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/

Bone-In-The-Box

Please welcome "Bone-In-The-Box.  He is hand-made from clay, paint and fabric.
UPDATE 9/26/2011  Bones-in-the-Box has been sold.

 

 

 

 

2 Busy 4 Fun!

UPDATE:  It's been a while, but I haven't forgotten my blog.  I am SWAMPED with a workload that boggles my mind!  Currently I'm illustrating three children's books at one time! Also, I'm working on my own children's picture book projects that I need to finish soon or my agent is going to change her number.  Poor me right?  Well,  I'm not complaining about my work because I feel very fortunate. Yesterday, my dog barked at me when I came out of my studio.  He didn't recognize me!  So, I juggle, and sleep when I can.  On top of everything else I am squeezing in my projects for this years Halloween and Vine Show.  I know, I know, you get the picture.  Nothing like overstating the point.
Anyway, in conclusion, I wanted to let you know I will be posting works in progress pix here on my blog and my Face Book page.  See you soon!

Mouse Cottage work in progress...more to come soon!

1. First the sketch

2. Gathering supplies

3. Prime then basecoat

4. Now for some color

5. Too bright.  Needs more aging.

6. That should do it!

7. Now for the environment.

Cat in the Box

The small suprises in life always make my day.  This one comes via my publisher.

Sneak Peek!

Here are a couple of detail pix of upcoming characters I'm making.  I'll announce here what day I will be posting them for sale in my shop "Grimm Grinz", so if you follow this blog you will be first to know!

NEW STORE! NEW LOOK! NEW ADDRESS!

I've opened a new online store called "Grimm Grinz Studio", and I hope you will be able to stop by and see my goods. I'm still uploading images (it takes some getting used to) and learning the ropes, but there is a bit of eye candy I hope you will enjoy...or maybe have to have. Just click the ETSY banner in the right hand column.

Thank you everyone!

I've never had an interest in blogging before now. I used to wonder why anyone would be remotely interested in how my life functions behind the digital curtain. Besides, I've never been that good at keeping up a journal anyway. Ironically, I love reading other artists blogs. I find them to be a constant source of inspiration. But what in the heck could I offer? After some consideration I finally decided that maybe I too could be a source of inspiration to a newbie or just a fellow lover of art like myself who enjoys watching the creative process.  If you'd like to get updates on my newest artwork, take a look to the right. There should be an option to be my blog "follower"and you will be notified....well, you know how it works.
Thanks for stopping by!