The 911 Report

This idea came from that mythical place, called nowhere. Didn't do any prep sketches, didn't redraw it at all. It's good when things fall into place. I love a good conspiracy theory. Influenced by Air America radio - which I listen to online. Quite a few ideas floating around Clang Towers, at the moment, so updates should be more frequent over the next few days.

Crime & Punishment made easy

A court in China is tested some software that's decided sentences passed in 1,500 criminal cases, including crimes of robbery, rape, murder and state security offences. Blue Screen Of Death (BSOD) could take on a whole new meaning!

Disturbing cartoons: "Bully Beef" (1930)

"Bully Beef" is a Terrytoon with World War I theme, released on 13th July, 1930. It's a rather entertaining and fast paced cartoon, among studio's best entries of that year. The drawing style and character design still has its roots in the silent cartoons of the 20s, though with more elaborate animation.
This cartoon is particularly notorious for featuring a couple of the most shocking and gruesome scenes ever seen in a classic cartoon. The old TV prints of this cartoon were probably heavily edited, and these screenshots are taken from an excellent uncut French theatrical print from 1930. In any case, the title of "disturbing cartoon" is fully deserved.

Tiny Little Trees

CLICK TO ENLARGE

So much for the new rougher style of drawing. This is the 5th version of this gag. The subject matter required a scene to be set, which was difficult to do, in a sketchy style. I may even publish the other versions in the newsletter at the end of the week. Talking of the newsletter, I have decided to publish it on Fridays, instead of Sundays as originally intended. The reason being - it gives you lot the chance to read it over the weekend, and Sunday is a 'school night' for most people.

Style Council

In an attempt to break the cartoon block (it's more to do with drawing style then ideas) I have been doing some rough sketches. I know that my drawing style changes all the time, if you look back at some of the cartoons on this blog, you will see many styles. I don't seem to be able to stick to one style. Cartoons drawn on the same day seem to have a similar style (all the crap ones are drawn at the same time).
I've been covering news items, which require quick drawings. Old news is no news, as someone once said. The sketchy style is my personal favourite. It's easier to hide the mistakes in a sketchy cartoon, and they don't require so much preparation. I also think that the sketchy style is more 'Clangnuts' then anything else I may draw.
I hate cutesy cartoons. Cartoon vomit. I have been guilty of emulating this style of drawing from time to time. I need to branch out and make a unique identity with my drawings. It's all experimental at this stage. I'd love to hear your views on drawing style.

Pound Shop

Don't Click to Enlarge, it doesn't get any better.

Haven't been drawing much lately. Having a bit of a cartoon block. This is out of my sketch book from a few weeks ago. Don't really like it - but I have to post something. Going through a style crisis at the moment. Don't like the staid look of the drawing with this one. I know I can do better. Maybe I'll rework the idea into something more visually pleasing. Work in progress. Yes, that's what it is.

Strandbeesten - Wind Powered Robot

Stumbled upon this amazing video today:

Theo Jansen is a scientist turned artist that creates remarkable wind powered robots called Strandbeests. These robots are entirely low-tech with no electronic components and are designed using a simulated evolution program made by Jansen over 17 years ago. His goal is for these robots to one day live in herds on beaches along the Dutch coast.
For more information check out this article from Wired News - Wild Things Are on the Beach.

Get Well Soon, Richard

Shocking news on Wednesday, that Richard Hammond, presenter on BBC Top Gear had crashed a jet powered car doing 280mph. Thankfully he appears to be making a good recovery. Of course this has just encouraged the safety police to comment that TV presenters shouldn't be doing such stunts. The BBC, the Police and the HSE are all investigating the ACCIDENT. I watch Top Gear, and find the whole programme quite entertaining. Lets hope that the BBC don't put a stop to such thrilling television. If the safety police have their way, Top Gear would either be axed altogether, or become a very dull programme.

Get Well Soon, Richard

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