Sketchy Skunk

I've been inspired lately by Scottie Young, artist on Marvel's Wizard of Oz and other titles. I really enjoy the sketchy look of his artwork and the motion they seem to have. I can understand getting that look with penciling, but he maintains it during the inking stage, too. So, I've sketched out a few poses of Ramone Cologne trying to get that loose feeling while showing more motion in Ramone's poses.

Ramone Cologne Goes Digital on Kindle Fire and iPad

Issues 1 & 2 are now available through Amazon.com on the Kindle Fire and the iPad. In fact, any device with the Kindle reader app has access to Ramone Cologne: A Skunk's Tale, and Skunklock Holmes!

I've read both issues on the Fire and iPad and I think they look really good. The digital format allows you to double tap to zoom in if you want a closer look at word balloons or artwork. Or you can read in full-page format. I've really been surprised by how much I've enjoyed comics on digital readers. I'm a traditionalist when it comes to books, and I have bookcases filled with them. But the digital format for comics and magazines is such a slick look and fun reading experience, I highly recommend it.

Check out the Ramone Cologne books on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ramone+cologne&x=0&y=0

If you purchase a copy, and have a few seconds to post a review on Amazon, I would really appreciate it. Enjoy!

Chickens Coming Together

The work on my current Children's Book is moving right along. Several pictures are complete and I'm also working on mini-sketches and paintings to create the chickens' world. They will be combined with another environment that is totally contrary to chickens, which forms the theme of the story. I'm really enjoying this project!

New Project for 2012

Here's one of the character sketch scenes I've drawn and painted for a new project I'm working on this year. Hope to have all of the drawing and initial painting done in the next few weeks. I'm experimenting with some new background ideas, so the grass and sky aren't visible in this first shot.

Rick & Ramone on Tumblr!

I have a new site for my artwork via Tumblr. I'm posting quick sketches, book previews, etc. on the Tumblr site. Check it out at: rickmcgee.tumblr.com The "Rick & Ramone" page has already added some new followers and had some nice comments and reblogs of posted artwork. Join in and see new Vertically Challenged Artwork and more!

Meeting a Hero and Legend

About a year ago, I posted my Influence Map, an idea I got from artist Cedric Hohnstadt. It shows the artists that have inspired and influenced me. Today, at the Cincinnati Comics Expo, I got to meet one of the greats from my map: Legendary Artist Stan Goldberg. Stan's influence on me came through his 41 years of work with Archie Comics. But he has worked with many others, including Timely Comics (Marvel before they were Marvel). I got a couple of drawings from Stan and enjoyed his stories as he drew, including some great advice to me as an artist. He was a pleasure to meet!

Below Left: Sketch of Jughead Jones, my favorite character in the Archie Comics world. Below Right: Stan Goldberg starting the sketch of Jughead.