forest
I’ve finally finished it. After pushing through all my summer camp planning, I’ve managed to carve out some time to finish this guy. Our two adventurers finally meet the illusive Sasquatch. He’s definitely a nice guy, really down to earth. We made plans to go grab a pizza later this week. Hah hah! I hope you guys like it…now, onto the NEXT ILLUSTRATION!!!
Finally got around to continue working on this illustration…quickly laid down some color. I think that’ll do, now onto the detail. Huzzah!
Here’s a mildly clean sketch from the wife and I’s collab project. The next step is correcting and adjusting a few things about the sketch…then base colors. I’m so excited because it’s been a while since I’ve illustrated, and what better way to kick it off than with the Sasquatch. Oh Sasquatch…I wish I could meet you fo’ reals-ies!
Ever since I could remember, I’ve always loved being scared and I especially love monsters! When I was a kid I would pretend that monsters lived under every piece of furniture and in every dark corner of the house. I would pretend that huge beasts roamed the forest near my grandparents house, and that I was the guardian that kept them there. However at the same time I was afraid of the dark! I would constantly ask my older brother to walk me to the bathroom at night, or go into dark rooms ahead of me to turn the lights on. At bedtime I hated turning the lights off and trying to get under the covers before darkness enveloped the room. Hah! Some guardian I was. But I loved it, and whenever I wanted a thrill I would just let my imagination run wild! I quickly learned that there is some kind of attraction to fear that, I think, we’re all born with. Monsters have always symbolized something big and scary that you have to conquer, and I think that’s rather appropriate. You see, in life, it’s only through conquering our fears and struggles that we can truly change and grow. So since October seems to be the month when monsters are everywhere, here’s an illustration dedicated to the monsters in my life…BEWARE, FOR SOON I WILL CONQUER YOU!
So why is this place called “Hairy at the Heels?” You’re right to say that the phrase is characteristically British. It originated in the late 19th century as a reference to horse racing. It was said that a horse having too much “hair around the heels” was of poor breeding, and people would often bet against these horses. So you can imagine it didn’t take much to shift this saying, figuratively, to humans. In all honesty I’ve always felt a bit “hairy at the heels,” a little ill-bred, like the world is betting against me. I think we all have at some point or another.
So I’ve decided to take this saying and turn it on it’s head! “Hairy” has a variety of meanings: wild, unusual, dangerous, unpredictable and weird. Safe to say, at certain times, I can be described as having one or two of those characteristics. However, like a samurai, I’m taking all these traits and channeling them to accomplish things of great beauty. The way I see it, life is very unpredictable and fraught with potential for disaster and triumph; and sometimes, to survive, I think we all need to be a little “hairy at the heels.”
We'll guys it's finally here! I've finished what I set out to do with my free time, and it was a good journey. I really enjoyed this project and learned a lot. For now I leave you with the animation and the solemn promise that the next one will be even better. Thanks for all the support!