Dear Friends

Work In Progress

    It's been a long time since I've posted a work in progress.  It's not that I don't like doing it, it's just I get so caught up in my process I forget to take pictures.  I'm currently working on two new Splat the Cat books, and my Christmas 2014 collection of sculpts.  When I have completed my collection I will be having a web sale here on my blog.  I'll announce the date of the sale here, and on my Grimm Grinz Studio Facebook page.
    So, here we go.  This is a sled I am making for a Santa sculpt.  I forgot to take a pic of the sketches on the modeling plywood so this series of pics starts after I cut them out.  I hope you enjoy a peek into my process for creating a prop.

Santa's Sleigh:

Cutting out these 10 pieces on the scroll saw was a bit unnerving.  Sand until smooth.

Wood glue is my friend for all my wood pieces.

Two coats of Liquitex acrylic paint.

Adding some designs to the piece.  Some stenciling and freehand painting.

A little too 'new' looking.  Time for some age.

Sanding, staining, glazing until I'm satisfied this little guy doesn't look so new.

Finally complete and ready for Santa!

Top view.

Out of Commission

  I Frequently get asked the question if I "do commissions".   The short answer is "no", but the long answer is "sometimes".  I realize the wishy-washy'ness of that answer, but the truth of the matter is that I just don't have the time.  Commissions, to some degree, limit my expression and creativity and only add to the long list of deadlines I have in my creative life.  There is, however, occasions when I get an unusual request to make something that is so intriguing and out of my comfort zone that I have to do it.  Usually this request will challenge me on different creative levels, and I feel that the project will help me grow as an artist.  So, I guess the old adage that "It never hurts to ask" is still in play.
    ON that note, here is a pic of a commission piece I just completed.  The collector who requested the commission asked me to create a piece that was "dark" and menacing.  They suggested wings, and a few other details, but gave me a wide creative berth to add my own concepts.  It was an ideal commission for me because there were very few restraints, and gave me a challenge to "go dark", when most of the work I do is whimsical in nature.  I had a great time creating this piece.  There is a back story to this character and what it is, but the simple explanation is that it's a soul collector.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it.
    Thanks for stopping by!  ~Robert

Hallowbaloo 2014!

On September 20th, Dennis Haynes (my show partner) and I launched our first Halloween art show and it turned out to be a great event!  Hallowbaloo 2014 was a success and a good time was had by all.  We are looking forward to an even bigger Hallowabloo for 2015!  If you are an artist interested in participating in the show click the Hallowbaloo link to the right and it will direct you to our website where you can fill out an application.  If you just want to attend Hallowbaloo follow me here for updates for our new venue and dates.  In the meantime, here's a clip of the show for your viewing pleasure!


   

Pumpkin Jack

Introducing "Pumpkin Jack".   I just finished this piece and it measures approx. 13.5" tall.  I had a wonderful time creating him.  Jack is based on a sketch I doodled while I was on the phone.  Maybe I should call people more often.  I seem to get inspired when I'm flapping my gums.
UPDATE:  Pumpkin Jack is no longer available.

Something Wicked This Way Comes.....

 I'll be posting pictures here and on my Grimm Grinz Studio Facebook page tomorrow of my latest work.  I won't say anymore, but heres a peek.

I Got Spooks on My Mind

Is it too early to start thinking about Halloween?  Nah!  Well, here are my first two offerings from Grimm Grinz Studio, "Screetch" and "Marrow".  Halloween candy buckets.  It sure feels good being back in the SPIRIT of things.  ;-)

I Heart You

Making shadowboxes in honor of Valentines Day.  "Home is Where the Heart is", "Corazón Sangrante (Bleeding Heart)",  and "Automatic Devotion".  Can you guess which one is which?  Click the link on the right to my Etsy shop if you are interested in acquiring one of these pieces.