E.T.(ree's Lounge)

"I haven't phoned home in years. Don't think I have one to go back to."

Remember that ultra depressing Steve Buscemi movie from the 90s (Tree's Lounge) where he plays an alcoholic? As I sat down to draw E.T. last night, like I sometimes do, I realized that he started resembling a down on his luck Steve Buscemi, so I gave him a cigarette a blue background to complete the scene. 

It sure was a nice break to draw something quick and fun since the majority of the work I've been doing the past few months has been so precise and line based. Hoping to do more like this in the future of some of my other favorite creatures. Any suggestions?

"Eye'll have what he's having"

I've been interested in body parts and facial features lately and I'm still figuring out the best way to explore this interest.

 In the meantime here's a drawing of my brother eating a rather glaring portion of  eyeball cake. 

Walrus Murray

Recently there were some delightful pictures of Bill Murray floating around the internet and I was inspired to sketch one of them out. 

I realize it has been a month since my last post which is CRAZY, so I'm going to try and be better about posting new arts on here. Fortunately I have a good reason for my long absence. Last month I signed a contract with my friend Ari Cohen of Advanced Style fame to officially publish our Advanced Style Coloring Book with powerHouse Books. I've been hard at work on 10 new drawings for this edition (I've actually done 17 so we can have a bigger pot to choose from) but unfortunately I can't share them with you guys until the book is published!

So sit tight everyone because more art is coming your way.

Pizza The Hutt Family Portrait

During my blogging hiatus last year I was part of a pizza themed show at The Pony Club gallery here in Portland to which I contributed the above piece. I've always loved Pizza the Hutt from Mel Brooks's classic Spaceballs and I wondered what his family might be like. If there is one Pizza the Hutt there must be others, right? 

This original watercolor painting is framed in a wooden frame and measures 8"x10". It's available for purchase at $150. If you're interested please email me at ischraer@gmail.com!

Below is the sketch I made for reference before I did the final piece. 

Grandparents

I recently got back from visiting my family and friends down in San Diego (and got a nice little break from the cold weather too). While I was down there I also paid a visit to my Grandparents which I always look forward to. At 93 and 92 years of age they are still very much with it and live alone in the same house they've lived in for 40+ years. I also never get tired of using them for portrait studies, so while messing around in my studio with colored pencils a couple months ago I produced these two drawings.

I especially like the way this one turned out and I may turn it into a full scale painting.

I also gave them a copy of the Advanced Style Coloring Book, and a box of colored pencils. I hope they actually end up coloring in it; I'd love to see what they come up with. 

My Grandfather doing his best to hide his pride. 

Happy belated new year!

Hello everyone! I know it's been a while since I've posted, and I honestly have no excuse, but with new years come new opportunities. The Advanced Style Coloring Book turned out to be a big success! We sold out of our limited run of 150 in just under 24 hours. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who bought one and supported the project. There are plans a'brewing to keep that project afloat, but unfortunately I can't say much more than that right now.

Due to the holidays, I've taken a minor leave of absence from creating art, but I'm rested and ready to hop back on that train. I've had a lot of ideas brewing in the interim and I can't wait to get started on them.

For now I'll be posting some images that I've been storing up for a few months. Starting with this one!

"Look away.... I'm hideous!"

This is a drawing that I did for Stephanie as part of her birthday present back in December. It's of Kramer when he starts a smoking club in his apartment and ages 30 years in a matter of days. When Jerry brings this to his attention he describes himself as "craggly" and "crinkly"(hence the title). You can enjoy the clip HERE.

On Sale and Going Fast!

Add caption

I'm very pleased to announce that the Advanced Style coloring book is now available for preorder. This is a limited pressing of 150 and there are only 28 left! I'm blown away by the response to this project, especially since we only put it up for sale last night. I can't wait to see these drawings in color.

The book contains 20 original full page illustrations based off the photographs of Advanced Style creator (and old pal) Ari Seth Cohen. Get one while you still can HERE.