Illustration Friday: Smoke

Because of the current workload, I haven't been able to bust out something new, so I've been digging through some old portfolio boxes. Typically, I cringe showing older work, but I think to have that attitude about older work is not the way to go. Sometimes revisiting ideas or techniques that lead you to certain place forces you back into that midset when you were more experimental. For me, I guess I sometimes enjoy the looser brush stroke on my older pieces.

Illustration Friday: Wind

This painting is from years ago, in fact when I was still in school. I know... another horse. But for some reason I always kept this painting. Maybe it was the wind that bumped the rider over, or maybe Mr. Two Red Stripes himself. Hey! Red Stripe! A beer referrence!

Make me a Chimp of the Month!

Wow! I am so excited! I was nominated as a potential chimp of the month. Now, typically I think this is an insult, but with me perfecting the wide teeth grins, progressive swaying back and forth, and violent headshaking these past few years... this is my one and only shot for true recognition. So please, instead of feeding me cigarettes, go ahead and click this link, and vote for me as your favorite chimp. If you do, I promise not to throw feces at you. Word!

The Little Chimp Society

Oh Puzzles!

I swear... this is the LAST horse painting. Next up is a SEVERE concentration on my book projects and more beer reviews. My priorites have been far out of whack... by horses.

My Pet Project Launched

Hello everyone. Just dropping another note letting you know that my piece for The Pet Project is officially up on eBay now! Please drop by, make a bid, pass it on to anyone you might think interested. The proceeds from the auction will go to the Rhode Island SPCA, which will in turn help thousands of homeless animals during this fast approaching winter. Recently, I have become involved with the RISPCA through fostering, and I hope in turn your bid can help them further facilitate placing wonderful animals with new families. Thanks so much for taking the time to check this message out, and hopefully making a bid on my original art!

Click HERE to see the bid!

Click HERE to learn more about the RISPCA

New Moon Cover

One more project off the dry erase board of fun. Ok, you're right. I never look at that damn board.

Illustration Friday: Ghost

I have two images this week. One a bit older than the other. Both heavy with memories. Who doesn't have ghosts? If there is one thing kelmurphy has... it's ghosts.

Illustration Friday: Smitten

Loony Little in Paperback

Well what do you know! My first paperback! Loony Little (Candlewick Press), written by Diana Hutts Aston is on the schedule for fall 2007 for the paperback titles. I'm not entirely sure what all of it entails, but it sounds cool! It's my first time.

Curious City and a Radio Interview

This weekend, I will be in Maine with my friends from Curious City, presenting my book, Good Babies. If you are in the area, please come by and visit Space Gallery in Portland at 11am. I can't wait to make some mean looking troll masks.

And also this Saturday morning from 8 to 9am, tune into WMPG for my radio interview on Chickens R People 2, with Kelsey and Beate. We'll be chatting about Good Babies, My Pet Project, and basic inspiration for picture making.

I'm a NERD!

I knew it! Man, D&D came back to haunt me BAD! I knew I was a bit nerdy, but 46%? I now understand my high school years where I DID have an action figure collection. I was talking with Tracers the other day about the Weird Al song White and Nerdy, and come to think of it, mentioning Weird Al as excitedly as I did made me more nerdy. Oh well... maybe I can somehow use it as an excuse for things.

"Kel, why didn't you come to the party last night?"
"Sorry dude, I'm 46% nerdy. You understand, right?"
"What the hell are you talking about? You're just lame!"
"Exactly."

Now it's time for you to take the quiz.

Illustration Friday: Trouble

An excerpt from Dancing Matilda. She was always getting herself into trouble.

Beer for KIDS!

When I started this blog, I received many comments about the idea of illustration and beer combined. Well, I give you something way more bombass. Beer for sick kids complete with cheerleaders. This is pure genius.

The Hancock Street Pub Crawl is taking place in the Metro Boston area. No crawl goes further. Hancock Street Pub Crawl is a fundraiser for the Little Hearts organization, a group that helps kids with congenital heart defects. In the past, they have raised over $8200 to help kids and their families deal with heart problems. Apparently, this year the New England Patriot cheerleaders are looking to get their drink on, too.

The even takes place Saturday, Oct. 28th, 2006 and starts at noon. Click here and here for more details.

Kelmurphy on Altpick

Just letting everyone know you can also find me on altpick, the source for creative talent and information. You can use the navigation to the right or simple click here!

Illustration Friday: Quiet

Another airplane sketch. The quiet mischief of those trixy rabbits. The words are Björk's.

More Ducks!

I'm starting to feel like I am getting sloppier and sloppier. Soupir. Maybe it's just the constant eye twitch.

My Pet Project

Hello friends!!

I was writing to let you know I have joined with 28 other children's book illustrators in an event called--The Pet Project: Picture Book Art From the Heart.The Pet Project is an illustration show and charitable online auction with a unique twist. Each of the 29 illustrators involved have chosen their favorite charity or 'pet project' for their illustration's bidding to benefit. I have donated The Remembering Stone to benefit The Rhode Island SPCA.

The auction opens on October 5th, 2006 and runs through October 15th, 2006. The auction will be hosted on eBay. If you would like to be alerted when the auction opens, enter your email address at The Pet Project Website.

If you are in the Portland, Maine area in early October, join us at the opening! October 5, 2006 from 6:00-8:00pm. Zero Station. Click here for directions. If not, bid away my pretties! It's for a great cause and adorable animals who have a long cold winter fast approaching.

Encore, encore!

A few more pictures from my trip. I plan on using alot of the buildings in an upcoming dummy.

Mon dieu, je t'm, Paris.

The weather has a been a bit shakey, with thunder and showers some days... but still I absolutely love this place.

Heading to a New Adventure

Well, the kittens are all off to go find new homes. I just really hope they find special families. They were so sweet and loving, I know they will. And yes, when I dropped them off, I busted out crying. I told you animals were one of the only things that got me to cry. I'll miss them.

Off to Paris!
I'll post some new pics, and the mime shirt is comng again, baby! I found my beret too!