Some of our favorites to give to your favorites.
Mark Ryden book, Pinxit
Jeff Soto
Okay, this blog is not supposed to be political. Sure, we are passionate partisans when it comes to politics. But when it comes to art, we don't believe in blue paint, we don't believe in red paint, we believe in red, white and blue paint (and every other color of paint).
Having said (written) that, we at PopDrawer will be plum tickled to post an "Art for McCain" event somewhere in a red state, if one exists, and if the art is halfway decent. Barring that unlikelihood, we will limit ourselves to the fantastic art for Obama events that have been occurring left, right and center. So here's the latest (and one of the greatest).
Ana Bagayan and Ara Devejian have created Sketch for Change - Art for Obama, an online event in which 21 World-Class Artists created a Sketch for Change to benefit Barack Obama. The sketches are currently on auction on eBay and will be closing sometime on Saturday, October 25th. All proceeds raised will benefit Barack Obama's Campaign for Change.
So who's participating? Check out this superstar list! Gary Baseman, Tim Biskup, Jeff Soto, Glenn Barr, Daniel Peacock, Shag, Dave Cooper, Ana Bagayan & Ara Devejian (natch), Amanda Visell, James Jean, Bob Dob, Gris Grimly, Brandi Milne, Thomas Han, Joe Ledbetter, Lola, Luke Chueh, Mark Murphy, Julita Januszewska, and Nathan Spoor. (Phew, my link finger is tired).
In addition, anyone is invited to submit a sketch for a group art show that we will put together in uber-battleground state Nevada the weekend before the election. (More info to come). Currently the sketches are running between $31 and $480, but the prices are bound to rise quickly. You should bid, too! Don't you want to be part of history? These are no mere talking points!
P.S. Scattered in this entry are links to our favorite political sites on all sides of the ideological spectrum. Take a look -- no matter your political stripe, these are sure to intrigue. 
Gary Baseman
Tim Biskup
Ana Bagayan and Ara Devejian
Sketch for Change - Art for Obama
We were going to post this today anyway, but Sketchypad.com got to it first, so here's a link to their story.
From Sketchypad: "Jeff Soto introduced his “Brain Decay” zine at the San Diego Comic-Con, and is now making it available at potatostamp.com for $12 plus shipping. The 24 page zine is composed of drawings and painting experiments from late 2007-2008."
Jeff Soto's New Zine at Sketchypad.com
It was a meeting of the San Diego Dorkestra, myself included, as thousands upon thousands descended upon the historic Gaslamp Quarter in the yearly geek-fest ritual known as the San Diego Comic-Con. This year, for the first time, the Con sold out every day, and is now just way too crowded, unless you enjoy the scent of 40,000 men and 100 women closed up in a cramped space appealing, in which case what are you doing reading this at home when you could be in Right Guard heaven?!
But ah, we love it so. And every year more and more great artists show up selling originals, prints, toys, t-shirts, and their souls. (They know I'm kidding. Right?) The Con continues through Sunday, so here are our favorites in case you are lucky or stupid enough to be heading there this weekend.
So little to say, so much space. Strike that, reverse it. Where to begin? How about...
Elvis Stormtrooper!
And flanking either side of the King of the Empire, Gary Baseman and Nathan J (AKA Nathan Jurevicius). I bumped into them at the Last Gasp Publishing booth (#1616), where Gary was signing copies of his book "Dying of Thirst" and others. While at the Con, Gary will also be releasing Pink Hot Cha Cha! Baseman will be selling and HAND-SIGNING 100 of these impish creatures at the Super 7 Booth #4729 on Saturday, July 26th at 4:00pm. Gary will also be showing his new Mimobot flash drive at the Mimoco booth #4938 on Saturday at 2 PM. Stop by and say PopDrawer sent ya'. 
Meanwhile, the ultra-fantastic Nathan J has just created an awesome new piece, The Monkey King, for who else, Munky King. He will be at the Monkey King booth (#4539) on Saturday from 3-4:30. (And while you're there, don't miss Yoskay Yamamoto's freaky but beautiful Koibito toy.
Jeff Soto
The amazing and gracious Jeff Soto was spotted hanging at the Murphy Design and Art Books (booth #4833). 
He was signing his brand spanking new book "Storm Clouds" and Lucky 13 Calendar and he had some surprises up his sleeve. Well, in his art portfolio. Hot off the press original screens (one of a kind, mind you!) and sold-out limited edition giclees and artist proofs. PopDrawer managed to snag the long sold-out stunning print "Thunder Clouds over a Flower." 
Scott Morse
Scott Morse goofed off in his own booth (#4800), where he was fighting off his crowd of fans while simultaneously painting and selling some Con Exclusives, including original art from his archives, a set of limited prints from his upcoming book "The Ancient Book of Sex and Science (a collab with Lou Romano, Don Shank, and Nate Wragg), sketches, t-shirts, and two new exclusive Red Window books. Don't miss him!
Tim Biskup
Okay, Tim isn't "officially" at the Con this year. But I spotted him slinking happily through the aisles, getting recognized everywhere he went. But while he may not be doing any signings, his company Gama-go is there in force (booth #4738), selling everything under the sun, including a huge wooden Deathbot and an exclusive Gama-go tee-shirt for both guys and dolls. (Full disclosure -- I did not snap this photo myself, I stole it from their website).
Tara McPherson
Tara McPherson had a great corner booth (#4922) that was hopping, and full of awesome merchandise -- posters, giclees, toys, tees, and Tara McPherson herself. (Didn't get a snap of the artist in the flesh however, as the crowd was ginormous). 
The Grass Hut Gang
Unfortunately, I missed saying hi to Bwana Spoons, as he was taking a sightseeing day in San Diego, but happily, I did encounter Metal God Martin Ontiveros. Grass Hut is perched at booth (#4963) and is selling all kinds of goodies from their roster of great, including Martin, Bwana, Scrappers, Apak, and Le Merde. Bwana will also be at the Gargamel booth (#4739) Saturday
and everyday there are new customs at the Grass Hut Booth.
Bonus! Check out the Hot Wheels pavilion at booth #3445! They have 20 or so mini-buses customized by a crew of artists, including Bwana and Martin. See the pic below and try to guess which is which...
Joey Chou - Favorite Discovery
Strolling down aisle 700, I happened upon booth 734, that of Joey Chou, and there I stopped. For quite a while. Joey Chou, an artist and a gentleman, and an Art Center of Design graduate, was stopping the show, in the best way. 
His prints and t-shirts were clever, sharp, and lovely. And his new book "Crazy by the Letters" which is soon to be seen in an Urban Outfitters near you, had me enthralled. "Crazy by the Letters" is a modern day Edward-Gorey-ish compendium of children and their alphabetical neuroses. Sample pages - "Edward has Encorpresis" (involuntary passage of feces in inappropriate venues), "Foster is a Frotteurist" (non-consentual rubbing and touching of other folks), and "Maggie has Munchausen's Syndrome" (feigning illness to gain attention). 
Often retro in technique but modern in concept and message, Joey's art had me smiling through the next three aisles. I bought more from him than any other artist or vendor.
Esther Pearl Watson, Mark Todd & Jordan Crane
These three auteurs shared a booth with Secret Headquarters, stock full of art, comics, and tees. This was one of my favorite spots, and I had a nice chat with Esther, Mark and Jordan. Their new stiff is outstanding. Don't miss it.
More Great Fake Movie Art
PopDrawer readers may recognize the name Fleet Street Scandal. We first covered the awesome movie concept and poster art of Kevin Dart and Chris Turnham back in February. The Fleet Street guys are hanging at booth F-9, and are selling some exclusive new Comic-Con prints. 
And right next door to them (at F-8), another great team of artists who dabble in fake movie posters and other ephemera. Brothers Josh and Justin Parpan were wowing the passing crowds with their collection of prints, toys and tees. This quartet is a must-visit.
Haunted Memories
There's Haunted Mansion fun to be found at booth 430, resting place of Edward Allen's Haunted Memories, an artist specializing in lenticular paintings that change from antique portraits to visions of hell, depending on where you stand, literally. Words can't really describe -- just check out the images below.
Purveyors of Cuteness
Got a lady in your life who keeps the Con at arm's length? A baby or four whose formula-covered clothes need a little sprucing up? There was plenty of adorable-ness to go around, with one of the cutest being the Pea at Conduct Happiness (booth #4830). Yes, the Pea. The Pea is featured on a number of tees in various circumstances with text underneath reading "Pea in the Pool" (where the other vegetable stare horrified on the pool deck as the Pea lounges on a floatie), "Pea in Bed," and "Pea Standing Up." I see Paul Frank getting nervous...
Close behind on the Ador-a-meter was Bored Inc.'s collection of Japanese-inspired creatures (booth #115), including Stinky Poo! (is a potty-pattern emerging?) Selling plush toys, tees and prints, Bored Inc. is sure to please the cute-lover in your life.
Poketo
The booth of fine art purveyors and sellers of prints, tees, wallets, and plates (Yeah. Plates.) Poketo was one of my favorite stops (both #4634). Stocked to the gills with fresh art by Oksana Badrak, Andrew Holder, Leah Chun, Peskimo, PCP and so many other greats, this booth was rocking the Con. Stop by and tell Ted and Angie that PopDrawer sent you -- they're great folks.
Nucleus
Probably the best collection of prints was to be found at Nucleus Gallery's booth. With art from the likes of Jon Klassen, Scott Campbell, Junko Mizuno, Mari Inukai, the selection is awesome. And mind-boggling. Nucleus has something like over 500 prints! 
Jon Klassen
A Paper Tiger
Online retailer of art prints A Paper Tiger continues it's great run of print releases with two new ones coming out at Comic-Con. Tessar Lo's "Kirin," an edition of only 50, and Scott Belcastro's "Lost in the Forest, Lost in the Thicket" with an even smaller edition of 30, are both released at the Con. But if you miss them there, some will be available online as well.
Tessar Lo
Is there more? You bet there's more. So much fantastic art this year. But frankly I'm tired from rolling around naked in my new pile of Comic-Con t-shirts so I'm signing off. But thanks once again to Eric and Zared for securing me a pass this year, who will be receiving very cool token of my undying appreciation shortly.
P.S. Find mistakes in here. Too bad! I'm tired. leave me alone.
PopDrawer fave Jeff Soto has just released a new item on his webstore, and announced another. His new giclee is titled "The Beast Within," and is an election-year political statement (at least as we see it) done only as Mr. Soto can. It's an extremely limited edition of 50, with an image size of 14" x 14". Beautiful.
Next up, Mr. Soto will be releasing his latest book "Storm Clouds," collecting his work from the past three years including work from his shows “Supernova,” “Cold Ice Age,” and “Storm Clouds.” The book will be available as a regular run and of course a limited edition featuring a custom printed box, signed book, with 4 archival prints and special touches. This will debut at the Comic-Con.
Speaking of the Comic-Con, Mr. Soto will be there this year sharing a booth with Murphy Art Books (#4833). He'll have some goods for sale including several artists proofs of sold out prints. See you there!
Jeff Soto's Online Store
Okay, we're a few weeks behind on this one, but we couldn't resist when we stumbled on Jeff Soto's blog. His May entry is a wonderful blast from his own past. He gave a talk at his old junior college in Riverside, CA and put together a slide show for the occasion. So he pillaged pictures from his past and thankfully posted them on his blog as well. It's fascinating to see the evolution of an artist, and check out that late 80s haircut! (Full disclosure: I think I had it, too).
At the top is Mr. Soto with his art nearly 20 years ago, and at the bottom is an example of his latest work. Can't wait to see what he does next...
Jeff's Soto's Blog
Jeff Soto's Official Site
