Scary Monsters 2009 yearbook cover

Here is an advance look at my wraparound cover illustration for the upcoming 2009 Scary Monsters yearbook.  Unlike previous covers, which were mostly acrylic on illustration board, this one is a combo of pencil, Dr. Martin's dyes and Photoshop.  The first pic shows the initial pencil stage.

I have a stack of commissions on my drawing board -- I should have some finished to post quite soon.

House of Frankenstein!

Here's another Scary Monsters wraparound cover illustration -- this one featuring various characters from the Universal horror film House of Frankenstein, as well as TV horror host M.T Graves.

Monster Memories '08

Just finished -- the cover illustration for Scary Monsters' "Monster Memories 2008" annual. This time around, we're featuring the creatures from "Monster Squad" (finally available on DVD!) and our mascot Sam Scare and his pal Scarysaurus having some fun with "Dark Shadows" memorabilia and some Don Post monster masks. My digital camera wouldn't shoot this without picking up some glare -- so it's a little washed out on one side -- sorry 'bout that. I've also posted some close-up detail shots of some of the characters for those who'd like a closer look.

RONDO AWARD nomination!

Once again, one of my SCARY MONSTERS cover illustrations (issue #64, Boris Karloff in " The Mummy") has been nominated for a Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Award. This is the sixth annual round of awards -- and while I've been nominated before, I've yet to win one of those spiffy li'l Rondo busts. Maybe this year?

If you are a fan of classic horror films (and if you're not, what's wrong with ya?) PLEASE Go to www.rondoaward.com and cast your votes today! There are many categories, including best movie, book, magazine, etc.

All you have to do is copy the ballot, paste it into an email, and place an x beside your choices. Then email it to the address provided, taraco@aol.com - It's that simple.

And if you are a certified monster maniac and not yet a member of the Universal Monster Army -- please join us at: www.universalmonsterarmy.com

Bust from the Black Lagoon

This casting of Tony McVey's CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON bust has been sitting, unpainted on my shelf for far too long -- so, since I don't have all that much to do right now (ha!), I took the time today to give the Gillman a proper paint job.

Karloff as THE MUMMY

Here's a preview of my wraparound cover illustration for the next issue of SCARY MONSTERS magazine. This is, of course, Boris Karloff as he appeared in THE MUMMY. Acrylic on illustration board. Click on the image for a larger view.