Speed Drawing for Horror Enthusiasts On-The-Go

| M. R. Kessell

Here’s a quick little speed drawing over at my YouTube channel for any skull aficionados out there.

No? None? Just me? Okay then.

I’ve been going a bit crazy lately because I have a few big projects in the works and I can’t share any info just yet. They’re top secret!

So I’ve been keeping busy in between by creating these very random art and animation videos. Hopefully some of you enjoy them and maybe have felt some slight inspiration tickling your cranium. And if it’s not inspiration tickling your cranium I suggest that you do not turn around. There have been reports of a cranium tickler on the loose in your area.

That got weird pretty quick.

Anyway, until next time, keep doing whatever it is you do with gusto.

Anxiety Drawing and Soul Music

| M. R. Kessell

I’ve had a bit of anxiety and been a bit stressed out lately. That might be apparent in my latest speed drawing video. This week I’ve taken a break from drawing cute and fuzzy things to draw something creepy and fuzzy.

While I have you…

As you may know, I love all sorts of music, but I’m especially fond of old funk and soul music. In my spare time I’ve created some public Spotify playlists that are available for your enjoyment, completely free of charge. Click below to listen!

Funk and Soul Covers from Other Mothers

Let me know if you enjoyed that. In the future I can share some of my other playlists.

Or if you’d prefer I can get out my Wookulele.

Why Aren’t You Drawing RN?

| M. R. Kessell

In an effort to show that I’m still alive and kicking (well maybe not kicking so much) I want to share a new introductory video from my YouTube channel.

It’s a short, somewhat motivational video intended to inspire the viewer through shame.

“What, are you watching too many YouTube videos?”

It’s my first attempt at a video other than a speed drawing, it’s a bit experimental, I hope you enjoy!

How To Draw A Cute Chewbacca

| M. R. Kessell

If you’re like me, you’ve enjoyed seeing The Mandalorian’s Baby Yoda (The Child) on screen and maybe it has you wondering “What would some other Star Wars characters look like if they were smaller and more cute?”

Here’s a quick speed drawing showing you the steps I take to create a loose pencil illustration of a cute, cartoony Chewbacca.

If you like the video please check out my channel and subscribe! I really appreciate it!!

Live long and prosper! Oh wait, wrong franchise. Never mind!

Disturbing Depths

| M. R. Kessell

Butch coughed up the last of his tobacco smoke as the screams escaped the mouth of the mine.

“You hear that?” he looked at Red. The bug-eyed man gripped his rusty pickaxe tight across his chest.

A low vibration started in their boots; an explosion deep in the tunnel. Hot air and dust erupted, knocking them to the ground. Through the cloud, Young-Johnny came running, face bloodied, and a fine rope trailing behind.

As he reached daylight, the rope glinted then snapped taut, pulling him backward off his feet. Arms flailing, trying to grab ahold of anything, Johnny shrieked, “Spiders!”

Coming Out of Stasis

| M. R. Kessell

How have y’all been? How you holding up in these strange days of COVID-19?

I hope you are well.

Even though the past few months have been spent mostly indoors, I haven’t accomplished very much creatively. I’ve discovered that working remotely in the construction industry is just as stressful as being there in person. Plus making home cooked meals on a daily basis and the dirty dishes that follow take up quite a bit of time and energy.

And don’t get me started on Dr. Mario:

Clip of Nintendo game in which Doctor Mario drops a yellow pill onto the germs

In the past few weeks things have started returning somewhat to normal here in New York City. We can now get haircuts again. We can drink alcohol and dine outdoors at tables set up literally in the street. Everyone’s riding bikes because the subway creeps them out. Most people are wearing masks. I’m exhausted again having returned to the office full time.

Noir Spiderman Into the Spiderverse costume with Rubik's cube.
On the bright side, I didn’t think I would ever get to wear this Halloween costume again.

I’m a bit more motivated now coming out of stasis and trying to produce some new works.

Vampire creature flying in front of full moon pencil sketch by M. R. Kessell

I recently finished a decent sized short story. I’ve started sketching up a horror comedy comic book. I’ve made a handful of digital illustrations. I’ve started recording music again. And there was something else I wanted to tell you…

Oh yeah, I started a YouTube channel.

This channel will be a place to showcase my art, animation and music. And to possibly offer tips and tricks. Please check it out and subscribe if you have a few minutes.

Alejandro Jodorowsky digital oil portrait by M. R. Kessell
Alejandro Jodorowsky offering us a glimpse deep into his mind. There’s a bunch of weird stuff there.

Hoppy Holidays!

| M. R. Kessell
a whole thing of candy beans, like on Arrested Development

This will be a short post.

I just wanted to share another quick doodle.

It might be a little early, but I figured you could use a whole thing of candy beans to brighten your day.

That’s all for now.

I am notoriously anti-viral

| M. R. Kessell

First thing’s first:

cartoon man struggles to not touch his own face

How’s everyone holding up in the days of the coronavirus? I hope you’re all staying safe.

I am currently working from my shoe box-sized home, my anxiety levels are off the charts, and I have been neglecting all of my creative outlets.

I figured I would share some of the things I’ve actually accomplished since the start of our current global crisis. The graphic above was something I thought I could send out into the world as a sort of PSA. A reminder for people.

I don’t know if it helped.

space girl floating admiring a distant galaxy.

You might not know that I love science fiction. But I do! Beep. Bop. Boop. I am a robot from Mars.

Right now, living in NYC, I’ve been going a little crazy, dreaming of more space, and that led me to create the image above. You can see the full image over in my portfolio.

Aside from that, I haven’t really been able to focus. Social media (mostly Twitter) has been creeping back, distracting me again and again. The news doesn’t help either. Does anyone else have these issues?

I should really get back to work.

If you happen to find yourself bored at home for some reason, my e-book is available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited.

  • squamous monster reptile

Check it out and let me know what you think!