tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50193585936611004952024-03-13T12:34:33.900-07:00Welcome to the SpookeasyChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-30027802958619395282011-09-28T15:51:00.000-07:002011-09-28T15:51:34.044-07:00Halloween is coming!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3G8ueHX0FQ/ToOkamVhHoI/AAAAAAAAAcc/B5vurhXOGkU/s1600/Wolf+London+print.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F3G8ueHX0FQ/ToOkamVhHoI/AAAAAAAAAcc/B5vurhXOGkU/s320/Wolf+London+print.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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Halloween is coming! I know that my kids are excited about it. How about you? This werewolf is definitely excited to be taking in the London nightlife! If you would like to see this dapper fellow more often, you can buy a print at my Etsy shop. Look to the right of the page for a link to the shop. I'll be updating it from time to time with more items. Feel free to visit again!<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-57363190861734274242011-08-05T21:44:00.000-07:002011-08-05T21:44:52.095-07:00Vampire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep5CYAv-RhA/TjzGpXjsWyI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/m3SCBu8d-_A/s1600/vampire_port.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ep5CYAv-RhA/TjzGpXjsWyI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/m3SCBu8d-_A/s320/vampire_port.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><br />
Taken shortly before a night out on the town, this portrait photo shows our dashing, debonair hero(?) contemplating what lies ahead, or perhaps what lies in the past, or maybe just what lies on the floor. It's hard to guess what goes on in the head of a centuries old vampire. So, go ahead, ask him. I bet you'll be surprised.<br />
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Another in the series of formal, black and white portraits of the monsters of Spookeasy.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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© Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-90396760871396106992011-07-25T22:12:00.000-07:002011-07-25T22:12:14.491-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj39C7xESU4/Ti5MKmi1aSI/AAAAAAAAAcM/2huh-XQitV8/s1600/gasman2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kj39C7xESU4/Ti5MKmi1aSI/AAAAAAAAAcM/2huh-XQitV8/s320/gasman2.jpg" width="251" /></a></div><br />
Poor guy lost most of himself in a horrible accident. He was saved by the medical team's heroic effort and a custom made containment suit. No danger of losing anymore parts now--though he has lost his heart and spirit after his fiancée broke off their engagement. Staring wide-eyed into the future, he lives mainly in the past, and the fading, golden glow of better days.<br />
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No idea how this guy came about. Must have been a coalescing of invisible man/martians, or something else swirling about my head. At any rate, he is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-42291725580377071322011-07-18T18:11:00.000-07:002011-07-18T18:11:53.634-07:00Werewolf in disguise<span id="goog_1031016422"></span><span id="goog_1031016423"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3WDD2qYky4/TiTZU92SdFI/AAAAAAAAAcI/pAz6Wx8GhjU/s1600/werewolf_port.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l3WDD2qYky4/TiTZU92SdFI/AAAAAAAAAcI/pAz6Wx8GhjU/s320/werewolf_port.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><br />
We all knew someone like this in school--someone who seemed just a little different. Like they were hiding something. An uncomfortable secret? A body rash? We were never sure. However, when we revisit our yearbook photos, all the unsettling questions come flooding back.<br />
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This guy is a werewolf--really, he is. He may have been your shops teacher, but he's just a werewolf gone all respectable. Less wild and a little tamer than he was in his youth, some think he's kind of square, but he's got the nature of a beast--somewhere.<br />
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This guy is part of a series, and he is © Chris Chuckry<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-69459664957456376362011-07-07T13:21:00.000-07:002011-07-07T13:21:02.011-07:00Madame Obscura<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBKI_Fxq5G8/ThYUDOlyYDI/AAAAAAAAAbc/ChienZetE0A/s1600/MadameObscura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBKI_Fxq5G8/ThYUDOlyYDI/AAAAAAAAAbc/ChienZetE0A/s320/MadameObscura.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7L_vfNB1DGk/ThYUE2zCeII/AAAAAAAAAbg/rTokYQMu1RQ/s1600/hag+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7L_vfNB1DGk/ThYUE2zCeII/AAAAAAAAAbg/rTokYQMu1RQ/s320/hag+face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
When I started developing this project as a website, I began to create concept art and, in some cases, production art. I did this piece seven years ago, for the "Madame Obscura" fortune teller game. The final screen was to have various roll-over surprises and some simple animation. If a visitor clicks on the the crystal ball, a silly fortune would appear along with a suitably goofy graphic.<br />
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Going through my archives for this blog is seriously inspiring me to touch up this and other pieces--even though I had so much fun doing them the first time around. If I can find the time, I'd like to add the roll overs and animation to this piece that I had originally envisioned. As a bonus to this post, I've included Madame Obscura's alter ego.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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Madame Obscura and art is © Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-78506005681463267232011-07-03T16:17:00.000-07:002011-07-03T16:17:40.722-07:00Hunchback<div><span id="goog_823521793"></span><span id="goog_823521794"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwF38MTeipc/ThD29G9M0sI/AAAAAAAAAbY/gKwwv0le_Fw/s1600/Hback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HwF38MTeipc/ThD29G9M0sI/AAAAAAAAAbY/gKwwv0le_Fw/s320/Hback.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br />
Poor old Quasimodo! He's still in love with Esméralda, even though he's reduced to buying cheap merchandising to feel closer to her--don't let a good story get in the way of family friendly merchandising!<br />
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This guy fits the format of the other Creature Company Catalogue illustrations. He's not in the original version of the book as I've yet to write his accompanying verse. He did appear in my first solo art show, "Heavenly Monsters," at the Heaven Art and Book Café, back in 1998.<br />
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Like the others, he began as a pencil sketch and was finished in Photoshop. He is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-31913175018042129502011-06-28T14:32:00.000-07:002011-06-28T14:32:55.561-07:00Pirate Octopus!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1ghrD-x08Q/TgpHwUgaVNI/AAAAAAAAAaU/FIFYTNBmJLM/s1600/kraken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1ghrD-x08Q/TgpHwUgaVNI/AAAAAAAAAaU/FIFYTNBmJLM/s320/kraken.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><br />
"Arrrrr! Avast ye mateys! The monster rises from the deep! Well, not really from the deep, and maybe not really a monster either. A pirate-octopus? An octopus-pirate mutant? An inconvenience? Maybe.<br />
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I'm a little murky on the history of this charming rogue. In time, we may discover who this creature really is and what he wants out of life.<br />
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I do remember drawing him during a convention, seven or eight years ago. He was colored up in Photoshop shortly after. Like the others, he is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-90639185848040866112011-06-26T21:42:00.000-07:002011-06-26T21:42:11.322-07:00Candy & Tentacles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpgYbjmVIn0/TggJou8djoI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/JLHpNQK-sHY/s1600/chthulu+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpgYbjmVIn0/TggJou8djoI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/JLHpNQK-sHY/s320/chthulu+girl.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><br />
Tentacles are so much fun to draw, and who doesn't like candy? This charming young girl (?!) did not appear in the original catalogue, but I'm sure she will find a place somewhere. I believe she may be more related to cthulu than a tentacled alien species, although I'm not 100% sure.<br />
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Years ago she graced my "Happy Halloween" card. More recently she's appeared on promotional postcards. So, some visitors may find her familiar. Like the other monsters, she began as a pencil sketch and was more fully formed in Photoshop. Lastly, she is © Christopher Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-57062362375024236982011-06-21T21:07:00.000-07:002011-06-21T21:07:13.031-07:00Gerald the Cyclops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc6mvbpg3fE/TgFps66SXFI/AAAAAAAAAaM/AvQ8kfuMqZ0/s1600/dapper+cyclops.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc6mvbpg3fE/TgFps66SXFI/AAAAAAAAAaM/AvQ8kfuMqZ0/s320/dapper+cyclops.jpg" width="277" /></a></div><br />
I finished putting together the "Creature Company Catalogue" book, but I still kept painting monsters. Why? The reason is two-fold: one, I like monsters, and two, the project began to evolve.<br />
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I had sent copies of the book off to several publishers, without any luck. I received encouraging responses, saying that the book was clever and fun, but that they didn't publish that type of book. So I decided to explore the possibility of an online game and environment. From this exploration Spookeasy was born.<br />
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The Spookeasy is a nightclub hosted by the Magician, Gerald. Who also happens to be a cyclops. Why did I name him Gerald? It seemed to fit at the time, and at that time it was good enough.<br />
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This dapper fellow began as a pencil sketch, which was finished in Photoshop. He is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-24667354884053653552011-06-20T09:02:00.000-07:002011-06-20T09:02:56.216-07:00Price Icons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSCa9dD443w/Tf9u8suHxgI/AAAAAAAAAaE/v1w3doiLssA/s1600/price+icons+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSCa9dD443w/Tf9u8suHxgI/AAAAAAAAAaE/v1w3doiLssA/s320/price+icons+01.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojHtlaZmV6E/Tf9u-apayEI/AAAAAAAAAaI/n4Oj5RB-YaY/s1600/price+icons+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ojHtlaZmV6E/Tf9u-apayEI/AAAAAAAAAaI/n4Oj5RB-YaY/s320/price+icons+02.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
In order to buy a monster from the Creature Company Catalog, you had to meet the price listed. These monsters were not valued in dollars and cents, rather in silly, or magical prices. Things like Bouga toads, stinkweed and skull moss are required as payment. Just in case kids were unsure of what these things were, the catalog provided icons. Here are some of those mysterious, magical items.<br />
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These all began as pencil sketches, which were then painted in Photoshop. They are all © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-36519186613265761602011-06-13T17:04:00.000-07:002011-06-13T17:04:42.986-07:00The End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5SrZ6zIc3o/TfaldBdCKQI/AAAAAAAAAaA/jPpqxPo3P94/s1600/Back+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k5SrZ6zIc3o/TfaldBdCKQI/AAAAAAAAAaA/jPpqxPo3P94/s320/Back+cover.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Now that you've come</div><div style="text-align: center;">to the end of our book,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I implore you to take </div><div style="text-align: center;">a much closer look.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At the monsters presented</div><div style="text-align: center;">for sale on these pages,</div><div style="text-align: center;">before choosing to part </div><div style="text-align: center;">with hard earned wages.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">For you may discover</div><div style="text-align: center;">that there's nothing worse</div><div style="text-align: center;">than finding your monster</div><div style="text-align: center;">is more blessing, than curse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And the joke you may wish</div><div style="text-align: center;">to play on a friend,</div><div style="text-align: center;">with your monster,</div><div style="text-align: center;">may come to a curious end."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, that's it for the original book. The back cover sports a delivery truck, on it's way with someone's order. A delivery that may not arrive at it's intended destination, by the looks of it. I've still got a lot to post on this blog. I continued to create monsters and concept art for potential video games, books and online communities, based around the Spookeasy concept. So, although this post is titled "The End," the real end is some ways off in the distance. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Art and words are © Chris Chuckry</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-39036420582725272052011-06-07T13:57:00.000-07:002011-06-07T13:57:12.560-07:00Bone Daddy Horseman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwBzUNubNsU/Te6QY3BgsQI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/GSPGZwbxDb4/s1600/Bone+Daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CwBzUNubNsU/Te6QY3BgsQI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/GSPGZwbxDb4/s320/Bone+Daddy.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"This charming bone daddy</div><div style="text-align: center;">in clothes somewhat ratty,</div><div style="text-align: center;">is definitely not for the meek.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">His looks are quite chilling</div><div style="text-align: center;">and he's perfectly willing</div><div style="text-align: center;">to scare every day of the week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If he pays you a visit,</div><div style="text-align: center;">don't shout out 'Who is it?'</div><div style="text-align: center;">especially if you're all alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep very quiet,</div><div style="text-align: center;">to stay off his diet</div><div style="text-align: center;">for he's always in need of more bone!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This pale horseman seemed like the perfect ending for the catalogue. The movie is over, and he's got his riding boots on. He's got places to go, and people to see. First, he might want to get that scythe cleaned up. After all, first impressions do count! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Like the others before him, this guy began as a pencil sketch, and was then finished in Photoshop. Going over these illustrations now makes me want to go in an repaint parts of them and do some touch ups. Think I might just do that when I have a spare moment. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Words and picture are © Chris Chuckry</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-60495119165335143222011-05-31T10:22:00.000-07:002011-05-31T10:23:28.919-07:00Sea Creature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTzBVGjNqfg/TeUjrWv86iI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/GtRO9h19kwM/s1600/SeaCreature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lTzBVGjNqfg/TeUjrWv86iI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/GtRO9h19kwM/s320/SeaCreature.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Out of the deep</div><div style="text-align: center;">this monster will creep,</div><div style="text-align: center;">if he's the one you desire.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cold, slimy and wet,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he will cause you regret</div><div style="text-align: center;">if your devious plans should back-fire.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This menacing fish</div><div style="text-align: center;">won't end up on a dish, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and will see every task to completion.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But try to stay sharp,</div><div style="text-align: center;">for this monster's no carp,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and watch out for his mucous secretion."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This playful fellow can be yours for the low, low price of a five gallon pail of Nine Frog Soup! Like many of the first batch of monsters, I created this guy in 1997, or so. He began as a pencil sketch and was then painted up in Photoshop. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Words and pictures are © Chris Chuckry</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-44922829154777784252011-05-26T12:37:00.000-07:002011-05-26T12:37:42.097-07:00Frankenstein<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ueovfi3XVDc/Td6r4XPNxVI/AAAAAAAAAZs/kawxcTTKYmI/s1600/Frankenstein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ueovfi3XVDc/Td6r4XPNxVI/AAAAAAAAAZs/kawxcTTKYmI/s320/Frankenstein.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Made with black arts</div><div style="text-align: center;">and spare body parts, </div><div style="text-align: center;">this monster is quite a steal.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Some things you should know--</div><div style="text-align: center;">he is mighty, but slow</div><div style="text-align: center;">and his odour may cause to reel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Just give him a jolt</div><div style="text-align: center;">on his rusty neck bolt,</div><div style="text-align: center;">in order to bring him to life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then on your demand,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he will follow command,</div><div style="text-align: center;">causing mischief, mayhem and strife!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">No monster catalog would be complete without some kind of man-made monster. This gentle giant came to "life," in 1998. Like the other, he started as a pencil sketch that was painted up in Photoshop. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Art and text © Chris Chuckry</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-33018383488342229922011-05-21T22:03:00.000-07:002011-05-21T22:03:06.320-07:00Demon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CecYXRmb2fg/TdiYc0seutI/AAAAAAAAAZo/5VgPRhWwSlg/s1600/Demon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CecYXRmb2fg/TdiYc0seutI/AAAAAAAAAZo/5VgPRhWwSlg/s320/Demon.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Not one to perspire</div><div style="text-align: center;">in high heat or fire,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he has a quite obvious talent</div><div style="text-align: center;">for spinning a curse,</div><div style="text-align: center;">turning bad into worse,</div><div style="text-align: center;">quite frankly, you'll find him repellent.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But if you're in need</div><div style="text-align: center;">of some nasty misdeed,</div><div style="text-align: center;">don't hesitate one moment longer. </div><div style="text-align: center;">With each passing week,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you will find that his reek,</div><div style="text-align: center;">becomes nauseatingly stronger."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kiss the cook indeed! Sausages aren't the only things roasting where this toothy fellow is from. Sometimes I wonder is he is too scary but, he's received good reviews from the kids who have seen him. So, maybe my concern is unnecessary. This guy came around in late 1997, I believe. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by.</div><div style="text-align: left;">© Chris Chuckry</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-90940934947574585362011-05-18T21:11:00.000-07:002011-05-18T21:11:45.854-07:00Ghost!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odPQ1MY_Szc/TdSYV4Yp6RI/AAAAAAAAAZk/Nnuc296MqFw/s1600/Ghost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-odPQ1MY_Szc/TdSYV4Yp6RI/AAAAAAAAAZk/Nnuc296MqFw/s320/Ghost.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"When a bump in the night,</div><div style="text-align: center;">gives you a fright,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and you feel something cold in the air.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When unexplained clattering</div><div style="text-align: center;">sets your teeth chattering,</div><div style="text-align: center;">better hope that it's just a nightmare.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you need a specter</div><div style="text-align: center;">as a phantom protector,</div><div style="text-align: center;">if you search for the disembodied</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Then order our ghost,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it will do it's utmost,</div><div style="text-align: center;">to leave you pale-white and weak-kneed."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This ghost can be yours for the low, low price of one head of Groaning Cheese, (yes there is such a thing!). I remember having a lot of fun painting this ghost, or maybe it was the graveyard? I thought it was kind of spooky, but hopefully not too unsettling for the kids. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by!</div><div style="text-align: left;">© Chris Chuckry</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-28608242717600430222011-05-17T21:28:00.000-07:002011-05-17T21:28:37.727-07:00Dragon<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlsNpuChDdo/TdNK3UinrMI/AAAAAAAAAZg/GIsEVpTRH4Y/s1600/Dragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlsNpuChDdo/TdNK3UinrMI/AAAAAAAAAZg/GIsEVpTRH4Y/s320/Dragon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Ancient and wise,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he's the best of our buys</div><div style="text-align: center;">coming all the way from the Far East.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">His great social skill,</div><div style="text-align: center;">will give you a thrill,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as he dines on a twelve person feast.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If he comes after you,</div><div style="text-align: center;">with his fangs or Kung Fu,</div><div style="text-align: center;">there's really no place you can hide.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If you remain still,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you can bet that he will</div><div style="text-align: center;">eat you up with the whole countryside."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The next monster in the catalogue is a Dragon. Striking fear into the hearts of many, while sporting purple pajamas. Seems he is a wingless variety of dragon, unless his wings are cleverly concealed beneath his stylish ensemble. At any rate, he's sure to make short work of that charming little house.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by. </div><div style="text-align: left;">© Chris Chuckry</div>Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-68933890906506157502011-05-08T20:17:00.000-07:002011-05-13T20:44:13.439-07:00Vampire!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-or5XnJy0cns/TcdattTunSI/AAAAAAAAAZY/GQanDJmavXA/s1600/Vampire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-or5XnJy0cns/TcdattTunSI/AAAAAAAAAZY/GQanDJmavXA/s400/Vampire.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Hey diddle, diddle,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he's fit as a fiddle. </div><div style="text-align: center;">See him tap dance 'round the room.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hear your friends scream,</div><div style="text-align: center;">as they see his teeth gleam,</div><div style="text-align: center;">by the light of the silvery moon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This Vampire Dandy</div><div style="text-align: center;">will come in quite handy</div><div style="text-align: center;">at the end of your rope, or your wit.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">But treat him with care.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't leave your neck bare, </div><div style="text-align: center;">or you might be the one who gets bit!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Just like the Vampire, this blog is coming back to life. This charming fellow was created back in 1996. Once again, the illustration started as a pencil sketch that was finished in Photoshop. <br />
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The verse took a little more time to write, but was just as much fun to compose as the illustration was to paint. I don't often take time to write, these days, but I should. I seem to recall that I enjoyed writing. <br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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The illustration and verse is © Christopher Chuckry.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-19486029567574020172009-11-19T20:17:00.000-08:002011-05-17T21:16:37.238-07:00Mummy!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0l1P9QwbP6A/SwYZDDuHDyI/AAAAAAAAASc/mA_9Fd652A4/s1600/Mummy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406035943033868066" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0l1P9QwbP6A/SwYZDDuHDyI/AAAAAAAAASc/mA_9Fd652A4/s400/Mummy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 290px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Fresh from his crypt</div><div style="text-align: center;">in darkest Egypt,</div><div style="text-align: center;">this mummy is prone to wander.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the Singing Sands,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he travels the lands,</div><div style="text-align: center;">with plenty of time to squander.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Though smelly and dusty,</div><div style="text-align: center;">with bandages crusty,</div><div style="text-align: center;">take heed if you want to live long.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When he's after your neck,</div><div style="text-align: center;">better run like all heck,</div><div style="text-align: center;">or you'll find him inhumanely strong."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
The fourth piece I drew for this project, and maybe the best one. I like the awkward sense of movement this guy has. <br />
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As with the others, this one started as a small thumbnail sketch, which I scanned, enlarged, cleaned up and finished in Photoshop. I've used this guy for varying promotional purposes--business cards, postcards, stickers and t-shirts. I still like him. <br />
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This illustration is © Chris Chuckry.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-85323706872341741932009-10-13T20:31:00.000-07:002011-05-17T21:13:30.242-07:00Witch<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0l1P9QwbP6A/StVHDZYmzkI/AAAAAAAAARs/o1GxjZ_7E30/s1600-h/witch.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392294252525309506" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0l1P9QwbP6A/StVHDZYmzkI/AAAAAAAAARs/o1GxjZ_7E30/s400/witch.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 337px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"This talented hag</div><div style="text-align: center;">and her special trick bag,</div><div style="text-align: center;">are useful in any occasion.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Her extra long broom,</div><div style="text-align: center;">has plenty of room,</div><div style="text-align: center;">to take you on summer vacation.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who she will spy</div><div style="text-align: center;">with her blue evil eye</div><div style="text-align: center;">is something nobody can tell.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't call her 'granny,'</div><div style="text-align: center;">she's mean and she's canny.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Watchout! when she's casting her spell."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The second monster I drew for this project was a Witch. I followed the same course as with the Werewolf--a small, rough sketch that I finished in Photoshop. I was happy with it at the time, but now I see that I would approach this illustration differently. I guess I've learned a little in the past twelve years. <br />
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Thanks for stopping by.<br />
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© Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-51317248576708642142009-10-12T21:19:00.001-07:002011-05-17T21:09:55.661-07:00Werewolf<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0l1P9QwbP6A/StQAvGJ5vPI/AAAAAAAAARk/ccLNkpCNEeM/s1600-h/Werewolf.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391935462975323378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0l1P9QwbP6A/StQAvGJ5vPI/AAAAAAAAARk/ccLNkpCNEeM/s400/Werewolf.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 314px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"This fine furry fellow</div><div style="text-align: center;">is not very mellow,</div><div style="text-align: center;">just check out his wide, toothy grin.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">If he knocks on your door,</div><div style="text-align: center;">with a whimper or roar, </div><div style="text-align: center;">be smart and don't let him in.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He's lacking in charm</div><div style="text-align: center;">and spreading alarm,</div><div style="text-align: center;">across the whole countryside.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So, beneath the full moon,</div><div style="text-align: center;">don't be a buffoon,</div><div style="text-align: center;">RUN! DUCK! Take cover, and hide!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Here is the painted version of the first monster I did for this project. This werewolf kicked it all off. I did a very rough, small pencil drawing of him, then scanned him in and painted him up in Photoshop. <br />
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Up until then, I had mainly painted comic characters, but this guy was a new kind of fun. I quickly started drawing other monsters. The door was open, and I didn't want to close it.<br />
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This guy is © Chris Chuckry<br />
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Thanks for stopping by.Chris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5019358593661100495.post-36043175321347852832009-10-09T19:07:00.000-07:002011-05-17T21:20:26.772-07:00First cover<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0l1P9QwbP6A/Ss_vo-ECFXI/AAAAAAAAARU/lZ6zsPl9mm8/s1600-h/CCover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390790766119490930" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0l1P9QwbP6A/Ss_vo-ECFXI/AAAAAAAAARU/lZ6zsPl9mm8/s400/CCover.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 285px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"With the second full moon,</div><div style="text-align: center;">every one hundred years,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the Creature Company</div><div style="text-align: center;">Catalogue appears.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Selling quality monsters</div><div style="text-align: center;">for every occasion--</div><div style="text-align: center;">a birthday, a bully,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a summer vacation!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Always a bargain,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but not at all cheap,</div><div style="text-align: center;">once paid for, these monsters</div><div style="text-align: center;">earn more than their keep.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But if things don't work out,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and you're not filled with glee,</div><div style="text-align: center;">remember, there is</div><div style="text-align: center;">no money back guarantee.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So make your choice wisely,</div><div style="text-align: center;">consider all thought,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the scare all your friends</div><div style="text-align: center;">with the monster you've bought!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This project, which is now called "Spookeasy," began in 1996. First as "Mail Order Monsters"--until I found out that name had been used for a video game--then it was "The Creature Company Catalogue." It was styled as a catalogue of monsters that kids could order from, if they needed some inhuman help with a difficult problem.<br />
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I sent it around to some children's book publishers without success. Those that did reply said it was a fun and clever project, but not something they would normally publish.<br />
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So, I've kept pushing the project along with varying degrees of enthusiasm, and alternately, leaving it to languish in neglect. However, I do have a fair amount of work done for it. I thought this blog would be a good place to present it and hopefully give it a life of it's own. <br />
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Here's the front cover as envisioned back in 1996. Thanks for visiting.<br />
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All work on this blog is © Chris ChuckryChris Chuckryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07152741529032881066noreply@blogger.com0