Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Santa Claws

Though I’d had this new banner in mind for some time, I never seemed to have the chance to actually draw it. As it turns out, I had to slap it together really fast. I didn’t care much for the drawing (at first) because I barely penciled it before rushing the inks and I was using a brush pen that had seen much better days. It ran out of ink before I was done and I had to move on to another one. I tried to freehand the straight lines and ended up with some weird wobbly stuff. Let me tell you, it may LOOK like Darwyn Cooke just slings the ink and that it magically falls onto the paper in just the perfect spot but every line he puts down is deliberate. If I can master that, I will be a happy dood.

Strangely, though, once I finished the banner, I was really happy with how it came out. I think it has the exact mood I was going for and I love how the kid came out. I had to laugh though. When I was looking at it afterward, I noticed that, for you to be able to see the moon outside the window, the stairs would have to go into nothingness. Whoops. Oh well, maybe there’s a landing about five steps up and then the staircase turns right. Yeah, that’s it.

Have a great Christmas, or whatever you celebrate this time of year. I’m a non-denominational kind of guy so whatever the reason you spend tons of money on presents for other people is fine with me. I hope you all get lots and lots of goodies. Just make sure you put out plenty of dog biscuits for Santa...just in case!

Oh, and PJ, this banner was for you!

11 comments:

Craig Zablo said...

Here's to a great holiday to you and yours. PS - Love the banner!

Josh said...

It's good to see you finally put a different banner up. That Halloween banner was cool but it was starting to look weird having it up through Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Christmas banner looks cool too. It combines two of my favorite things, Santa Claus and werewolves.

Matt Wieringo said...

Heh. Glad you like it. It'll probably be up until Easter. :P

Leanne said...

That banner is awesome, Matt! The line work is wonderful, and the coloring really gives it a great, creeptastic atmosphere.

I am all for horror throughout the year. Bring it on.

Hope you and Suzanne have a great holiday. I am looking forward to some time off to relax and draw.

Anonymous said...

Matt,
That is one awesome banner.

Have a great holiday season!

Heywood Jablomie said...

Man nice stuff! The banner looks awesome!! I love it. I liked the Flash pic too. Nice stuff there. I wouldn't fret about comparisons either-you do great work man.

Hope you guys, and everyone else here, have a great christmas, or holiday of your choosing!

Warren said...

Love the Christmas banner. Hope your holiday is a good one!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! :)

PJ said...

DUDE! That is just awesome! I cannot tell you how big a smile you brought to my face! :)

Merry Christmas!

Bill White said...

Looks great to me!

todd said...

hey,matt!
man, i am lovin' all OVER that banner--love the look in the kid's eyes, the were-santa's eyes are killer! and that grin! ho ho ho! the composition is perfect, the sppoky moonlit shadows--but i gotta say that your fantastic coloring really makes this pop on so many levels!
what a great christmas gift!
oh, yeah, and thanks for the great christmas gift.
talk to ya later!
t

Brian said...

Matt, that Santa Werewolf is incredible. The expression on the kid's face is worth the price of admission alone and I love, love, love the coloring.