I want to participate in National Novel Writing Month, but I just dont have a novel in me. I am working on a script for a 2-part web comic and plan to post weekly updates. The first story is due out next year.

I’ve already begun Part 1, and it’s about 42.5% complete. The first draft is done,and my wordcount is 2,883 (remember, I’m in no way a writer). I expect the word count to drop a bit as I edit out the bad ideas and hope to be left with something possibly usable.

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Some of my friends have been asking where I’ve been and why I haven’t posted much this year. When I actually thought about the question, I realized there were two reasons for the lack of posts.

First, I’m currently working on a collaboration called the Ghost Scrolls. Much of the work I do for this property I wouldn’t disclose without the approval of my fellow co-creators. Although they completely trust my judgment, I feel it wouldn’t be fair to post pieces without story context, as this would imply that they are  my ideas alone. The project has been creeping along slowly but great strides were made towards the end of last year.

Second, I’ve just been doing too much art to post. I have ramped up to filling a sketchbook each month. Likewise, I’ve been doing 30-minute paintings exploring the Elements of Art. Real back to the basics stuff. I have to admit that, so far, I’ve found the process rewarding.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll knuckle down and come up with a posting schedule. Until then, here’s a digital sketch I’m calling Mud Giant. As always, comments and critiques are welcome.

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This year, for the holidays, I did a series consisting of 8 Art Trading Cards featuring Father Christmas. Below are the combined cards 7 and 8. Perhaps next year I’ll do series featuring Rudolph.

I couldn’t decide if the final look of the card is better in blue or red.

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Here’s a new look at an old char. There are a few things I like here, but the process, as well as the over all look, still needs quite a bit of refining. I’m hoping to use this style on a project starting Q3 2011.

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