Killers Of Cimarron

Last week I posted a sketch for the Book cover "Killers Of Cimarron". The art director chose sketch "D" so over the next few days I'm going to be posting a kind of step by step of the how the painting went. The top image is my drawing and a wash of Marigold Yellow gouache paint, I start most of my paintings this way giving myself a mid tone on which to work. The second image is a very broad indication of the "color story". This painting was done a little faster than I like to work because I only found out on Friday that they needed a finish on Monday. The time between these two images was about 4 hours. Tomorrow you'll see the next stage.

Fanelli Cafe

It's a crisp morning in Manhattan and the cold air seems to drive you inside, you choose a stool at the end of the bar and take out your sketchbook and pens, order a pint of Brooklyn larger and let the fun and games begin. Something like that anyway. This is the finished drawing, I reworked it at home, to see what I managed to draw whilst sat in the bar click HERE.

Fanelli Cafe

Here is another look at Fanelli Cafe, always a winner. 94 prince Street in SoHo, I first came here back in April !988 and if ever I'm in SoHo I just can't seem to walk passed it. Come back tomorrow for a look inside.

Willie

This is Willie, we work together and sometimes take the subway home and when that happens, this happens.

The Dude

I call most all of the subway drawings "Dude" or "Dudette" but this guy is definitely "The Dude". Just look at him and revel in his total dudeness, ladies and gentlemen we have a winner.

Joe's Bar

This place really has some atmosphere as well as a pool table. They serve draft beer on those little steins so you don't get that full pint satisfaction but then again that's just me. Plenty to enjoy in this bar and in the East village, you are but a stones throw from the Sidewalk Cafe(best happy hour) and Vazac's, both of which I have featured in the blog, I could set a a link to take you to those drawings but I can't be bothered. It's nothing personal, I'm just on a deadline.

Joe's Bar

A little gem on 6th St between A and B. Unpretentious. Come back tomorrow for a look inside.

Killers Of Cimarron

Back to reality after yesterdays helicopter excitement. This is another rough sketch for the book cover based on the art directors suggestions. I still favor "B" and if the AD goes with this one I will probably paint both up just for the hell of it. Stay tuned good people of the world.

Helicopter

This was another crime of opportunity, nobody was expecting to see this helicopter when it landed opposite Bill and Lola's house on Sunday but when it did I grabbed my sketch book and had a go. The photo shows Martin the pilot giving a preflight check before taking off again. Doubt I'll be drawing another helicopter anytime soon.

Lola

Our friends Lola and Bill invited us up to our favorite house this weekend, It was a great time and i also got to draw a helicopter which practically landed in their front garden. I should get that one up tomorrow. Thanks for a great weekend guys.

Samantha

Actually I have no idea who this is but that doesn't necessarily mean she isn't called Samantha.

Sam

This is Sam.

The Baynes Clan

Ooh look at my Baynes boys all gussied up for a night on the town.

The Baynes Clan

This one is about 15 years old but since we are on a western theme I thought I'd dust it off. I did about 5 in this series but never found the books anywhere, I guess westerns don't sell to well in Manhattan.

The Killers Of Cimarron

Does that sound like a must read or what? These are some sketches for the second western in the series I'm working on, some of you may remember I blogged the last one. This is round one and I'll keep you posted and will post the painting in progress so that will all be great fun.

Phoenix Park

I started this drawing some weeks ago as Celtic were playing Arsenal in the Champions League qualifier. I'm sure to catch a few more games here before the year is out. Yesterday I went to Manhattan to sketch Red Rock West only to discover it has closed and is now some night club or something. I missed that one and it becomes the 3rd bar that has closed during this project. Back to the drawing board.

Phoenix Park

I like this place, it's the closest decent bar to the Society of Illustrators and it show football(soccer)games which makes it a must. I can have a good long lunch at the Society and then catch a Champions League match. Phoenix Park feature a horse shoe bar which I always enjoy, good food and plenty of seating through the back with a good outdoor space. Nice. If you promise to be good I'll take you inside tomorrow.

50th Anniversary

Today is my parents 50th wedding anniversary and this old book jacket illustration seemed to have something of a celebratory tone so here it is. Happy anniversary mum and dad and also happy first wedding anniversary to our friends Bob and Amanda. It's a beautiful day.

Nude

Ah yes, bars and nudes. normal service has been restored.

Old Town Bar

Here is another look at the Old Town Bar, I've drawn it before of course but I needed to have another go for the sake of the book project so I can present a consistent look.
It's the perfect day to be in the Old Town today because it's cold and rainy however I won't be going in to the city because it's cold and rainy.

Mars Bar

So here we are then. This place is long as narrow like Milano's but no draft beer here I'm afraid, just take a look at those cases of beer lining both sides of the bar. A real hideaway from the world with a cool jukebox. Now I have to make another pilgrimage to Red Rock West, coming soon to this blog.

Mars Bar

This place is such a dive I'm still coming up for air. I've know of the Mars Bar for years but finally ventured in with my friend BRI last Friday. 25 E. First Street at Second Ave in case you are in the vicinity. If you want to know what's doing on the inside(and I know that you do) come back tomorrow and all will be revealed.

Tractor

This tractor was parked outside our apartment building on Saturday, a crime of opportunity.

Hat

You don't see too many hats like this on the subway.

Lady

Born to be drawn.

Sleeper

I quick drawing on the way to the dentist yesterday, I had a filling but it was a really great one, dentists tend to make me nervous but I was real happy with me new filling. It's going to be a good weekend.

The Sideburns King.

This guy had a really interesting look going with the sideburns and moustache. I wish he had stayed on the train longer. I probably don't need to tell you that he was wearing cowboy boots

Landmark Tavern

Where did everybody go!

Caught in the Act

This is a shot Fraser took of me whilst I was drawing his PORTRAIT.

Old Town Bar

This is my friend Fraser enjoying a pint at the Old Town, a philosophy I can get behind.