Taylor Lautner...

Everybody seems to be drawing this guy these days. So, I did a quick sketch of him this morning as a little warm-up.

"Lashing Out!"

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. This is always a very busy time of the year for me. I have twelve, full page wrestling illustrations that I have to complete in two weeks time. Then again, busy is a GOOD thing! The above "Lashing Out!" cartoon is my latest for THE WRESTLER/INSIDE WRESTLING. For those of you who follow wrestling, the latest big story is TNA's acquisition of wrestling and cultural icon Hulk Hogan.

Speaking of wrestling illustrations, my friend Torren Thomas did a phenomenal painting of TNA wrestler Somoa Joe; which he posted on his blog a few weeks ago. If you're a fan of caricature and/or digital painting you have to check out his site. I can promise you this guy is on the fast track to becoming a Master Caricaturist.

Happy New Year everyone!

"Top Ten Most Interesting Faces of the Year"

The International Society of Caricature Artists (ISCA) of which (as of this year) I am a member, has started a tradition this year which I am sure will become a new media staple. They have released their list of the "Top Ten Most Interesting Faces of the Year". I’m not sure who all was involved in the decision making process, but “interesting”, as in most suited for caricature, is an understatement. I think I have sketched at least half the people on this list at one time or another, and it’s always fun to exaggerate their features. These days it seems that every media outlet in the world publishes some sort of “The Year‘s Most Whatever.” Yet, this list is quite unique in the sense that most everyone can agree on the humor in it, without the ever present “who deserves what” arguments that inevitably follow every other list of accomplished people. ISCA president Robert Bauer, and other members of the organization’s board, called on a few fellow members to caricature those on the list. No doubt, most people will recognize the work of such giants in the field of caricature as Tom Richmond, Jason Seiler, Paul Moyse, Court Jones, Glenn Ferguson, and several others.

So, sit back and enjoy the ISCA’s list of the “Top Ten Most Interesting Faces of the Year”. In fact, whether you’re an artist or not, grab a pencil and paper and have a go at them yourself. I promise you will have fun drawing these faces!

"Bear" Bryant Print

This is the finished artwork. I did this for a company who will be selling a limited number of signed prints. Oh, and how about our Crimson Tide in the National Championship Game, huh?

Roll, Tide Roll!!

Sneak Peek...

A very small w.i.p. peek of a larger painting I'm working on...

Iron Bowl Mojo...

Big in-state rivalry, Alabama vs. Auburn. Always a great game.

For those not familiar with Alabama football, the gag in this cartoon is a play on the old Crimson Tide cheer:

"Rammer Jammer

Yellow Hammer

Give 'em hell

Alabama"

Another Mojo...

...and still undefeated!

John Cleese

I havn't been doing a lot of caricatures lately, which is really what I enjoy doing most. So, here is a sketch of legendary "Monty Python" comic John Cleese. As always, comments and critiques are greatly appreciated.

A Little LSU Mojeaux...

This should be a great game!

A "Lashing Out!" Retrospect...

Okay, so I thought this might be a little fun. Above is a little comparison. One of my most recent “Lashing Out!” cartoons, and the very FIRST “Lashing Out!” cartoon, which I drew around 1998. I’m working on putting together a collection book of my wrestling cartoons. It’s been fun, and oddly strange, to see the evolution of my work. Some of the older cartoons I don’t even remember drawing. Obviously, too many concussions…

A Little More "Mojo"...

Looks like the "Mojo" is still working. This week we have a little "Rocky Top" "Mojo". For those of you whom may not follow SEC football, this is a HUGE rivalry. Hopefully we'll pull this one off!

Oh, I guess I should also mention that this illustration is my attempt at a caricature of Tennessee's new head coach, Lane Kiffin.

More "Mojo"...

Can we stay undefeated? First, the Tide will have to get passed Spurrier's Gamecocks later tonight. I think it will be a good game!

Uncle Fred Says:

Some of you may or may not know that I'm an unabashed conservative who spends a great deal of time following politics. In fact, if you follow my link on the right (no pun intended), you can read a few political essays that I have posted on my blog site, The Patrioteer. I posted the above cartoon there this morning, and then thought I would share it here as well.

6 Wins - 0 Losses? Not Bad...

Alabama 38 Kentucky 20

One of the benefits of doing the "Mojo" is the knowledge I gain from hours of research in preparation for drawing each cartoon. I mean, who knew this is the true origin of the "Wildcat" mascot? I sure didn't. You won't find this information on Wikipedia...

Another Win, Another Mojo...

You gotta love that Crimson Tide.

Roll Tide, Roll...

I'm an Alabama football fan. No, make that "I'm a BIG Alabama football fan". So, a few seasons ago, I started a tradition of drawing a quick cartoon tribute for each game. A little good luck "mojo", if you will. Now, I've convinced myself that the Crimson Tide can't win without my weekly contribution.

Anyway, I thought I'd start sharing these quick little cartoons here, rather than leave so much time in between my posts.

"Lashing Out!"

Here's my latest "Lashing Out!" cartoon for THE WRESTLER. For those who are not fans, longtime wrestling legend, Jerry "The King" Lawler, has thrown his hat... er... crown(?) in the ring in the Memphis mayoral race. Well, I guess if Jesse "The Body" Ventura can do it, why not?

"Lashing Out!"

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It has been a tough month with a LOT of personal difficulties. Anyway, I always feel the need to explain these cartoons -- not as many people follow wrestling these days. This cartoon refers to the latest WWE storyline, which had Vince McMahon "selling" WWE to Donald Trump, only to have Trump sell it right back to him the following week. Wow! What an exciting storyline... {rolls eyes}.

George Carlin...

One of the greatest ever...

Drew Carey...

Frank Capra...

Pete Townshend...

Rick & Bubba Sketches...

Above are a few preliminary sketches I did trying to nail down a likeness for southern radio DJ's "Rick & Bubba". These guys have a pretty funny morning show that is syndicated throughout the south and was just picked up by XM/Sirius. These sketches were drawn in preparation for a magazine cover illustration. I have resolved to both do more sketching and post more sketches. I think my work will progress if I pay a bit more attention practicing my rudimentary drawing skills, rather than concentrating so much on full color illustrations.

PWI Annual...

Here's another sneak peek at the 2008 PWI Annual. The story behind this illustration was TNA champ Samoa Joe retaining his title in a "King Of The Mountain" match.

"Killer" Kowalski Tribute...

Sorry, I know I haven't posted in a while. I just finished a huge project for PWI (Pro Wrestling Illustrated). Here's a sneak peak at one of the pieces that will be featured in the upcoming PWI ANNUAL.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

I hope and trust that everyone has had a wonderful holiday season with their loved ones. Here's one more piece of "Mojo" for the Sugar Bowl...