YOU GUYS I GOT TO TOUCH AN OCTOPUS

Thank you so very much to Laurie for providing me the opportunity of a lifetime. I have a whole new respect for the Giant Pacific Octopus – it’s not just that their strength is much more that you expect, it’s that each arm has enough strength and dexterity that you’d be incapacitated in a heartbeat, and at the mercy of the six other arms and the beak. I knew that academically before, but having experienced it makes it much more terrifying. And awesome.

Incredulous Owl by Meg Lyman

Gouache on ACEO

$30 – e-mail to purchase

So apparently owls are now a thing. Not sure how long it will last, but they’ve been all over the stores – as earrings, on shirts, as stuffed animals, on towels, in artwork – you name it. I think it’s partially because the owl shape lends itself to stylization and is still instantly recognizable. Here are a few examples:

There is a brewery in Japan, Hitachino Nest, that has an adorable owl as its mascot. I posted about their Hitachino Stout several years ago, and just recently tried their Sweet Stout, which is a milk stout. Delicious, as milk stouts usually are.

Isn’t it cute?

Because of all this owl hype, I thought now would be a good time to finally do the tribute to the Hitachino owl I’ve been wanting to do. I used the opportunity to try a new color scheme, using flat colors and dry brushing. It was a fun experiement!

This was fun to do! Commission, 11×14″ gouache and ink.

Shark Sketches 2011 by Meg Lyman

Name the species: GO

Angry Derp Kangaroo by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

I know they’re not supposed to have legs. Or tails. But you can’t have a kangaroo without the feets! Feet inhibit its ability to roll, true, but instead it hops when startled. Shuddering structure… eyes bulge in worry… nervous… hops into abyss… SPLAT! 5000 points

Hugtopus by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

Commission!

Angry Derp Shark by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on illustration board

Of all the derps, this one made me giggle the most. For a whole day. I like him.

Party Crustaceans by Meg Lyman

The big news for 2012 is that I am planning to go part time at work to focus on art. The idea is exciting and terrifying at the same time. I have so many ideas, so many paintings I want to do, but not enough time. I plan to use my part time schedule to implement these ideas and do a lot of painting practice. I blame this entirely on my dear art friends Tony Steele (Our Hero) and Jeff Carlisle. Let the fun begin!

Angry Derp Moose by Meg Lyman

Gouache and ink on ACEO

It’s your last chance to buy a Cute Cephalopod Calendar for a loved one this holiday season! Send me an e-mail if you’re interested.

I WANT A CALENDAR