"Ole One-Eye"

I did this one as a little warm-up piece. It's on an 11x14" sheet of sketch paper, so it buckled like crazy, while I was layering on paint. But the battered look of the paper's surface definitely played into the haggard look of this character. Also, between Blade of The Immortal and Valhalla Rising, I have a strange fascination with one-eyed protagonists.

"You're so fine. And now you're mine."

- Dave C.

DOOMBOX Exclusive C2E2 Sketchbook

My latest sketchbook is off to the printer! DOOMBOX is a 32-page, exclusive release for C2E2, next weekend. And I'm truly stoked to bring this one to the people. A lot of tender lovin' care went into the works included in this book. It's entirely made up of personal art, and includes the type of rough sketching that I seldom share in print.

DOOMBOX collects a gaggle of drawings and sketches, including penciled roughs, concept art for fine art & comic works, and several finished ink drawings. And to top it off, this volume ends with my 3-page comic short, "Herbert & Randolf Deliver The Mail," a goofy little tale that I whipped up back in 2011 and have been sitting on, until now.

It's being printed in a super limited edition of 50, and will be available at the Nerd City booth (#967) in The Block, while supplies last.

"Beware, son, I got the stare of Medusa. With the rope tied around your neck, it won't get looser."
- King Gum Crosland

C2E2 Convention Sketch Pre-Orders

With the Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) right around the corner, I’m now accepting pre-orders for convention sketches. Ordering your sketch ahead of time eliminates the worry of getting stuck at the end of my commissions list, or missing out on getting a sketch, altogether, simply because you’re only attending the show for one day, leaving early, etc....
I’ll be accepting sketch pre-orders up until Tuesday, April 23rd. Sketches are available in black & white or color, as well as in two sizes: 9x12” and 11x14”.

Your finished artwork will be ready for pick-up at the Nerd City booth (#967) in “The Block,” for the duration of C2E2. You can schedule a convenient time to drop by the booth for your art, via email. Contact me at hiredmeat@gmail.com for pricing info, order placement, questions, and all that jazz. Serious inquiries only, please. “If it breaks when it bends, you better not put it in!”

- Dave “King Gum” Crosland Here are some examples of my previous convention sketch commissions:

Tiki P.I.

I created this pinup for the first issue of Tiki P.I., by the talented Bill Hewitt (www.lickyourelbow.com). The story & character designs took my imagination back to my days of pouring over Scud: Disposable Assassin, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and other indispensable, black & white indie comics. So I tried to bring that brand of energy to my drawing.

"It's crazy but it's true, I only wanna be with you!"
- Dave

New Drawings, At Last!

It's been far too long since I last posted! Between the day job, freelance and catching up on commissions, making time to scan and share my work online has become quite a challenge. But the show must go on!

 

The above drawings are actually pencil on paper, save for "Underdog A.D."-- the sinister looking dog in the space helmet. This selection is from the 2009 - 2010 era. I unearthed them, while sorting & storing years worth of sketchbooks, from the late 90's all the way to now.


And I'll have more art to share, soon. As I said, I'm catching up on an outrageous backlog of commissioned drawings. I'm also trying to wrap up some comic book commitments that I've been sleeping on. And, lastly, I have been working on the final 10 pieces of Alphabet Attack! Series 3.


Whew! So you can look forward to seeing more of that work pour out, as it's completed.


"When I watched G.I. Joe, I used to root for Cobra. Used to watch Scarface and root for Sosa, and laugh myself to tears every time the movie's over."
- King Gum

Drawings from NFL Season Opener - Saints v. Packers

These are drawings I created last night, while enjoying the NFL's season opener -- The New Orleans Saints at The Green Bay Packers.

It was a spectacular game, with seemingly impossible catches, lightening-quick kickoff returns, one human barrel roll and one vicious uppercut to an unexpecting lineman's jaw! Definitely the high impact face-off one would expect to see from the last two seasons' Super Bowl Champions. Of course, Green Bay -- being the current title-holders -- came out like bulldozers, building a healthy lead from the very start of the game. But the Saints were no slouches, as Drew Brees lead them on several comeback drives. In the end, they nearly tied it up. But a 00 second goal line stand plucked the last petal on that daisy. The final score was 42 - 34. Packers win.

Many thanks to Madman Mitch for recommending The Cozy Inn in Culver City, for our venue. It's a fine drinking establishment, loaded with down-to-earth barflies and sports fans. Honestly, the gruff (yet friendly) atmosphere of the joint was a grounding & welcome change from my usual haunts.

I'm hoping to catch at least one more Week One game this weekend. So look forward to more next week!

"You and me... that's a history... of liiiiiies!"
- King Gum

Peyton Manning Black & White

Just thought I'd share this drawing for an illustration I'm working on, regarding The Colts and Peyton Manning's questionable start for the NFL's regular season.

"You ain't gotta go away mad girl. Just go away."
- Dave

"Blitz" Black & White

Got a new football illustration in the works. Thought I'd share the black & white drawing with you guys, before I toss it into the paint grinder.

"No bye, no aloha..."
- Dave

WRECKING SKULL Preview #2

Above is the second sneak preview of WRECKING SKULL, my new limited edition art book.The book production is running along smoothly, and the pre-orders have been coming in at an inspiring rate.

Remember, there's less than a week left to get in on the presale special, including several early bird collector bonuses. The pre-order period closes at midnight on the night of Wednesday, July 13th.

To reserve your copy now, go to www.hiredmeat.com/meatshop.htm

"She's a coward, she's a cheat and she speaks. My mother of Earth, where are you when we need you?"
- Dave

Wrecking Skull Envelopes!

Above are examples of the pre-order exclusive Wrecking Skull envelopes I'm making to package the book in. Each one will feature a one-of-a-kind stencil on the front, and an original skull sketch on the back.

Again, these envelopes will only be available to collectors who pre-order the book by July 13th. Just another incentive to reserve your copy now at www.hiredmeat.com/meatshop.htm!

"Sit down, honey. Let's kill some time. Rest your head on this heart of mine."
- Dave

WRECKING SKULL: Update 1

Presale Period Halfway Over
Much gratitude to those who have pre-ordered Wrecking Skull, so far. The first half of the presales have gone very well, thanks to loyal collectors and an additional push from my pals at Nerd City.

That being said, there are still 2 more weeks for you to nab a copy by the July 13th deadline. Act now to reserve your book, along with all the pre-order exclusives and bonus tidbits at a reduced price. For more info and to order your copy now, visit www.hiredmeat.com/meatshop.htm

New Presale Exclusive Envelope
Speaking of pre-order goodies, I'm working on an exclusive, stenciled Wrecking Skull envelope. This will be super-limited and only available with books purchased during the presale, so don't sleep on it!

Pre-Order Pick Up at TR!CKSTER
Several collectors have asked about this, and the answer is YES -- you can pick up your pre-ordered Wrecking Skull packet in San Diego, next month. I'm participating in the independent creators' convention, TR!CKSTER, and will be able to bring presold books & extras with me. If you'll be in SD for Comic-Con week and want to arrange for a pick-up, please email me at Dave Crosland.

Art Preview Next Week
Lastly, I've been blasting away at new images for Wrecking Skull... everything from funky-faced freaks to hooded & bound prisoners has been springing forth from my brush! While I won't be giving everything away online, I will be posting a new preview on my blog, next week. Look out and shout!

Again, many thanks to folks who have already reserved their Wrecking Skull. Stay tuned for more updates on this book project and beyond!

"Dial 9-0-0 for the hero of the weirdos! I hope my brain don't bust! Transform into a 7-11 Slurpee slush!"
- Dave

WRECKING SKULL Available for Pre-Order

Above is a small preview of my upcoming limited edition sketchbook, Wrecking Skull. It features a whole new batch of drawings from 2011 that includes black & white AND color art. For years, I've experimented with mixed media and various color tools in my everyday drawing. Now I'm proud to share these explosive new works with you in print, the way they were meant to be seen -- in full color!

Wrecking Skull is available for pre-order in my online store. The early bird gets one hell of a worm, this time around. Place your order now to receive some wonderful collector bonuses --

- Customized cover art & an original skull sketch by me
- The exclusive "Wrecking Skull" print, free of charge
- one of my snazzy new postcard prints

The Presale runs from now through July 13. Pre-ordered books & bonus goodies will ship on July 15. For more info, visit my online store.

Click here to place Your Pre-Order Now.

"If it breaks when it bends, ya better not put it in!"
- Dave

I'm Making A Comic!

After a whole lot of hullabaloo and poppycock, I'm finally working on a comic story of my own. It's a one-shot, surrealist-adventure story called "Auris Infinitum." I'll be debuting this book at Wizard World Anaheim and the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, in a month. Be sure to keep an eye on this blog for regular updates and progress shots.

"Whaddya mean there's no more? ALL the rations? Sound the alarm! There must be a stowaway!"
- Dave