SketchBlog: Brian Hagen

Froggie Time!

2011-03-15T12:38:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, I decided to treat this blog as a place to show my non-portfolio art. Not the work that was slick and promotion-packet-ready, but the sloppy, fun, experimental stuff.

I've been slack on this goal. So here - drawn with an old $7 set of oil pastels which I've never been able to control - is Froggie McClamworthy.

Whee!

Patriots Squash Bugs

2010-10-21T14:03:00.000-04:00

"Dinglebunny" shows his true red, white and blue colors, for the honor of the U.S.A. Or perhaps for Texas, or for Sadists Anonymous. Not really sure which; the rabbit won't tell me because he has no mouth.

Fallen Angel

2010-10-11T13:56:00.000-04:00

Heart break, art break. Started in 2005, finished in 2010.

Color Thoughts

2010-09-06T16:41:00.001-04:00

When I created this piece, "Black Bird of Obsession," I enjoyed combining intuition and calculation. The drawing was spontaneous, the colors analyzed and weighed..

To me, the drawing conveyed unease and the unknown.

I wanted the color to provide harmony: excitement rather than the expected colors of men and ominous birds. So I choose unlikely, secondary colors, not the too-familiar shades of pure red, blue, and yellow.. I used the same vivid intensity on bird and man to link them thematically, and added gray to the color of the non-existent background to push it back.

I like the result. Does anyone have opinions about the choices? (Click on the image to enlarge.)

Lady Soul

2010-08-27T12:50:00.000-04:00

"Lady Soul": the final piece, created as a birthday gift for a friend.

The color experiments that got me there. Beware of browns, for they are infinite and subtle.

(Click on the images to enlarge.)

The Raven Who Thought He Was a Peacock

2010-08-15T18:59:00.000-04:00

A sketchbook work I wanted to share.

Después de pasar

2010-08-09T16:51:00.000-04:00

Inspired by a passage from a poem by Federico García Lorca.
In English, the passage reads:

The lamps are put out.
Some blind girls
ask questions of the moon
and spirals of weeping
rise through the air.

Fishing with my Father

2010-06-06T19:46:00.000-04:00

When I was a boy, my father took me fishing on occasional summer days. We rarely went any further than the long breakwater rock paths, the breakwater that destroyed virtually all Redondo Beach surf.

We rarely caught anything at all, and one day I caught a fish that was probably 7 and 7/8 of an inch long. Just below the legal limit. My father didn't want me to be disappointed, and he proved that the fish really did meet the legal limit of eight inches.

I felt sorry for the fish, guilty, and I wouldn't kill it myself.

But it tasted good.

Bug Paper

2010-05-24T08:06:00.000-04:00

Because color is fun. And bugs are natural visual focal points.

From a Comic that will Never be Published

2010-05-03T15:57:00.000-04:00

Playing loud and tinny and treble-y over my speakers is "Blue Suede Shoes." By Carl Perkins, only Carl Perkins. It seemed so right, and everything you think is right comes tumbling down someday, anyway.

Night Out at Arlen's

2010-04-26T12:15:00.001-04:00

"Arlen's", the Clifton corner bar, a pen and a pocket full of Post-Its.

Mystery She

2010-04-21T10:20:00.000-04:00

Mystery creates memories.
Let me see a lion walk down the street
but don't tell me where he's walking.
Let me see a lady's face
but don't tell me what she's thinking.

Toby and the Ducks

2010-04-12T22:19:00.000-04:00

I'm reminded of one of my favorite "Peanuts" comic strip, in which Lucy is dispensing psychiatric advice to poor old Charlie Brown:

Lucy:

Physicians can learn a lot about a patient by asking what may even sound like a very simple question... which do you prefer, a sunrise or a sunset?
Charlie Brown:

Well, a sunset, I guess...
Lucy:

I thought so! You're just the type ! I might have have known that! What a disappointment!

People who prefer sunsets are dreamers! They always give up! They always look back instead of forward! I just might have known you weren't a sunrise person!

Sunrisers are go-getters! They have ambition and drive! Give me a person who likes a sunrise every time! Yes, sir!

I'm sorry Charlie Brown. If you prefer sunsets to sunrises, I can't take your case. You're hopeless!

(She leaves and there is a pause.)
Charlie Brown: Actually, I've always sort of preferred noon!

Spring

2010-04-10T11:05:00.001-04:00

Breathe.
Breathe in the good, breathe out the bad.

Tomato Duck

2010-03-27T13:24:00.000-04:00

What do you do in a bar alone? I draw.

Ice and Snow

2010-02-12T22:44:00.001-05:00

Friday night is right for art of the ice and snow.

Flowers, or The Three Fates

2010-02-02T11:02:00.001-05:00

A watercolor from the sketchbook.

Zombie Celebration!

2010-01-31T20:57:00.003-05:00

Finally, finally - my "A.D.D.Man" comic story is done, ready for the Cincinnati comic collection. Here's my zombie self-portrait - which shows just how happy I am! Yay!

Something Sweet

2010-01-22T12:57:00.001-05:00

It's a nice day today.

Gold Dandelion

2009-12-23T14:03:00.001-05:00

The miracle of wonder, the wonder of miracles, gold for the golden.

New Work

2009-12-14T17:07:00.002-05:00

I've been busy. New comic on its way. Soon appearing in a comic book near you.

Dr. Sketchy's Anti Art School

2009-11-16T18:19:00.005-05:00

Done live and on the spot at Covington's Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. Only $5 to get in, held at Leapin' Lizard gallery and event space. This is my sketch of the evening's amazing '50s styled model, June Cleaver.

For all you artists, on Dec. 10th, the Dr. Sketchy live drawing night will be back at the Lizard.

And I had forgotten that portraits are a blast to do, especially in limited colors like this. I need to do this more often.

Impact New Orleans

2009-11-03T12:13:00.003-05:00

One from the vaults.

When in New Orleans, these kinds of scenes were part of the wallpaper. So in 2001, I captured the New Year's Eve streets for Impact Magazine. I designed the unusual "L-shape" to wrap around the story for maximum emphasis.

Unfortunately, the piece never was printed right, so I thought: now's my chance to shine. So to speak.

(Click on it to enlarge.)

Nostalgia for New Orleans

2009-10-13T16:20:00.002-04:00

When they're gone for good, they weren't so bad.

Vector Victor

2009-09-28T16:41:00.001-04:00

My kid can steal your kid's identity.

(A proposed T-shirt design.)

The Ostrich Whistler

2009-09-18T13:43:00.001-04:00

When was the last time you used a pay phone?

State of Mind

2009-09-07T15:47:00.002-04:00

Also titled "Peace and Panic."

You know, I'm actually developing several FUNNY comic strips. But since that takes so much time, I'm posting the sketchbook stuff - which is scarier, I know.

But I love all of my children.

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Night Scene Seen

2009-09-06T21:29:00.005-04:00

A soft folding of color over a shadowed street - back in Cincinnati, but my mind is elsewhere...

(Click on image to enlarge.)

Into Every Life Some Rain Must Fall

2009-08-21T21:47:00.002-04:00

Let the headless horses walk and skeletons sing. Walls too high and cannot die.

(Click on image to zoom.)

Monkey on my back

2009-08-10T12:50:00.005-04:00

You don't need drugs when you got my monkey! Mon-keeeeey!
(Click to enlarge.)

I Wish I Were a Fish

2009-08-04T22:07:00.003-04:00

Oh, Don Knotts, if you were still alive, I would give this picture to you!

Elephant's Gerald

2009-07-31T13:27:00.001-04:00

Elephant's Gerald. (I've always wanted to use that terrible jazz vocalist pun, and I finally decided not to wait for an excuse.)

This is a panel from a comic that does not yet exist. Or a watercolor with words.

Damn Right, I've Got the Blues

2009-07-30T15:36:00.002-04:00

...sang Buddy Guy, and then he sent his guitar to scream down the walls.

Look out.

Got Job?

2009-07-10T21:17:00.002-04:00

Art's a tough row to hoe, but, by God, I hoed it.

Jim Carroll

2009-07-07T20:47:00.006-04:00

Jim Carroll, author, poet, punker. Most famous for "The Basketball Diaries." He came to the University of Florida in 2005 and I won a seat at the honorary lunch for him, answering the "why I deserve to eat with Jim Carroll" essay contest.

That evening, he performed his poem "8 Fragments for Kurt Cobain." This is my portrait of him, drawn while he was on stage. He signed the drawing after the show.

This section of the poem reads:
But Kurt...
Didn't the thought that you would never write another song
Another feverish line or riff
Make you think twice?
That's what I don't understand
Because it's kept me alive, above any wounds

Subconscious to Conscious

2009-07-04T05:38:00.002-04:00

From subconscious to conscious. Insomnia and the 4th of July. 'Nuff said.

Summer Swimming Hole

2009-06-29T09:28:00.002-04:00

This was drawn on a beautiful summer day in a natural spring swimming hole, outside of Gainesville, Florida. Not an alligator in sight.

Water is my sacred spot.

The Spineless Saint

2009-06-25T14:16:00.001-04:00

Humanitarian award in his left hand, brass knuckles on his right.

Tigers of War

2009-06-23T12:14:00.004-04:00

"Cry havoc! And let loose the Tigers of War."

And with that howl, the art blog "Open Mind Sketchbook" re-emerges from the dark caverns below my hair.

As always, amateur psychologists, dream interpreters and madmen/madwomen are heartily invited to leave comments.

BTW, if anyone has a better name for this blog, please suggest it. "Open Mind Sketchbook" really doesn't tell an audience what to expect.

Back to the Blog

2009-06-18T10:55:00.002-04:00

And back to bring more love to all. (This item comes from my recent family visit to Mar del Plata, Argentina, as you can see from the writing on the non-floral shell.)

Next week, no more stalling. New art. Fer sure.

Brian Noir

2009-05-26T18:18:00.003-04:00

A little old-time American styling, done on an Argentine afternoon.

Trust

2009-05-12T23:52:00.003-04:00

I gave this sketch a little bit of extra love, 'cause I'll be putting this blog on semi-hiatus for a little while. I'll post as often as I can, and put some thought into how it should grow and evolve.

Trust in me and I'll trust in you.

And the Winner Is

2009-05-11T08:08:00.003-04:00

...John Maggard! John, congratulations - email me as soon as you're able, and we'll get "Hot Rod Devil" into your hands.

And thank you to everyone who entered a comment in this giveaway contest. More freebies to come.

Contest Ends Sunday

2009-05-08T11:05:00.003-04:00

Contest Reminder: Sunday is the last day for "Open Mind Sketchbook" visitors to post their comments to this blog, thereby making themselves eligible to win the original art "Hot Rod Devil."

The winner's name will appear Monday. Who will win?

In other news, absolutely nobody liked the prison comic posted Wednesday. Too dark, I suppose. So in an effort to once again win everyone's love, here is a picture of a cute kitty-cat.

However, as you may have suspected, the original kitty-cat picture from which this image was taken is much darker than the above "detail." It can be found at "Twistmind," the red-headed stepchild of this blog. (Link below.)

WARNING: Twistmind is NOT for everyone - it's a place for mature adults. A place where darkness, bad language, political incorrectness, and nudity can appear. It may depict challenging ideas - or brainless vulgar FUN.

For those who like that sort of trash, go see Twistmind.

Web Site Under Construction

2009-05-06T16:30:00.002-04:00

Visitors to my portfolio Web site will find it temporarily out of order, as I add new art and pages. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Silent Comic: from "Prison"

2009-05-06T10:06:00.002-04:00

These pictures were part of a choose-your-own-ending game I created called "Survive the Day: 24 Hours in Prison." Taken out of the game, the images make good comics.

If you'd like to see the rest of the art, or play the game, go to "Play This Game, Go to Prison." (Each choice you make in the game leads to a different ending, so do different things to see different parts of the story.)

Angry Chica

2009-05-04T19:34:00.001-04:00

I've always liked this one. She started as a few lines that pleased me immediately - and kept pleasing me as she became complete.
And her lines and design inspire my senses.

The Mousetrap

2009-05-01T09:08:00.004-04:00

A piece I offered to a local production of "The Mousetrap."

Disambiguation: That's Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap." However, if you were looking for the infrared, motion-detecting mousetrap coffee table, click here.

Comic: Jazz Funeral, page 1 of 4

2009-04-29T11:08:00.004-04:00

Click on the image above for a larger, readable comic.

I'm busy today improving the organization of my portfolio Web site, adding a place to buy my two mini-comics, and adding more intelligent tags to this blog.

Therefore, please excuse my brevity today. I go to curse at books of code.

The contest for free art continues - post a comment for your chance to win the original of "Hot Rod Devil."

FREE ART: Win this "Hot Rod Devil"

2009-04-27T20:45:00.004-04:00

ORIGINAL ART GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate my first 500 visitors to the Open Mind Sketchbook blog, I am giving away "Hot Rod Devil," an original, 8.5" by 11.5", watercolor and ink work.

Here's how to get it:

Between now and Monday, May 11, post a new comment underneath your favorite piece here at "Open Mind".
If you have commented here, but it was before April 20, comment again and you will also be eligible to win.
Sorry, but posts on Facebook don't count.
On Monday, May 11, I will randomly select a winner from all the people who have commented since April 20.

If this isn't clear, just comment and ask me a question.

Good luck - and thank you.

Inner Child

2009-04-24T10:03:00.002-04:00

I'm actually in a good mood today.

It's just that my friend Megan Abdallah is re-starting a new series of paintings featuring mothers and babies. They're beautiful and sometimes disturbing, and the crowd hasn't yet shown her the love. So this picture's for her.

And for all of you - because posting photos on my vulgar site "Twistmind" is a cop-out, don't you think?

CONTEST: I'm still giving away original art to one lucky person who leaves a comment on my blogs before May 12. However, I ruined the intended art yesterday, darn it. Be patient, keep commenting, art is coming, art is coming!

Twistmind: New Posting

2009-04-23T23:03:00.003-04:00

There's a new, disgusting post over at the mutant sister of this Web site, "Twistmind."

WARNING: Twistmind is NOT for everyone - it's a place for mature adults. A place where bad language, political incorrectness, and nudity can appear. It may depict challenging ideas - or brainless vulgar FUN.

For those who like that sort of trash, go see Twistmind.

Comics: The Ostrich-sized Ostrich

2009-04-22T09:29:00.002-04:00

Click on the image to expand and read.

Those characters really need a name.

Contest prize should be ready to announce by Friday.

Love and hisses - B.

Original Art - I'm Giving It Away

2009-04-20T09:45:00.007-04:00

First off, Yee-haw for SPACE, the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo! It was my first time behind the exhibitors table, and I'm still buzzing. Thanks to my friends from the Cincinnati Illustrators, to all the interesting people I met, to my talented booth partner/cartoonist Joe Kuth, and - always - to my ever-amazing wife.

ORIGINAL ART GIVEAWAY:
To celebrate my first 500 visitors to the Open Mind Sketchbook blog, I am giving away an original piece of art.

Here's how to win:

Look at the art posted here at "Open Mind".
Post a comment on your favorite piece. This is your "entry."
Subscribers to the RSS feed automatically receive TWO entries.
On Monday, May 12, I will announce the winner.

Take a peek at the prize art here as soon as I decide what the delicious morsel will be. (This site is updated every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.)

I hope you enjoy your visit and come back often.

SPACE (Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo)

2009-04-17T16:23:00.002-04:00

My brain is hanging upside down! (Getting ready for SPACE.)

Smoke Gets in Your Eyes

2009-04-15T08:06:00.002-04:00

I drew this one back in the nasty depths of a break-up. One of smoke's symbolic powers is to provide distance from an audience of dozens, or of one.

Stormy Weather

2009-04-13T11:08:00.002-04:00

I'm at home, dip pen on the desk, creating comics to the sounds of Thelonius Monk, with Natalia on a nearby couch.

It's a good day.

Go Gators!

2009-04-10T13:30:00.002-04:00

I know, it's the wrong season. But I'm a UF alumni, doggone it, so I can post this whenever I want.

Bernie Machen is going to take away my degree now, isn't he?

Napkin Art

2009-04-08T20:34:00.003-04:00

Restaurant Time is Art Time. Napkin art free with purchase of the artist's dinner!

Twistmind

2009-04-06T14:45:00.005-04:00

Today's art posting is on my new blog, Twistmind.

Twistmind is NOT for everyone - it's a place for mature adults. A place where bad language, political incorrectness, and nudity can appear. It may depict challenging ideas - or brainless vulgar FUN.

Here at "Open Mind Sketchbook," I will continue to post art and ideas appropriate for everyone. Please keep coming back!

And as for the rest of you heathen: here's Twistmind.

Scary Places

2009-04-03T11:06:00.000-04:00

The black mountains are filled with monsters.

New Comic Finished

2009-03-31T22:31:00.002-04:00

4 pages of black-and-white comics have emerged. It will be part of a mini comic to be distributed at the Small Press and Alternative Comics Expo in Columbus, Ohio, on April 18.

Want a copy? I'll have them available soon, details to follow when I know them.

Family Portrait

2009-03-29T21:08:00.002-04:00

My wife Natalia has been away for six weeks in Nicaragua. To surprise her, I created and sent her this "family portrait" of her, me, and our life-sized stuffed tiger.

It was a big hit. And now that the secret has been delivered and Natalia is back (finally), I'm sharing the picture with all of you.

Spilled Ink

2009-03-27T21:11:00.002-04:00

I was a little nervous tonight - and boom - there went the ink over my new comic.

What is there to say? It could have been worse.

I was smart enough to quit inking for the night.

Obey

2009-03-27T11:33:00.004-04:00

I'm sure there's a wonderful caption to add to this picture.

I tried -

Shepherd Fairey,
Quite contrary,
How do your images grow?

- and then I got stuck.

Baby Tiger Balloon

2009-03-25T00:12:00.002-04:00

What could go wrong on this beautiful day with my beautiful balloon? I can't wait to see what's around the next corner. Perhaps I'll meet my very bestest friend in the whole world. Or maybe a small, helpless mammal. Oh, what a day!

Bunnies and Puppies

2009-03-22T23:07:00.001-04:00

Today's emoticon: "incomprehensible."

Blue Boy

2009-03-21T09:35:00.001-04:00

A mood piece, created with Corel Painter.

Strange Dreams

2009-03-20T00:30:00.005-04:00

I can explain.

Wait -- no, I can't.

Love is a Battlefield

2009-03-18T14:37:00.004-04:00

Love is a battlefield. Remember?

A lesson taught by life. Also, once upon a time, a lesson drilled into our spinal cords via radio, via songwriters Mike Chapman and Holly Knight, via the vocal cords of Pat Benatar.

Smoking

2009-03-16T20:35:00.001-04:00

Just say no.

Mellow Yellow

2009-03-14T22:55:00.004-04:00

Some days, ya' feel like an electrical banana. Some days ya don't.

Model Sheet for New Comic

2009-03-13T11:18:00.002-04:00

From my upcoming 4-page comic. I'm loosening up my style for this one, aiming to let the reader feel more.

My previous comic (the "jazz funeral") had a much tighter style to make the the reader understand while they felt, which seemed appropriate for its didactic purpose.

I'm theorizing - and gambling on my intuition - here. Wish me luck.

Bug Toons

2009-03-11T11:00:00.003-04:00

Sometimes I thinks and draws. Other times I just draws.

Happy Halloween

2009-03-09T12:32:00.004-04:00

I look at this picture and I hear Dennis Hopper standing behind me. Insane, insisting:

"Am I going to be the one that's going to set them straight? Look at me. WRONG!"

Happy Halloween, all.

Before the Smash

2009-03-06T17:40:00.002-05:00

"There are good guys and bad guys and the job of the good guys is to kill the bad guys!" (Quoted from the work of Wally Wood, extraordinary cartoonist.)

Sherman the Vermin: New Pal

2009-03-04T16:04:00.005-05:00

Sherman the Vermin meets a minotaur, and he needs a name -- any suggestions? (Click on the image to see this at a decent size.)

Suffering for Art

2009-03-02T16:22:00.004-05:00

Notice: he's smiling. He's very pleased to be making you an offering of red, fresh, hotsy-trotsy poetry.
Won't you try some? Won't you buy some?
He's smiling. Won't you?

New Characters

2009-02-28T17:38:00.001-05:00

A look behind the curtain: today's sketches for a proposed book.

Live Sketch from the Art Damage Lodge

2009-02-27T11:02:00.002-05:00

This is the first drawing in my new Moleskine, done live at the Art Damage Lodge. Jonathan, the first musician, jams screwdrivers and hammers under the strings and beats the sound out of the instrument and into you.

This sketch wouldn't be here if it weren't for Christina Wald, who is not only a fine artist, but always pushes me - and loves my sketchbook. Click the link, go see her work and see how animals should be drawn.

Big Baby

2009-02-25T16:23:00.001-05:00

"To all the girls I've ever loved before..."

Everybody sing!

Northside Tavern, Cincinnati, Ohio

2009-02-25T16:01:00.002-05:00

From the sketchbook. The band played and the ladies danced at the Northside Tavern.

Those of you who have actually seen my sketchbook may be grumbling at the innocuousness of your faithful artist's sketch blog.

Rest assured, I'm currently working to create TWO Web sites. One for the nice people. One for the rest of you.

Because I'm tired of holding out on you, dear ones.

Art Auction: Cat Charity

2009-02-23T09:42:00.002-05:00

The original art for this piece is being auctioned for charity, along with the work of many fantastic artists!

To help the homeless kitties, bid on the art on Ebay. All money raised goes to the Animal Rescue Art Project.

My watercolor painting "Sleeping Cat," has not yet been listed on Ebay. If you're interested in owning it, e-mail Ms. Robin Moro at robin@animalrescueartproject.org and ask nicely.

Thank you all.

Bought a dog

2009-02-22T21:54:00.001-05:00

See? There's a silver lining to every cloud.

Love is...

2009-02-20T08:39:00.004-05:00

...a sketch from a proposed line of anti-holiday cards. Roses are red/And now they're dead.

(My love to Natalia, who wrote that rhyme.)

Golden Retriever

2009-02-18T19:55:00.002-05:00

Bad dog! Bad! Bad!

Sleepless in Cincinnati

2009-02-16T05:51:00.001-05:00

One for my baby, who I already miss.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T09:49:00.005-05:00

Who doesn't love bunnies?

Poet Tree

2009-02-12T12:49:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, my server crashed with the number of comments I received, all demanding that I Never. Attempt. Poetry. Again.

I defy you all.
Look - a ball!

Youth and Age

2009-02-10T20:12:00.002-05:00

In a half-conscious grace,
she dances and swirls
past the wine.
Adults sit,
talk and eat,
grow low and fill with earth.

Anti-Valentine

2009-02-07T23:29:00.004-05:00

One from the vaults
for my black-hearted friends.

The Baby Detective

2009-02-07T13:40:00.003-05:00

Waaaah. Wah, wah, wahhhhh.

Angel or Devil, I Don't Care

2009-02-05T18:35:00.003-05:00

But whatever lies
behind the door,
there is nothing much to do.
Angel or Devil, I don't care
for in front of that door
there is you.
- from David Bowie's version of the Jacques Brel song, "My Death."

Sherman the Vermin

2009-02-02T09:30:00.004-05:00

Today's mood is: sensitive and vicious. (From the sketchbook.)

Heart Attack

2009-01-30T13:16:00.000-05:00

Anxiety spoils all the fun. -- Pat Benatar.

Rock On

2009-01-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

Drawn while watching the band Baron Von Bear perform in Gainesville, Florida. Rock on, Bears.

2009-01-24T10:16:00.000-05:00

My donation to the 2009 Animal Rescue Art Project - an auction held to spay, neuter and care for a colony of abandoned cats in a Cincinnati factory. The art auction will be held on Feb. 14 at the Loveland Art Studios and their shop holds T-shirts, buttons, clocks and more. All for the kitties.

Come back to this sketch in stressful times and breathe the cuteness. Oh, kitty, o kitty, o!

Devil and the Burning Branch

2009-01-23T12:58:00.000-05:00

Straight from the sketchbook.

Snow Child Left Behind

2009-01-23T12:06:00.000-05:00

An image I created for the late great band "Snow Child" of Gainesville, Florida.

Please help me in pressuring singer/songwriter/music reviewer Rahawa Haile to create more music - soon!