Grafix Jam - John Rios

I created this illustration of Magglio in honor of his incredible season last year. The sun is finally shinning here, so it seemed like a good day to post a baseball picture. Hope the Tigers have another great season this year.The thought process behind this picture was to make Magglio look like his great batting ability is effortless, which at times it appeared to be. He actually hit two home runs in one inning last year. Unheard of… 

Click here to (Download) a wallpaper size version of this illustration.

I created this caricature of Tony last night. With the scruff and the longer hair he is looking like a wild man this year. Great stuff.  Couldn’t resist doing this one.

 Hope you keep running the wheels off your car this year Tony. Best of luck!

By the way, I’ve created a caricature of Dale jr that you can (Click here) and download if you’re interested. 

Click Here to (Download) a wallpaper version of this image. 

I thought I’d do something a little different with this caricature. After scanning in the rough sketch, adding a background color, highlights and so on, I decided to leave the rough sketch in the final piece. I think it ad’s a nice tactile feeling which lends itself to the nostalgic, old film reel look I was going for.

I remember sunday afternoons watching these comic geniuses for hours. If you haven’t spent some time with Laurel and Hardy in awhile you should. You’ll laugh out loud.

Here he is. I call him Spigot™. Why Spigot™? He is small and he has the ability to stop the flow of the Evil Meanies. They’re the biggest threat in the little patch of woods where Spigot™ lives.

Will post when the story is done. 

Doodle I did during some down time. I’d tip this guy at least 25%…

About seven times a year someone asks me to design a T shirt. Usually it’s for a band that is touring or something like that. This time, I created a seven spot color design for a supplier to Dodge. I guess they gave these shirts away at a launch party this week. The end result turned out fantastic. 

Hello All. I thought I’d post a sketch I did last night while sitting in front of the tube.  This was much more interesting to me. I think I’ll finish him up in the nest few days and post the final here then.

Today also seemed like a good day to give you something free. Below you will find links to three free wallpapers designs that I hope you will enjoy. They contain higher resolution images of three illustrations found on my blog. Feel free to use them as computer screen wallpaper - hope you enjoy them.

 1-Marilyn illustration

2- Rambo 

3- Carol Burnett

ARTWORK UPDATED- Aug 2,2008- As I wrote in this post earlier- Some pieces are never really done.

I’ve been working on this piece for the last week or so and it’s finally where I want it to be. It is said the no piece of art is ever really done and this piece is no exception. I’ve just arrived at a point where I’ve captured what I was hoping to with her. 

 One thing I wanted to make sure of with this piece was that it wasn’t an illustration of an over produced photo that everyone has already seen before. I must have used over 20 photos and watched several videos to try and capture a look at Marilyn that hadn’t been seen before. Her dress and jewelry say “Hollywood” to me, even though I’m not sure she ever wore anything exactly like either. Maybe I felt she deserved a new dress and diamonds after all these years. 

I hope you enjoy. 

This is a caricature of Frank Zappa I created recently. About every other month I create a caricature to honor another inductee into the “Chop Shop Hall of Fame.” My good friend Steve Black hosts this nationally syndicated radio show that is dedicated the worlds greatest guitar players. If you haven’t caught the show yet please click on this link, CHOP SHOP, and find out when it’s playing near you. It’s a great show and Steve is the most insightful, entertaining radio show host I’ve ever listened to . While you’re at the site please visit the Hall of Fame and check out the other guitar greats that I have illustrated.  You can also download a free desktop wallpaper of anyone you like.

 FYI, I realize that I’ve illustrated Frank in a kind of awkward manner, his left had is a little over sized, the left arm is tucked in and there are a few other unusual aspects to his total being. I did this on purpose  to try and capture the feel of his music. I sometimes do things like this with my art so you kind of have to know the “back story” behind the individual to get the hidden meaning.

  The fine folks at Buffalo Games asked me to create the wild monster characters for their game called Monster Maker. Petey, Buck, Sassy, Snoot and Roy are way too much fun. I’m very proud of  of them. Monster Maker the Card Game has won two fine awards. Go pick up one for yourself and have hours of fun with your kids assembling monsters. Get more details at buffalogames.com

• 2007 iParenting Media Award - Best Product
• 2007 Creative Child Magazine - Prefered Choice Award