Friday, November 07, 2008

Custom Pumpkin Kokeshi Doll




What pumpkin wouldn't want a multi-headed slimy green snake, slithering around it hollow head? Happy times.
I've had this here blank kokeshi doll for too long and it was about time I painted it. I love doing halloween themed stuff and it is the season so... The bottom scene was influenced by one of my cartoon heroes, George Herriman. The man was a genius. His Krazy Kat cartoon, created back in the 1920s was way ahead of its time. Really great art, writing and design. I draw a lot of my characters with stick arms and legs thanks to the look of George's brick throwing mouse, Ignatz. Man, I hope Mr. Herriman is looking down and smiling. I will upload a scan of the strip that influenced the walking pumpkin scene in the next day or so.

9 comments:

pati said...

You did it amazingly. I love your Kokeshi :)

Jason said...

Cool Kokeshi! Very different to the ones I see in Japan. I don't think the Japanse would think to do something like this to a kokeshi.

jim bradshaw said...

hey pati - thanks, I'm glad you like. I haven't seen you around. I hope you are doing well and your art is kicking butt.

jason - even my friends think I'm different. ha. If you want to see more different Kokeshis check out Christina's flickr at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/2winks/sets/72157602862019339

Breadwig said...

This is really really reaaaaaaally swell. Love the colors.

Arn Sweatman said...

your work is always amazing! I'd love to see your process.

jim bradshaw said...

hey Brian - thanks, reaaaaally much

gnaws - thanks. my process is a high security secret known only to myself and a handful of people at the triathalon...ooops, ummmm... hexagon...no...no wait!... I mean Pentagon.

Actually, I tricked you with that answer cuz I'm too lazy to explain it all.

Kyle Poling said...

love the top half, the way you painted the eye holes I almost thought they were carved into the material- great job

Anonymous said...

I love the Kokeshi. Did you use acrylic?

jim bradshaw said...

kyle - thanks man

kim - thanks. You guessed right. And some pencil