Ticks are Breaking Bad

I recently illustrated a story about the dangers of ticks - and the horrible diseases they carry. As I was doodling ideas, this crazy image came into my mind. It was inspired by the main character in the TV series, Breaking Bad. Walter White is a chemistry teacher who loses his job, and becomes a meth cooker in order to support his family. As he rises in the ranks of the drug world, Walter's legend grows. He becomes known by many nicknames: Heisenberg, The One who Knocks, and the Danger. Much like drug dealers, ticks can deliver horrible chemicals into peoples bodies. But unlike a TV show, ticks are a real danger. Be careful out in nature. Danger lurks.

The Face of Spring

After a brutal winter here in the Hudson Valley, spring has mercifully sprung. Everywhere I look, trees are lush with leaves, and flowers are blooming brightly. I'm posting this old drawing in honor of the new season's awakening. Wherever you live, enjoy the day!

You can see more colorful illustrations here.

Trouble on My Mind

Maybe some of you can relate to these drawings?  I think of myself as a fairly well-adjusted person, yet anxiety can get the better of me. There's so much turmoil in our economy, politics, and environment - all of which can contribute to our worries. I usually manage negative thoughts by exercising (leaving harmful emotions on the gym floor). But sometimes anxiety gets channeled into my sketchbook. I'm not sure if this is healthy expression, or a way of avoiding issues I should be confronting. If these drawings have any legitimacy, they may be simply affirmation of the human condition?

I apologize for the disturbing nature of this post. They're a reflection of darker moments.
Believe it or not, I'm a pretty optimistic and humorous person:-)

I'm curious how you deal with anxiety? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Word Play

This oddball sketchbook drawing was inspired by the classic Camper Van Beethoven song, Take the Skinheads Bowling. Thanks for visiting, and happy bowling!

Heroin on the Hudson

Heroin use in the Hudson Valley has spiked dramatically in recent years. This story for About Town addresses this serious issue in Dutchess County (where I live), and lays out ways in which local officials are confronting the problem. The author also interviews a 21 year Rhinebeck resident - who tells a cautionary tale about how he fell into the clutches of heroin - and how he eventually kicked the habit. Below are some sketchbook ideas for this story:

Thanks for viewing. You can see more B & W work here.

For Opera Lovers...

It's never too late to start appreciating a classic art form.  My parents, who are 89 and 91 years old, recently discovered the joys of opera music. This reminded me of the NPR music guides I illustrated a decade ago - and this book in particular. I'm sending them a copy today, in hopes that it will deepen their appreciation for this powerful form of expression. Happy listening, mom and dad:-)

You can view other books projects I've collaborated on here.

Word Play

New polling data shows that many Americans born into the millennial generation (after 1980) identify as non-religious. These young non-believers have been dubbed "nones". This drawing was inspired that idea. On the right is known atheist, Zoey Deschanel, as an example of a "none".