Danger on the Good Ship Lollipop

Danger on the Good Ship Lollipop
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I'm doing a series with the bavarian bears, who can be seen off in the distance in the upper right. The fox and goat from the last piece are followed through for this image. You'll note the ravenous claw inside the boat next to the balloons, waiting for our young mistress to climb aboard. Little miss goat might not be long for this world, but in the mean time, and I mean mean, she can enjoy a moment or two of happy toyfulness. I'm posting early 'cause I'm visiting home this week. See ya soon!

Flight of the Bumblebee

Flight of Bumblebee
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I love me some polka. Frankie Yankovic might not be everyone's cup of tea, but throw in some Doris Day and I think everybody can agree it's a good time. I'm working on the back of a mailing for the bears piece. I think this creature started life as another bear then morphed from a squirrel to a cat. In any event, that's definitely a bee up there buzzing around my accordian: instrument of the gods.

Oompa Bears

Oompa Bears
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Bavarian Bear Boy Bands attract cows, goats and dancing dogs-- you learn something new everyday. I think this one is finally done, but I may yet add a bumblebee or a butterfly bugging the bear with the drum. So I guess they attract bugs too. The fox in the lower right leads into the next image, which I've started. I've been most excited about not putting in the sky. I wanted a rolling wall of atmosphere and I think I got it. Maybe from here the Bears will tour Europe. Or maybe they'll take a nap. Hmmm... that does sound nice.

I have a print going up on Tiny Showcase this evening. Please check it out! www.tinyshowcase.com I've put a link to the right.

Underwater Basketweaving 101

Underwater Basketweaving 101
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

Ever feel like the rest of the world can turn grape jelly into wine when you'd be satisfied mixing a peanut butter sandwich without lumps? This drawing surprised me. I'd started with the idea of one classmember being jealous of another's ability. Then the proficient weaver ended up looking very matronly and maternal-- especially with the basket placed over her belly like that.

In a broader context, maybe this means that I'm jealous of children and childbirth... or maybe I feel that the whole human construct and conception is entirely foreign and bizarre-- akin to the furby phenomenon. Maybe it means I equate art and creation with life. All I know is that if I'd been able to take this course in college I'd have kept the deep sea diving outfit for social gatherings, private parties and bar mitzvahs.

Bear Band

Bear Band
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I'm jumping the gun a little with this one. The piece is not done, so I'm uploading a portion of it a little early. It's the 4th of July, and I've got oompa band music coursing through my veins! Actually, the day I started this piece, an article appeared in the newspaper about the first Bavarian Bear to appear in that country since the days of...um...Beethoven? Anyway, it's been a long time and I took that as a good sign. I think I'll stick with the German boy bear band for a little while. Eventually the animals may grow lederhosen, but that'll keep for the next image. I'll try and post the finished illustration next week.

O Muh Darlin

O Muh Darlin
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This image was up on my old website for the longest time, but I've since reworked it so that it looks more finished and the colors flow nicer. It's been a rough week here already, so new stuff will be forthcoming in the weeks that follow. I've mostly been reading, writing and putting my dramas to bed. These two seem a little tooth-goofy for my taste today, but they're not a bad sort. Happy Trails.

Visitor From Down Under

Visitor From Down Under
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I've been busy with my show opening this past weekend-- thanks to those of you who attended. This image is another short ghost story called 'A Visitor from Down Under' by L.P. Hartley. My take on it is more goofy and odd than scary, but I do love the spooky vernacular of a suspenseful tale. I may continue with stories like these, playing around with shadows and compositions or I may move on towards sweet goofiness. We'll see where I am next week.

Wax Poetic Gallery Opening

Wax Poetic Gallery Opening
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This Saturday, June 17 from 8 pm to 11 pm I will be having a gallery opening titled 'Wilson Swain & Friends present Animals in Clothing'. Come one. Come all. Bring your friends and I'll bring mine---well, the ones I could get ahold of, anyway. The location is 3208 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA. Prints are available. Also originals. Visit the gallery at www.waxpoeticgallery.com

The "friends'" websites are clickable under the 'links' column on the far right.

Bat Girl

Bat Girl
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

A portrait for my upcoming show at Wax Poetic Gallery this weekend--Saturday the 17th from 8 to 11 pm. I was playing around with melding the wing into the dress. I'm not sure if she's lonely or waiting for someone. I've never been much for goth or horror so this painting looks pretty quiet to me. I just wanted to paint someone a little contemplative--so I don't have to be. I like the deep yellow sky. I'm not sure if it's night or day. I'd kind of assumed that that was the moon, but maybe the colors imply something else. Something's not quite right here.

The Judge's House

judgeshouse
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I've been reading a lot of ghost stories lately and this title kept getting chosen as one of the best. An academic student holes himself inside an old dilapidated mansion once owned by a malicious judge, who was bent on sending as many men to the gallows as he could. He even kept next to his chair, as a momento, the rope of his victims' noose converted as a bell pull.

During his stay, the student is plagued by rats and rodents deep into the wee hours of the morning. The old portrait of the judge can be seen reflected in the face of the chief rat and eventually the two become one. Rest assured....there are dastard deeds at hand. Two images this week. Check out my 'Animals in Clothing' below.

Wagon Wheels

wagonwheels
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

I don't normally post two images a week, but with my show coming up in just two weeks (June 17th--Wax Poetic Gallery, Burbank), I figure a little extra promotion can't hurt. I recently viewed the old classic 'Stagecoach' for the first time--John Wayne's breakthrough performance. I've never been a huge fan of the wild west but these big red chariots have always held a little mystery for me. If I ever get the chance to ride in one drawn by a giant guinea pig--I'm there.

The Shadow of a Shade

visitorfromdownunder
Originally uploaded by Wilson Swain.

This short ghost story by Tom Hood tells of a young spinster whose lover dies on an expedition to Antarctica. His murderer returns to propose marriage to the greiving lady. But he is instead greeted by a haunted portrait of his victim and a moth that secretes bloody red drops. And then there's that extra shadow he casts, which bares no resemblance to his own.

I have a number of these black and white images from ghost stories I'll be posting. I love the macabre--especially simple quiet moments when 'something just isn't quite right'. The image doesn't make as much sense until you know the story--the beauty of illustration.