New Years Inspiration

Happy New Year!!!

I was reading something on Kris Straub’s blog a few weeks ago and then was browsing through his archives and read something that intrigued me. He wrote that it somehow became a tradition/superstition that on New Year’s Eve he would draw all his characters together on one page. He felt that if he didn’t, they would in essence die, so he had to draw all the ones he wanted to continue on with him to the next year.

Yes, artists are weird. Let’s get past that.

Since I don’t have any characters of my own (yet), and I’ve been thinking a lot about the influences on me cartoonily (rather than fine art), this is what has happened:

I have drawn me and my major influences so that maybe something of them will continue on with me on to the next year. I know next year will be a big one for cartooning, as I’m just getting started in the evening of 2010; the dawning of 2011 only promises more and more drawing. (Yay!)

(Click for larger image.)

Alright, let me give you a run down at what you’re looking at. From the top left:

Rogue: Ben got into comics when I was in junior high or early high school, and I fell in love with them. I even stole the Rogue mini-series (1995) and 2 other random X-Men comics. She is not drawn in any one artist’s style, although I really love MIKE WIERINGO’s style. Also some of my favorite books were drawn by TOM RANEY and I really love LEINIL FRANCIS YU’s style. Beautiful stuff.

Garfield: Ok, JIM DAVIS isn’t a favorite of mine. But the earliest cartooning I remember is tracing Garfield. I don’t mind if Garfield decides to stay in 2010 (or the 1970’s where he belongs) but I felt like I couldn’t do this without mentioning him.

Abominable Charles Christopher and Townsen: As you have read, I love KARL KERSCHL’s work with a passion, especially his painterly style. I had a blast drawing these two. I can’t wait to see what 2011 brings with their own comic, as well as their influence in mine.

Cowardly Clyde: BILL PEET was a favorite growing up. He did a lot of old Disney illustrations, and did a ton of kid’s books. Cowardly Clyde was one of those books that just stayed with me (probably because he’s a horse and, yes, I was *that* girl). But Peet’s style is beautiful and I would love to learn more from him.

Arthur: DAVE KELLET’s Sheldon is what got me into web comics. I’ll forever be in his debt! (And I want an Arthur hat.)

Pinkerton: It’s not just because I live with a great dane, but STEVEN KELLOGG’s illustrations (and books) are wonderful and a great memory from my childhood. His illustrations are pure joy.

Digger: I have learned so much from URSULA VERNON’s stunning comic, and I know I will continue to devote hours to pouring over the artwork. As the comic comes to a close this year (SO SAD), I can’t wait to see how it ends, but I also don’t want it to. I want Digger by my side all the time! Digger and I have become good friends.

Last year’s “resolution” (although there was very little I could do to influence it) was to sell a painting to a stranger. It didn’t happen, even though I was in a handful of shows. As disappointing as that is, it’s probably a good idea to make a resolution where I actually have some say in it.

That being said, my resolution for 2011 is to get that webcomic launched. And to finish this comic book I’m working on. (At this rate, it just might take all year....)

Thanks for reading and I hope you’ll stay with me through the new year, too! I hope you have a blessed New Year and you learn more about yourself, learn how to love others and - most importantly - learn how to love God.

Until next year - Happy New Year!