Pachyderm Express

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:28:00 +0000

Wow, it's been a long time since I last posted! Things have been busy I guess. Well, in honor of Halloween, here is a mashup of that fearsome, freaky monster of Frankenstein and the dashing, debonaire James Bond. "You Only Live Twice" was on TV the other day (one of my fave Bond movies), and this came to mind. So here we are, the great Frankenstein in, You Only Live Thrice!

Project Update

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 01:05:00 +0000

Update on the "Hats Off" project - WE MADE OUR GOAL! Yeeehoooo! And we still have a few days left on our Kickstarter campaign to help us publish it, so you can still get your awesome goodies and an early copy of the book. Hurry over to the site here and pledge while you still can. There are some neat rewards, including original drawings and paintings by me, customized poems by Jessica, and of course the book.

If you are wondering what in the world this is all about, you can read more about it in my last blog post here ... And then, get thee over to the project site and get your book! (Above is a spread from the book, in a hurry to see all the animals at the zoo)

Hats Off! launch

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:47:00 +0000

Once upon a time, 10 years ago my then girlfriend, now wife, and I said we would someday collaborate on a book together. She writes awesome poems, and I make pictures. Then life went on, and you know how things go, yadda yadda....

10 years later the kernel of an idea grew, and we decided to finally make the book a reality, before all the kids our friends are having become adults! So she wrote a great story, I'm working on the illustrations, and this summer we should have a great picture book about animals in hats (two spreads from the book above). But we need help to make this happen. That's where you come in, beautiful people who like to support cool projects and see neat things come into the world! Please visit our Kickstarter campaign here, and help us make this book happen! There are some neat rewards for giving, and for as little as $15 you can get your own signed copy when it comes out!

We aim to bring a little joy, a cup full of imagination, and a pinch of fun into the lives of children with this book. And possibly in the future, to bring loads of joy to little hearts with more books! But for now, we are super excited about this book, and can't wait to share it with you! Don't hesitate to contact me with questions about the the book, the way Kickstarter works, or anything. Thanks for taking the time to check it out, and let's bring some wonder into kids lives together!

Hitching a ride to the Wild Rumpus

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:36:00 +0000

After learning of the passing of Maurice Sendak yesterday, I went back and read the books I have of his, and listened to every interview I could find. What a genius! Such a creative, courageous and honest force he was in his storytelling. Thank you to the man who brought his dreams to life, hitched you to them, and then brought you back down gently for supper. While it was still warm. Here is my humble tribute sketch.

Jump!

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 22:17:00 +0000

A good time jumping session on the trampoline for everyone on this sunny spring day. Well, almost everyone! I always have a great time getting some air on the trampoline with my niece and nephew when we visit. And they love being rocket propelled into the air by me... at least I hope they do. That was my inspiration for this weeks Illustration Friday.

Also, coming soon will be some fun news about a cool new project I'm working on! Stay tuned and check back in a week or two for more...

Good time treasure hunt

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:07:00 +0000

These guys are all about having a celebration on the beach. A little music, a little dancing, and a little... wait... We're not all having a good time!

I'm trying out a new style, playing with textures, lines, colors. Let me know how you like it!

New project

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 17:34:00 +0000

I've been working on a new project that I'm really excited about lately. A book dummy is almost finished for it, and I'm ready to send it out. Crossed fingers and the stars aligned, this will be a book in a couple years! This is one of the spreads, lots of fun to create!

Library show

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:02:00 +0000

For the months of February and March, I will be showing artwork at the San Mateo main library. The paintings include some originals from my books, other children's book inspired work, and some newer paintings on wood panel. Lots of cool stuff, and it looks great in the library gallery! Check it out if you get a chance, and please come to the reception if you are around the area!

The library is located at 55 West 3rd Ave., San Mateo, CA
The reception will be on Saturday, March 3, from 1-3pm in the Laurel room (first floor). I am also doing a reading and drawing in the kids' section on March 14, at 4pm.

This year's a rollin' on!

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Wow, almost two months since I've posted! December found me busy with finishing up a book I'm working on, Christmas vacay, and few Holiday shows. It's the new year now and I'm still finishing up the book, just hung work at the San Mateo main library, and put some goodies in a show at Creative Framing & Gallery in Oakland.Whew, getting off to a good start!

Above are two of my new paintings at the gallery in Oakland, titled "Love Birds (1 & 2)". They are part of a group show called "Red, Hot Chocolate". A great grouping of art for Valentine's day, lots of juicy, tasty, 'lovely' art! If you're in the area, check it out!

I'm looking forward to doing some new work this year, and have started a new project, daily doodles. More info to come on that... But for now, thanks for checking my stuff out and enjoy!!

Santa's back!

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:54:00 +0000

If you're feeling a little crazed like our friend Claus, no need to worry! Here is a crafty little project to help get you in the joyful Christmas spirit. A paper box ornament. Just print, cut, fold and glue. I created this Frazzled Santa last year and thought he was so fun, so I had to share him again this year. Click on the image, then right click to download. Enjoy!

Exodus

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:52:00 +0000

I'm currently working on a new picture book for EKS publishing, and it has been loads of fun! Lots of research, and lots of drawing neat old time periods. This is a spread from the book (which should be available early 2012), depicting the Exodus from Egypt by the Israelites. I am really happy with how it turned out, and just wanted to share. A little taste to whet your appetite!

Long Time, No Post

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:52:00 +0000

Wow, things have been so busy I didn't realize how long it's been since I last posted on the old Pachy! Here are a few things I've been up to:

Advent Calendar - I've been wanting to do one of these for a long time, and this year I finally did. It's a 25-day Advent calendar, and each day you place a new sticker until Christmas when the image is completed. Fun for the family! Check it out here at Crafty Cat Press and get your copy! They make great gifts too.

Here is a list of the shows I have for the next couple months as well:

Studio Gallery - I have 4 pieces in "tiny" at this awesome gallery in SF. Through December 23

Gallery Annex - Downtown Redwood City, I have several paintings on view and a reception Saturday night, Nov. 5 from 6-9pm.

Hometown Holiday Children's Boutique - I will be selling books, cards, paintings and prints at this fun festival in downtown Redwood City on Saturday December 3.

Creative Framing and Gallery - This cute frame shop/gallery will be showing smaller works of art and cards during December and hosting 2 receptions. Come by and get some great fine art and handmade gifts! Through December, receptions on December 10 and 17, from 6-9pm each day.

Holiday Open Studio - 1420 James Ave., Redwood City. Join me and 2 other artists for a holiday showing of our works, and sweet treats! November 12-13 from 12-5pm each day.

Asleep

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Somewhere in a dream.

Happy Lost Sock Day!

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Mon, 09 May 2011 19:24:00 +0000

Here's hoping you find both socks of a pair in your laundry, but if not... know they are living it up somewhere in the single sock retirement community! May 9th is "Lost Sock Memorial Day". I'm going barefoot today.

Art + Coffee = Satisfaction!

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Mon, 02 May 2011 18:06:00 +0000

Not children's book related, but art related! For the month of May I'll be showing my landscape paintings at two coffee shops and one gallery here in the bay area.

The first is in San Jose, at Red Berry Coffee Bar on Santa Clara St. (near 6th, across from City Hall). Very cool cafe with some really great single origin locally roasted coffees (De La Paz, Barefoot, Ritual, etc.). Go check them out if you're in the south bay!

Second, I'll have some larger work up at 3 Bee's Coffee in downtown San Mateo, on 3rd St. Cool coffee place with tasty snacks and a great atmosphere.

Lastly, I have some work in the "Terrain" show at STUDIO Gallery in San Francisco during May. They are located on Polk St. near Washington, and they always have an awesome selection of amazing art. Definitely check them out if you are in SF!

So that's all for now folks, VERY busy month for me! 3 chances to check out some of my new work and get some great coffee. What more is there to life, art + coffee...?

The journey

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:59:00 +0000

Sometimes the journey is exciting and fun,
all signs say go...
Sometimes the road is long, winding,
and very slow...
Then there are the times,
When you wonder,
"I don't really know,
maybe I shouldn't be here...
Let's go!"

Cultivate

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:32:00 +0000

Spring is so close,
I can smell the flowers,
the fruits
and rich soil.
Don't forget to cultivate
your garden,
keep it rich
with your hard toil.

"Warning" ..or.. "How I lost my lunch, and my grandmother"

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:28:00 +0000

A little girl with a red hoodie went to visit her granny. You know the rest.

Pied Piper

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:23:00 +0000

A man with a tune that sounded so lovely, swarms of rats would follow him through town. The kids enjoyed the music too...

Layers

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:32:00 +0000

Can you have too many layers? Definitely not!

Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 01:35:00 +0000

Who, day and night, must scramble for a living,
Feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers?

The papa, the papa! Tradition!

Holding Hands

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 01:27:00 +0000

Two lovers in love,
Just because, that's why!
Two jellyfish learning,
how love makes you fly.

Lucky Little Sailor

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 17:52:00 +0000

This is Lucky little sailor. Charting his course for adventure at high sea!

More new paintings

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 16:28:00 +0000

Into The Garden - 32x29.5

Front Porch Roses - 16x20

A couple new paintings. I know these aren't really in the style of mine you're used to, but I'm trying this out. I'd love to hear what you think! This weekend I'm going on a 'painting trip', so hopefully I'll have a bunch of new cool stuff in another week or two! Anyway, a couple garden scenes from Ardenwood Farm in Fremont.

New paintings

noreply@blogger.com (woody) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 23:12:00 +0000

New year, new paintings.
Taking a break for a minute,
from whimsy,
and smelling some fresh flowers.

"Paperwhites and Pattern" - 16x20