Man's Adventure

Ginger Beef!

2012-01-30T10:50:00.002-05:00

I've not drawn many red-heads (if any ever...?) But recently DJ Dwayne's Daddy Next Door party night catered to the Ginger and Ginger-loving crowd. Brilliant colorist Michael Wiggam did an amazing job with this beefy daddy - including coloring all of his body hair (which those of you who color on the computer know is no easy task).

hugs,
j.

Stripping!

2011-12-19T09:22:00.002-05:00

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of meeting musician/comic book artist/actor/Canadian and all-around-fun-guy Hank Pine while he was in town. The plan was to do some life drawing but because of my comic book drawing schedule we weren't able to.

Wait! Before you shed a tear for our lost opportunity to draw together...the story has a happy ending.

Instead of life drawing, on Hank's last night in town we hit Remington's - Toronto's classiest Male strip club. There we endured...enjoyed several of Toronto's finest naked male dancers. In fact we enjoyed them through three sets! And we did it because we fell in love with Rex.

Unfortunately for us neither Hank nor I could afford a private dance. Unfortunate for Rex, too, because he spent his valuable time chatting with us and didn't make a dime. (That's not entirely ture...I did give Rex ten bucks during one of his dances. Right in the ol' underpants piggy bank). We learned all about Rex, from his Irish heritage, to his beginnings as a male entertainer. Plus we saw him strip THREE TIMES!

And we also got some life drawing done. Hank had his sketchbook and we oh so discretely sketched some of the fellas while sipping our double vodka/gin/tonics. When I got home I re-created one of my favourite drawings of Rex and that's the drawing you see at the top of this long-winded post.

If you're ever in Toronto with nothing to do in the evening, head over to Remington's and say "Hi" to Rex for us.

j.bone

Chopping Wood!

2011-12-05T11:07:00.002-05:00

Though Toronto has yet to get any substantial snow we're moving well into winter here. It's cold and gonna get colder. I'm accepting applications for a flannel clad lumberjack with enough muscle and fur to keep me warm these chilly December nights.

j.

Gus Brock and Jett Vector!

2011-11-24T08:54:00.004-05:00

I've been negligent and not posting on my blog. And I feel the shame of it. It's not that I haven't been drawing -- I have. But I've been drawing for work (and having a lot of fun) which has not allowed for spare time drawing or any un-work related drawing of any kind.
So today I bring you the art of Gus Brock.
Gus drew a movie poster style image of Jett Vector complete with hunky sidekick (wait'll you see who) and sexy lady alien! Click on through to check out Gus' drawing and his process.

And I promise that once my work is done I'll be back to drawing beefcake and posting here.
And a Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends.
j.

Summer Sketching!

2011-10-24T09:46:00.005-04:00

As Summer falls into Autumn I took a moment to clean up my desk which often becomes cluttered with loose pages of doodles and unfinished sketches. I scanned a few of those pages and share them with you now.

The latest job to come my way is something I'm pretty darned excited about -- I'm drawing an issue of iZOMBIE! The script is by series writer Chris Roberson and has me drawing a lot of fun stuff (Werewolves!). The amazing Mike Allred is the regular artist on the book and as a guest artist I am in with some illustrious company. The first fill-in was by Gilbert Hernandez, and Jay Stephens provided the second. If you haven't been reading iZOMBIE you should.

j.

Biff! Pow! Color!

2011-09-08T07:30:00.002-04:00

First color drawing from the recent (and last) Dr. Sketchy's session. Mmm...love Robin's hairy tummy and furry legs. The model Robin's...not my drawing of Robin.

More to come.

j.

Dr. Sketchy's Batman and Robin!

2011-09-01T09:07:00.012-04:00

We're coming up on the end of summer and, sadly, the end of an era -- Dr. Sketchy's Toronto is breaking up. For their final session the organizers, Brett Despotovich and Katherine Piro (and photographer Brynne Kennedy) went out with a bang. The models were dressed as Batman and Robin...sexy, sexy Batman and Robin. Boylesque performers Patastrophic Sexapeel and Corey Swelling played Batman and Robin.

Oh man...these guys are HOT!!

I used to watch the old Batman tv show (who didn't?) every afternoon after school. I never realized how hot costumed crime-fighters are when tied up until the guys took this pose. Suddenly it all hit me how I used to tie up my Mego Batman and Robin action figures. Robin also used to give Batman shirtless back-rubs. :)

Mmm...that final pose is still burned into my brain. I can't wait to see all of Brynne's photos from the night.

j.

Hawaiian Punch!

2011-08-04T13:24:00.002-04:00

This volcanic beast is another commission (for the same Toronto buddy for whom I've now done...many drawings...all of hot hairy men) I wanted to color this one just to play around with the volcano as a light source. It was my attempt at some of what Michael Wiggam does so wonderfully. Don't worry, Michael, I still need you! You're far better at rendered coloring than I'll ever be :)

best,
j.

Life Drawing! Dr. Sketchy's Toronto.

2011-07-27T18:30:00.005-04:00

Dr. Sketchy's Toronto is back in session for the summer! A recent model was the amazing Percy Katt (new Boylesque performer and an amazing photographer). His first costume was very Barbarella space-man and put me immediately in mind of my own Jett Vector!
Naturally I was very excited and tried to capture all of Percy's awesomeness on paper.

I'm working on finishing up some of the drawings as final color illustrations. And now I know if I ever need a model for Jett Vector I can call on Percy Katt! :)

j.

Fuzzy Friends!

2011-06-20T08:34:00.002-04:00

Summer in Toronto and I'm already sunburned. The humidity, and stickiness, has yet to begin but the men are definitely out in shirtless glory. I drew this a few weeks back when I saw a a guy in a hoody without a shirt and was instantly turned on. Already my sketchbook is bursting with hastily, and discretely, drawn men -- drawn in haste lest I lose the moment. These rough sketches I will turn into more finished pieces before the summer is out. Certainly there is no shortage of inspiration!

j.

Daddy Next Door part II.

2011-06-02T09:09:00.003-04:00

As promised, here is the next DADDY NEXT DOOR flyer -- in time for you (Toronto residents and anyone in from out of town) to attend. The first night was a tremendous success for DJ Dwayne and I know I'm hoping to make it out to this next one.
Here's the original colored by Michael Wiggam. This one was "Bay Street Daddy".
j.

Man Doodles!

2011-05-30T10:01:00.002-04:00

Today - a few sketches from guys I saw out at the bar over the weekend. The new Daddy Next Door image is out as well (that's the event run by DJ Dwayne Minard here in Toronto). I'll post the art on Thursday!

j.

Muscle Daddy!

2011-05-20T10:09:00.005-04:00

A DJ buddy of mine, DJ Dwayne from a previous post, is running a new night here in Toronto. It's called "Daddy Next Door" (and shame on me, has already happened...I missed the night but heard it was packed! Don't worry, though, there will be another in June.) Dwayne approached me about doing art for his event and I was happy to provide. It also gave me a chance to have the amazing Michael Wiggam color my art for a real live gig! Woo!
I think Mike did an incredible job with this muscle Daddy. Probably the highest flattery a guy who draws Beefcake can get is to be told that a person was aroused by the drawing and wanted to...pleasure himself. This I heard more than once regarding this drawing.

Here's the image as it appeared on the poster. I like the addition of the cartoon Dwayne, also colored by Wiggam. Hot stuff!

j.

Hairy Beasts!

2011-04-07T08:20:00.003-04:00

Two more commissioned drawings for a Toronto buddy. I've drawn quite a few of his pals, all hot hairy beasts :)
The other night I was in the local convenience store and I spotted a very good looking, stout, bearded gentleman. I stared (discreetly ) and stared because...I'm pretty sure I've drawn him. I thought of approaching him and asking if he might just have a black and white drawing of himself hanging on his wall. But...well, the bearded hot daddy look is fairly common in Toronto and it's possible this guy just happens to look like one of the guys I drew. If only I could have seen his tattoos (if he had any). Then I'd have known for sure.

The guy at the top was exaggerated a bit to take on a more Gorilla-like look! I love a good solid cro-mag brow and jutting jaw! Hot!

j.

Hot Life Drawing Session!

2011-02-28T08:32:00.002-05:00

Toronto has the most amazingly hot Burlesque performers! Recently I held another drawing session with the adorable Pyromeo. This guy can do it all -- juggling, stilt walking, fire eating, fire juggling, walking on fire in stilts, juggling stilts, comedy and crowd pleasing. I was introduced to Pyromeo by my friend Katherine, who draws with me and is an amazing talent, too! Check out her paintings.
I'm working on some finished drawings of Pyromeo which I'll post as I get 'em done.

Also, I would say that Chicago has the second hottest Burlesque performers in the insanely hot Hot Toddy and the Stagedoor Johnnies! I'd go to Chicago just to see those guys on stage!

And finally, check out the Masculathon website! I drew cartoon versions of all the Masculetes -- first up is the Bumblebee. The web-series is written and directed by an old friend of this here blog -- Josh! :)

hugs to you all,
j.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T09:59:00.004-05:00

The amazing Michael Wiggam does it again with his stunning colors on my drawings. The first seems a perfect image for a Valentine's Day post! I love the rich red background.
The second is HOT!! The red light up the back of Dwayne's jeans and hitting his headphones is gorgeous! I sent the drawing to DJ/Producer Dwayne and he was thrilled. Check out one of Dwayne's mixes while you get started with your Valentine's Day!

xo
j.

Return of Josh!

2011-02-03T10:56:00.005-05:00

You guys remember Josh, right? It's been a while since I've had a chance to draw him (he moved away from Toronto). We've been working on a little project together which inspired me work up some new drawings! Josh is easily my favourite person to draw. Maybe it's his infectiously joyful personality? Or could it be his love of comic books? Or is it just that his incredibly body is so much fun to draw?

Probably all three :)

j.
p.s. Keep an eye on future posts -- I'll let you in on the project Josh and I are working on.

Sketches from Le Barback Session!

2011-01-27T13:39:00.006-05:00

A few of the drawings from my recent life drawing session with the amazing Barback (of Les Coquettes). Some I'll be turning into finished pieces. Some, like the second image, have already been tightened up a little in a second drawing. That drawing was actually done while Le Barback was taking a break. Proof of just how much I wanted to draw that guy -- even when resting he was "working".

Be good to each other.
j.

Le Barback!

2011-01-19T13:46:00.004-05:00

Recently I had an terrific drawing session with an amazing model! He's a Burlesque performer in the Toronto scene as a member of Les Coquettes (which, if you like in Toronto you should absolutely go see their shows -- they are amazing!) Le Barback posed for SIX hours!! That's a long time to pose let alone draw. Oh sure, we had breaks stopping for food and a few drinks -- but that's still a long time to pose. I got some really fun drawings from the session and I'm itching to turn them all into finished pieces.

While you're checking stuff out on the 'net pop by the MASCULATHON page for some good, beefy fun. I'm looking forward to the start of this series (and seeing some of them fellas with their shirts off. Just sayin'...)

j.

True North Strong!

2011-01-10T08:44:00.003-05:00

Toronto finally got some SNOW!! I think there's something wrong with the world when NEW YORK is snowed in and Toronto residents are mowing their lawns. I don't love winter -- but there's something beautiful in a world covered in snow! I look out my big picture window and watch the flakes gather, the wind swirling the snow off of rooftops. I snuggle even deeper into my covers and go back to sleep until Spring!
Toronto's Boylesque troupe recently (more or less) performed a show they called "O Manada: True Patriot Lust". It was fantastic. The guys played up so many of Canada's stereotypes I hardly knew where to start. At the top is Mickey D Liscious wearing nothing but the flag (sort of ;) In his act he was actually also wearing Maple Syrup but I opted for the pre-syrup pose
And then there's James and the Giant Pasty in what was a duo skit -- James as old fashioned lumberjack, Patastrophic Sexapeel (coming soon) as modern day (avec chainsaw). It must be the Canadian in me but nothing gets me turned on faster than a plaid shirt.

"With growing hard-ons we see thee rise, Our true North strong and free. O Manada, we stand on guard for thee."

j.

In with the Nude!

2010-12-30T10:05:00.002-05:00

I'm amazed how quickly this year flew by! Thanks for all your great comments, my internet friends! Looking forward to bringing you more Beefcake in the New Year!
xo
J.Bone

Under the Mistletoe!

2010-12-20T12:54:00.003-05:00

For the first time in quite a few years I have no new Christmas card! I just haven't had the inspiration! No Holiday pun sprung to mind. No seasonal image came to me by the flicker of the lights on my Christmas tree. The snowstorm outside my window only made me long for the warmth of some hot chocolate and a fuzzy, nuzzly, hairy chest. I can't share with you the former but I can at least sketch up a little of the latter.

Happy Holidays!
J.Bone

Art of the Zodiac!

2010-12-02T12:31:00.004-05:00

Just in time for the Holidays -- I've put together a book using LuluPress. It's a complete collection of my Horoscope pin-ups called ART OF THE ZODIAC! That's right...both the Men AND the Women :)

At 9"x12" each page is a full color, crisply printed image. I just got my copy and I'm beyond thrilled with Lulu Press. The book was shipped so securely that I almost wanted to preserve it in its perfect state! No kidding.
j.

In the Spirit of Giving!

2010-11-29T23:03:00.006-05:00

Ever since I was a young gay college student I've been picking up fab magazine. There were always pictures of shirtless men if not in the articles at the very least in the advertisements. Often in both. I like that about fab. And ever since that time I've wanted to see my drawings in the magazine. Last summer I drew a cover and provided illustrations for an article on comic book super-hunks. In the latest issue I drew six "Beefcake" fellows for the annual Gift Guide!
From top to bottom (though I would never presume to know what anyone does in the privacy of their bedroom): Kitchen Queen, Leather Bear, Pet Lover, Scrooge, Sugar Daddy and Twink. Check out the article for suggestions on what to buy each "type" of guy.

j.

Live from New York: Koortwah!

2010-11-25T09:48:00.003-05:00

While on a recent trip to New York I attended a performance by Friend of Colby, Koortwah (aka Jake Courtois). My thanks to Colby for letting me know Koortwah would be performing because, as it turns out, I dug the music and the good lookingness of the performer.

Jake is from Montreal and, therefore, a fellow Canadian. C'est formidable! My brain kicked into drawing mode upon seeing Koortwah and his projected images. Check out his YouTube videos for a taste of what I mean. How could I get the projected light effect on a two-dimensional drawing? was my main dilemma. I, more or less, got what I wanted in the first image. Below is the un-impeded drawing with color. Or "colour" as we Canadians spell it.
(I know Jake looks worried or concerned in my drawing. He's not. He's emoting in song.)
j.

Tattooed!

2010-11-18T18:18:00.002-05:00

This guy is another commissioned piece done for my friend with the dragon tattoo. I think all of his friends have tattoos, requiring me to do some careful studying of photos. But I like that aspect of drawing -- the research can be a lot of fun. Especially when the guy(s) are hot!

j.

Update!

2010-11-15T08:54:00.004-05:00

For shame! I just realized it's been too long between updates. I guess I've been busy running all over the continent (Calgary and New York). I've been drawing a lot of beefcake lately and will start by putting up a drawing of my buddy, DJ Dwayne Minard. He's a local Toronto DJ and though I don't get out to clubs that often, when I do it's to hear Dwayne spin.
Above is a rough sketch of the same guy in chains I posted in the summer. Hot, hot guy! Oh Em Gee! So hot!

j.

Insert Penis Pun Here!

2010-10-07T09:16:00.002-04:00

In between episodes of Spartacus I had some time to draw my favourite artist/pornstar/blogger/bigfoot as famous art! Introducing Penis DeMilo, companion to Birth of Penis.

Also, go visit Colby's blog for another new paper doll from me -- it's a Colby Keller exclusive Kokigami! To say any more would be to spoil the fun! :) Just, go check it out.

best,
j.bone

It Gets Better: Dan and Terry

2010-09-29T23:40:00.000-04:00

Sexapeel!

2010-09-20T10:31:00.003-04:00

I finally sat down and finished one of the Boylesque T.O. fellas -- Patastrophic Sexapeel is the name of this gorgeous hunk of a man. He's new to the team but immediately became a favourite! If you're in Toronto check out the Boys' next show October 6th at the Gladstone Melody Bar.

j.

On the Subject of Men.

2010-09-13T08:17:00.004-04:00

I was talking to someone recently about the guys I draw on my blog. He asked if I made them up out of my head. I said I did...and then I looked at my last several updates and realized that I'd lately been drawing real guys I see or know from around town. And Colby Keller :)
Today is no exception. At Toronto's recent Fetish Fair I met the above masked super man (then drew this image from a photo by Tony Fong).
Below are two sketches a hot tattooed leatherman! I absolutely love his dragon tattoo and want to do a finished piece of the Dragon clawing its way off of his body.

j.

Life Drawing!

2010-09-03T07:04:00.010-04:00

I did some life drawing last night at the local community center. I really like drawing with the brush end of Tombow markers on regular sketch paper. It lets me go over the drawings again by placing a sheet on top of my rough sketch -- not quite as thin as tracing paper but I'm able to see the drawing without using a lightbox.
Usually I work the drawing again traditionally but every now and then I'll play with the lines and go for something a little less literal (the drawing with purple was an attempt to do this).

j.

Adorkable!

2010-08-19T09:13:00.004-04:00

By now you all know that I'm a Friend of Colby Keller (which I just realized can be Acronymed as F.O.C.K which is an amalgamation of TWO dirty words! Hello, t-shirts!) Many posts ago he put up an absolutely adorable photo of himself sitting in undies. Right away I wanted to draw him! Finally I sat down and did it. I'm a little bugged by my lack of likeness -- especially the adorkable smile on Colby's mug. I think I should have gone cartoonier.

For those in the Toronto area I'll be at the Fan Expo Horror/Sci-Fi/Comic Con at the end of this month (August 27th to 29th). I've got a table and will be selling books, original art and a few little crocheted superheroes.

j.

Getting Sketchy!

2010-08-12T13:47:00.006-04:00

I've been enjoying a little break from work recently -- but that doesn't mean I've stopped drawing. I scanned in some of the most recent sketches that have been sitting on my desk. Most were morning warm ups as I sipped coffee and read through e-mails/blogs/picture files!

Below are my studies of straight porn star Cody Cummings! I think he's so dreamy!!
Hope you're all having a great summer/winter depending on where you live.
j.bone

Showing some Skin!

2010-08-05T11:01:00.003-04:00

This morning I got up early, made coffee and sat down in front of my computer to check e-mail while eating my bowl of cereal. Below is what greeted me:
Grant, of Ink and Leather, tattooed himself with My drawing of Colby! How awesome is that? That's pretty damn Awesome! He'd written to Colby and I a while back to make sure it was okay with both of us. We both said "Go for it, baby!"*
Now that it's done and I see it I am speechless! :)
Here is another drawing of one of the Boylesque T.O. fellas. This time it's Mahogany Storm. Hotness!

j.

Boylesque Toronto!

2010-07-29T09:24:00.004-04:00

The Toronto Burlesque Festival hit town this past weekend and I was absolutely enveloped by it! I LOVE the growing popularity of Burlesque. Some absolutely stunning performers hit the stage -- Roxi Dlite! Miss Indigo Blue! Tigger! Cherry Typhoon! Coco Framboise! Just to name a few!
But this is "MAN'S ADVENTURE". Among the Boylesque performers were Toronto's own Patastrophic Sexapeel! Relatively new to the troupe, he's already made an impression -- on me, at least :)
And Dew Lily! Remember that name because Dew is gonna explode in the Burlesque scene. He's already a favourite in T.O. The mere mention of his name drives the crowd into a frenzy.
I'll be drawing the boys as I go through my photos from the weekend! I've got to draw Mahogany Storm and Wrong Note Rusty! Two more of Toronto's favourite Boylesquers!

j.

Hot Cross Buns!

2010-07-15T13:16:00.002-04:00

Here in all it's raw glory is another fantastic coloring job by Michael Wiggam! When I opened the e-mail I nearly overheated! Hot sizzling color bursts from the screen.

Thanks Michael! I love it! Oh, and so does the guy in the original photo on which I based my drawing.

j.

The Birth of Penis!

2010-07-06T20:24:00.004-04:00

May Botticelli forgive me -- this is inspired by superstar Colby Keller's recent trip to a waterpark and the adorable (and wet) photos posted on his blog.

j.

Pushing Ink!

2010-06-17T09:42:00.005-04:00

Not the prettiest profile in the world but it was all done on the fly, so to speak. I worked on a lightbox over my marker drawing from the session with Peter. And speaking of peter, this is probably one of the only "finished" drawings of mine you'll see with one. :)

Above was drawn from a photo found online. This guy has an absolutely stunning backside to which I tried to do justice.

j.

Man-Shaping in Marker!

2010-06-10T20:06:00.009-04:00

After the session with He-Man and Skeletor it occurred to me that I might never be able to draw a "normal" model again! Happily this is not the case. I received an e-mail the other day from a model at the local community center letting me know he'd be posing and that he hoped I'd be able to make it out to draw. I've drawn Peter once before and know what a great physique he has -- naturally I had to attend.

A few weeks ago I bought Dave McKean's book of postcard ink drawings and was absolutely blown away by his technique. His drawings are solid but maintain a loose fluidity that just mesmerizes me. I've been trying to loosen up when I ink with my brush. This life drawing session allowed me to let go a little and be free with my marker (I draw these with Tombow brush-tip colored markers). It's a lot of fun and I generally like the results.

I especially like how this one turned out. I exaggerated Peter's musculature, expanding his back and narrowing his waist (trust me, he doesn't need me to give him a good physique -- I'm just "cartooning" what's already there). I only wish I were better with color or I would have attempted a little skin tone. Peter has a great tan line so his white butt contrasted beautifully with the shadows shaping his tanned torso!

j.

p.s. Check out Colby Keller's blog post about little old me. He coined a new term for nerdy gays like me.

Masters Of The Universe™!!

2010-06-03T15:28:00.008-04:00

My local chapter of the magnificent Dr. Sketchy's Anti Art School recently had a HE-MAN™ theme night! Organizers Brett Despotovich and Katherine Piro did an amazing job putting this together! He-Man's sword was incredible! (not a euphamism) and SKELETOR™ was jaw-dropping! I sketched like a madman trying to get all the energy the models were bringing to the poses. It was like a dream come true! :)
Above is a sketch I made over-top of one of the rougher drawings. You'll see the original below. These aren't by any means all of the drawings, but some of the best. Or at least ones I like the best.

j.

Fresh Ink!

2010-05-17T09:27:00.002-04:00

This commission piece was drawn as a birthday gift -- I had to wait until after the dude's birthday before I could post it so as not to spoil the surprise. You might recognize the guy from an older post. He's grown in a full beard since the last time I drew him and looks more delicious than ever.

j.

Pulled Up by the Boot Straps!

2010-05-03T17:46:00.004-04:00

I sketched this guy from a vintage photo. There was just something so sweet and innocent about the guy -- but also teasingly sexy with his spread legs and tattoo. When I get some time I want to finish this one in ink. I'm trying something new in my drawing by adding color to the original art. Just starting simple with one color. I'll post the results after I've played around with the idea a little.

I added some new images and merchandise to my CafePress Store! I know times are tough Mother's Day is just around the corner ;) and summer is coming. Maybe you need a new t-shirt or a water bottle with a loin-cloth clad jungle man on it! (I ordered one of those for myself). At any rate, please check it out and let me know if there's any image of mine you'd like to see added to a t-shirt, hat, underwear, etc... I'm going to be retiring the Vargas image soon to make room for other images.

best,
j.bone

Geeking Out!

2010-04-22T09:33:00.003-04:00

If you live in the Toronto-ish area check out the newest issue of SPRINGPLAY! I drew the cover image and a four page comic. This issue celebrates all things Geek. On the cover I needed to show the various "interests" which can find one labeled a "Geek" -- sci-fi (my own personal geekness), fantasy, comic books and manga/anime specifically. The characters are all loosely caricatures of members of the magazine's staff.

The editor, Jeff, (who is also a close friend and the barbarian on the cover) came up with the concept of a universal bar where the Geek is king. The final image includes a model posing as Geeky bartender, as well as a cute bouncer questioning the credentials of the one-eyed giant!

I read the issue last night and really enjoyed the idea of Geek being Chic! And not just the external aspect of it! With the popularity of Buffy, Battlestar Galactica and Avatar there is almost an acceptance of all things which, in the past, would have earned you a beat-down (probably still exists on the grade school level...but that's just part of growing up).

Being Gay AND a Geek in high school (though I was not out as a gay, I was certainly known as a geek) didn't get me beat up but it definitely led me to being a loner. Not that I minded at all at the time. I was left alone to my science fiction, Doc Savage, comic books and drawing. And now I make a living doing exactly those things (Doc Savage will happen one day).

I invite you to share your own stories of growing up Geek in the comments. And be sure to check out the issue! *Which you can download by clicking the SPRINGPLAY link! Thanks, Javier!

best,
j.bone

Buy Canadian!

2010-04-15T09:43:00.003-04:00

Act now! Act Fast! I drew this Wolverine last summer, which was fabulously inked by the amazing Darwyn Cooke! It is now being auctioned, and I quote Shuster's organizer Kevin Boyd - "All profits from the sale of this original artwork goes towards the operating costs for the JOE SHUSTER CANADIAN COMIC BOOK CREATOR AWARDS. The 6th annual Joe Shuster Awards will be presented on SATURDAY, JUNE 5th, 2010 in TORONTO, CANADA at the University of Toronto's INNIS TOWN HALL starting at 8PM. "
Above colors are by talented Michael Wiggam -- the original is not in color. I just thought you'd all enjoy Michael's beautiful work. He sent this to me last year and I'd neglected to post it! Foolish me!
This is the original you'll be bidding on if you choose to go for it!

best,
j.

Feeling Peckish!

2010-04-12T14:22:00.004-04:00

I'm a chest man. I could wax poetic about chests -- I just don't want to WAX the chest! :) Happily the natural look is back (along with some horrible, horrible 80's fashions but such is the toll of fashion). Men are keeping their chests natural and it's nearly always the first thing I'll notice about a man.
Though the drawing above is mostly about the chest I also love the way it shows off a guy's biceps! Mmm-hm! This guy is actually someone I met at a recent comic-con who, it turns out, I actually went to high school with. We graduated the very same year. Man, oh man! That's all I have to say about that! :)

best,
j.

Rough and Sweaty!

2010-04-08T13:45:00.002-04:00

This past weekend I watched my first ever Rugby match. Two matches, actually. Though not full games it gave me a great appreciation for the game and the players! It was the players who drew me to watch from the sidelines -- rugged, manly, sweaty and showing no fear whether it came to running the throwing themselves into a dogpile, hoisting a teammate for a line-out or leaping on a sprinter and dragging him to the ground. All with very little, to no padding. It was awesome to behold!
I was itching to sketch some of the more provocative aspects of the game. The line-out is put into play when a ball goes out of bounds. Members from each team are hoisted into the air by men front and back of them. The ball is tossed in-between the two players and whichever team grabs the ball puts it back into play.
If you don't know anything about Rugby, as was my situation until last week, wait until you see what's involved in a Scrum!
I'll tell you this -- Scrum rhymes with Bum! Yum!

Happy Spring, everyone! *
j.bone

*Or Happy ______ whatever season you are currently enjoying!

Leather You Like It Or Not!

2010-03-25T09:40:00.002-04:00

I'm a member of the RetroMen Yahoo Group and lately I've been going through my picture files, sketching as I go. I may just as well confess it -- I've saved a lot of leatherman images.

There is no need for me to clarify or explain myself. I'm a grown man. I like what I like. BUT -- in my closet you will find no leather gear. No harnesses, leather pants, chaps, biker caps/hats, wristbands...not even a single pair of leather boots (with the exception of one pair of black leather dress shoes). That is to say, I am not in the leather scene myself. I just like drawing the fashion.
It's also a place in the community where one still finds the hyper masculine ideal which inspires a lot of my Beefcake artwork. For my money no one did it better than Tom of Finland (obviously). Which is why, when I attempt it, I tend to cartoonify the image a little or use it as an accessory (like Jett Vector's harness, boots and gloves).

Leathermen also remind me of He-Man toys of which I was a huge fan as a kid (and still am today).
j.

Cock of the Walk!

2010-03-18T18:21:00.002-04:00

Summer is nearly here and I am THRILLED! Granted we here in Toronto have had an easy winter compared to, say, Washington DC and much of the Northern United States. With all of this warm weather, and my work being more or less complete, I've been spending a lot of time outdoors.
I've also been incredibly inspired lately and have a bunch of half finished beefcake drawings! I've got a terrible habit of doing partial drawings -- I get an idea for a drawing, sketch it out in between comic book pages or illustration gigs, and then I forget to go back and finish the drawing. Strangely the carefully coiffed gentleman above was drawn from start to finish all in one day. Today, as a matter of fact.

Oh, I in NO WAY endorse the smoking of cigarettes! This guy is a cartoon and being fictional he is not at risk of dying from any of the many cigarette related ailments that can strike you down and kill you!

sincerely,
j.bone

I Win!

2010-02-23T23:59:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago I came across (pause for pun to sink in) the blog of the amazing Colby Keller. Some of you may know of Colby from his films with Randy Blue and other films for grown-ups -- but how many knew that he is a lover of the arts and himself an artist? I sure didn't. But I quickly pored over his blog, reading every single post. I love his enjoyment of the arts. He's got a sense of humor about art and gallery space which the elite may pooh-pooh, but which I embrace! I love cracking wise at galleries especially when I think the art/artist is taking things too seriously (my perception. They may very well be laughing right along with me -- especially if they acquired a tremendous grant from the government for their piece entitled "Pool of Vodka").

I found Colby's blog just in time to enter an ART CONTEST! Yes, I was running late on a deadline and had much work to get done, but I really wanted to enter! And enter I did: With the Colby Keller paper doll with fashion accessories. I'm absolutely thrilled to be the first winner as selected by the Man himself! I believe Mr. Keller is selecting his top three choices and then will open up voting to his blog readers in the selection of remaining winners.

Visit Colby's blog and check out his art! Check out his cute butt! And be sure to print out your very own Colby Keller paper doll to dress and undress as you please (sorry, no nude variant -- you guys know my policy by now :)

Warmest regards,
j.

Cleansing the Palette!

2010-02-04T10:26:00.004-05:00

Or -- what I do when I should be working! This is what happens after I've been drawing on napkins at the bar. I try to translate the guys I've seen and sketched into cartooned versions. When I draw someone at the bar there's usually some characteristic or feature that I want to exaggerate. Sometimes I get it in the bar sketch -- but often it's not until I'm messing around on paper at home that I get that "thing" I want.
The guy above is Toronto leatherman Sean Cribbin. I've drawn him, and his boyfriend, before when I saw them laughing and hanging out at the bar. Sean's got a heavier beard and I wanted to get that chin extension. He looks mean in the head-shot, but I assure you he's never been anything but smiling when I've seen him out.
Oh, his shirt was also riding up just a little bit and that peak of flesh above his jeans was just oh, so lovely!
This page is an attempt at the guy I introduced myself to. It's still not exactly right -- there was something about his strong jaw that I'm not getting in my drawing. The other two guys are Woody's bartenders. Adorable, hot and friendly! Am I out at the bar too often? Perhaps! But who can blame me when surrounded by such delightful man-folk!
And this disembodied torso is something I'm working. It's a paper-cut out doll. No. Not Roger Rodgers. It's someone I've never drawn before and will be revealed in due time.

All right now! I've got work to get done! Enough porn-crastination!
Be well, boys.
j.

p.s. I've labeled this post as "Guy a Day". I've decided that "Guy a Day" should include any post about regular Joes!

Drawing on Napkins!

2010-02-01T00:57:00.005-05:00

When I'm out at the bar and I've forgotten or not wanted to carry along a sketchbook, and I see someone who's face I'd really like to draw I have very few options! At a bar, at least, there are always napkins. I've drawn on a lot of napkins. I've learned the lighter, more delicate touch required when drawing on flimsy, absorbent paper with a felt tip marker. How to cross-hatch just enough to get a dark area but not so much that I soak through the layers of paper and tear a giant hole through my drawing. And I've done all of this while nicely sauced on double-short rum and cokes!

For those of you keeping track of my growing bold/adventurous nature I will tell you that I spoke to "Anthony", introducing myself and telling him that I thought he was quite handsome.
Going through my old pictures the other day I found some really nice shots I'd taken of Josh (nearly a year ago now). This one in particular was something I'd always wanted to get down on paper. I've only had time so far to do this rough but I like how his profile turned out.

It's a shame drawing on napkins doesn't pay the bills (or my bar tab).
j.

I Call 'em Like I See 'em!

2010-01-21T09:26:00.004-05:00

From the same producers who brought us Xena: Warrior Princess (and Hercules) comes a new sword and sandal epic -- SPARTACUS: BLOOD AND SAND. I, for one, can't wait! The trailer has been online for a while now and I keep watching it just to catch tid-bits of what looks to be some terrific action. The creative team has smartly dressed the show to look like a continuation of (or at least in the same vein as) 300! Which is a feast for the eyes.
Spartacus promises to show plenty of beefcake! I sketched a few of the guys from the trailer, sometimes having to add my own details when the images weren't exactly clear.
This scene reminded me of something from a Frank Frazetta painting. Fur clad barbarian battling it out with our hero!

j.

You're an Animal, Man!

2010-01-11T09:58:00.002-05:00

Hawkman is one of those characters I've always wanted to draw in a comic book story but have yet to get the chance. I think he must be a tough character to get a grasp on...so tied up is he with his past life/next life history. I thought it'd be fun to draw a story with his great, great, great ancestor back in the days of Egyptian pharaohs when animal headed Gods ruled!
Speaking of animal heads...this guy I drew after a night hanging out at Woody's! For those of you who've never been there, Woody's has a rhino head mounted in the main stage area of the bar. An artificial rhino, mind you. He's kinda the mascot of the place. There is also a wall/showcase full of rhinoceros knick-knacks. So I wanted to draw a cartoon hunk of rhinoceros beefcake who I might one day pitch to Woody's management for use in advertising or something. He would, of course, be named Woody!

Speaking of Woody's, I've lately found myself with much greater confidence when it comes to simply starting conversation with guys I think are good lookin'. I haven't reached the point yet of asking anyone to pose for me...but I'm off to a good start :)

Happy New Year!
j.bone

Happiest of Holidays!

2009-12-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

All the best during the holidays, folks. Make it the best and brightest however you celebrate!
Sincerely,
j.bone

The Unbreakable Bottom!

2009-12-03T17:33:00.002-05:00

First seen in spring of this year, The Unbreakable Bottom (aka RJ Danvers, comic book fan and adorable blogger) returns to the page! I was inspired by a post made by RJ on his own blog (p.s. Not safe for work) of a drawing featuring Spidey and Ms. Marvel and a questionable tangent. One of RJ's fans suggested a Ms. Marvel team-up with the Unbreakable Bottom. Well, didn't draw Ms. Marvel but I did want to draw UB again. I don't consider myself a very good costume designer but I really like how this one turned out. It's a little bit Jett Vector with Wonder Man colors.

Update: Sketchbook's coming along slooooowly...oof! I've finally started putting it all together in my layout program. So that's something! :)

best,
j.

Post-Poser Post!

2009-11-30T10:35:00.004-05:00

I love finding new sites that make it seem like I'm working (because they're art related) but that actually distract me from doing my work! The above drawing is based on a photo found at the always delicious Super Underwear Perverts. Below are sketches drawn from a brand new site (to me, anyway) filled with terrific reference pics of anatomy. The poses are digital, meaning they're not real people, but I've yet to see a pose that breaks any rules of anatomy
Check out Posemaniacs and try out the timed/random sketch sessions. Every 30 seconds (set your own time) you get a new pose. Do your best to sketch it up quickly, getting the gesture, etc... OR take a stroll through their cache of 19,440 images, rotate for different angles and build up your visual library of human anatomy. I like that the "models" are skinless...it means that I'm not distracted by staring at someone's "junk"* and focus, instead, on just drawing! That's important!
These were all drawn on the 45 second setting. You don't have the option of choosing only male poses but, c'mon, we need to draw women just as much as we need to practice drawing men! Right?

Enjoy.
j.
p.s. Send links to your own drawings if you check out the site.

* Junk - slang term for a man's privates. I also like to use the term "junkyard" when referring to the entire pelvic region. As in, "I would like to pay a visit to his junkyard."

This is Anatomy?

2009-11-19T09:34:00.005-05:00

Well, I'm sure this isn't exactly the type of image you'd expect to find on this here Beefcake drawing blog! My previous post where I played around with straight lines vs. curved inspired me to try a little experiment: to draw a figure alternating, as much as possible, between straight and curved lines. You might be inclined to call me out on a few of my curve-ishy "straight" lines...but I would argue with you that the area in question leans more to the straight and, therefore, counts as such :)

Now, I'm a cartoony cartoonist so my technique does favor the more exaggerated. There are certainly very few(if any) completely straight lines in actual human anatomy. But drawing is all about interpretation of the actual/real. Even in the most realistic of drawings there is stylization going on (meaning that the artist is making choices in what and what not to include in the interpretation of the three dimensional world onto the two dimensional drawing surface).

Whew! That's nearly enough "Art" theory for me! As one of my college art teachers used to say, "Talking about Art is like Dancing about architecture." *

Here's a fleshy colored doodle to put us back on the Beefcake track. This was another experiment, however. The Red line running up the front-side of the figure was my starting point. I wanted to build a figure with as much of his form "locked" to a solid perpendicular. When I'm drawing from life I'll sometimes look for such "through lines" on which to build the rest of the figure.

j.
* (As I know there are both artists AND dancers who read my blog, I type that quote with tongue firmly planted in cheek ;)

Roughing it!

2009-11-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

Rough sketches today provided by delicious beefcake found on the excellent Super Underwear Perverts blog managed by sexy Ray Randell. Just some quickies to warm up this morning before I get to the actual work.
The guy on the right was drawn for his backside...my aim was to alternate curves with straight lines. Those curves, to me, are absolutely beautiful and are among my favourite lines of the human body. The guy in shorts explores a little of my other favourite curve vs. straight line balancing act...the curve of the pecs connect with the straight lines of the abdominal, curving into the pelvis with a short straight before you get the quads, knee and shin.

Speaking of sketches I really ought to update on the whereabouts of my sketchbook. It was put ever so briefly on hold while I finished another issue of the Super Friends. But I'm back on it. I hope everyone hasn't lost patience with me...I want to make sure I give you guys my best stuff and finding all my big Photoshop files of color work has taken more time than I'd like.

Also, I changed some of my Cafepress merchandise to include the Hot Toddy Devil Drawing. Toddy is supposed to be coming to Toronto soon and I can't wait to see him perform again. Hopefully I'll get to draw him again, as well! Fingers crossed!

j.

All Hallow's Eve!

2009-10-31T09:58:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween, boys and ghouls! Have a fantastic night of tricking and treating! Don't overindulge and always, ALWAYS, play safe!

j.

Man-Made Man!

2009-10-26T12:26:00.001-04:00

Frank makes the scene. How to achieve this look at home: Green body paint, black or dark green body paint for the stitches, ripped jeans or dress pants (dark gray), big ol' belt buckle, big ol' clunky boots and bolts for your neck. You could make the bolts from stuff lying about your house...like cardboard or foam. Hold them on by tying a string around your neck, which you can hide under drawn-in stitches.

Easy peasy!

j.

Costumed Cro-Mag!

2009-10-23T09:42:00.001-04:00

I think cavemen are hot.

:) j.

Costume Count!

2009-10-22T18:15:00.002-04:00

Halloween is just around the corner! It's definitely become my favourite Holiday of the year as Church st. becomes a carnival of costumes and parties until the Great Pumpkin comes! I've been busy with work and not had a chance to create a costume for myself at all this year! I'm searching for inspiration, I think.
In the comments section last post Musclsvg put a question to me thus: "What would be your ultimate Halloween costume design? "

The Ultimate anything is a difficult request to fill. I have so many things I'd love to see as costume for Halloween or just every day life :) that I can't draw fast enough to get them all down. So, I thought what I'd do is draw up a few ideas I've got for Beefcake Costumes that play on some of my own personal favourite fantasies! As cartoony as the proportions are in my drawings I've tried to consider each costume as if it were to be worn by a "real" man.

First up is Vlad The Impaler! Very simple. Very, I think, sexy! I think it'd be hot to see the guy with the cape pulled across his chest at first before the big reveal as he swoops in for the big bite! Swoon!

I'll post as I finish each drawing, hopefully each day...though I can't promise it :)

If anyone has any requests as I go along feel free to post in the comments. I've got my own ideas but am not at all opposed to inspiration from all y'all!

j.

Bear Bar Doodles!

2009-10-15T09:45:00.005-04:00

Last week was Woody's 20th anniversary and they celebrated by throwing a big party with plenty of food, cake, and drag queens! It was fantastic! And fantastically packed! I think every hot guy in the city was out for the festivities. I finally met the guy from the previous post, the one in the baseball tee. Practice makes perfect, and I'm working on what I call my "Man Courage". One day I'll be comfortable approaching just any ol' guy and introducing myself.
The above drawing is my memory sketch of a guy at the Woody's party who grabbed my attention and held it all night. He was just incredible looking. He was wearing a nice white plaid shirt (is plaid a color or just the pattern?) and an adorable smile (a good sign that someone is actually fun to be around). I got his attention as he passed me at one point just to introduce myself. *sigh*

These two pages are holdovers from the weekend at Man Camp (The Point). Mostly trying to capture the hotness of the guy who posed for me. He had a very sexy smirk, that one did!

Halloween is just around the corner. I'm looking forward to an evening of incredible costumes and eye-candy!

best,
j.

Raising The Bar!

2009-10-01T08:56:00.002-04:00

Looking a lot tougher than he did in person, is my drawing of the tattooed guy from last weeks post. I say tougher because in person he was laughing and having a good time with his friends. Which is what attracted me in the first place (beyond the muscled frame, good looks, and tattooed hotness :) I most likely wouldn't have felt the urge to draw him right there at the bar if they had not looked like such a fun group!
This fella is another Woody's delight. I had seen him around a few times but on one particular evening he was wearing this t-shirt, a look for which I am an instant sucker (minds out of the gutter, boys ;) A shirt like this makes broad shoulders look even broader...accentuating that "V" torso that I so adore! I took a memory snapshot and drew him as best I could once I got home.

Now, let me ask you guys a question...because this topic has come up a few times in conversation with friends: When you see someone at a bar to whom you're attracted what is your approach?
Ladies, please feel free to weigh in as well! I like to hear all sides!

cheers,
j.

Rough Men!

2009-09-28T12:07:00.003-04:00

What do you do when you're out at the bar, surrounded by hot tattooed and muscled men, and you absolutely MUST draw them but you haven't brought your sketchbook and the bar seems to be completely out of napkins? I'll tell you what I do. I grab one of those free newspapers available in nearly every city (you know, the ones promoting music/art/movie events in the city as well as their own political agendas). Find some open areas on ad pages, grab your pen (which you always carry around in your pocket) and draw, draw, draw!
I scribbled down these doodles at Woody's on Sunday night. First was the new bartender (bottom left) who is just simply adorable. Then the tattooed guys (middle and upper right). I couldn't stop staring at them because they were both incredible, were having a great time and the tall one in the dark shirt "spoke" sign language with a cute blonde chick. All my staring caught their attention (which, really, isn't that what I wanted to happen anyway? :) and the shorter guy and I chatted for a bit.
I'll be doing real and better illustrations of these guys but for now I wanted to get these doodles up. I make sketches like this often and then turn them into proper drawings later on...my sieve-like brain often forgets details and the doodles help remind me of important stuff like the arm tattoos, the fact that the tall guy had the cutest little overbite and both ears pierced, and that the new Woody's busboy wore his cap backwards.

j.

Summer Days Behind Us!

2009-09-21T13:33:00.002-04:00

Like a selfish lover Summer has come and gone leaving me with no other alternative than to draw alone. It's true. The days are already getting shorter and the pants are getting longer. I take a jacket or sweater with me when I go out because it can be chilly walking home in just a t-shirt and jeans. I'm extremely glad for the terrific weekend I had at Man-Camp (my pet name for The Point (see previous entry)). The weather was perfect, I managed to get a suntan (actually a bit of a burn) and discovered a new and wonderful vacation destination. I will most definitely be returning next season.

In the meantime I'm buckling down with a re-newed workload, and nearly finalizing art for the sketchbook. I was hoping to be further along by now...all blame for delays rest squarely on my shoulders. I'm picking up the pace on the sketchbook when I get moments of spare time from regular work.

Hope everyone had a good summer (or, if you're on the other side of the world, are looking forward to a good summer ;)
best,
j.

Man Camp! Bears in the Wood!

2009-09-10T07:00:00.002-04:00

What follows are the pages of my sketchbook from my weekend at Man Camp! An all-male, clothing optional, slightly roughing it extravaganza! I had a lot of fun, especially once I got up the nerve to actually talk to some of the guys I'd been drawing. In fact I stopped one of the guys from leaving his seat because I wasn't done drawing him yet...he obliged with an even better pose than the one I'd started.

Above is the guy who specifically posed for me. I didn't quite get his features right in the first drawing (which is the one on the right) so I drew him again as he chatted with his friends (the drawing on the left). I think the second turned out better.

The guy labeled "White Beard" was far, far, far more attractive than I managed to capture. He's going to have to get a re-draw and color. He had a snow white beard, tanned skin and the most incredible body I've ever seen in my entire life! His boyfriend was equally gorgeous and we talked a few times and Mr. Beard offered to pose nude for me. I think I may have babbled something along the lines of "Yeah! Buh...uh...guh!"
The leather man was as near a Tom of Finland man as you're likely to find in real life. He showed up to one of the night parties in this outfit and I did my best to memorize the details for this drawing. I can confirm as fact that his...er, "equipment" also met the requirements of a Tom of Finland man. Indeed!

The full body pose is my interpretation of the Tom of Finland dude...he really did have the awesome proportions of a broad shouldered, narrow wasted Tom Man! His butt was so adorably small and firm. *sigh*

And there you have it. Four days of sketching by the pool, roughing it in the wilds of South-western Ontario! If you've ever got the urge to go camping I highly recommend The Point. Weekends are always the busiest time so book your spot early!

In web news, Queerclick did a little piece on my blog and were very complimentary. Always happy to help the boys and their boners ;)

j.

Toronto Fan Expo 2009!

2009-09-03T08:22:00.004-04:00

This past weekend was the Toronto Fan Expo comic book convention. I was set up with three feet of table space, my sketchpad, a bunch of comic books and a bushel full of enthusiasm! I always love meeting the fans of Darwyn's work and mine, signing books and drawing. But this year I met quite a few fans of this here blog...and that was pretty darned cool.

The above drawings were done as commissioned pieces, finished before the convention. I don't take commissions...unless there's an upcoming con where I can personally hand over the art. The few times I've mailed out art it was for a European collector.
The drawing of Wolverine is for the Shuster awards charity auction. I pencilled it while staying with Darwyn for a weekend. He masterfully inked it up and it's now in the hands of the Shuster dudes. We were definitely being cheeky by handing in a Beefcake shot of Marvel's hottest Canadian hero. But, hey, there are plenty of female fans and they don't always get eye candy to enjoy. :)

Lastly, but not leastly, my dear friend G. ;) sent me a link to a site that recently featured me. So check out Fleshbot and see what Brian O'Brien had to say about my stuff! Thanks, Brian.

best,
j.
p.s. I'm off camping this weekend...at an all-male campground. I've never been but I'm looking forward to lots of beefy men who'll let me draw them in my sketchbook! Excited!

King of the Apes! Lord of the Jungle!

2009-08-24T07:00:00.000-04:00

He Tarzan!
You didn't think I'd forgotten the fella who (arguably) started it all, didja? A person can't draw a week's worth of men in loin-cloths without drawing the Ape Man himself, ol' man Greystoke (a.k.a. Tarzan). In the comments sections a few of us have been discussing the many and favorite actors who've portrayed Tarzan over the years. I personally quite enjoy watching Miles O'Keefe in all his finely honed glory, lusted over by the voluptuous Bo Derek (I am a fan of the Cheesecake as well as the Beef). I also like the clips I've seen of Mike Henry and Ron Ely, though I haven't been able to find a copy of any of their movies/tv series on DVD. Naturally I'm fond of the old black and whites with Weissmuller or Gordon Scott.

As a kid I saw the Christopher Lambert movie but found it too drab to really enjoy it. It might be worth watching again because I have a feeling it was quite close to the actual story from the novel.

My own sinewy take on the character owes a lot to the Disney animated Tarzan. I've watched the movie many times just to admire Glen Keane's muscley Tarzan...and also because I think that Minnie Driver was so perfect as the voice of Jane that I wish she'd won an Oscar for it.

So, there's the week plus one of loin-cloths. I hope you all enjoyed it, and that it was worth the wait!

your pal,
j.

The Cover of FAB!!

2009-08-21T11:40:00.002-04:00

Two posts today because I just have to tell you about the current issue of Fab and I didn't want to interrupt the flow of the Week of Loin-cloths! For those of you in or near Toronto, my art is on the cover of Fab magazine. Editor Matt Thomas interviewed me for the feature article on gays in comics and very kindly asked me to draw the cover. How could I say no? I've been reading Fab ever since I moved to Toronto for school, where I would nervously sneak copies into my portfolio and hope that none of my friends saw me standing near or picking up the latest issue. I've still got some of those early editions. I'm absolutely thrilled to be one of two artists to actually draw a cover (Glen Hanson is the other). It's pretty sweet to be out on Church st. and see my artwork sitting in store windows and all over the Fab news-boxes!

Matt also interviewed the delightful and good looking Phil Jimenez as well as Perry Moore (author of Hero). You can read the article at the Fab website.

If you're near a comic shop, check out the newest issue of Super Friends. I drew the interiors as well as the cover for #18. It's a Bizarro Super Friends story and I LOVE how it all turned out. The colorist did a terrific job and the writer, Sholly Fisch, wrote some of the funniest dialogue for the Heroes from the square planet!

Also, if you haven't seen District 9 and you're a fan of Sci-Fi, go check it out. There's a lot of political kerfuffle about the movie, charges of racism etc...and while certain stereotypes bothered me I still found it to be such an incredible movie. My favourite kind of Sci-Fi...the kind that makes us look at our own world and how we treat the Earth and each other.

And finally... I really appreciate all the comments during this week of Loin-cloth! I've got a bunch of movies to hunt down and a few requests for more cloth wearing characters. Check in on Monday for the Lord of the Loin-Cloths himself! I'll give you a hint - his name rhymes with 'Shmar-zan'

Have a great weekend!
j.

A Loin In Winter!

2009-08-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

When I was a kid I had a set of He-Man knock-offs that included Hercules, some dude in tiger print kimono, and Warlord (sporting a stylish plastic loin-cloth). I didn't know about the Warlord comic book and so just assumed he was made up for this particular toy line. He fit into my He-Man universe as a substitute for King Randor. A wise father figure to my other scantily clad, over-muscled, harness wearing action figures.

Is it any surprise I grew up with more affinity for the Bear culture than to the Dance/Twink scene? :)

And that wraps up the Week of Loin-cloths.

But...wait a sec...I did a weeks worth of men in loin cloths and yet something isn't quite right. Someone is missing. A character who lived most of his life clad only in a washcloth sized patch of animal skin. A man, no, a Lord who made famous the leather bikini and caused a curious stirring in the loins of many an unsuspecting young man (and woman, I'm sure) when he appeared on screen or in print. But, it's Friday. The last day of the Week of Loin. I've no days left. I can't update on the weekend! I guess...I guess we'll just have to wait until Monday for you to see who I'm talking about (no spoiling in the comment section).

Have a great weekend, everyone.
xo j.

The Loin Before Time!

2009-08-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

I've always intended to draw a Beefcake version of Raquel Welch's famous fur-bikini pose from the movie One Million Years BC. The Week of Loin-cloths gave me that opportunity. I'd like to eventually throw a stop-motion looking dinosaur in behind him because those were some cool looking, highly innacurate (and yet, very well done) dinos in that movie.

j.

Purr-Loin!

2009-08-19T07:00:00.003-04:00

I confess...this one is a completely made up character, drawn just so I could use the pun "Purr-Loin". That's the sole reason for his existence.

Second confession...I do have a fondness for Anthropomorphic characters. I know where that places me in the Nerd Hierarchy but dammit all I liked the Thundercats. Robin Hood is one of my favourite Disney movies. And Blacksad is one of my favorite European comics to come out in quite some time! Label me as you will ;)

beastly yours,
j.

B'Wana Loin a New Trick?

2009-08-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

B'WANA BEAST! Introduced to me by the same friend who reminded me about Red-Wolf (see previous Loin Post), I kinda fell in love with B'Wana Beast myself. He's one of my buddy's favorites. Considering the fact that he's not wearing much of a costume he shows up in some unlikely places. Like in the Justice League Animated comic book, the Justice League tv show (and action figure line) as well as the new Batman: Brave and the Bold. I've drawn him for my blog, even!

Apparently he's had a name change in these more politically nervous times. But I looked up B'Wana, assuming it had some horribly negative meaning, and found that it's a form of respectful address in parts of Africa. His new name is 'Freedom Beast' which is an incredibly stupid name. How about 'Sir Beast' or 'Gentleman Beast' if you have to change the poor guy's name.

This is hardly the place to get political. I'm going to continue calling B'Wana Beast by his original name. And I'm going to continue drawing him because he sure is a heckuva lot of fun to draw!

beastly yours,
j.

The Loin Age of Marvel Comics!

2009-08-17T07:00:00.002-04:00

Many years ago there came to Marvel comics a hero...a man wearing the head and pelt of a red-wolf! And he called himself - RED WOLF! His first appearance in Avengers #80 was drawn by the incredible John Buscema (who, in the issue previous, had introduced a villain wearing the head and pelt of a Gorilla. Did John have a thing for wearing taxidermy?)

I first saw this character in the form of the very cool Randy Bowen mini-bust (which I confess I now wish to own). I'd forgotten about him but when I was telling a friend, who has a vast knowledge of all Marvel characters especially the obscure, that I was finally doing a weeks worth of loin-cloth themed drawings he suggested drawing Red-Wolf. I changed his costume slightly, making the 'pants' something more like chaps, or hip waders. A change I'm sure most of you won't fault me for making, I'm sure.

Enjoy,
j.

The Pajama Game!

2009-08-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Another image of Hot Toddy...from his second act on the third night of the Toronto Burlesque Festival. He started in pajamas, hat and cigar with the boys alternating pillow coverage as he danced and removed pjs. A little flash of bum, and he was hidden again. The final bit had the boys holding up all four pillows as the pajama bottoms were kicked off, then Todd pushed back the two top pillows and cheekily tossed out a smile and chomped on his cigar! It was fantastic!!

What's this, you ask? Why it's an announcement of sorts. Five little boxes. Five days in a work-week. Whatever could it mean?

Check in on Monday for the answer and then each day thereafter for an update EVERY DAY! Zounds!

best,
j.

Catching Up!

2009-08-06T10:31:00.002-04:00

Oof! I can't believe I forgot to post this final piece after initially teasing with a cropped shot of Jett's head. The lump of bearded flesh hanging onto Jett is me. This was drawn to accompany an interview conducted by a friend of mine and appeared in Toronto's Pink Pages magazine.

Hope everyone's having a great summer (or winter if you're on the other side of the world)!
best,
j.

Devil of a Time!

2009-07-27T10:32:00.003-04:00

Last week the incredibly talented Mr. Michael Wiggam sent me three more colored Guy a Day drawings! I love what he did with these, as I've loved all the pics. The bottom night scene is particularly beautiful. Thanks, Michael!
This past weekend was the Second Annual Toronto Burlesque Festival! After missing it last year I was determined to see as much of the event as possible this year! And I'm glad as heck that I did! I saw so many fantastic performances that I've been drawing burlesque ladies all weekend. Recently men have started to perform burlesque...called "Boylesque", they've been hitting the stage with the gals! The highlight of my weekend (besides getting to see the delicious Coco Framboise perform live) was seeing the amazing HOT TODDY, not once but TWICE!! He is astounding! Words can't do justice to his act, you've got to see it for yourself. It's no wonder he won Best Boylesque at the Burlesque Hall of Fame 2009 awards in Las Vegas this year.

I saw him first in his Devil act, the end result of which you see here. Two nights later he blew me away again in a pajama and pillow routine alongside Toronto's own Boylesque troupe. The boys were great, but Hot Toddy was clearly the star of the show!

More Hot Toddy drawings are in the works!

best,
j.

Ice Cream!

2009-07-20T08:40:00.002-04:00

Ah, Summer! A time for ice cream, days at the beach, nights on a friendly restaurant patio, guys in shorts, beach volleyball, and on and on and on...

Unfortunately Toronto is currently under the crushing grip of a city-wide garbage strike. It's not so horrible in the downtown core but the parks that are being used as waste storage facilities are tragically overfilling! I keep thinking of books like "Blindness" and "Day of the Triffids" where the accumulation of garbage (and corpses) bring on the rat infestation and terrible diseases. Of course, there are worse places to live...so I'll try to focus on my blessings...like living in a neighbourhood with lots of men in shorts and friendly restaurant patios.

j.

Bloody Beefcake!

2009-07-13T21:29:00.002-04:00

This month, July 22nd to be precise, the adaptation of Richard Stark's (aka Donald Westlake) first Parker novel "The Hunter" is released in better bookstores and comic book shops! It's drawn and adapted by my buddy and superstar artist Darwyn Cooke! Over on his "Almost Darwyn Cooke" blog (click his name) blog supervisor Cal is running a cool draw Parker contest. This is my entry!

The guy's a pretty ruthless character, from what I'm told. The books have been adapted a few times in film...I cribbed this list from The Violent World of Parker website:

* Made in U.S.A. (based on The Jugger)
* Point Blank (based on The Hunter)
* Mise à Sac [Pillaged] (based on The Score)
* The Split (based on The Seventh)
* The Outfit (based on The Outfit)
* Slayground (based on Slayground)
* Payback (based on The Hunter)

Check out the site for reviews of the films. Darwyn's done interviews all over the net about the book and his favourite screen versions (see above blog link). I'm pretty darned sure that the Lee Marvin Point Blank is considered by Cooke as one of the better movies based on Westlake/Stark's work! I tried for some of Marvin's meatiness in my own drawing...but no one beats Darwyn for drawing tough guys! From Slam Bradley, to Stark (a character in SELENA'S BIG SCORE, who looks more than a little like Lee Marvin) to Flagg and many of the old-school superheroes in The NEW FRONTIER Cooke draws men with weathered faces and hands like meat-mitts!

j.

From Flesh to Photoshop!

2009-07-08T22:54:00.003-04:00

Since the last update, right after Pride, I've been doing a lot of sketching from the photos I took of hot Pride men! I thought it'd be more of a challenge to make each drawing an illustration rather than just a sketch of a guy in basically the same pose as my photo. So I'm playing around with cartooning the guys, or putting them in fabricated scenarios. At this point I'm not even sure if the guy in the chair is based on anyone in particular! I suppose loosely he's based on a few different guys I saw.

I'm well into collecting my drawings together for the sketchbook. I'll keep you all posted on it's progress and give some sneak peaks of things as I work up cover ideas and themes. Already I find that I've done quite a few more leather drawings than I ever thought! Is it because leather outfits are superheroic in design? Is it my love of He-Man expressing itself as leather harnesses?

best,
j.

Toronto Pride! The Day After!

2009-06-29T12:04:00.003-04:00

As I mentioned before, this weekend was Toronto's Big Pride Weekend! It was all laughter and tears, sunshine and rain, hotties and more hotties! Typical Pride! I took quite a few pictures of some very inspiring men...who I will endeavour to draw over the next few days. Above is a sketch page I drew up after hanging out at Woody's on Thursday night.

One guy in particular, the fell in the "A" shirt, was absolute perfection! I saw him as he entered the bar with his friends...but didn't see him for the rest of the night. I tried to take a quick mental picture so I'd be able to draw him later. I wasn't entirely successful. Most likely he's an out of towner so my chances of seeing him again are slim.

Or so thought I!

On Sunday it rained. Poured! Just sopping, cold, icky rain first thing in the morning right up until after lunch. The parade was scheduled to start at 2pm and I knew it would still be going on. A little rain has never stopped Pride in the past. I grabbed my dollar store umbrella and headed over to the parade route to find a spot. All the wetness was keeping the crowd numbers down so it was easy to find many open areas along the street. After ruling out a few spots due to rudeness (a chair gently but firmly being pushed into the backs of my legs to let me know that someone wanted to SIT right up at the cattle fence...so I left her to it), smokers and trumpet players I settled on a quietish spot with regular folk. In fact the guys in front of me were speaking in American Sign Language so I knew they weren't gonna be loud and obnoxious!

And whom should I spot standing up against the guard rail with his friends...hot "A" shirt from the bar! Gadzooks, what luck! His boyfriend joined a little later and I was treated to TWO hot guys smooching and dancing to the parade music! *sigh*

Needless to say you will be seeing drawings of them. Again, I wished for the nerve to speak to them but still lack the courage or words to introduce myself without appearing crazy!

Oh yeah, as for the rain? It stopped just as the parade began. The sky remained clear and even let a little sun shine through for the entire parade. I don't know what more proof you need that Mother Nature loves her gays!

:)

Here's the close-up of the balcony dudes from my Pride Guide cover, as requested by Javier.

j.

Happy Pride!

2009-06-25T08:19:00.002-04:00

Toronto Pride is this weekend and, in fact, has already started. I was out on Church street just the other night and already traffic is finding it difficult to get through the gathering crowds. Patios are FULL! The weather is fantastically hot causing many men to strip down to the least amount of clothing allowable! Thank you Mother Nature!

Unfortunately Toronto's city workers also chose this week to go on STRIKE! That means no garbage pick up (in this heat? Ugh!) and no ferry's to Toronto Island...and Toronto's nude beach!! AARGH! Denied!! How could they do this to US?

Despite the strike it appears as though most Pride events are continuing as planned (although the Beach Ball at Hanlan's (the nude beach) was recently cancelled. Bummer. I'd wanted to go to that. But there's plenty to do on the mainland, and it can all be found in your copy of the Pride Guide put out by XTRA!

When I sketched up the cover I wanted to include as much of the street crowd and diversity of Toronto's gay community as possible. Every year I see the dude on the stilts, numerous bears in full leather (shweaty!) drag queens, and increasingly over the years - families!

Hopefully I came up with an image that people can look at over the course of the weekend and not tire of! If you're in Toronto grab yourselves a copy and please pop into the comment section and tell us which events you're looking forward to and enjoyed!

Happy Pride!
j.bone

Drawing You In!

2009-06-18T06:52:00.000-04:00

I was reading Alan Bennett Ilagan's blog the other day. Alan had just attended Albany's Pride parade and posted pictures including a few of his Pride outfit...which I I think looked great (which is why I wanted to draw it). He was mocked for channeling Richard Simmons and/or Olivia Newton-John. I think the outfit was fun and slightly sailor-ish (it's the striped shirt, I think).

First is the drawing with just the black line art and the abstract Photoshop drawn background I based on the original photo ref. I drew planning on coloring all of the line art which is why you get such heavy shadows on his legs and shorts.
Here's the color only layer. After that "accidental" Josh abstract I checked out the Alan colors and sure enough it has the same kinda cool look. All it needs is a little detail in the face and shoes and it could totally work on it's own.
And finally, the piece as I'd intended it. I love the shirt and socks. The single blue stripe on each sock is almost reflected in the blue shadows of Alan's shirt and the metal dog tag.

Toronto Pride is nearly here! I was asked to draw the cover (THE COVER) to Toronto's Pride Guide this year! Holy SOCKS!! I was thrilled beyond words to get such an awesome opportunity! Wow! Getting a gig like that usually stifles the heck out of me...but I just tried to relax and draw what I'd want to look at when flipping through a booklet to find the events of the day! Something busy so you can spend some time staring at it while waiting for a drag show to start (c'mon girls, how long does it take to get ready ;) but not too busy that it's a mess when seen from a distance. I hope I succeeded. I'll post the final image next week, after the guide comes out in tomorrow's Xtra!

It's gonna be a great summer!
j.

Wiggam Does It Again!

2009-06-08T19:58:00.002-04:00

Wow! Michael Wiggam, colorist supreme, hit a home run with this one! I love the light color outline around the jock and his buddy! The coloring of his football jersey is also cool. . He's created a dreamy silhouette with the darker foreground elements and fantastic use of monochrome for the background helps all the right stuff stand out!

j.

Drink and Draw!

2009-05-30T23:19:00.004-04:00

Oh, but I love the summertime! The weather is warming up nicely and the streets are full of the peoples! Perfect for sitting on a patio with friends, eating, drinking and drawing! Today was all about Toronto's trashiest trailer park patio (and by 'trashy' I mean 'hot') ZELDA'S. They've hired some new waiters since I visited last and I quite approve!

The guy in the ripped shirt is already a favourite. Curse me for a fool, but I'm still overcoming shyness when it comes to just talking to a cute guy! I'm convinced I'll come across as a complete and bumbling idiot! Thankfully Zelda's is known for its friendly staff, and nobody seemed to mind that my buddy, Mudge, and I ogled as we doodled.
The bearded guy is Mudge (don't ask me why his parents named him that...it's the weirdest name I ever heard). I was trying to get a good cartoony take on his features, without going too far into caricature.

The guy above was just starting his first day as a waiter. That's an arm length tattoo he's sporting. I didn't get a good look at it but the design looked pretty fantastic. You know how some guys just have horrible ink jobs? This wasn't one of those. Nice crisp colours!

If you're in Toronto and stop by Zelda's...and you eat red meat...I highly recommend the mini-burgers. You get three of 'em and they are some of the best hamburgers I've yet to have in this city. And I've tried quite a few places. The meat is so deliciously spiced that you don't need any condiments at all to enjoy!

cheers!
j.

Saving Some Space!

2009-05-19T00:34:00.002-04:00

Guess who I just drew a picture of? And guess who I'm gonna work like a madman on as soon as I'm done this latest issue of the Super Friends?

Seriously, guess!

;) j.

Francois Sagat!

2009-04-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

While jumping around on the internet recently, procrastinating from my actual work, I came across (pun, if you like) a gorgeous photo of the amazing Francois Sagat. What caught my eye most about the photo wasn't the fishnet 'pants' or leather gloves but the awesome blocks of shadowed muscle projecting from Sagat's back! It looked like the face of a cliff and I just had to draw it.

Sagat takes such incredible pictures. I mean that he himself takes great photos but also when he works with a photographer, Sagat seems to know his own body well enough to strike terrific poses that show off his anatomy to best advantage. Certainly he's made a living doing 'nude' work, shall we say ;) but I've seen 'fashion' photo shoots with him that would be at home in Vogue or Vanity Fair. Check out his blog...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the artistry in his photos.

j.

Leapin' Rimahs!

2009-04-17T10:38:00.002-04:00

Where has the month gone? I feel a little like Rimah in this, the second page of the Rimah story. Launched into space uncertain of the landing...

I've been working on an issue of the Brave and the Bold comic book...the one based on the cartoon not the one written by Mark Waid. I may have mentioned before how much I LOVE the look of that show.

The comic book is also incredibly well drawn. If you haven't seen it yet you must check it out. The artist is Andy Suriano who is so effing talented that I'm scared to follow his art. I'm only doing one issue so far. I'd happily do more but, and no false modesty here, I feel like the cruddy fill-in compared to Mr. Suriano.

So, after I finish B&B I'm trying to figure out what to focus on next. I knowI want to get some pin-up art out there but also really want to do some sequentials. The Rimah story is short. Then there's the sketchbook to put together. Jett Vector needs attention. The Cafepress store needs new product...so many places to land...but where shall I aim first?

best,
j.

The Un-Named Hero!

2009-04-02T09:12:00.004-04:00

A quick-ish post today! I've got a book to draw and deadlines looming...but I couldn't resist taking some time out to draw comic book fan RJ Danvers as a superhero! RJ has shown up a few times on my blog as a Guy a Day and as Mr.Natural in the chest hair series. With his full chest of hair and trimmed facial hair he's sort of a typical J.Bone guy, really.
In fact one blog follower, let's call him Mr. X ;), thought Josh and RJ were one and the same. Not so, just similar looking guys.

So, I have no superhero name for RJ. Anyone have any ideas? My thinking with the costume was I wanted modern and sexy without being too revealing. I wanted a costume that you might actually see in a newstand comic. I think the name should be suggestive without being dirty...but that's just me (innocent ol' J.Bone :)
As usual, I had to halftone screen the colour image. I love the retro! Doesn't he look like he could be one of the reserve Avengers?

best,
j.

The Jungle Calls!

2009-03-23T18:13:00.002-04:00

My desk is piling up with busy-ness lately...I've not had much time to focus on the Beefcake. I'm hoping you'll be all right with a little peak at my loose pencils on page one of the first Rimah story! I got a big chunk of it done just before things started getting heavy and now, sadly, I have to shift my focus for a spell.

The rest of the is month and most of April has got to be all about the kids! I'll be attending the Toronto Comic Arts Festival this year, with the guys from Transmission-X. We're working on some fun stuff for the show, I'll be part of a little art exhibition and most likely be drawing throughout the day. It's a free event so don't be shy about dropping by!

best,
j.

Maniacal Toon!

2009-03-19T08:37:00.002-04:00

Today, just a quick, fairly loosely inked sketch of Josh. Reference was a photo he took of himself. Oh, how I wish I could show you the photo :) It continues to haunt the baser quadrants of my brain. I went simple, graphic and red with the coloring just to suggest that animal quality. My preference is the half-tone screen, cropped image. It seems eve more feral!

You may (or may not) have noticed that I no longer have a Zazzle store. The Zaz shirts arrived and they were TERRIBLE!! Printing was blurry and the shirt quality was 'meh'. For the higher price I expected much better. So Zazzle is out! CafePress is still in. Every morning I enjoy my coffee in the original, very first, signed and numbered Vargas-Josh coffee mug (large sized, naturally).

Have a grrreat day, my friends!
best,
j.

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

2009-03-16T07:38:00.002-04:00

It's Guy-a-Day in stunning color! I woke up one morning, checked my e-mail as does nearly everyone in the civilized world...and what appeared before my sleep-puffy eyes knocked me out of my slippers and woke me right up! Someone had sent me his colored up versions of some of my Guy-a-Day drawings. Not just any 'someone' but super-colorist Michael Wiggam!

I was and am beyond flattered. I think Michael brings an amazing, painterly quality to my drawings. He finishes them off so beautifully that the inker in me is jealous. And unnecessary.
Michael started a blog of his own, Niveous, to showcase his stunning work. Hopefully he'll be adding more than just my drawings to his blog. He's been coloring Dark Horse's Star Wars: Clone Wars comics for a while now and he just gets better and better with each issue. It certainly doesn't hurt that he's coloring the art of superstar Scott Hepburn though, does it!

Saving the best for last. I am so madly in love with this final image. The color of the beach, water and the tan on the guy's skin (and that adorable untanned butt). I need this on a t-shirt, throw pillow, coffee mug AND tattooed on my back!

You'll be seeing more of Mr. Wiggam here, I guarantee!

best,
j.

Sketchbook Doodles!

2009-03-12T12:21:00.005-04:00

On Monday I met up with Josh for a coffee. On entering the shop I noticed a long and lean, very good looking guy stretched out over the chairs, working on his laptop. After getting my drink I intentionally took another long look at the guy and he stared right back. Why, you might wonder, was I checking out some other guy when the adorable Josh was sitting right across from me? A reasonable question. Though Josh is most definitely incredibly easy to look at, an artist finds that he needs variety :)

Regrettably I failed to say a word to the coffee-man, even though I was fully braced to do so as he was leaving. I chickened out at the last second. It's a lesson I'll remember next time I see a cute guy I want to chat with. I only want to draw him/them anyway. *wink-wink*
With variety in mind I present a few collected pages from my sketchbook. I carry around a small hard cover book with me pretty much at all times. It's just one of those that you'd find in any art supply store. I fill the pages with people I see out on the street, in the subway, at restaurants or just ones that I make up. I draw directly in marker so my "style" is different than what you're accustomed to. I've got several books full of these type of drawings so, no doubt, quite a few will be included in the sketchbook(s).

best,
j.

Through the Looking Glass Darkly!

2009-03-09T08:49:00.003-04:00

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.

Beware the Jabberwock, my son! With jaws that bite and claws that catch. No Jabberwock here...just Josh and a pale reflection of his own self. We took some terrific looking photos in front of a mirror in one of our early sessions. Photos I'm still going back to and being inspired by. This one took a different turn when I thought more about how I see Josh. At this point I think I should let you all see what you want to see in images without the distraction of the "artist" :)

Interpret as you will the darker look of the reflected Josh, and the physical contact between the two. Sorry about the heavy shadow, boys. But at least you do get a nice view of drawn-Josh's rump.

In the comments section there has been a little discussion about the making of a sketchbook. I'd love to hear any and all input from you all about what you'd like to see. I'm considering one large sketchbook collecting as much as possible...but could also easily fill several smaller sized, themed books. Would one option be preferrable over the other? Smaller themed means being able to buy only those images that, shall we say, excite you most. More books means each would be less expensive, as well. Which is a plus.

Picture size is also an issue. Assuming the book is slightly larger than a standard comic book (roughly 6" x 10", 17cm x 26cm) would you prefer several smaller images per page with occasional focus on a larger finished piece? or large images throughout? I know I always prefer at least mid-sized images but sometimes there is that one piece that you just wish had been printed as a full page so you could enjoy it fully. On the other hand that large image that takes up a whole page isn't always the favourite piece and you wish room had been made for two more pictures for which the large image won't allow.

Such dilemmas. We should all have such easy problems to deal with :)

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! Feel free to e-mail me (address in my profile) if you don't have a blogger account with which to post.

best,
j.
p.s. Welcome back, Josh!

Barely here!

2009-03-05T08:58:00.002-05:00

Now, here's an inviting scene. There's nothing nicer on a cold winter's night than warming yourself by the fire and snuggling up in a bear skin rug. Perhaps a glass of Port or a spiced wine to warm the soul and life just couldn't be better.

In comic news, the latest issue of Madman has a back--up story written by me and drawn by the incomparable Darwyn Cooke! The cover is a super jam piece with a little bit of each of us all inked by the amazing Mike Allred and colored by the astounding Laura Allred!

stay warm, my friends.
j.

Bear in the Wood!

2009-03-02T06:37:00.003-05:00

It was ruddy cold this weekend! We Torontonians (and most of Southern Ontario) had a little taste of some warmer weather last week. The sun shone bright and hot lifting us out of the February blahs! But Dame March roared in with snow and below freezing temperatures. Not really a blizzard or anything dastardly. Just COLD! I wonder if that counts as a Lion or have we got something more ferocious to look forward to come end of month.

James F. asked about some bears. I thought 'What better way to keep warm than sipping hot chocolate with a cuddly bear!' As long as this chilly weather persists I'll be drawing more bears. The week of loin cloths will have to wait a little longer. My guys will catch their death of cold if they go out in loin cloths today.

Stay warm, my friends.
j.

Tuesday is the New Monday!

2009-02-24T07:04:00.002-05:00

Truth is I was busy on Monday and forgot to update. So Tuesday will have to pretend to be Monday for my sake. Frankly, it's the least Tuesday can do after all I've done for it.

This is the image which you can find on the CafePress Store clock...minus the numbers. It's from a photo that Josh had taken himself (or perhaps a friend took it?) I saw it and just had to draw it. I especially worked at capturing the scruffy little snarl on his face.

My accident, while Photoshopping, I removed the black layer...and was surprised at how identifiable almost everything was in my under-color! So for fun I'm throwing this up on the wall. You can see just how basic my color is. Nothin' special...I think there are about nine shades and tints here.

Happy Fat Tuesday/Pancake Tuesday! Or just Plain Tuesday if that's how you celebrate it!
best,
j.

Through the Looking Glass!

2009-02-16T10:43:00.003-05:00

Some of you may have already noticed this image added to the CafePress shop. I keep changing the name of the image...Mirror-Man, Reflection (for the journal), Mirror Image...anything but "Man in the Mirror". That name conjours up the song by Michael Jackson. I can think of no better way to lose your erection than to think of Michael Jackson. Ugh!

Andy (of Foxy Andy) pointed out another print-on-demand shop called Zazzle. I've opened a one item store there because, well, frankly their merchandise is a whole lot more expensive. But it's possible the quality is far superior and therefore justifies the higher price. I'll be ordering a shirt from them myself so that I can compare them to the CafePress items (which should arrive any day now).
Sometimes when I've finished an image I'll play around with the file; reversing or inverting the colours, making it black and white, applying ridiulous filters. Because every now and then I get something that I like almost more than the straight up final art. I really like the rough blurriness of this black and whiter version and will most likely put it on the Zazzle shirt that I order for myself. I'll make it available here, as well, for anyone else who might want it.

best,
j.