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.

Christmas Challenges

 

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, but it can also be a challenging one for me.  I have to be extra creative carving out time to spend in the studio. I guess that holds true for most people no matter who you are and what you do. Well, I just hope everyone has a magnificent holiday and gets everything on their wish list.  Thanks for being a part of my life.  ~Robert

Getting in the Christmas Spirit

Introducing;  Mr. &  Mrs. Klaus and Ingrid Frostchild.  Two new pieces I've made for my holiday collection 2013.  Sorry, these little darlings are no longer available.

Giving Steampunk a Go

I've never created anything in the "Steampunk" genre.  If I'm being totally honest, it's really because I've never really had an interest in it.  That was until a friend challenged me.  I have a hard time resisting a challenge, especially if its a creative theme.  So, without further ado, here is my first Steampunk sculpt.  I'm calling her "Lavinia Steampot" and her familiar "Nickodemus".  Her Shawl was custom knitted by my good friend Laura Pengrazio.  Sorry, this piece is no longer available. 

 

Here's a detail shot of Nickodemus.  He's hard to see in the group shot.

 

 

...and some other tid bits.

 

 

Lavinia and Nickodemus early concept sketch

Gumple Halloween Parade!

Halloween would not be complete without a parade, and the Gumples are ready!   Gourdy, Femur, and Batwick - three of my most favorite Gumples.  Sorry, these little guys are no longer available, but stay tuned for more.  Every year brings a new batch of Gumples!

BOO!

A ghost isn't very scary to me, but these two sure look upset.  I had a great time making these two characters.  I enjoy working in monochromatic palette when I get the chance.  I'm thinking I see more Gumple ghosts in the future....perhaps Emily and Ernest's parents? If you are interested in acquiring one of these pieces just click the link on the right to my Etsy shop.

Nettle Pinwick . . . .the Rat Witch!

I always enjoy working out concepts for witches.  I don't know why I find them so fascinating.  Perhaps it's because I've always enjoyed a little magic.  I hope you enjoy my latest creation "Nettle Pinwick".  Sorry, she is no longer available.

A few more detail pics..

Vintage Easter Inspirations

My first go at sculpting animals.  The Eater Rabbit, and a chick pulling a cart with a giant egg headed to Mr. Rabbit's for some fancy painting!  Both of these pieces were inspired by vintage Victorian greeting cards I've seen.  Sorry, these two are no longer available.

Holiday Gumples for 2013

My holiday Gumples for 2013.  I had a great time making these little guys (and gals).  Sometimes I wish I could keep them for myself.  Sorry, these Gumples are no longer available.

 

 

 

 

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330851114425&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

 

Sleigh Bells Ring.....

I've finished my first collection on Gumples for the holiday 2013 season!  Stay tuned for more pics and links to my Ebay auction!

"Waiting For Spooks at Mouse Cottage"

 

  It's sunset and Mrs. Mouse patiently waits on the front porch of her cottage for the Halloween revelry to begin. She's holding a bowl of fresh baked cookies. I crafted and painted each component myself from wood, clay, paint, and landscape materials. The diorama is also wired for lighting. With a flip of the switch, the interior of the cottage and the Jack-o-lantern light up! 

 

 

 

 

 

"Zeke"

"Zeke", The second fastest draw in Cripple Creek. Sorry, Zeke is no longer available.

For the Love of Screams!

To Tweet or not to Tweet

Today I am officially a Twitter-er, or Twitter, or, well..you get the idea.  If you want to follow me on Twitter there should be a link to the right of this blog.    Tweet Tweet!

Gumples, Gumples, Gumples!

Well, they're finally here! I just completed the first generation of my Trick-or-Treating Gumples. As usual, I've been a busier than a one-legged waitress at I-HOP! I'm working on two new Splat the Cat books, opened a fan page on Facebook for Grimm Grinz Studios, and creating characters for this years Halloween and Vine show. Oops! I meant to make an official announcement, but I guess I can let the cat out of the bag. In case you are wondering what "Gumples" are, they are a special group of gnome-like creatures who like to wear costumes. Unlike the realistic faces of my sculptures, The Gumples have a distinct, insect-like appearance and have skinny arms and legs. Their faces kinda remind me of chewing gum so I've named them Gumples. They are characters in a world to themselves. I had posted the concept sketches on my Facebook page, so I will do that here too. I would like you to see how my designs can sometimes change during the production phase. I posted them in my Esty store. Each Gumple is hand-made and I will be making them to order, so each one will vary ever-so-slightly. I'm offering them as a complete set of six ornaments or as individuial pieces. To visit my Etsy store, click the link to my shop on the top right side of this page) Well, I guess I better get back to work.   Thanks for popping in! -Robert

Coming Soon!

It's getting to be that time of year when I start thinking about Halloween. It's the beginning of the busiest time in the year for me. In addition to my painting and children's book work I'm sketching away at plans for this years Halloween creations. I will be making a host of characters for this years Halloween and Vine show in Petaluma California and I can't wait! In addition to my regular cast of characters, I'm excited to launch my new line called The Gumples. They have their own distinct look that is different than my regular pieces. I will be making them available in my Etsy store as well as at Halloween & Vine. Check back soon to see when they will be available in my shop and to see the finished pieces.

Spring Screaming

I'm taking advantage of a break between book jobs to do some much needed studio cleaning and organization.  I really dislike dirt and dust, but it's amazing what gathers when you're not looking.  It's been suggested to me I should hire someone to clean my space since I am so busy, but I don't think that's a good idea.  I get froggy when someone comes into my studio and starts moving things around.  I don't mind.  Cleaning is cathartic for me anyway and helps me get organized.  There is one thing, however, that I dislike more than dust and that is spiders.  If I come across one while I'm cleaning, my entire neighborhood will know it.  I've been known to break world records in the vertical jump and gasp.  What makes it so horrible is that I can't squish them!  It makes me gag.  I have to somehow wrangle them outside. 

Wish me luck!

Halloween and Vine is Divine

I'm back from an exciting weekend in Petaluma California and the Halloween and Vine show.  WOW, What a great time I had!  The weekend started on Friday when my good buddy Dennis Haynes (another terrific artist) and Robert Gonzales threw a magnificent dinner party with lots of great grub, party favors, and good friends.  On Saturday at the show I met lots of my FaceBook friends and made some new ones.  I also had the chance to see lots of amazing art created by some of the most amazing people I've ever met.  Most of my friends know that I had to pull out of the show a month ago because of my workload, but I had to pop in for a visit anyway because I knew so many people I cared about would be there.  Besides, Petaluma is just down the street  ;-)  It's amazing to see all of the shoppers picking out their Halloween goodies, dolls, trinkets, and sculptures.  I've never been in a room with so many like-minded individuals. Truly and awe inspiring event!  I spoke to the coordinators of H&V and was told I would be invited to next years show - YAHOOOO!!  Now I'm even more excited than I was this year!  It all ended too quickly as we finished the weekend in San Francisco at my sisters home and feasted, drank lots of wine, and played hours of Cranium until the wee hours of the morning.  I had to call it a night when they pulled out the Ouija board.  I'm not one to mess with the spirit world.  Anyway, a great time was had by all and I really can't wait until next years event!  Now I need to get back to work because I have a deadline this Friday for my NEW Splat book - Splat the Cat and the Name of the Game., then next week its off to Miami Beach for a little weekend getaway!  I forgot to take my camera to the event, but luckily my friends and family are shutterbugs.  Thanks guys!

Hermann Sons Hall

David Everett with Chicken Lips

check out his work here: http://www.chickenlips.biz

Iva Wilcox: http://www.ivascreations.com/