When I See an Elephant Fly

by David Finley

My Cat, the Robot Killer

by David Finley

This is the latest in a series of revisions I've done to some my favorite older pieces. The original always appealed to me, so I tried not to drastically change it. This version has more depth and a more favorable background for printing. The limitations on the old one always frustrated me.

 Thanks for looking!

-Dave

War of the Worlds

by David Finley

Based on 'War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells.

Stealing Art From an Eight Year Old Boy

by David Finley

 Pablo Picasso is credited with saying, "Good artists borrow. Great artists steal."

 Yet, I'd wonder if even he would approve of my recent decision to use an eight year old boy's art as inspiration. Would he call it cheating?

 Children's art possesses a raw power that can be lost as we mature, study, and develop as artists. Our imaginations are much more constrained. Unless, we struggle against them, our inhibitions are held tightly in check. Here, I wanted to go against my training, and break some rules.

 I promise, I redrew everything, making different mark and design choices along the way, but I still feel a tiny bit guilty. Who could do such a thing?

 And, why do I think I might do it again?

-David

Something to Write When I'm Sad

by David Finley

The Balloon- A Tribute

 I'm at a loss for meaningful words right now. Someone I love died today, and he was the type of man who wouldn't want a lot of fuss, or big speeches in his honor. He definitely wouldn't want his name plastered everywhere.

 So, without making a big to-do, I'm going to honor him with this picture I drew while thinking of him, and say how things just weren't the same today without him. I hope he knew how much he meant to us, and how we will remember him for the rest of our lives. He was a good man, who was always kind and inviting to me, who readily shared a keen humor, and who patiently listened to others as they spoke.

 I and my family are better for having known him.

 Thanks for reading, friends.

-Dave

You Can't Cage a Penguin

by David Finley

 Phew! I've been a busy cat this past week, but don't think I've forgotten all about you, my beloved scofflaws. That's why I decided to bring the silly for today's drawing. The original concept was introduced by my good friend, Jonathan, whom I've collaborated with a lot lately.

 Maybe someday the fish headed guy will keep that penguin in the cage so he can enjoy his tea in peace, but not today.

My Children's Book Project- A Tip of the Hat to Mary Blair

Words and Image by David Finley, additional image by Mary Blair

Page 1 of ABC, Witch! illustrated by me, David Finley

 I'll bet you didn't know the letter "B" had a mustache. Recently, my friend Jonathan and I started working on a Children's book tentatively titled, "ABC, Witch!" It's a fun project I've approached with very basic shapes and textures to appeal to the sensibilities of younger children, who are the targeted audience.

 Admittedly, it's also the closest in style I've ever worked to the art of Mary Blair, my favorite artist. So, I would be a real buttnose if I didn't take the opportunity to pay tribute to her for what she taught me and inspired me to create.

 If you are an artist interested in children's books or animation at all, you've no doubt heard of her. For the rest of you, here is a peek:

3 Caballeros art by Mary Blair

You can look at her work for days without growing tired of it. It's deceptively complex while appearing quite simple. Her work is timeless, continuing with each passing generation to inspire hoards of emerging illustrators and animation professionals.

 So, I say thank you to Mary Blair. I would not know half of what I know about creating illustrations if I had never studied her amazing and charming illustrations.

 To see more of her work you can visit this online gallery.

Thanks so much for reading!

-David

The Children's Illustration of David Finley

by David Finley

When food goes bad

Anger

The Bear who hated his job

Carl and the honey bees.

Dennis Dinosaur's delighfully destructive day.

Dennis Dinosaur has a tea party

Epic- Dennis Dinosaur versus Chimpan-Steve!

Past the unicorns, across the Yoo Hoo sea

OJ for my Hoe-Jay!

Little owl- letterpress style

Not again!

Pinkerton Snake is stuck in a tree. Go get help Skelly!

Two at sea- Bucket and Skelly

Musical Dinosaurs make thunder in the weather factory

Gumba- Mario's least dangerous foe.

Reach- Your dreams are closer than you think

Dennis Dinosaur vs. Chimpan-Steve

by David Finley

  Just a simple update today with another Dennis piece. Once I get about ten of these in this series done, I'd like to start really looking at publishing as an option.

 Eventually, I'll devote a series of articles on my blog here toward chronicling my journey towards children's books. Hopefully, my own journey will help you aspiring illustrators in your own pursuits and you won't have to stumble through it like I have.

-Dave

The Folly of Not Behaving Like a Rampaging Dinosaur

Words and Images by David Finley

 Dennis Dinosaur. He is a rampaging, pea-brained dinosaur with a voracious appetite...

 

 ... and we all should be more like him.

Sure, eating casual citizens, destroying cities, and spreading wanton destruction may not be your slice of bread, but Dennis is doing what he loves the most. His objectives in life are uncomplicated. There is little to no thought put into these desires. He's just being who he is.

 So, stop pretending you are someone else. You try to draw like someone else because you believe they are a better artist, or write like the most wealthy and successful of authors because you want the money they make, but your audience will be able to see through your mask. You need to stop right now.

 Imitating others might be a good way to learn, but there comes a time when you must speak clearly with the creative voice that you, and only you have. Not being yourself will only lead to unhappiness. Again, take it from Dennis:

Thanks for reading, Scofflaws!

-Dave, Grand Poobah of the Haven for Scofflaws