July 2014

Drawing on dogs… For inspiration.

July 28, 2014July 28, 2014 Alex Schumacher

Not actually drawing on them, though that may be funny too. As they are, dogs are hilarious, disgusting, oblivious, and wonderful for observation and zany ideas. Fun and whacky drawings like these help to keep the creative juices, and sometimes slobber, flowing. Enjoy and/or be horrified how closely some of these may hit home.

Cats can be funny too I s’pose… It’s just far less common. A cat in a situation like this though? Hi-Larious!

I know I’ve been teasing at it for some time, but the publisher will be ordering the proof for my first picture book and we will be one step closer to getting those babies in your hot little mitts! More news to follow so stay close, visit soon and stay gold.

More ‘doodles and more’

July 19, 2014July 19, 2014 Alex Schumacher

Here are some more random lunchtime doodles sketches. Some are funny, some are twisted but hopefully they’re all at least (mildly) entertaining. Let me know how you’re enjoying these silly lunch doodles about lunch! I’m always open to suggestions and requests also. Shoot me a message using the form or the email address provided on the About/Contact page.

Weenie roasts are fun… Unless you’re the weenie.

And the dish ran away with the spoon… Which really pissed off her husband the fork.

A thieving ham is no match for the family pooch!

Here is a quick piece I whipped together to celebrate the World Cup final. Of course, no one is happier than the soccer ball once it’s all over.

My little pal Noah asked for a Steamboat Willie sketch and I was so taken aback that the character/film still resonates with his generation that I gladly obliged. Here is a great picture which his mom took and sent to me.

If anyone is interested in a personalized, one-of-a-kind commission like the one Noah got please feel free to contact me!

Next week I should have a very exciting announcement regarding my first picture book, The World’s Crummiest Umbrella being published by Wandering in the Words Press! Stay tuned for the awesome news.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Doodles and more

July 12, 2014July 12, 2014 Alex Schumacher

I’ve very recently begun the practice of rapid fire doodling while on my lunch break at work. I feel as though it’s a great exercise for not only keeping my sketching technique loose and lively but also for brainstorming ideas. Contrary to that notion, I initially couldn’t think of just what to sketch. Then I found inspiration from a source which was literally right under my nose, lunch. So began my series of lunchtime doodles about lunch. For those who don’t already follow me on twitter (which you really should @AJSchumacherart) or are currently a fan of my facebook page (which I urge you to be at www.facebook.com/AlexSchumacherArt), I am presenting said doodles here for your enjoyment.

This weekend I reached into the annals of my journey through creativity and decided to reimagine a character I had concocted with a friend in summer school when we were fifteen or so. To entertain ourselves an entire cast of ridiculous and wonderfully wacky characters were generated and I may at some point get around to updating them all. Today, however, I am presenting the madcap Calculadora Man! Here he is doing what he does best, playing with himself.

Lastly, today I want to share a beautiful model sheet from Fritz the Cat by one of my favorite animators Ralph Bakshi. These expressive poses are spectacular examples of line-of-action utilization. If you are a fan and/or student of animation and haven’t already explored Ralph’s ample catalog of films and series, I highly recommend you do so immediately.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Wet, Hot American cartooning

July 6, 2014July 6, 2014 Alex Schumacher

A big ole’ American howdy to everyone on this weekend of The U.S. of A’s birthday! Did everyone enjoy a few days of food, family, friends and FIREWORKS? I know I did. Just for the hell of it, and because I’ll be in a food coma for the foreseeable future, I’m posting some random recent doodles. A wacky character design for a new comic series (though the writer decided to go with a more traditional look)…

some figure/line-of-action studies…

And a rat riding a huge rocket in honor of our Independence Day.

Enjoy folks and I hope everyone had a happy and safe(ish) 4th!