Grafix Jam - John Rios

I thought I’d do a caricature of Gordon Ramsay from the TV show Hells Kitchen. It seems to be the “recipe” for reality TV any more to invite someone from the UK over to give a bunch of underachievers hell, so in a lot of ways, “Hells Kitchen”  is a perfect name for the show.

 I decided to not make him look intimidating in this caricature. I just wanted to capture that goofy look you sometimes catch on his face when he slips out of character.

The Stones are without a doubt the greatest rock-n-roll band that ever took the stage. What other band has filled arenas year after year across the globe for as many years has the Stones have. I say Rock on!

This caricature presented some unique challenges. I’ve never been so acutely aware before how much an individuals hair style makes or breaks capturing there likeness. Mick’s hair is as much of an icon as his lips. I just never realized it before.

For a wallpaper version of jagger and Richards, click here.

This caricature of Joe Perry was fun to do. I decided to exaggerate his features a little more than I would normally do. He has one of those faces that lends itself to being exaggerated. Strong chin, gnarly smile, signature hair swoop thingy in the front… Cool.

This is not the first time I’ve drawn Joe. Ted Nugent asked me to draw a caricature of him with the duo, formerly known as the toxic twins, a few years back. He gave them prints of the art along with bows, knives and other goodies back stage at a show here in Michigan.

I love Aerosmith’s music. The one of a kind sound and those lyrics with more double meanings than a politicians speech. To this day, I’d have to say that PUMP is my short list of greatest rock CD’s of all time.

To download a wallpaper of this art CLICK HERE. the link will take you to Chopshopradio.com. Once there, Click on “this months hall of fame winner” to get to this and 24 other wallpapers I have illustrated over the years. 

This is a poster I just designed today for my friend Chuck Buzzy. Chuck has taught more kids how to be good stewards of there environment, woodsmanship, marksmanship and so on than just about anyone I know. His program, The Kamp For Kids, is a great opportunity for kids to get out of the house and get back to the basics. I highly recommend you support his efforts if you have the ability. 

The “To Hell And Back” ride is a great opportunity for you to give and have a great time while doing so. The Celebrity Guest that is going to be there for the entertainment part of the event alone is worth four times the price of the ride,  just to see in person.

 Click this link to get more info. 

I caught a movie staring Bette Davis this weekend and was truly inspired. What an amazing actress she was. People often fall in love with those eyes. They may be the most beautiful eyes ever but, what I noticed last night while watching her on the screen was how much dialog she could convey with them. She could say “I love you, I hate you, are you kidding me?” and much more with just  look.

It felt good to spend some time creating this. My work load lately has not allowed me to spend time creating caricatures that are “just for me,” so this was great fun.

Click here to get Bette Davis wallpaper

A sketch of the American idol judges, Randy, Simon and Paula.  I plan to finish this rough sketch up in the near future.

Here is a rough concept for a John McCain/Condoleeza  button. It needs to be finished in color and it needs a caption. You fill in the blank in the comments area and I’ll put it on the final art. For or against, the best caption wins.