Ringing in the New Year with Woflmans and Sketchbook Making

Hello and Happy New Year, Interneters!

It feels late to be saying that 3 weeks into the year, but I've been quiet for the last little while.  Near the end of last year I was experiencing some fatigue and minor pain in my drawing hand, so at my doctor's behest I took it easy over the holidays until it started feeling better.  And now that I am feeling better, let the drawing ensue!

In other news, here are a bunch of things that Wolfmans like:

 

 Apples

 Safari Shirts

Basketball

 

Jukeboxes

Handmade Sketchbooks

I know what your thinking--you have a lot in common with wolfmans.  Well, you should probably go to the doctor like I did.  If you have pain in your drawing hand, you may be a wolfman.  (Luckily, my diagnosis was a false positive.)

Or you may have been thinking, "That is no sketchbook, sir!  That is the box of a popular breakfast cereal!"  Well, you'd only be half right, friend, for indeed it is both.  My officemate and trained botanical professional, Anthony Zierhut showed me a totally easy method of making sketchbooks a couple of weeks ago, and I'm hooked.

You can try it too--he posted the easy to follow instructions RIGHT HERE IN PUBLIC for anyone to see.  What a nice guy, right?  He even gave me materials to make my first book (though I cannot guarantee he'll do the same for you).

Now, if you're thinking to yourself, "I can't make a nifty sketchbook like that; I'm allergic to cereal boxes,"  it turns out that you can make sketchbooks out of all kinds of stuff.  I didn't have any bookbinding supplies at home, so I improvised with found materials for my next few books.

For the covers, I used the thick pages from a discarded children's board book.

The spine tape is duct tape instead of fancy binding tape.

I used regular sewing thread and a cheap candle instead of bookbinding thread and beeswax.

The paper is just regular cheap color printer paper--perfect for no-fuss sketchery.

The glue that binds it all together is regular white glue, like Elmer's.

To me, it's pretty cool that I could make a book out of stuff I found lying around our house.  Give it a try and let me know how it works out for you

Anyway, I hope this year is fun and productive for all.  Be good, and I hope to be back with more drawings soon!

Christmas Cheer

It feels like it's been far too long since I've posted comics.  My kids continue to say really funny things, so I thank them for writing my material.  Actually, it's mostly my son Sawyer.  Lately the only thing I hear my daughter say is "boppoli!" (Her favorite food is broccoli.  This is what happens when you raise vegan babies.)

(click comics to bigify)

I generally don't approve of the F-word, but it's pretty cute when you hear a 3 year old say it.  And with such sincerity.

In 30 years you will, Sawyer.  Then who will be laughing?

Hope this Season is bright for all!

What If... @ Gallery Nucleus

I was asked to participate in an upcoming micro-show titled "What If..." at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra.  This is my piece: 7"X7", gouache and acrylic ink on board.

The show opens on December 10th.  Hope to see you there!

CTN Fan Art Giveaway: One Piece Edition!

Boys and Girls, it's time for CTN!

I'll be strolling the floor on Saturday with a backpack full of fan art to give away.  Here's the One Piece series; below you can find the Batman doodles--come talk to me, and let's trade drawings!

I'll also have a bunch of the Summer Doodles for sale with me.

...

Also, to make it easy to find me, I'm including a handy reference chart.  Adhere to these easy-to-follow steps, and you too can spot an Anthony Holden in the wild.

So, see you there!  By the by, who is YOUR favorite One Piece character?

Be good!

Just For Fun

Waiting.

Fanart Thursday: Batman Postcards

I drew some embarrassing Batman fan art at work the other day, with sharpies on 5X8 index cards.

...I have little explanation to offer for the images that follow.

By now you've probably realized that I like giving things away.  So here's a heads-up to anyone who will be attending the CTN Animation Expo in a few weeks:  I will be giving away these little post cards for free at the convention on Saturday, November 19th.  So come find me and let's exchange pleasantries--and, if you like, drawings.

If I'm feeling ambitious, I might get around to doing more.  Any suggestions on my next topic?