Maned Iguanalope

First discovered by a stranded whaling vessel in the late 19th century, the Maned Iguanalope is endemic to a tiny rocky mesa at the southernmost tip of Patagonia. 

Averaging two to three feet in height, the creature feeds primarily on the carrion of the only other species native to this flat outcrop, the carnivorous Sloth Badger. According to eyewitness accounts, the Iguanalope's feeding strategy - provided it evades the sloth badger's clumsy ambush - is to simply run until its predator falls over and expires. 

Loosey Goosey

Stopped by Lake Merritt on my way home yesterday and knocked out a quick sketch of a plump member of our local flying cattle herd. This is actually a composite of a number of geese, as none of the buggers was prepared to sit still.

I should definitely do this more often.

Oak Ness Monster

I recently contributed a concept to the inimitable Dara Kerr's last article at Oakland North, which investigates the beast that lurks beneath the shallow depths of Oakland's Lake Merritt. I figured it would be apt to include a small tribute to the scores of gondoliers who have lost their lives to this carrion-breathed menace.

You can read more here: http://oaklandnorth.net/2011/06/22/is-there-a-monster-in-lake-merritt-scientist-says-yes/

Oakland Hills

I am SLOOOOOOWLY teaching myself landscape painting - these are paintings #4 and #3 (some random spot in the Oakland Hills and Ragle Park, Sebastopol, respectively), about ONE YEAR APART. Jeez. Hopefully I'll knock out a few more studies before the summer is through - I wonder if there's an easy way to cart an easel around on your bike? 

Black Market Benny

Black Market Benny was a short-lived character who arrived, like most dealers, to fill a void. His stock in trade, diacritical Latin alphabet letters, proved hugely popular with the immigrant community of Sesame Street, who had been underserved for so long by the show's Anglo-centric programming. It didn't take long, however, for Benny's activities to draw the attention of the League of Republican Mothers, who reported him to the IRS. Benny is eligible for parole in 2014.

Ramona the Happy Hooker

My contribution to Adam Ceja's painting challenge for 'failed Sesame Street characters'. This one's called Ramona the Happy Hooker. You can see more over @ paintboxbuffet.blogspot.com

Et tu, Brute?

This is a head study that got a little out of control. I'm not too jazzed about the caption, but that's what you get for an afterthought. 
On a related note - why won't they hurry the eff up with that "Rome' movie?