Vampire Love

 I am going to include this story in a zine compilation on a vampire theme.

NOTE on spelling. Civilization is the American spelling and civilisation the British. Australia mostly, but not always, follows British spelling and often both at once like with color/colour, although in the 1960s students were told we were now following the American version. Well, I don't feel TOO bad for using the American version.

PLANET OF THE CATS

 

This was a a flow on idea from my Statue of Dogivity. I always loved the Planet of the Apes series of movies, the original more than the later. 

Half Moon Bay

 The dog was smaller but I liked it to be a big dog. I had to draw this fast as the people were at the water fountain only a couple of minutes. Also they were there at separate times.

Do you mind if I sit here?

 I thought it was a nice spot to sit as there were three empty seats but the lady didn't like the idea and went off in a huff. as far as I know I didn't run over her dog.

Super Heroes From a Time Long Ago

 I found these drawing in a small sketch book from around twenty years ago. I scanned them today and added additional headings and text.

The Drakos Family Tragedy Part 1

 The characters derive from my decision to write a background to my recent wargame. I might change the writing to a computer font which will be neater.

Moo-lahs of Iran

 

My Portraits of Rod at the Portrait Group

 Rod has some strong features. The first image is done with pencil, The other two are done with a paint brush pen.

People on the Sandringham and Pakenham Lines April 2026

 I recently took a train trip to Melbourne and got out the sketch book - no surprises there.

The first three cartoon portraits are derived from the black and white sketch I did on the train. Artistic License is a great thing; The first woman I did a blonde and a brunette version of.

                                                                Here is the original drawing.

  I drew this next one on the way home. I used an economy of line but a more realistic look. I did slightly exaggerate the man's nose and paunch. I don't much worry about some geometric lines being wobbly as straight lines can be boring and the train jolts around a little, making really straight lines difficult.

  This young fellow was dozing so he was great for a study in forms. I don't know if the hand is too big but it was large. You might have noticed I have an obsession with clouds but they give a good contrast.

One of the joys of this exercise is scanning the pictures on to my laptop. I increase shadows and contrast and if they are color I usually intensify it.

  Drawing people is a bit of a balancing act. If they are not sleeping I try not to be too obvious as it could be unnerving having a person staring intently. For this reason and also because people might get off at a station I draw fast and partially from memory. In any case, I often am drawing the whole section of the carriage so not looking always at just one person. Fortunately most people are so intensely looking at mobile phones that they are oblivious to anything else.

The Vampire

 I'm presently experimenting on art work based on my fantasy wargames with 54mm figures. 

The painting is based on the vampire, Drakos, which the kingdom of Beerstein is trying to eradicate form the Island of Dread.

The bluish one is closest to my original and the others have different tints. Which one looks best?

                 

   Some of the style, and especially the evil Moon is influenced by the zines of 'Bill making Stuff' site to visit.

Sandringham Beach March 2026

 

Portrait Group, March 2026

    Here is yet another of my portrait group sketches. I lie to draw at least one group shot as the artists are as interesting as the model.

Gel pen and fine-liner with digital tint.

Redhead Sleeping On a Train

 

Amelia On The Train

 Amelia was sitting opposite me on the train and I asked if she minded me drawing her. (When someone is sitting so near it is hard to remain inconspicuous when drawing him/her). For some reason I drew her with dark hair but she is actually blonde, a law student and a dancer. I might do another version with her as a blonde.

   

The Battle of Dread Island

 

Colored Pencil, Portrait Group Sketches

 

Stirrer Cowboy

 

I was sitting in bed examining this little figure and noticed the strong highlights and shadows caused by light coming from the window. So here is my marker pen and colored pencil rendition.

Camilla at the Beach

 I am dedicating this picture to Camilla, a young, expressive, Brazilian lady who engaged me in extended conversation after I remarked to her that there were jellyfish in the water. These particular jellyfish didn't seem to have much of a sting so I then tired to reassure her. When I told her it was my birthday she clapped her hands and congratulated me. Her English was not great but her exuberance made me smile.

  I did draw her from memory, but one thing I remembered was her luxuriant hair.

  The seagull is kind of an add on. I made a mistake with its beak so made it into a beard, then added a hat and more hair so it ended up being a Hassidic Jewish seagull!

  I am thinking of making a canvas painting from this picture but the seagull will revert to being a gentile!

                

Aztecs and Olmecs

 I have long had a fascination for Aztecs and other Mesoamerican civilizations. Recently I picked up an Aztec-related old paperback and decided to draw it and an Olmec pottery head which was among the photos. It includes my rambling notes that I could replace with more concise, easier to read, digital ones. However, I have kept the character of my visual journal.

 

Dog Village