Book Report. As an exploration in composition, and with so much of the industry taking a closer look at the ipad as storyteller, I wanted an illustration that helps illuminate the story by utilizing the need to scroll down, revealing more information. The Haunted Mansion's stretching room might be considered an influence here.

Houses for Ghana

2010-12-19T22:52:00.000-08:00

This piece is upcoming to be sold to benefit Art Blocks for Ghana:

http://artblocksghana.blogspot.com/2010/11/wilson-swain.html

The show is themed around the idea of 'Home'. Having finished the piece, I realized the painting mirrors my own living situation: 4 sections in a single building, but individual space.

Whomped

2010-11-04T00:40:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for more on this piece for Gallery Nucleus' Harry Potter tribute.

Veruca Salt

2010-10-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

Years ago I started this series with the intention of completing all five Wonka Golden Ticket Winners, along with Willie, himself. I finally finished Veruca, the spoiled darling who got thrown down a garbage pit by nut-cracking squirrels.

Below is a recap from the rest of the series.

Knig Knag

2010-09-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

The Two Roots.
Christian Morgenstern
(In English):

Two large fir tree roots and old
talking in the forest.
What up there in the tops noisy,
that is exchanged here.

An old squirrel sits in
and well-knit stockings for the two.

One says: knig. The other says: knag.
That is enough for one day.

Die zwei Wurzeln
(in German)

Zwei Tannenwurzeln groß und alt
unterhalten sich im Wald.
Was droben in den Wipfeln rauscht,
das wird hier unten ausgetauscht.
Ein altes Eichhorn sitzt dabei
und strickt wohl Strümpfe für die zwei.
Die eine sagt: knig. Die andre sagt: knag.
Das ist genug für einen Tag.

Unattended Baggage

2010-07-27T03:09:00.000-07:00

Police Report: Most of our passengers were distracted by the giant robot ravaging the city when I noticed the small piece of luggage left unattended and brimming with bottled water, nail clippers and sewing scissors. I radio'ed the tower immediately.

This is my piece for an art auction benefitting 826LA and promoting Dan Santat and Mac Barnett's new book, 'Oh No'. The gallery show will feature work by illustrators posting our eye witness accounts of the science experiment gone wrong. Different perspectives almost always bring a fuller understanding of an event, so I preferred to show an authority administrator losing all perspective. Hands above your head, fingers in a diamond shape.

Shake Your Fist at the Sky

2010-07-23T00:45:00.000-07:00

This two-sided piece will be going up for bid on the ripples project August 10th.
Mark your calendars. It benefits animals hurt by the oil spill in the gulf.

The Spider Women

2010-06-29T21:25:00.001-07:00

Sometimes an image gets stuck in my head, and the only way to get it out is to paint it. Years ago, very sick, I had a fever dream where the spider woman came to stop time. She brought death with her. In this version, I've added some sisters, akin to the Fates--a creator and a web spinner. I'm not sure if they still bring death, or even destruction. After all, spiders keep other poisonous insects in check.

Character Design

2010-05-02T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hydra

2010-05-01T00:34:00.000-07:00

In honor of friend, Andrew Mitchell's new draw 50 mythical creatures book.

Farm spots

2010-03-31T06:30:00.000-07:00

Boas

2010-02-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

I'm illustrating the phrase, 'Sometimes I wear them to Lunch' for an SCBWI contest.

As a kid, I would watch after my high school art teacher's house while she was on vacation with her family. I was to water the plants, feed the birds, and look after the snake. Preferring I not have to feed live mice to a snake, the family put two small white rodents in the snake's cage before leaving--one for each week they were gone. They figured the serpent would attack when he got hungry. Unfortunately for the snake, two mice were more than he could handle and I spent the next two weeks feeding mice after burying a snake. I felt horrible, of course, but I secretly rooted for the mice.

As tribute, I've painted an Annie Oakley-esque class pet with complete control over her natural enemies. It's the way to be.

Staying connected

2010-02-01T14:10:00.000-08:00

An online charity auction benefiting a penpal program between students in Sierra Leone and inner city New York will soon be going live with this image, painted on a wooden postcard.

http://btorpostcards.blogspot.com/

Nutty Nutcracker

2009-12-19T02:23:00.000-08:00

Be sure to download this paper window display on Chronicle's Nutty Nutcracker page. It makes a fun holiday project for mailing! Look for the pdf download from here:

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,8237/

Dr Jones' Wild Ride

2009-12-04T02:52:00.000-08:00

This is a piece for the online auction for charity-- Hey You Guys! Check it out, bid, and if you're in the LA area, attend the Ghostbusters screening at the Rialto in South Pasadena this coming Saturday, Dec. 5!

http://www.heyyouguyscharity.com/

Chance & Thierry

2009-11-23T00:51:00.000-08:00

Nutty Nutcracker book trailer

2009-11-05T14:34:00.001-08:00

Nutty Nutcracker released

2009-10-19T01:22:00.000-07:00

A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas is available now!

Whenever I see your smiling face...

2009-09-29T23:49:00.001-07:00

The first draft of this image had the wooden cuckoo sweetly in love with the moon on a neighboring clock's dial. In his downtime, and there must be plenty of it, he lyrically wrote love poems. But if he's truly cuckoo, and with a vast knowledge ticking devices' interiors, building bombs seemed so much more interesting. I may change it yet again.

Gator Player

2009-08-28T15:42:00.000-07:00

Drosselmeyer exploration

2009-06-30T21:45:00.000-07:00

A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas will be released soon, so I thought I'd show a couple of character sketches prepared for this version's equivalent to the kindly, grandfatherly Drosselmeyer. I *might* have been thinking of Wallace Shawn with that fellow in the upper left.

Manilow Tickets!

2009-05-30T18:51:00.001-07:00

Castaway Cutout

2009-05-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

Chronicle Books is offering a free download of some paper cutouts I painted to help promote the pop up book, The Castaway Pirates. Check it out:

http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,7151/title,The-Castaway-Pirates/

(copy and paste url...blogger takes issues with my links)

Blest Beast

2009-05-04T22:54:00.000-07:00

Nutty Nutcracker Christmas

2009-04-29T03:41:00.000-07:00

Available for preorder from ChronicleBooks.com !!

The Band Preyed On

2009-03-11T03:31:00.000-07:00

Cow Catcher

2009-02-22T21:05:00.001-08:00

Feathered & Dithered

2009-02-08T09:06:00.000-08:00

Valder-a

2009-01-02T16:41:00.001-08:00

Gingerbread House

2008-12-18T09:42:00.001-08:00

I am currently painting Christmas, and have been for some time now. As preparation for this project, I did this illustration last year. Happy Holidays!

Here Comes Santa

2008-11-14T15:17:00.000-08:00

It's getting to be that time of year again. Anyone else a little nervous?

Illustrator's Day

2008-11-07T22:48:00.001-08:00

It's late notice, but I'll be speaking on a panel in San Marino for LA's SCBWI Illustrator's Day. Come check it out!

http://www.scbwisocal.org/events/la_illustrators_day.html

An Adventure in Deepest Darkest Sunroom

2008-10-12T03:56:00.000-07:00

I fully expect to build miniature treehouses in my potted plants someday.

give what ya got

2008-10-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more hated than a clown?

Washer Woman redux

2008-09-28T00:55:00.000-07:00

I guess I have a thing for washer women. Don't tell anyone.

catch you later

2008-08-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

I was asked to sketch out a few entomologists some time ago for a friend who works for the USDA. They wanted an Indiana Jones type to demonstrate a new bug catching device for African scientists. I gave them some options, but I think the action bugs are probably my favorite. Well, I like the fly swatter guy too.

perched and poised

2008-07-29T18:15:00.000-07:00

It's been more of a paint month than a pencil month, so tho it's time to post something new, I had to comb the sketchbooks looking for a post-worthy image not related to what I'm working on. Years ago I made a sculpture of a little princess holding out her hand, ready for a fat bird to be perched on her finger. I never got around to sculpting the bird, so she's spent the last decade waiting. If this drawing is any indication and the princesses are related, then this bird has been a long time coming.

calipering your pipe

2008-06-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

I'm slowly coating myself in paint out here as I plod ahead on a future release. In the mean time, here's a sketch I produced about a month ago but didn't get to scan. I love it when a scribble surprises me. I'm not sure if our reluctant hero is giving a gift or receiving it, but he's definitely nervous about the whole affair. I read a short story as a child about a creature who desires a better voice, so he goes to a blacksmith for a new one to be forged. That's probably what's in the box.

Multiples

2008-05-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

At the library, I ran across a copy of the HMS Penafore using a photo of a teddy bear as its cover. Why? I suspect it involved some conceptual thinking one step too far removed. BUT, it inspired a fun image of my own.

This is the second in my short series of formal animal portraits. All three paintings have been earmarked to be sent in different directions, and tho the three may never meet again, somehow it sparks my imagination to picture the disparate futures they'll observe. And who hasn't fantasized about their own twin, separated at birth? Maybe it's my gift to over-conceptualization, but I'm secretly hoping for some soap opera-worthy reunions of framed silence.

Castaway preview

2008-04-28T14:21:00.000-07:00

pink rabbit

2008-03-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

It must be difficult for a male pink bunny to feel very masculine, but chain mail and a sword can go a long way in intimidation. There's more classic portraiture in the animal kingdom coming up.

Red Rabbit Row

2008-02-18T00:19:00.000-08:00

I'm testing the waters in selling prints. Please check out my site and if you like what you see, or you'd rather see some of my other work--let me know.

http://redrabbitrow.bigcartel.com/

The Castaway Pirates

2008-02-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

Available now for pre-order! This is a pop up book I've illustrated in collaboration with paper engineer and author Ray Marshall for Chronicle books. Pick up a copy and tell your friends. Released in April! I'll write more on it closer to the release date.

I feel like I'm doing a cheesy ebay pitch--l@@k! Rare! :P I just need chasing lights and a comp-canned music box melody mix of 'Misty'. Honestly, it's a nice book. Watch for it.

Jazz

2008-02-05T22:34:00.000-08:00

A recent piece illustrating a musical poem.

Farm Overview

2008-01-28T04:01:00.000-08:00

A bee surveys her adversary.

Your nose is too big

2008-01-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

The second in the bee and pig images.

Duck Pig Bee

2007-12-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

This is the third in a series I recently painted. That bee spreads lies! Just ask the duck. Watch out.

Day of the Dead

2007-11-02T17:14:00.001-07:00

Lunar Boy Gallery has their Day of the Dead show going on this month up in Oregon. This is my contribution. The official holiday is celebrated widely in Mexico on the first of November to honor friends and family who've passed on. It's very festive with many grave side picnics and brightly colored flowers. As it's a lighthearted view on death, I thought I might place these skeletons belly up, but decided that that wasn't necessary. These fish may only be shades of their former selves, but they're still living full lives.

Summer

2007-10-26T19:22:00.001-07:00

The classic tale of the ant and the grasshopper doesn't need a lot of detailed explanation. I left room here for title and type. It was most fun to take on a bug's eye view with overlarge flowers and a skyscape lost in the weeds. I made a point not to watch A Bugs Life, the Silly Symphony or James & the Giant Peach. But as soon as I was done, I ran to the dvd store.

autumn

2007-10-22T18:22:00.001-07:00

Here is the second of the ant and grasshopper images. I'll be posting the first shortly. I thought since this blog stacks backwards, I'd load the last image first. I had a fun time with the grasshopper here. And it was good to show the dandelions at their seed stage to mark the progression of time.

the winter months

2007-10-15T23:49:00.000-07:00

I'm about to post a three image arc from 'the ant and the grasshopper'. This is the last part of the story. I love cross sections, and this was a great opportunity to wander around underground. It's funny how characters can sometimes surprise you. I finished this image then went to my local video store, realizing the design for the ant had to have come from the attendant there. They wear the same facial expression--very odd.

Pennies a Day

2007-08-29T23:25:00.000-07:00

I've challenged myself to do a drawing of a child every day for an unspecified amount of time. Okay, it's specified in the real world, but I know better than to make grandiose promises online. I'm already over two weeks in. Keep up with me as I try to make some sense out of childhood. And some cents. This challenge carries with it a friendly and private wager as well. Wish me luck and in three weeks I may be able to afford candy.

Click on 'KIDS' to the right for a link. And here's the address:

http://justpenniesaday.blogspot.com/

The Challenge at Hole 16: Double Windmills

2007-07-31T19:29:00.000-07:00

This is for next month's Ninja Show at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra. A group of dignitaries has shown up on the miniature putting green for a relaxing afternoon of around-the-world golf. Little do they know a surprise is waiting for them in Holland. I can't help but picture this as a silly 80's comedy starring animals in clothing instead of Rodney Dangerfield.

The Old Washer Woman

2007-05-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

When I need a shot of creativity, I'll grab a couple of books and head out to the park. Maybe I'll start thumbing through something like the visual history of Americana or ABCs of the Human Mind, looking for the spark of an idea. It can take a while sometimes, but usually, once I'm open to it, a kernal germinates. This time I looked up from my book of old toys to see bubbles coming from nowhere. I happened to be on a page with an antique doll pushcart with horses attached to the front wheel. This reminded me of that old putdown of being the son or daughter of a washer woman. But why should a washer woman be a bad thing? Couldn't she be fun, or misunderstood. Maybe there are legions of her, much like the chimney sweeps in Mary Poppins--mysterious, but magical. Troops ready to fulfill a duty, like a dydee service or the milkman. Or maybe she's more like Santa Claus, showing up on the doorsteps of dirty children to give them a bath and vacuum the curtains. I gave this lady a helmet, some safety pins, a towel or two then set her up in her souped up doll's carriage--replacing the horses from my book with piggies. All in all, not a bad afternoon. Is it a full story? Not today, but perhaps in time.

A Gift

2007-04-29T17:41:00.000-07:00

I've been averaging a post a month here lately, and that, believe it or not, is a good thing, as it means I'm pretty busy. Today is a friend's birthday, so in honor of her--an animal lover, I decided to draw out a pleasant little gift giving scene. I'm sure that some of you have pets who drag in the occasional dead mouse or bird in return for your affection, love and duty. Can you imagine how embarassing it'd be to show up with the same gift for a friend as the family cat?

Cuckoo Clock

2007-03-18T00:21:00.000-07:00

It's been a crazy busy month, so the cuckoo seemed like an appropriate place to start posting again--staying with that whole 'crazy' theme. I've been racking my brain thinking of all the different places an odd cuckoo might pop out from. But I guess hundreds of birds peaking out all over made me laugh most. Someday I may take this idea a touch further, but for now this sketch is a good start. What I really want is a real one. The hunt is on.

The Wolf Police

2007-02-27T23:26:00.000-08:00

I have not posted here in ages, so I apologize. With a trip to New York (including a three day layover courtesy of Jet Blue) and playing a bit of ketchup on some projects I'm not as comfortable posting early--life got busy. This is an image done for McGraw Hill. So if you're in the third grade, about to take an achievement test, your sense of honor should compel you to close out this window immediately. Actually I'm not sure how the image will be utilized, so all my eight year old readers are still welcome-- assuming you exist.

The Bird on Nellie's Hat

2007-01-07T17:30:00.000-08:00

I love old, old songs and I think this one dates back to Music Hall days. I received a cd of music from 1907 for Christmas because it included a version of this silly little ditty about a golddigging socialite whose true motives are reviled by the stuffed bird perched on her hat. Funny stuff. I first heard it on the Muppet Show. A sample:

"I'll be your little honey, I will promise that,
Said Nellie as she rolled her dreamy eyes,
It's a shame to take the money,
Said the bird on Nellie's hat,
Last night she said the same to Johnny Wise,
Then to Nellie Willie whispered as they fondly kissed,
I'll bet that you were never kissed like that.
Well he don't know Nellie like I do,
Said the saucy little bird on Nellie's hat."

Infiltrate and Observe

2006-12-15T01:20:00.000-08:00

Infiltrate and Observe
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

It's the holiday season again. The time to take a minute to try and better understand your friends and neighbors by spying on them. Help Aunt Martha dry some dishes and you may discover how she really feels about Grandma Noreen. Pretend to nod off in the corner and Cousin Luigi may accidently tip you off on where, exactly, he buried the body. Alright, maybe family functions aren't as shady as all that, but we all have Christmas wishes, no? I think this jackelope dwelling rabbit could easily stand in for a Nancy in the house of Drew. And maybe sometimes we all feel like the blue bunny in a pink jackelope world. I know I do, but I also know that's not my reality.

ring dem bells

2006-11-25T00:53:00.000-08:00

ring dem bells
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Politics can even make giving a controversy, no matter what your choice in charity. This little girl wants the best for her dollar and that's where she believes it will go. For her, as far as I can tell, that's all that matters.

Moose and Squirrel

2006-11-16T00:17:00.000-08:00

moose and squirrel
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Over all five seasons, I'm not sure Natasha ever bothered to learn her nemesies' names on the 'Rocky and Bullwinkle Show'. At least she recognized Boris when she saw him. I didn't realize until recently that Boris & Natasha were the names of Tolstoy's lovers in War & Peace. If that book had featured moonmice, maybe it too could have been promoted to immortality on saturday mornings and cereal box covers. Then again, moonmice are not the answer to everything. Just most things. Hokey smokes!

Fire!

2006-11-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

Fire!
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Falling in love can happen at the most inopportune moment. But if you're having a bad day...or a major catastrophe...it's nice to know that something can still put a smile on your face.

I have no idea what's putting the smile on everyone else's face here, though. The man still trapped inside the burning building should be pissed. I suppose Love fixes everything.

The Sandwich Trade

2006-10-31T04:18:00.000-08:00

trade
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

All around the world, even in lunchrooms better than yours or mine, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are getting swapped for ham on rye. Maybe. Just maybe...these swaps are a matter of life or death. Especially when lunch is still alive.

The wolf's lunch/pig has two slices of bread tied around him a la Shel Silverstein's hippopotamus sandwich. Always steal from the best.

Treehouse

2006-10-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

treehouse
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I love a good treehouse and if kids are gonna play pirate, it's as good a place as any. Okay, maybe not quite so good as the beach, but maybe animal pirates are different. In fact, I'm sure they must be.

Our neighbors, growing up, had a treehouse of sorts. They built multi-leveled rooms between 4 telephone poles over their backyard sandbox. From this I learned that outside gets very cold at night, even in summer. And don't play in the sandbox if cats live nearby.

Till Death

2006-10-05T09:44:00.000-07:00

Till Death
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This is that 'Apparitions' piece I've been working on for a Halloween group show at Lunar Boy Gallery up in Astoria. I'm not certain if the lady in the chair is dead or dreaming, but she and the bride share a past. The more I talk about a piece, the less I like it, so I should refrain from doing that here. I'll just say that I need to paint a few half eaten babies to cleanse the pallette now. I think this is pretty sweet.

Some Enchanted Evening

2006-09-29T00:24:00.000-07:00

doorstep
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I'm influenced by the movies I watch. Recently I've been most intrigued by old movies from the 30s and 40s. There's something about the dramas that are both compelling, if a little hokey. The musicals are pure escapism. The shorts are madcap. This man, to me, looks like he's up to no good. Perhaps he's about to meet the mistress of his dreams. Or maybe he's a door to door salesman about to make that lucky break he's been pushing for. All I know is that these strangers will meet and define the movie. Comedy or Tragedy? Farce or gangster drama? It's all possible from this point.

The Doll's House

2006-09-19T19:42:00.000-07:00

The Doll House
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This image was loosely inspired by Katherine Mansfield's 'The Doll's House', a short story about a large elaborate gift given to a rich family with little girls. The pre-pubescent aristocrats show off their new toy house to all of the neighborhood children, two by two. All the neighborhood children except for the Kelveys, who are the socially unacceptable daughters of a local washer woman. I don't want to ruin Mansfield's plot, which is as much in the telling as the tale, but she does reinforce the idea that bias is taught early.

Tractor

2006-09-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

tractor2
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I'm starting sketches for an upcoming show with an 'apparitions' theme. Mostly I just wanted an excuse to move into farm machinery. Where are the ghosts, you may ask. Good question. I'm a fan of the movie Ironweeds, where the main character is haunted by visions of his past. That may be what's going on here. Or perhaps the wife is hounding her husband to babysit. Either way.

Man in the Moon

2006-08-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

The man in the moon
came down too soon
and asked his way to Norwich.

He went by the south
and burnt his mouth.
by eating cold pease porridge.

This is an old nursery rhyme my Grandmother remembered about the man in the moon when I mentioned him to her. I was driving about LA the other day and I accidently made a wrong turn onto Norwich Ave. There was no moon man there, but I did see a gentleman waving his hat.

Meating

2006-08-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

bearsfinal
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This is the final in my bears series. For those of you keeping score--the butterflies and goat from the last two images have been invited over for dinner. Three of my five band members have come along as well and somewhere along the line they picked up a grey squirrel. A bear's gotta eat, afterall. At this point, the kid's still alive and a butterfly is escaping--so there's hope if you want it. But I have to admit, I love it when my characters end up eating each other.

Butterfly Bear

2006-08-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Butterfly Bear
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I'm continuing on with my Bavarian Bear Series, which will go on display at Gallery Nucleus this Saturday in Alhambra. There are four panels and I'll probably post the fourth next week. I missed debuting a new image here last week because of an electrical overload-- but things are back up and running here, better than ever. At least that's what the electricians told me....well...it's what they seemed to be telling me. Nobody spoke any English. Perhaps they were telling me to wet my hands and shove a metal fork in an outlet, letting me stand there nodding my head, offering agua. In any event, the power is on again. What's the spanish translation for 'sucker'?

I forgot to mention that this piece was definitely inspired by my friend Jaime Zollars. With this image, I'm implying that the leaves in the first bears image were actually butterflys. Jaime did an image where the leaves on a tree, upon close inspection, were birds. I'm retroactively calling this an homage.

The Misfits

2006-08-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

The Misfits
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This is a panel from 'The Misfits' an early reader comic paperback available this fall from Innovative Kids. I'm putting up the panel without any of the text or 'meanwhile' boxes. To be honest, I'd have to go back and look to see if there's any speech bubbles in this panel at all. I know the dog has some 'bark bark' action going on in red because I put that in later. The finals on this image called for messier kids, so the printed version will have dirtier clothes, faces and hands. Angry dogs chasing kids--a few of my favorite things. But the Misfits usually wind up with the upper hand so have no fear, they will arrive unscathed!

Danger on the Good Ship Lollipop

2006-07-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

Danger on the Good Ship Lollipop
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I'm doing a series with the bavarian bears, who can be seen off in the distance in the upper right. The fox and goat from the last piece are followed through for this image. You'll note the ravenous claw inside the boat next to the balloons, waiting for our young mistress to climb aboard. Little miss goat might not be long for this world, but in the mean time, and I mean mean, she can enjoy a moment or two of happy toyfulness. I'm posting early 'cause I'm visiting home this week. See ya soon!

Flight of the Bumblebee

2006-07-18T17:15:00.000-07:00

Flight of Bumblebee
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I love me some polka. Frankie Yankovic might not be everyone's cup of tea, but throw in some Doris Day and I think everybody can agree it's a good time. I'm working on the back of a mailing for the bears piece. I think this creature started life as another bear then morphed from a squirrel to a cat. In any event, that's definitely a bee up there buzzing around my accordian: instrument of the gods.

Oompa Bears

2006-07-11T14:02:00.000-07:00

Oompa Bears
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Bavarian Bear Boy Bands attract cows, goats and dancing dogs-- you learn something new everyday. I think this one is finally done, but I may yet add a bumblebee or a butterfly bugging the bear with the drum. So I guess they attract bugs too. The fox in the lower right leads into the next image, which I've started. I've been most excited about not putting in the sky. I wanted a rolling wall of atmosphere and I think I got it. Maybe from here the Bears will tour Europe. Or maybe they'll take a nap. Hmmm... that does sound nice.

I have a print going up on Tiny Showcase this evening. Please check it out! www.tinyshowcase.com I've put a link to the right.

Underwater Basketweaving 101

2006-07-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

Underwater Basketweaving 101
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Ever feel like the rest of the world can turn grape jelly into wine when you'd be satisfied mixing a peanut butter sandwich without lumps? This drawing surprised me. I'd started with the idea of one classmember being jealous of another's ability. Then the proficient weaver ended up looking very matronly and maternal-- especially with the basket placed over her belly like that.

In a broader context, maybe this means that I'm jealous of children and childbirth... or maybe I feel that the whole human construct and conception is entirely foreign and bizarre-- akin to the furby phenomenon. Maybe it means I equate art and creation with life. All I know is that if I'd been able to take this course in college I'd have kept the deep sea diving outfit for social gatherings, private parties and bar mitzvahs.

Bear Band

2006-07-04T23:58:00.000-07:00

Bear Band
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I'm jumping the gun a little with this one. The piece is not done, so I'm uploading a portion of it a little early. It's the 4th of July, and I've got oompa band music coursing through my veins! Actually, the day I started this piece, an article appeared in the newspaper about the first Bavarian Bear to appear in that country since the days of...um...Beethoven? Anyway, it's been a long time and I took that as a good sign. I think I'll stick with the German boy bear band for a little while. Eventually the animals may grow lederhosen, but that'll keep for the next image. I'll try and post the finished illustration next week.

O Muh Darlin

2006-06-27T01:52:00.000-07:00

O Muh Darlin
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This image was up on my old website for the longest time, but I've since reworked it so that it looks more finished and the colors flow nicer. It's been a rough week here already, so new stuff will be forthcoming in the weeks that follow. I've mostly been reading, writing and putting my dramas to bed. These two seem a little tooth-goofy for my taste today, but they're not a bad sort. Happy Trails.

Visitor From Down Under

2006-06-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

Visitor From Down Under
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I've been busy with my show opening this past weekend-- thanks to those of you who attended. This image is another short ghost story called 'A Visitor from Down Under' by L.P. Hartley. My take on it is more goofy and odd than scary, but I do love the spooky vernacular of a suspenseful tale. I may continue with stories like these, playing around with shadows and compositions or I may move on towards sweet goofiness. We'll see where I am next week.

Wax Poetic Gallery Opening

2006-06-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Wax Poetic Gallery Opening
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This Saturday, June 17 from 8 pm to 11 pm I will be having a gallery opening titled 'Wilson Swain & Friends present Animals in Clothing'. Come one. Come all. Bring your friends and I'll bring mine---well, the ones I could get ahold of, anyway. The location is 3208 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA. Prints are available. Also originals. Visit the gallery at www.waxpoeticgallery.com

The "friends'" websites are clickable under the 'links' column on the far right.

Bat Girl

2006-06-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Bat Girl
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

A portrait for my upcoming show at Wax Poetic Gallery this weekend--Saturday the 17th from 8 to 11 pm. I was playing around with melding the wing into the dress. I'm not sure if she's lonely or waiting for someone. I've never been much for goth or horror so this painting looks pretty quiet to me. I just wanted to paint someone a little contemplative--so I don't have to be. I like the deep yellow sky. I'm not sure if it's night or day. I'd kind of assumed that that was the moon, but maybe the colors imply something else. Something's not quite right here.

The Judge's House

2006-06-06T01:11:00.000-07:00

judgeshouse
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I've been reading a lot of ghost stories lately and this title kept getting chosen as one of the best. An academic student holes himself inside an old dilapidated mansion once owned by a malicious judge, who was bent on sending as many men to the gallows as he could. He even kept next to his chair, as a momento, the rope of his victims' noose converted as a bell pull.

During his stay, the student is plagued by rats and rodents deep into the wee hours of the morning. The old portrait of the judge can be seen reflected in the face of the chief rat and eventually the two become one. Rest assured....there are dastard deeds at hand. Two images this week. Check out my 'Animals in Clothing' below.

Wagon Wheels

2006-06-06T01:05:00.000-07:00

wagonwheels
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I don't normally post two images a week, but with my show coming up in just two weeks (June 17th--Wax Poetic Gallery, Burbank), I figure a little extra promotion can't hurt. I recently viewed the old classic 'Stagecoach' for the first time--John Wayne's breakthrough performance. I've never been a huge fan of the wild west but these big red chariots have always held a little mystery for me. If I ever get the chance to ride in one drawn by a giant guinea pig--I'm there.

The Shadow of a Shade

2006-05-30T02:21:00.000-07:00

visitorfromdownunder
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This short ghost story by Tom Hood tells of a young spinster whose lover dies on an expedition to Antarctica. His murderer returns to propose marriage to the greiving lady. But he is instead greeted by a haunted portrait of his victim and a moth that secretes bloody red drops. And then there's that extra shadow he casts, which bares no resemblance to his own.

I have a number of these black and white images from ghost stories I'll be posting. I love the macabre--especially simple quiet moments when 'something just isn't quite right'. The image doesn't make as much sense until you know the story--the beauty of illustration.

Reflections on a Hippo

2006-05-23T02:00:00.000-07:00

hippo
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Early next month I will be having a show at Wax Poetic Gallery in Burbank titled 'Animals in Clothing'. I think this image cuts to the heart of the matter. It's composed so that the viewer is actually looking at their own reflection in a mirror. So I guess I'm telling you how to feel. Or I'm telling you how I feel? Probably not exactly. I recently made a trip to the LA zoo with a friend and we happened to arrive just in time to watch the hippos getting fed. I'm sure that's why I chose the animal. The titles 'hippopotamumu' and 'square of the hippopotomus' were both considered.

Rain Rabbit

2006-05-16T20:38:00.000-07:00

Rain Rabbit
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Tut tut. I'm not sure if the rain is clearing up or gearing up. In any case, there are only a few drops at present. I think that the farmer seems to be looking upward, extending a paw as if to say 'take this' ...or maybe it's 'gimme'. I composed it like a stained glass window. Some friends saw a little mouse in the wheelbarrow, which I did not intend at first, but then decided to work him up. The crop, to me, looks rotten and reminded another friend of Courbet's 'The Stone Breakers'. We'll just call it an homage in fluff, fur and funny.

Polarbear Pirates

2006-05-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

polorbears
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Sometimes I think I know what I'm painting about before I start. Sometimes I finish and get surprised. Last week's piece held no cynicism for me, so I must have added a double dosage to this image. Looks innocent enough at first glance, but then I noticed that the discs I've built this world out of are a reflection of the gold bits in the treasure chest at the bottom right.

Everyone in this image is motivated by money. Even the sun itself, which I thought to be a compass or a steering wheel as I was painting it, may be a dabloon--pieces of eight. Seven pirates and a wench. The dolphins are free.

Eagle

2006-05-02T05:49:00.000-07:00

Eagle
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I don't have much to say about this one. It's a tiny painting, only about 4x6, for an upcoming show at Nucleus Gallery in Alhambra. It's less cynical than much of my work, but still absurd. They are bird people, afterall.

Cappuccino's Daughter

2006-04-24T23:57:00.000-07:00

cappaccinosdaughter
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This may be a little small to view as a thumbnail (click to enlarge). Earlier I did a painting from Rappaccini's Daughter--the story about a man who's fallen in love with the poisonous feminine creation of an evil botonist. For silliness' sake, this time I drew the daughter of an evil coffee shop owner whose daughter is caffeinated to the touch. That's a distillery on the table and a mad Daddy Starbucks in the corner.

The house at top the Slippery Slope

2006-04-20T16:39:00.000-07:00

House at the Top of the Slippery Slope
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I posted this image as the splash page on my website, but I like to post explanations, so I'll tack it up here too. I originally had little squirrels sitting on the porch, but thought better of it and changed them to cats...well, a cat. The second cat came by request from a friend of mine who thought there was more intrigue with two. I thought about putting silhouettes in the windows, but for me it left too many questions. Somehow, like a puzzle, I prefer having all the elements visible, and then it's just a matter of locking them into place. That said, there probably is someone inside.

Pea & Princess

2006-04-11T01:52:00.000-07:00

Princess Pea
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I went to visit an unfamiliar branch of the public library earlier this week and they were having a sale. I bought the craziest little book of popular princess stories for a dime and it started off with Hans Christian Anderson's well known tale of the pea, the test and the mattresses. I had a spare remnant of illustration board left at this size, so I drew an image. I may explore more princesses from the book, but for now I'm still focusing mostly on animals in clothing...as one will.