Orangutans!

I did these for the Philadelphia Zoo last year for their Lorax/Orangutan exhibit. I had to combine my style with Dr. Suess' style which was a lot of fun. As you can see by the photos below (no, they're not out of focus), the illustrations were done in multiple layers and converted to 3D to coincide with the Lorax movie. Kids were given 3D glasses to view the exhibit signage in order to learn more about Orangutans and what they can do to protect them. If you ever get a chance go to your local zoo and sit for a good hour to watch the orangutans. I worked at the zoo for many years and would often eat my lunch while watching the primates. They really are fascinating.

All images are copyright © The Philadelphia Zoo 2012

Which Way USA? Hidden Picture preview.

Now I have to go to Montana.

What's Wrong, Ducks?

I hope this brightens up everyone's day.

This What's Wrong? is on the back cover of this month's Highlights.

I was unaware of Rubber Duck races until I was asked to draw this one.

Right click and open in another window or tab to view this piece larger.

Grumble grumble mumble.

I live near a NJ turnpike rest stop. It's a short walk from my house. Tonight I walked there to draw some folks because I'm angry, irritable and I love to do stupid things on Sunday nights I guess.

Funny memories with my Dad.

I am submitting this for IF's Farewell theme this week:

My family and I each made photo collages for my Dad's funeral. I had a little fun with mine, adding some good, funny memories. I'll let this speak for itself....

You may have to right click and open in a new window in order to see it clearly. I would also recommend enlarging it in your browser a bit.

That's Silly, Bumper Cars!

This piece was recently published in Highlights High Five. I had a lot of fun doing extensive research on retro bumper cars. I found that the modern ones were just plain ugly.

Make sure to get a Highlights subscription for the little ones in your life. They now have magazines for everyone from ages 2-12.

My Dad.

In true Irish fashion my Dad passed away Sunday morning. The prior Sunday he suffered a massive heart attack. As a result his brain was damaged and, reluctantly, we had no choice but to let him go. After a very long night he finally passed on. It turns out that the last story he needed to tell was that he passed away on Saint Patrick's Day. 

My Dad taught me many, many valuable things. Among them his great sense of humor, gift of story telling and love of the outdoors.

He never missed an opportunity to tell someone that I was a "cartoonist"- something he was very proud of and, admittedly, could never quite understand. I can remember many times, at his request, drawing eagles on cocktail napkins for all of his friends- my first art commissions as I was often given quarters or dollars for the drawings. As I was growing up he would take me on fishing trips from the far north of Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario, to northern Maine, as close as our own Pennsylvania and, of course, his beloved Delaware River. Those are some of the most cherished memories I have to this day.

Anyone who knew him will miss him dearly. Thank you so very much for all of the prayers and notes of kindness. With Daisy away in Switzerland last week I have no doubt that it was God's answer to your prayers that held me together.

Thanks, Dad.

I made this in honor of my Dad for Father's Day back in 1994. At the time I had a weekly comic strip in the Philadelphia Daily News. I gave this as a gift to my Dad the following Father's Day. He had it hanging in his house for many years. Forgive the quality of the scan, I did my best to clean it up.

Dad & Me.

I drew this for my Dad when I was in the first grade at the age of 6 (1979). I specifically remember drawing Jesus in the clouds. Although I attended a Catholic School I wasn't instructed to add Jesus in. I can remember Ms. Kersey asking why I drew him there but I wasn't sure why I did at the time. I drew Jesus in jeans and I thought that's what makes him look pretty cool.

Dad.

In true Irish fashion my Dad passed away Sunday morning. The prior Sunday he suffered a massive heart attack. As a result his brain was damaged and, reluctantly, we had no choice but to let him go. After a very long night he finally passed on. It turns out that the last story he needed to tell was that he passed away on Saint Patrick's Day.

My Dad taught me many, many valuable things. Among them his great sense of humor, gift of story telling and love of the outdoors.

He never missed an opportunity to tell someone that I was a "cartoonist"- something he was very proud of and, admittedly, could never quite understand. I can remember many times, at his request, drawing eagles on cocktail napkins for all of his friends- my first art commissions as I was often given quarters or dollars for the drawings. As I was growing up he would take me on fishing trips from the far north of Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario, to northern Maine, as close as our own Pennsylvania and, of course, his beloved Delaware River. Those are some of the most cherished memories I have to this day.

Anyone who knew him will miss him dearly. Thank you so very much for all of the prayers and notes of kindness. With Daisy away in Switzerland last week I have no doubt that it was God's answer to your prayers that held me together.

These Highlights illustration clippings are just some of many that I have drawn my Dad in.