Star Wars Oil Paintings

So back in May, as you may remember, I went to Germany to visit our wounded troops.

To do this I had a friend watch my kids while my wife Heather went to work.

Instead of payment in the form of money, she asked I do paintings of her little boys favorite

Star Wars characters to hang in his new bedroom.

This is what I did. Hope he likes them, eventually I plan on doing a Yoda painting.

Escutcheon?

Long story short-I was eating lunch in the Warner Bros. commissary in 1997. In walks and is seated next to me, Chuck Jones. If that wasn't enough, while he was there with his daughter Linda, his recently Awarded Lifetime Achievement Oscar was delivered to him-officially. Charles Carney (Senior editor at WB) asked if I'd like to meet him. Well of course. We met-Mr. Jones asked if I would like to hold the award (of course-and almost dropped it). Things settled down and I was joking with the waiter if I should take his chair, or fork, or napkin after he leaves. Well-the waiter obsconded with his napkin (after I went outside) and gave it to me-complete with stain (raspberry torte).

So then I got home from that trip and I sent him a note:

"Dear Mr. Jones,

I find it only fair that since I have a napkin of yours I return to you one of mine."

I sent this note written on a paper towel.

Mr. Chuck Jones replied with this drawing on his studio's letterhead.

But my real joy is knowing that I think I made Chuck Jones smile, perhaps even a giggle.

Much like he had done for me throughout my childhood.

The Finished Book

Here's snapshots from all the spreads. I must admit, I'm a bit proud of it and can't wait to finally get credit for something. Usually Licensing Artists don't get their name on things...children's books are an exception. Please look for it...I'm sure you know some child who would enjoy it. I know two or three off the top of my head.

So this is what I've been consumed with....

It's been a long week. Staying up all night (a couple times), being Mr. Mom and

the usual house duties. All the while I've been sequestered

in Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

I'm closing in on finishing this baby. Just one more spread to complete. I thought I'd share

some new teasers to you. Hope you all like them-and look for them in a store near you!

Another Teaser for ya...

This is a small sample from a 22" spread.

I stayed up through the night, last night, to get this done (barely) on time.

But afterall, it's for the kids. Right? It's now 4:33 and I'm going to bed.

Good night all.

Teaser on my my new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse book.

Happy Groundhog Day