At The Library - Illustrations

I had a lot of fun creating the illustrations for At the Library. The cover is a book shelf.  I always struggle making lines straight when there are a lot of them that are parallel. They always seem to start slanting one way or the other. But here the uneveness works fine.  I created the book shelf with watercolor. I purposely left it a neutral color so it would sit behind the title and then also become a neutral backdrop for the main illustration for the story.  The car and veggies on the bottom shelf refer to the topics of conversation in the story: gardening and cars.

This is the second illustration of Bartholomew's car, the 1974 Peugeot. The first was in Bartholomew and a Carload of Trouble. I enjoyed researching photos of this car. My favorite, that I used for this illustration, had a large grill on the front. I never realized there were so many different models of Peugeot's from 1974. Either people miss-labeled them or Peugeot was prolific in 1974. While looking for photos, I also found a video some guy created where he parked his Peugeot by the shore and then filmed a tour of the car inside and out. It was kinda dreamy and I think it is so funny that someone loved their car enough to make a short film about it. Awesome!

I digress. My illustration is of a car with painted flames on a background of vegetables. Being a botanical artist the veggies were a snap and fun to capture in a simple style. I ended up also using them as the background image for a different website I created.

Many years ago, I bought a book on how to paint flames on cars. I had an old worthless Ford Escort wagon that was in pretty bad shape. I thought it would be fun to spruce her up for her final days and bought the book. I also bought a spray gun and tools for painting her. I was all set to begin and then she threw a piston. I never have painted flames on a car yet, but hope to some day. Here I get to imagine it a bit. I hope you enjoy it.

Bartholomew Makes Another Decision - Illustrations

The story Bartholomew Makes Another Decision, the 14th story in The Book of Bartholomew, is illustrated by the illustrious Justin Terlecki.  Some of you might know Justin from his daytime gig at Wet Paint art store, the greatest art store in the country with the finest staff this side of Alpha Centauri.  Justin is a fine print maker and painter.  He creates detailed narratives inspired by memory and personal experiences. Technology and human relationships are consistent themes throughout his work.

For The Book of Bartholomew, Justin captured the excitement and energy of a New Years Eve party at Topping and Charlotte's apartment.  At this point in time, these are the only images of Topping.  I think Justin did a wonderful job of representing what I think of Topping. He is outgoing, uncensored and a bit loud, but friendly and welcoming.  When I wrote in the story that Topping had a Happy New Years hat on, it was kind of a throw away image.  As I continued writing, in my mind, I forgot all about the hat.  BUT in Justin's illustrations the hat is Topping and gorgeously energetic and frenetic and spastic and... friendly.

I also enjoy the energy of the group scene with Dionne Warwick singing in the ethereal background.  Can you say "Party Atmosphere?"  

Originally from Youngstown, Ohio, Terlecki moved to the Twin Cities after earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Youngstown State University. His paintings and prints have been exhibited at The Soap Factory, Minnesota Museum of American Art, Gallery 13, Central Lakes College, and Highpoint Center for Printmaking. In 2009, Justin received a Jerome Foundation Emerging Printmaking grant, funding a series of prints based on his travels to India and Spain. He is currently working on a series of acrylic paintings exploring ideas of communication.

Justin will be illustrating another story in the future.

You can see the final story and illustrations for Bartholomew Makes Another Decision this Friday at bookofbartholomew.blogspot.com.

The Book of Bartholomew Gifts

This week's story has, for the first time, some related gifts items. 

Uncle Cy's World's Greatest Dad Coffee Mug - $15.95 

This mug is an exact replica of Uncle Cy's coffee mug (see: The Book of Bartholomew Story #11: Someone to Call Home), minus the coffee stains on the inside.  Mug is inscribed with the phrase "World's Greatest Dad" and the word "asshole" written over the word "Dad."  Let your father know exactly how you feel!  Great for Christmas or Father's Day!
Warning: for men who are confident in their familial relationships.


SALAD T-SHIRT - $27.75

Are you a salad eater? Wear what you eat! This ink illustration of an actual salad eaten by the creator of The Book of Bartholomew is fun, crisp and completely vegan.  Have people spend hours staring at your chest trying to identify the lettuce, cheese, red peppers and apple chunks.  T-shirt is a 100% fine jersey cotton unisex shirt, by American Apparel, and is the softest, smoothest shirt they sell. It’s medium weight and made from combed cotton for your added comfort. Gives a flattering and stylish fit to virtually any body type. Made in the USA. Other colors available.
Warning: people might stab you with a fork or pour dressing on you!

Original Salad or Water Glass Ink Illustration: - $65

12" x 12" ink illustration by Mark Granlund

8" x 12" ink illustration by Mark Granlund

Original artwork from The Book of Bartholomew, now available for purchase.  Price includes shipping in U.S.A.  To purchase, email Mark Granlund.

Someone to Call Home - Illustrations

Someone to Call Home is a simple story, therefore it needed a few simple illustrations. The pizza oil painting (that's an oil painting of pizza, not a painting of pizza oil) is the cover image for the story. The glass of water and salad are in the interior of the story. Simple, like Toppings love for Charlotte. Illustrations are by the author Mark Granlund

Someone to Call Home will be published December 14, 2012 at www.bookofbartholomew.com