Dino Surfer

"Dino Surfer" - April, 2001

This image came about while I was working on my first children's book, DINOSAUR DRESS UP. The book was originally called DINOSAURS WORE DRESSES, which I like a little better. Anyway, the point of the book was that the dinos wore clothes but we never knew it because the clothing didn't fossilize. Eventually they got so wrapped up in their wardrobes that they got into fights about who had nicer clothes. They ripped each other's clothing off and all caught cold and died. Of course they had clothing for all events and purposes, including surfing. And so on.

The idea of a dinosaur on a surfboard was pretty appealing, so I worked up this dilophsaurus having fun on his board. I bet that dinosaurs would have been pretty good surfers! After all, they have those long tails they can use for balance.In retrospect, I realize I should have drawn him hanging ten -- or at least five. Ah, well.

The piece was executed over a light pencil sketch on high quality paper in watercolors and markers. I kept it as loose, bright and colorful as I could. (Even for me, this is a bright piece of work!) For part of it, I used one of those small paint sets you get in grade school with the paint in small oval cakes. Those paints are unique; they are very bright and thick, and when they dry they have a satisfying plastic-y sort of look. I did this piece as fast as I could to retain spontaneity. The drawing actually took longer than the painting, as I recall.