Saturday, September 1, 2007

90. Pastel Skull


Soft Pastel on Pastel Paper. I used to love watching a show on Public Television when I was a kid where a guy would read from a book and draw images from the story in pastels on dark paper. His markings seemed random at first and then the characters would just appear like magic. Does anyone else remember that show?

UPDATE: A huge thanks to K. Stubbs for figuring out the show was called "Books from Cover to Cover" and "More Books from Cover To Cover" with John Robbins. Here's a picture I found of him that may give you all further flashbacks...

21 comments:

Krafty Like A Fox said...

I loved that show! Once he did "Midnight Is A Place" and scared the bejeezus out of me. By the way, go to missmarymary.com and look at her logo. I have a very talented sister. :)

Noah said...

Cool! OK so any idea what the show was called or what they guy's name was?!?

All About Travel said...

Was it Bob Ross? With the groovy hair and voice?

Noah said...

Loved him too, but no this was a children's show and he read parts of books (but never told the ending as I recall, you were supposed to read that yourself).

Sarah said...

i bet my mom will remember - i'll ask her

missmarymary said...

oh my! what a place the internet is -- i am in fact the missmarymary that krafty like a fox is talking about, but i didn't know she followed your blog too! I'm a big fan of both your blog and the show (i can't remember the name of it either -- bother!) so um, neat!

The Black Sickle said...

Very cool. I picked up a small sketchbook with black paper a while back. Oil pastel and Colored pencil also look fantastic on it.

Do you typically use an object/ picture reference for your works, or is it just 'out of your head'?

Noah said...

I usually use a picture and/or an object for reference, sometimes both, but mostly because I'm often going for a more realistic look with a lot of these.

Noah said...

p.s. Mary, the internet is a very small world indeed!

Monster-Maniac said...

Nice one. :) btw do you still have your original logo? Just so I could save it for posterity and stuff ;)

K. Stubbs said...

I also loved that show! The two episodes I remember the best featured The Whipping Boy and The Dark Is Rising. Thanks to the magic of Google, searching for those titles plus "tv" reveals that the name of the show (at least the season which featured those books) is More Books from Cover to Cover. John Robbins was the host. For more details, see this page.

P.S. ALR, your work is fantastic! Every day, I really look forward to each new skull. :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, I had forgotten all about that show! It was the best thing about being home sick from school.

Noah said...

Monster-Maniac: HERE's the old art for you, enjoy!

K. Stubbs: Thanks for the kind words
AND for solving the mystery! This is the internet at it's best!

Monster-Maniac said...

Cheers, pal!I just found this on the almighty Neatorama. Enjoy back at ya!
http://www.neatorama.com/2007/09/02/evil-skull-doilies-by-hildur-bjarnadttir/

Anonymous said...

Speaking of the old nameplate art.. ALR would you be kind enough to tell us how you made that? Did you draw the bone font yourself?

thanks, you are so talented.

Noah said...

Aw shucks, thanks!

Yes, I drew that last version in black ink on paper and then reversed and colored it in Photoshop.

And since we're on the subject the very first one was made using the font Bone Black.

Kim said...

I loved your weekend skulls -- a great way to procrastinate on Monday morning. You are such a talented artist!

Noah said...

Thanks Kim! And it's not even Monday morning yet!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you mentioned the first banner. I was getting worried that you forgot.

Three Months(87.75 skulls)-
Three Banners-

Hummmm....

Do you change them for the month or just cause you feel like it?

Noah said...

Thanks for keeping track C! I just change 'em when I get bored/inspired. Any rhyme or reason you perceive is purely accidental!

Crafty Mama said...

I love all your skulls, but this one is my favorite! (so far) I enjoy checking back to see your latest and greatest.