Monday, October 5, 2015

Day 642: yourself


04.10.15: and there you have it... One final ripoff. This time there is no if or buts about it! A direct swipe of the grandmaster Norman Rockwell. If you are an artist and you don't know who his is, stop calling yourself an artist!

     I can't actually believe I made it. Gonna try to not get to carried away here, but it is kind of a big deal for me. A lot has changed over the last 642 days, we've gone on a few vacations, a few family visits at the house, house-extension been completed, new job started, one wedding attended, my daughter (the Boss) starting schoolnot to mention my son being born. And somehow I got a drawing/sketch done everyday (my wife will gladly tell you have she was in the birthing ward having contractions and I was over in the corner drawing...slight exaggeration of the truth but not only slight...)

     And was it worth it? Well, when I started, I was not drawing at all and I hardly had any creative ideas. Since starting I have joined a local "support group" of cartoonists, have had two four-page stories published, another in the pipeline and one I've lettered at the printers as we speak. If you flip through the book (or the blog) you'll find several new characters for my comic, Jon Pay, and I've actually finished one story-outline and started the collaboration of another script. Some sleepless nights, but considering we've had a baby in the house, that was gonna happen anyway. So yes, it was worth it.

     I just want to finish off by saying thank you to everybody who've support, encouraged and followed me. There were night I just wanted to throw the book in the bin and go to bed. Without you guys I probably would have. So thank you. 

     A final small fact that I just like to share. The day I started I actually didn't have any pencils to draw with, so I searched  my late father-in-laws study (which has now actually been converted to my studio) and found a few old pencils. One of them specifically caught my eye. It was one he had used (evident by bite-marks) but a long time ago caused the lead had actually hardened. I have since gone through I don't know how many pencils, but this one never seemed to get to small to use.
Most of my rough sketches have been drawn with this pencil, including the last one. It just became part of it and it made it a little special for me.

    A last big thank you to my wife (who has featured several times through out the book.) She didn't always understand, and despite not always wanting to, never stopped supporting me. Kind of funny that I finished on our seven years anniversary?!? Thank you so much and happy anniversary.
     
     So for the last time; what were your top five?!? Or your favourite? I know there's a few to choose from (642 to be exact...) but one or two hopefully sticks in your mind. I would love to hear from you. 

     Anyway, this project is down thank you for taking the time to look at my sketches (and if you're still reading, for still reading...). Hopefully you check out my other blog (which won't be daily) or the Jon Pay Facebook page, both which will show what I'll be working on next. 

     For the last time, thank you and good night. 

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Day 641: Your suggestions

     This one is a little different, so just go with it. I suggest you view the 3 minute video first and I will explain there after. You agree? Good. Lets go to video...


     For those of you who did not check in yesterday, I asked for suggestions for what to draw today as I was a day short. (NOT my fault!! I triple check! No missed pages...) As a result I had several suggestion (one here in the blog and a few more on FB). Not wanting to leave anyone out, I came up with the this which somehow incorporated all the ideas. And as I did not have a page to actually draw on, I did a time-lapse while sketching on the iPad. A little different but I am quite happy with the result.

     So a special thank you to Dave, Patti, Frank, Angela and Siobhain for your suggestions. I hope you like the result.

     Tomorrow will be the last posting on this blog and I will shed all my tears then. For now, again, I hope you like my little video that reveals ALL my secrets... And hopefully see you back here tomorrow for Day 642!!

     Oh, and here's the day 641: your suggestions!



(All characters © and ™C. A. Aabø 2015)

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Day 640: a tuba


02.10.15: another perfect Gus moment, where Gus is doing what he does best, being Gus!

     And if you are reading this on posting day, then now it is up to you. The book that promised me 642 things to draw, short-changed me. There are only 641 things to draw. So between now and the next 20 hours, I would like you to suggest thing number 641 (I'll be drawing the last page in the book on Sunday evening.). Keep it simple and don't repeat anything already drawn. I will either randomly pick a suggestion or choose the one that inspires me. Thank you.

     And if you want see more Jon Pay and Gus MacDugal drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(All characters © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

     

Friday, October 2, 2015

Day 639: a sweater


01.10.15: ... He'll grow into it... Eventually ...

     ...ehm...there are only "things" left in the book... You ready with your suggestion for day 341? Don't want to hear it till day 340 is posted, but are you ready?

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Day 638: a muffin tin


30.09.15: not my smartest idea but, again, it made me smile. And who knew there was a Drury Lane in Cobb City...?

     And if you want see more Jon Pay drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(All characters © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Day 637: a plastic bag


29.09.15: the Boss re-enacting one of her favorite scene from one of her favorite movies. Care to venture a guess which movie?

     5 to go...

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Day 636: a tacky rug


28.09.15: either you'll see it or not... It would take someone like Jon Pay to catch it... Through the tackiness...

     And if you want see more Jon Pay drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(All characters © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Monday, September 28, 2015

Day 635: zigzag


27.09.15: this one goes out to the Irish. The closest I will venture in the line of an explanation is that these are two celebrity puppets called Zig and Zag who on occasion interview real life celebrities and host live tv shows...I am not kidding... This is why I'm not saying anything more... They scare me.

     To those of you who do know what I am talking about, I referenced this both on the puppets, sorry on Zig and Zag (...I know, I know; they're real...) and cartoon versions, so they're a little off. Sorry. 

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Day 634: plaid


26.09.15: it is Batman Day and I managed to use the theme plaid for a Batman sketch! Again, it is somewhere between a rip-off and a tribute page to the grandmaster of storytelling and Batman, Mr. Bruce Timm. I love his Two-Face design, but I always did 
Ike him in his plaid suit.

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Day 633: woodgrain

 

25.09.15: this is Cobb City's most famous Baseball player hitting his 21 homerun on his 21 birthday. Any baseball fan will remember that game...now, if I could only remember his name...

Friday, September 25, 2015

Day 632: polka dots


24.09.15: believe or not, this is a Jon Pay piece. I can't explain, just trust me it is and it is good! I didn't write it so in all honesty I can say that. 

     Oh, and one more thing, I discovered something yesterday. The book does not contain 642 things to draw. It only contains 641... So, if you are reading this, I have a mission for you. On the day I post number 640, I want you to suggest thing 641 (the last one of the book, stays the last one in the book!). It should be along the feel of the rest of the posts, not to complicated and no repeats of previous themes. Day 641 may be in your hands.

     And if you want see more Jon Pay drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(All characters © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Day 631: bar of music


23.09.15: oh, I had SUCH a crazy idea for this but I just could not make it work. I think I'll have to try it another time, have it be a small throwaway inside joke in a story sometime. Anyway, I went self centered instead.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Day 630: a bed


22.09.15: I don't know if I'm referring to finish the book or Junior actually sleeping the night through, but either way it is hopefully true... And as I chose to do this project myself, I really don't deserve too much (or any...) sympathy for being tired. However, if I DID have a choice, Junior would sleep the night through...

     Another thought that hit me though is whose bed is that and why am I dreaming of it?!? It most certainly isn't mine....

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Day 629: broken glass


21.09.15: more things to look forward to... Question though, when the time does come, who will blame who?

Monday, September 21, 2015

Day 628: a mummy


20.09.15: this is really no more than a cover or pin-up idea, but I really wanna go full tight pencils and detail crazy on this Jon Pay sketch. This is way too loose, but that's what happens when I start too late on a school night.

     Anybody, know who I am ripping off here? Is it Don Rosa or Abbott & Costello?!? I know I am stealing this idea from someone, I just don't know who. Do you?

     And if you want see more Jon Pay drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(All characters © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)



Sunday, September 20, 2015

Day 627: ski slopes


19.09.15: ...the reason I gave up skiing... 

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Day 626: a convertible


18.09.15: an over-ambitious attempt at bringing back the Steak 'n Potato Gang. When I looked for reference and came across pictures of a 1930 Ford Model A Convertible Cabriolet, for some odd reason the Steak 'n Potato Gang who were introduced as part of Cobb City Most Wanted series, popped into my mind. So here you have them leaving their last successful bank-withdrawal.

     Now why is it not a tighter drawing, you may ask. Well, it's not as big as you may think. Just to demonstrate, here is the full pageg (and my pencil...). Maybe you'll catch my drift.


     Have a great weekend, everybody.

     And if you want see more characters, drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(All characters © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Friday, September 18, 2015

Day 625: a bow


17.09.15: a few request on FB resulted in this rather strange Gus drawing...but he really did use to wear a bow(tie). Tea?

     And if you want see more characters, drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(Gus MacDugal © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Day 624: a phonograph


16.05.15: nobody took too much notice when I introduced the gangster Eddie Thomas with his bright ideas and obsession with turntables and phonographs back on day 342. But I liked him a lot, so here he is again. On the run this time...

     And if you want see more characters, drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(Eddie Thomas © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Day 623: a viper


15.09.15: I believe it's been long since established that Ridre Dáithi de Burca hand an adventurous and dangerous life. This is very evident in the legend An Ridire agus an Nathair a ithe le Daoine Beag in which de Burca almost lost his life for the 38th time...

     Anseo a thabhairt duit, tá tú fear amaideach!!

(All characters © and ™  C. A. Aabø 2015)

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Day 622: a concert


14 09.15: as you can see the Boss plays to a full house every night with her number one fan in the he first row! Don't believe be?! You should stop by, any night you want. We should be able to squeeze you in somewhere in the nose-bleed section! Any night you want...

     And with that, we enter the last twenty...I can still remember when I thought I was in a pickle (...see what I did there...?) trying to make it to day 20 and now I only got 20 left... 

Monday, September 14, 2015

Day 621: a cave


13.09.15: any volunteers to enter the cave an chréatúr olc? I heard there's a treasure or even a pot of gold in there...

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Day 620: a canyon


12.09.15: what'ya think?!? Will he make it?

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Day 619: a sea urchin


11.09.15: I think I'm funny!! Plus anytime I can sting that darn jellyfish back is a good day!!

Friday, September 11, 2015

Day 618: a lemon meringue pie


10.09.15: and if there is someone who don't need too much sugar, it would be Gus MacDugal....

     So on day 618 disaster finally struck:

The book started falling apart...The glue of the spin has given up... 24 days before the last page. "Don't worry, she'll hold together...you hear baby, hold together..."

         And if you want see more Jon drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(Jon Pay and Gus MacDugal © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Day 617: a mayonnaise jar


09.09.16: I wish I could say this was an exaggeration...but...our girl likes her mayo... Maybe I should stop buying those human size mayonnaise jars...?

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Day 616: a tuxedo


08.09.15: of all the things I could draw today, are you telling me Sergeant Linda O'Meilley of Cobb City Police Department in a tuxedo, was not top of your list?!? I think you need to borrow my list! 

     And if you want see more characters, drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news from Cobb City, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(Sergeant Linda O'Meilley © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Day 614: wind


06.09.15: I know I'm addressing a very specific group of individuals today and that technically Aang was an Airbender but you bend and move air and you get wind!! Ergo, I'm still good!!

     If you know what I'm talking about, please let me know so I know I'm not alone...
   
     (I guess I should have worn my glasses so the face wouldn't have been so askew... Oh, well...)

Day 613: lightning


05.09.15: this is what the god of thunder looks like, not some goldilocks surfer dude with wings on his shiny helmet... Ask ANY Peter Madsen fan!!!

     I started out trying to emulate Madsens style but the lines stared looking more and more Charlie-ish, this is an "after Peter Madsen" piece. Apologies for not signing it as such. If you have no clue who I'm talking about, google him and Valhalla, and you'll discover one of Denmarks best cartoonists and a fantastic comic!!

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Day 612: a grandma


04.09.15: this should almost have been a Cobb Coty Most Wanted, but Jon Pay's landlady,  Mrs, Finestein has never convicted or even connected to a crime... Though nobody's seen her husband for quite some time...

     I do believe Mrs. Finklestein is a grandma but either way she still qualifies as she is inspired by my own grandmother!

          And if you want see more Jon Pay drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(Jon Pay © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Friday, September 4, 2015

Day 611: paisley


03.09.15: I have never like abstract art or even this kind of paisley, but it was actually kind of liberating and relaxing to do. Besides I could not come up with anything interesting and my Brad Paisley caricature was aweful, so a paisley pattern.


Thursday, September 3, 2015

Day 610: presidential pets


02.09.15: yes, this little pup is inspired by ... What are they called "tiniest animal boutique" or something like that (a dangerous brand right now so I ain't being more specific in case I cross any copyright infringements or the likes...) so if anyone feels it may resemble them and find this demeaning and insulting, I apologize!! Whoever you are, it is NOT based on you and please don't sue!! I ain't got $5m...

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Day 609: an igloo


01.09.15: it's a step over "a polar bear in a snowstorm"...

Monday, August 31, 2015

Day 608: a spider web


30.08.15: my favorite character from James and the giant peach. Not sure I concentrated enough tonight but it was fun attempt this character again.

Day 607: a movie star


30.08.15: hopefully self explanatory. It is 1930s so that bodyguard may or may not be Jon Pay...

          And if you want see more Jon drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(Jon Pay © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Day 606: a heart


29.08.15: I could only think of one man brave enough to attempt to tame a wild heart and that would be the Tiny Adventurer. Been a while since we've seen anything of his adventures, so here you go!!

(All characters © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Day 605: the Bermuda Triangle


28.08.15: the Bermuda Triangle is also know as the Devil's Triangle... Hey, I think I'm funny...

Friday, August 28, 2015

Day 604: a train


27.08.15: I'm sorry but trains don't come cooler than these!! I can't wait for Junior to get one of these!!!

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Day 603: an oven


26.08.15: I know I've this blast from the past before, but I sure do miss those pizzas...

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Day 602: an invitation


24.08.15: one of those Jon Pay moments and running jokes that are funny in my head...but...others may think the joke has run far enough and should just get in a cab, go home and have a lay down...  

          And if you want see more Jon drawings, comic book pages, pin-ups and news, check out and like www.facebook.com/JonPayPI

(Jon Pay © and ™ C. A. Aabø 2015)

Day 601: a swamp


24.05.15: "whose swamp is it anyway?!" Day 601 is an ambitious attempt with a 50/50 result. Good Yoda, bad Shrek... Guess that kind of fits... 

     Strangely enough only my third Star Wars reference. The other two are here and here! I have visited Dreamworks before (a long, LONG time ago...), but it's the first Shrek. 

Monday, August 24, 2015

Day 600: a transportation system


23.08.15: it's a transportation system that work for them. I wouldn't recommend it for anybody... I wouldn't recommend it for me?!?!?

     Ladies and gentlemen, we are officially in the homestretch!!! 600 days of sketches?!?!? Who would have thought!?!? I really want to say thank you to everyone who keeps liking and encouraging me. It really helps on the nights I am real too tired to draw. Hope you all stick around for the last 42!!

     I am gonna ask what I have asked five time previously: please tell me your top five of the last hundred. (It doesn't have to be top 5, it could be top 3, or even which one sketch that sticks in your mind). I'd just to hear from you. 

     And just in case you are wondering, here are my top five: 
507, I just think it came out really good. 
512, it's Junior and it just makes me giggle. 
518, I was just trying to pay a little tribute to my better half who never gets enough for...well...anything and everything she does. She is my Saint!!
534, just enjoyed drawing these characters. 
582, same reason as 507. 

     Thanks again for checking in!! It really means a lot!!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Day 599: a baby monster


22.08.15: had to go with a classic on this one.

     Home-stretch, one day away!!!