Time to update with some more recent pieces:
Jei by Randy Clute
11x17 ink and watercolor
Usagi and Jotaro vs Groo and Rufferto by Randy Clute
11x17 pencil and ink
I received both of these late last year as prizes from forum member Randy Clute, who was super generous with his art skills. The Groo piece was a pre-done prize while the Jei was the character I picked for a different contest prize. I don't have much Jei, so I thought it would be fun to add him to my art. There are also fun Usagi-verse rough pencil sketches on the reverse of the art. I always enjoy it when there's a little bonus on the backs! Thanks again Randy!
Usagi Yojimbo by Jonathan Marks
8.5x11.5 ink and watercolor
You may recognize Jonathan's name from
The Sakai Project, or perhaps from the fantastic Gen piece he did for me a couple years back. Jonathan was taking commissions this past month with all the proceeds donated to the ACLU. Being the fan I am of his work, I knew that I needed to get an Usagi piece to go with my Gen. Once again, after completing the art, I met Jonathan at the local comic shop to pick it up from him, as he lives here in town. Since he recently wrapped up some contract work with Marvel, he's currently working on his own book with some friends, so I look forward to seeing what the future holds.
Usagi Yojimbo by Todd Nauck
9x12 ink and copics
Todd is a pretty well known name (and another contributor to
The Sakai Project) and this was a commission a long time in coming. For those that don't know, Todd's commission slots at conventions generally disappear within minutes of opening. I've tried no less than a dozen times to be one of the first few people to his table at several conventions each year for the past two years, but only succeeded in being in line early enough on one occasion. That occasion, however, was for a Sunday and I was the last one he'd take, but due to time constraints he only had time for a black and white headshot for that last slot. Wanting a half body, color commission and knowing that Todd attends several shows that I attend, I figured I'd have ample opportunity to get what I really wanted and let the guy behind me have that last spot instead. This weekend, however, Todd moved his commission booking online and this was his first show doing it this way. I didn't get on the list for day one, but that evening I managed to get on the list for the second day. Mission accomplished! Of course, Todd did a fantastic job and it was worth all the effort to get this done. I'm extremely happy with it.
Can't wait to see what that monstrous fish has to do with the story.