Black Lace Studios

She can do WHAT?

2012-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:00

It's incredible how some people latch onto a trend or a phrase without thinking about how stupid it is. Sort of like women who shave their eyebrows, then draw them back on. That wasn't a good idea in the 1930's and it still isn't.

The phrase I keep hearing has been around for a few years now, and it's one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. "She can suck a golf ball through a garden hose". Now, I'm sure a guy made this up and I'm assuming it's meant to describe a girl's passion for fellatio-okay, cock sucking. And I'm also assuming it's meant to turn a guy on, because, sadly, I've heard women say this about themselves, without even thinking about how stupid it is. But that's how trends are.

When I hear this phrase, am I supposed to image my dingus as the garden hose? And am I then supposed to imagine my testicles being sucked through my dick? And then what: the girl leaves and I'm left sitting there with my balls hanging out of the head of my dick? What the fuck good is that? It's a phrase that should strike a man with fear and keep him from any girl with that kind of reputation. I guess if you want it to sound a little less painful, maybe it should be "She can suck a golf ball through a garden hose, then blow it back through." Actually, it sounds painful both ways. What's also screwed up is that I know there are guys who would pay for that. Like those idiots who pay women to kick them in the balls. Sick bastards. They should know that a guy doesn't have to pay a woman for that.

"She can lick the chrome off the side of a trailer." Again, the girl leaves and I'm supposed to be left laying there with a skinless dick? Oh, yeah, I'm getting turned on just thinking about it. That's the kind of thing that happens if you get syphillis-skin just falls off your jammy. Some trends are good-like eating regularly and drinking lots of water. But most of them are just stupid and if a girl ever said either of those phrases to me, I'm heading for the hills. We should keep certain phrases alive, the ones that makes sense. Like a phrase from the great Yogi Berra who said "You can observe a lot just by watching". Pure genius.

Last one: "It's always in the last place you look". Uh, why would you keep looking after you've found it? DERRR!

Happy New Year, folks. Let's spend this year thinking of smart things to say.

Queen of Opala

2011-12-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

This is one of three pieces I did for the new Queen of Opala game. I had never heard of this game before the creator contacted me, but I've spoken to some gamers and, apparently, it's really huge. So, if you play the game, you'll see some Taylor originals there. It looks like winning would be fun.

http://kevinjtaylor.com

Today's "Artist"

2011-12-16T08:04:00.000-08:00

Anonymous 12/15/11(Thu)01:50 No.1082449 [Reply]

What programs is it possible to do Bob Ross type paintings in?

Anonymous 12/15/11(Thu)01:54 No.1082450

Real life

Anonymous 12/15/11(Thu)02:47 No.1082466

>>1082450

How much does this program cost?

Anonymous 12/15/11(Thu)02:52 No.1082468

>>1082466
room and board, food, art supplies will be somewhere around 7 hundo a month at the very least.

Anonymous
12/15/11(Thu)02:58 No.1082473

>>1082468

Thank you :) I'll go ahead and give Futureshop a call and ask if they have any available disks of Real Life in stock.

Anonymous 12/15/11(Thu)03:53 No.1082505

>>1082473
Hardly an artist today can paint better than the people on the Neolitithic. And they didn't have any resource other than looking at real life. Now, quit bitching.

The above conversation was part of an art thread that I like to check out, and, while most of the people there do actual drawing with real art materials, at least 75% of the thread is devoted to people looking for digital programs to make "being an artist" easier.

I'm a traditional artist, meaning I get off on feeling an image being formed off the end of a brush, the sound of a pencil dragging along the illustration board forming the genesis of what will eventually be a painting. And there will be mistakes along the way, like with any painting. But what makes the artist is how well he can correct those mistakes to get the painting he wants. Instead of hitting an "undo" button, I've actually had to train myself to correct mistakes. Through lots of trial and error, I've gotten better, and I'll keep getting better.

Some digital art I like, some I don't and it all depends on the skill level of the artist. I can always tell when a digital artist is someone who can actually draw and paint with raw materials, and one who learned his art by clicking and typing. I can especially tell the difference from an artist who really learned how to draw and study anatomy, and one who just uses the characters he bought in a program.

I saw an interview with Prince last year and the interviewer asked him why he declined to let Guitar Hero use any of his music. He said Guitar Hero may be fun, but he thought it was more important for kids to actually learn how to play the guitar. It's a frustrating instrument, but once you learn it you'll be happy.

Although Guitar Hero is just for fun, Prince's comment is something I understand. As for digital painting, in my opinion, if you learn how to draw with raw art materials, learn anatomy and how to paint light and shadow, it'll make you a better artist period. My brother is a writer and we share stories on meeting people who are looking for the best shortcut to being a writer or artist. and I always read in art threads people looking for ways to get better faster. I wish I could say it's easy and develop a magical way to become a great artist overnight, but it just doesn't exist. (I'd like to invent one of those Bugs Bunny paint brushes where, with a few swipes on a blank wall, he creates an entire countryside, with a train tunnel. I'd be rich!)

The conversation at the top is particularly pathetic. Bob Ross is one of the greatest art teachers of all time. I always watched his show and still use a lot of his techniques in my own paintings. His shows are each a half hour and, in that half hour, he shows you how to do a complete painting-even if you've never painted before. I once dated a girl who always wanted to paint. She'd never even held a paint brush. One Christmas I bought her a Bob Ross paint kit, with two videos, and, when she showed me her first painting, I didn't believe she'd never painted before. And she did it in thirty minutes.

I'll eventually venture into digital art, but I'm still too proud of the skills I've aquired on my own. There's no program you can buy on what I know. But, again, in my opinion, if you can't devote thirty minutes to learn the techniques of Bob Ross, that's really sad. But, I guess that's how today's so-called "artists" do things.

GIRL-Crusader 2

2011-10-31T09:18:00.000-07:00

Girl's found the perfect costume for trick or treat. And she just may foil a few crimes in the process.

This week on Ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280764237024?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

visit http://kevinjtaylor.com

GIRL-Crusader

2011-10-27T07:00:00.000-07:00

Another painting of GIRL trying on the costume of another character. Just in time for Halloween!

visit http://kevinjtaylor.com

Megan: FOXX

2011-10-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Re-listing this piece (no offense, Megs) on Ebay. She's fun to paint, so, I'll probably do her again. (no offense, Megs.)

visit http://kevinjtaylor.com

GIRL-Super

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Sold on Ebay. Leaping tall boners in a single...or, maybe, quite a few bounds.

visit http://kevinjtaylor.com

TORA TORA TORA!

2011-10-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, Barcelona held it's last bullfight ever due to numerous petitions on animal cruelty.

I wonder what they'll use that old bullring for? It would be a great place to have the comic book salons-as long as the bulls don't break in and start tossing comic book "frikis" all over the place.

(updated october 10, 2011)

The End of KISS Comix

2011-08-28T10:24:00.000-07:00

Kiss Comix started in 1993 and THE GIRL was serialized in the first thirteen issues. The spanish publication was the first to publish my work outside the United States and over the years, they printed a lot of my work, including covers and trade editions of my books MODEL BY DAY and THE GIRL. They also published the first two volumes of GIRL: The Second Coming. They may have continued publishing my books, but in 2005 we had a difference of opinion at the comics salon in Barcelona, and that was the last time I saw or dealt with them. It's a long story that I may write about one day, but not today. I could give my opinions why I think the magazine has tanked, but I'll save that for another day also. But, you can read the publisher's reasoning below. (For those of you fluent in spanish, here's a link to the original text, because the Google translation is a piece of shit.)

http://www.elpais.com/articulo/revista/agosto/final/sexo/dibujado/elpten/20110827elpepirdv_3/Tes

Here's a fun game to play: My work helped launch Kiss Comix across Spain and helped with it's success in the states. In the following article, note how many times my name is mentioned. It's great!

The end of the drawn sex

Shut 'Kiss', the dean of the comic magazine erotic in Spain - In his 20 years, published 239 numbers

DIEGO A. MANRIQUE - Madrid - 27/08/2011

Times are bad (business) to the comic. Flourish graphic novel publishers, except that the magazine made in Spain, those monthly conquered a place in the stands after the death of Franco. August has seen the closure by surprise Comix Kiss Comix, the son of the late feverish the Viper, legendary head of Editions La Cupola.
In 20 years, Kiss released 239 albums and abundant numbers. Is dismissed without much fuss, with a brief text of Reuben Lardín: "No drama, eh. Here the party is over but surely there are other on the floor above. The festivities usually end when they leave them, but this time we retired before us, weary. "
José María Berenguer, responsible for the Dome, said humorously that "they" are the figures: "Kiss reported sales of 30,000 copies and had editions in other languages, but now had fallen to 6,000 copies. As we attracted no outside advertising, accounts not come. Some journal, as Eros Comix, cartoons and repeats published but we owe a respect for readers. "
The reasons for the collapse seem obvious: "It is only now there is so much free porn on the Internet, even our journals can be read there, pirate download sites. We made an attempt to stop him shy but that was a puzzle, with shell companies in which country and not servers on another continent. Even lawyers advised us to let it go. "
The effect the Internet has changed the publishing maxim that says "sex sells". In the Dome already suspected: "In the last years of the Viper, the covers have a sexy tone but that was not enough. A mistake? do not know, this is not a business that allows you to commission market research. And they were covers technically superb. "
For Berenguer, the end of Kiss is a personal disappointment: "We bet from number one by a joyful sexuality without guilt, without humiliation for women. In fact, the more enjoyable was receiving letters and emails from readers who encouraged us, who confessed that they used to read with boyfriends or husbands. I'm not saying we were always up to our principles: we bought very strong material such as the Chilean foreign teachers Ferocius, Erich von Gotha English or Argentine Francisco Solano López, who died few days. "
The authors have worse local Berenguer added: "We do not pretend throw us flowers discoverers of talent but it is true that many Spanish cartoonists drew attention by Kiss and then ended up in other media. I think Paco Roca, National Comic Award, or Rubén del Rincón. Kiss offered a platform for narrative experimentation and also we paid. fanzines I always will be more difficult but more professional. It is a tragedy in a country where there has always been a large pool of artists. "
There was no stigma to publish cartoons erotic Berenguer said: "It's for Monica and Bea, who was supposed to be autobiographical adventures had as little vices. But the whole scene knew they were aliases of Jose Antonio Calvo as a draftsman and Santiago Segura as a writer. In fact, they continued working together in the saga Torrente ".
The Dome holds the line graphic novel for adults. For fall, announced the release of Dirty laundry, this collaboration of Robert Crumb and his wife, Aline Kominsky, with input from their daughter, Sophie. Berenguer recommended especially stark translation Paying for it, Chester Brown, Canadian artist explains where his experience with prostitutes, having renounced romantic love.

Girls with Guns-Ricky

2011-08-21T09:45:00.000-07:00

The latest in the "Girls with Guns" series.

visit http://kevinjtaylor.com

Lettering, old skool

2011-08-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

I'm probably still the only artist to do lettering like this. Usually, the lettering isn't part of the artwork and is done seperately to keep the art clean. For me, I sometimes like the lettering to be part of the art. When i visualise the image, sometimes I can't see it without the lettering and it makes sense to combine the two to make one piece. And I actually enjoy doing hand lettering like this. I hand lettered the cover titles to just about all of my books. It's the interior lettering for the dialogue and text that's a major pain.

http://kevinjtaylor.com

Girls With Guns-Bella

2011-07-31T17:21:00.000-07:00

Second of the GIRLS WITH GUNS series.

visit http://kevinjtaylor.com

Girls With Guns-Tess

2011-07-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

First of a new series of pin-ups I'll be selling through ebay.

http://kevinjtaylor.com

Ecstasy

2011-07-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

A commission I did for someone who merely wanted a color piece of Girl in ecstasy. I've basically been drawing girls in this state before I began doing comics, but never in a stand alone piece this size. It was fun.

http://kevinjtaylor.com

Sincere form of flattery 2

2011-05-14T07:47:00.000-07:00

I did this painting after first creating Day the centaur for the third issue of the original FANG series which had a cameo by my girl Jaleira. She travelled to the Fang universe to help the heroine Francesca and Day was her companion. I'd never seen anyone paint a black centaur before-in fact, I've still never even heard anyone drop the notion of a black centaur, so I decided to create one, with dreadlocks. In the Fang issue Jaleira tells Francesca "I call him Day because he's so dark."

About a year ago I found the second piece above and thought "Hmm. Someone did their version of my painting. Interesting." I copied it, but didn't think to share it until now, mainly because I've just finished coloring the black and white erotic story of Jaleira and Day that was printed in Body Heat and inspired my painting. The new color version of the story should be posted to my website soon.

I've done one or two versions of other artist's paintings but this is the first time I've seen another artist's take on one of my pieces, and with CGI. It's certainly...different

http://kevinjtaylor.com

Hail to the Chief

2011-05-03T07:02:00.000-07:00

The article in the following link seems appropriate.

http://www.borowitzreport.com/

Portraits

2011-04-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

The piece above is one of a series of commissions I did some years ago of stars from girlie mags. This is of Lindsey Dawn Mackenzie who busted-pun intended-onto the scene while still a teenager in England.

I've done quite a few commissions over the years, lots of portraits and some hardcore stuff, and I was hoping to have them published. But to do that, it looks like I'll have to return to self publishing. I always liked self publishing-it's a lot of work, but I can still do it. A lot of things have changed in the publishing world since my last time and I'll have to find out the best way to go about it. It won't be soon, but I'll look into it.

In the meantime, I'll post some of the many unseen pieces on my new website. So drop by http://kevinjtaylor.com and see what's doin'.

Model by Day review

2011-03-03T08:38:00.000-08:00

All these years, and I've never seen this review.

Posted: Sun., Oct. 10, 1993, 11:00pm PT
Fox Night at the Movies Model by Day
((Mon. (11), 8-10 p.m., Fox))
By Roberta Bernstein
A Fox West Pictures presentation of a Lewis B. Chesler/Empath Films Production, in association with Alliance Communications Corp. Exec producers, Lewis B. Chesler, Joseph Loeb III, Matthew Weisman, David M. Perlmutter; producer, Ken Gord; director, Christian Duguay; writers, Loeb, Weisman, based on the comic book by Kevin J. Taylor.
Cast: Famke Janssen, Shannon Tweed, Sean Young, Stephen Shellen, Clark Johnson, Traci Lind, Von Flores, Kim Coates, Nigel Bennett, Louis de Banco.Model by Day" is an above-average, easy on the eyes made-for t.v. movie. While the plot is the usual vacuous tripe, the production's interesting camera work, mood lighting, New Age music and quick edits make it more "Twin Peaks" than "Charlie's Angels." And, unlike many other standard beauty bonanzas, the script has its moments, too.
The comic book-style adventure centers around Lex (Famke Janssen), a successful fashion model who is also a martial arts expert.
When her roommate is attacked and hospitalized, Lex dons a mask and a skimpy crime-fighting outfit and sets out into the night.
After she meets with success and is dubbed the mysterious Lady X, another woman decides to imitate her -- down to that skimpy outfit -- and also fight New York's unruly night crowd.
Unfortunately, the impostor's not opposed to murder.
There are some fresh, even funny, moments, such as when Lex limps around sore after her first big night out as a heroine, and a parody of "Basic Instinct's" no-underwear scene.
Also, while Lex and the police lieutenant on the case (Stephen Shellen) are falling in love, they're seriously out of practice in the art.
But it's the world of modeling -- and its emphasis on beauty and shape -- that's the star of the show.
There are plenty of models in lingerie, close-ups of breasts and butts, and a constant parade of designer fashions.
Fox, at least, gets credit for trying.
Camera, David Franco; editor, Patrick Lussier; production manager, Dennis Chapman; production designers, Linda Del Rosario, Carmi Gallo; co-production designer/set decorator, Richard Paris; costume designer, Eva Gord; fashion coordinator, Rommie David, Dovie Mamikunian; key makeup, MarySue Heron; hairstylist, Lucy Orton; stunt coordinator, Steven Lucescu.

Besides "vacuous tripe" that's not a bad review. Now I have to find a copy on dvd and have a Model By day screening.

JILL-Po Godzinach

2011-02-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

So far, my works have been printed in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Swiss (in Penthouse Comics, without permission and which I don't think I was ever paid for) and of course english. Now, it seems the Polish have taken a liking to Jill-Part Time Lover. And why wouldn't they?

So, if you can find a copy, you might learn a little polish pillow talk-or shouts, groans and grunts-to impress your partner during your next bed wrestling encounter.

Everyone Likes Head...Don't They..?

2011-02-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

Beginning a series of pieces to be auctioned on Ebay, unless someone picks them up before they're listed.

Interested parties can send me a comment about viewing other pieces and a chance to see future pieces to get first dibs before i post them on Ebay. and you can also write regarding commission requests.

and check out the new site http://kevinjtaylor.com

3 versions, 1 page by Kevin J. Taylor

2011-01-10T17:16:00.001-08:00

The pencil, ink and painted versions of page 11 of GIRL: Th Second Coming, Volume 4. The inked version was for Sizzle magazine. The book is full of effects I've never painted before-on this page it's the middle tier of Jaleira walking through the waterfall.

'Tis the season

2010-12-02T09:09:00.000-08:00

Is it christmas time already? It seems like it was just Christmas a year ago.

Here in Spain, they don't usually celebrate Christmas the way the rest of the world does, but it's catching on faster with every year. Their Christmas holiday begins on Christmas Eve but extends to January 6th, the day of The Three Kings, which is when spanish kids get their presents. However, recently more and more spanish kids are demanding their presents on Christmas day. But parents and grand parents want to keep the Three Kings tradition going and this means kids are getting gifts twice only weeks apart.

I guess if I was a spanish kid, it would be my favorite holiday(s), but if I were a parent, I'd probably have to go against one tradition and choose one of the two holidays to spoil my kids. In any event, Christmas here now lasts for a few weeks and it's a good time to get great prices on the "after christmas" sales.

This will probably be my last entry for the year as things are getting busy for me. I had a tough summer/fall and things seem to be getting better with commissions and being able to work on my book, the fourth and final installment of the GIRL series. I know I've said it before, but I'm doing my best to finish that book while I struggle to pay my rent and bills. Trust me, I'll never give up on GIRL until it's finished. I'm only hoping everyone understands and can be patient a little longer.

Speaking of GIRL, the last volume has been serialised in NBM's Sizzle magazine over the last year and the final installment can be seen in the November issue. It's a pen and ink version but will be in full painted color when the book is published. For Sizzle, I chose to leave out the final two pages as sort of a cliff hanger. I wanted to save a nice surprise for the color book-I just hope it pays off.

NBM now has a new blog at http://nbmeurotica.blogspot.com/ It's a new site and in time will be a great place to catch up with the Eurotica authors.

And while you're at it, check out my new site at http://kevinjtaylor.com/ It's updated frequently and I have lots of art on sale. It's shaping up to be a great site as well. The above art is a commissioned piece, the type I've been doing lately, so interested parties drop me a line and maybe we can work something out.

That's all for now. I hope you all have a great holiday season and I'll see you on the other side of the new year.

check the new website:
http://kevinjtaylor.com

GIRL-Super

2010-10-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Still battling with this Ebay thing. It ain't easy, but the work is looking good.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280581078897&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Satin Gloves

2010-10-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

A new piece up for auction on Ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280576902015&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

New Website

2010-10-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today being my birthday is a good time to announce a new website. It's not often that these things coincide with one another, but it just lined up right this year. The
web designers did a good job and I'll try to do as good a job providing good content for as long as it's running, which I'm expecting to be a long time.

Along with updates that will include pin-ups and commissions that I've done, I'll also be doing comics that will be exclusive to the members, unpublished and unseen pages that I may have had in my studio over the years, but most likely they'll be new comic pages that I've been working on.

There's also an area where you can catch up on the latest Ebay auctions, which include the pieces that didn't sell, (quite a bit) as well as other works for sale. Plus, most of my printed comics can be found here, mostly out of print books and stories. We're still working on ideas to add to the site, maybe a forum where you can talk about stuff, request commissions, and even a fan art section. (That should be fun.)

All in all, I'm proud to announce the grand opening of this site, and I hope you stop by, have a look and a good time.

http://www.kevinjtaylor.com

Ebay madness

2010-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

Doing this Ebay thing is very difficult.
In order to work on a 48 page graphic novel, you need to be financially secure for a while so you can dedicate all your time to the work-especially if you work on your own with no assistants and no one to take up the financial slack. This is why it's taking me so long to finish a book I should have finished years ago.

And this Ebay thing hasn't been much help, which means a longer wait to finish my GIRL saga. But, I'll keep trying. Someday...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280573327933&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280572901006&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

MARTY-Kiss It

2010-09-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Up on Ebay this week.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280567213143&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

GIRL-Heat

2010-08-10T10:12:00.000-07:00

ebay auction.

GIRL-Drama

2010-07-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

The latest offering up on Ebay.

Fiebre de Copa del Mundo 2010

2010-07-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

Since the invention of soccer, Spain has never won the World Cup. Generations have come and gone without Spain so much as getting past the quarter finals. Finally, almost 150 years later, Spain has finally gotten it right.

Being American, I really don't give a shit about soccer-which is also why I use the term "soccer" as "football" is another sport entirely to me (and, strangely enough, the english, who invented modern soccer, also came up with the term "soccer", but they'll get violent over it's use from foreigners.)- but it's hard not to get caught up in the whole madness, if only a little bit, especially since I'm in Spain. But,out of respect for the historic win, I'll use the spanish term "futbol".

We're not talking about a city that goes ballistic over winning a trophy, we're talking about an entire country going crazy at the same moment. Last night, during the game, I went out to see what it was like in the streets and it was a ghost town. I walked down several streets just to look into the bars and saw every one packed with people watching the televised game. After a while, I got back upstairs, because whether they won or lost, I knew there would still be madness in the streets.

Once safely back at home, I didn't watch the game, but about an hour later, I knew when a goal was scored in favor of Spain because I heard outside and in the apartments all around me a simultaneous cheer. It was deafening and went on for a while. As it turns out, that one goal was the winning one. And that's when the madness started. Fireworks, firecrackers, helicopters flying around and just non stop noise, all night long.

Like I said, I'm no futbol fan, but every spanish person here is-mostly every one, especially the old people who have never experienced a World Cup win. After being in Spain for a while, I now realize the major difference in spanish people is which futbol club they're devoted too, and it's passed on to their children. I went out this afternoon and, walking the streets of Madrid, it was hilarious to see how shitfaced everyone still was. Store owners, sanitation workers, newstand owners, all red faced, to go along with the red and gold spanish shirts that everyone was wearing. People in the streets still reeked of beer. I went into a dry cleaners and the owner smelled like he'd just stepped out of a bar. I congratulated him on Spain's historic win and he immediately launched into telling me, in spanish, how tough the Holland team was, "throwing elbows, kicking, tripping."

Knowing Spain like I do, this ain't gonna be no one day party. This joint is gonna last a while and I'm gonna be in it a little. There won't be any escape from it because this is a futbol country. I'll visit a bar later this week just to hang out and I'm sure that's all that'll be talked about. But that's cool, too. I can deal with it now that I've witnessed history and know how important this win is for so many people. Enhorabuena, Espana.

It's too bad Franco never saw Spain win a world cup. Serves the bastard right, too.

What A Compliment

2010-05-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was attending an erotic art gallery opening reception with two friends. After viewing the art, we got some drinks and sat on the sofas to chill out and talk. And it was really a chill out area, as we were sitting in an area where there was quite a draft.

After a while, we started showing our artwork. I pulled out (GASP) a copy of GIRL: The Second Coming and showed it to one of my friends, an insanely lovely girl, and she began to read it. I half expected her to toss it aside, but, as she pointed out later, it was a perfect place to view such a book.

I noticed she was getting more and more into the book, even stopping to point out panels that she really liked. (There were quite a few of them.) At one point, she even asked me and my other friend to let her finish reading the book. So, we obliged. After all, watching a pretty girl reading one of my books is always a compliment-and very hot.

She made it through the book and, after a few sighs, handed the book back to me, sat back and realized she'd been sitting in a draft the whole time and hadn't even noticed. Once she'd stopped reading-and looking at the images-she'd gotten cold. She blushed a little as we all laughed at how one of my books can keep you warm on those cold nights.

Having her reaction was one of the greatest compliments I've ever gotten for my work and I'll never forget it. Like I said, watching a pretty girl reading one of my books is always a compliment-and very hot.

So, what did I do?

I pulled out (GASP) another one of my books...

So long, Frank

2010-05-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

Bran Mak Morn, my favorite Frazetta painting. You can just feel these dudes rushing over that hilltop to slay your ass.

I got the first Frazetta art book from my friend Raphael de la Cruz in the 10th grade at the High School of Art and Design for five bucks, and he-Frazetta-became my main influence in art, showing me that the human body could be very forceful and emotional in telling a story. His work made me study anatomy more carefully and I learned the subtleties in musculature. In other words, I owe this man a lot for what I can do with a pencil, some brushes and paint, and a blank painting surface laid out before me-even though in my wildest dreams I know I can never be that good.

Damn, Frank. I never even got the chance to shake your hand to just say "thank you".

I guess I'll just have to wait a while longer.

Megan Fox

2010-04-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

My first attempt at painting this girl. With her features, it felt like I had painted her before. I guess she kinda falls into that Taylor Girl range-at least when it comes to painting her.

AVATART

2010-04-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

This was a difficult piece to scan because it's all done in blue tones. In photography blue photographs as white and red photographs as black. While scanning this, it had to be scanned darker, but it still doesn't pick up all the subtle blues I used. A tough piece to reproduce.

GIRL-Diamond

2010-03-14T17:38:00.001-07:00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280478624224&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Shades

2010-02-13T06:50:00.001-08:00

One of 2 new ebay listings.

New eBay pieces

2010-02-01T09:20:00.000-08:00

I have a few things up on eBay. This is one of them. Check 'em out.

Commissions

2010-01-28T16:12:00.000-08:00

I'll be accepting commissions for a while, so interested parties drop me a line to find out rates and stuff. (That "stuff" can be the fun part.)

Back to the Grind

2010-01-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

I've really been on a roll over the last month or so painting the final volume of GIRL: The Second Coming. It's great to see the book finally taking shape, and it's looking pretty good.

Unfortunately, in order to keep the finances flowing, i periodically have to stop work on my never-ending book to do commissions and try my hand at Ebay. I don't mind doing the side work, but only when I don't have an unfinished book staring me in the face. This is how it's been over the last several years.

I'm really anxious to get this last book into the stores so people can see what all these years have added up to. I just hope I'm able to finish it my way.

Until then, though, I'm having to go the Ebay route for a little while longer.

Here's hoping it all works out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280456527240

2010.I made it.

2010-01-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

I'm always looking forward to a year better than the last.

Happy New Year.

GIRL-Shy

2009-11-25T07:41:00.000-08:00

New Ebay listing. I was listening to the Prince tune "Shy" while painting it. Well, she has a little shyness about her at times.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280428067723&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

GIRL-Banger

2009-10-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

I've been doing the Ebay thing and searching for a new apartment at the same time, which really takes away from finishing my book. Add in all the running around that searching for an apartment requires and the exhaustion that follows and you have the makings of a book that will still take quite a while to finish.

Provided I live long enough.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280417368561&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

GIRL-Boom Boom

2009-10-24T07:05:00.000-07:00

on the auction block.

Anybody speak russian?

2009-10-01T16:38:00.000-07:00

At least I think it's russian. This was a comment on a piece at my deviant art page:

Клевая картинка!!! Люблю эти рисунки.

(а вы можете дать сайт где можно скачать еще такие картинки.)

I just hope it's something positive. I'd hate to be hated by one of our allies.

http://taylor8.deviantart.com the piece is "GIRL-Poser 2" for those interested.

GIRL-Poser 2

2009-10-01T16:32:00.000-07:00

New e-bay joint.

GIRL-Poser

2009-09-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

Back on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280397364525&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

GIRL-Bare Skin

2009-08-30T17:04:00.000-07:00

A new Ebay listing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280391043560&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

Interview

2009-08-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

I'd almost forgotten about this. It's the last interview that I've done so far.

http://preptimeposse.blogspot.com/2006/03/kevin-j-taylor.html

The Painting Process

2009-08-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

I was going through some files and had forgotten that I'd scanned several paintings while I was painting them and caught the process in action. I'd never really thought of doing things like that, but I think I'll be doing it a lot more now.

It's a little time consuming, stopping to scan each step of a painting because I usually just like to get it done and move on to the next one. But looking back at them, I can see how I did them. Believe it or not, sometimes I forget what the hell I did during a painting to get the look that it has, which could be why my style changes over the years. It will still change, but it's kinda fun to look at these now.

GIRL-Red Jacket

2009-08-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

Nothing much to write of lately, except how much i dislike the summer. Sweating from morning til night, and I hate to sweat-except during exercise, because I gotta. And having no air conditioner makes it worse. the fan I have has been working overtime, but doesn't prevent me from waking up on sweat soaked sheets. I know, it's disgusting. But, autumn is just around the corner. Good sleeping weather.

I've just been doing a ton of work to make some bread and keep working on the last GIRL book. A windfall of about 3 million dollars in my bank account would fix that and I'd have that book out by next spring. But, I do what I can.

And this week it's another Ebay listing. wish me luck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280386771221&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

GIRL-Golden Bra

2009-08-10T16:55:00.000-07:00

And yet another Ebay auction. Just trying to get the word out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280383843177

Kara-new Ebay listing

2009-07-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

Keeping the Ebay thang going.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=280371508919

So long, Mike

2009-06-25T16:22:00.000-07:00

King of Pop Michael Jackson is dead: report

By Bob Tourtellotte Bob Tourtellotte – 5 mins ago

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Michael Jackson, the child star turned King of Pop who set the world dancing to exuberant rhythms for decades, died on Thursday, the Los Angeles Times said. He was 50.

"Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told The Times," the newspaper reported on its website.

Jackson had been taken ill at his home and found not breathing by paramedics who rushed him to a hospital, the paper said.

The paper's report followed news of Jackson's death first reported by the TMZ entertainment website, which said that the singer suffered a cardiac arrest. There was no immediate comment from spokespersons for Jackson.

Known as the "King of Pop," for hits that included "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," Jackson's dramatic stage presence and innovative dance moves were imitated by legions of fans around the world.
His one-gloved eccentric style also earned him plenty of critics and another nickname, "Wacko Jacko."

Jackson, who had lived as a virtual recluse since his acquittal in 2005 on charges of child molestation, had been scheduled to launch a comeback tour from London next month.

TMZ said on its website that Jackson suffered a cardiac arrest on Thursday afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. "We're told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back," the site said.

Earlier, the Los Angeles Times said the singer had been rushed to a Los Angeles-area hospital by fire department paramedics. The newspaper said paramedics performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the singer's home before taking him to the UCLA Medical Center hospital.
COMEBACK CONCERTS

Jackson had been due to start a series of concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months.

The shows for the 50 London concerts sold out within minutes of going on sale in March.

His lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he received, makes him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.

There were concerns about Jackson's health in recent years but the promoters of the London shows, AEG Live, said in March that Jackson had passed a 4-1/2 hour physical examination with independent doctors.

New Yorkers and tourists in the city's Times Square were shocked at the news of Jackson's death.

"I don't know what to say. It's sad, it's really, really sad," said Nicole Smith, an 18-year-old student from Brooklyn, New York, in Times Square. "My mother was a fan. I listened to his music."

"I'm shocked. I thought someone was lying to me when I first heard it. I was a fan from when he was a little boy and then he got weird," said Sue Sheider, 51, a teacher from Long Island.

CHILD STAR TO MEGASTAR

Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children. Five Jackson boys -- Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael -- first performed together at a talent show when Michael was 6. They walked off with first prize and went on to become a best-selling band, The Jackson Five, and then The Jackson 5.

Jackson made his first solo album in 1972, and released "Thriller" in 1982, which became a smash hit that yielded seven top-10 singles. The album sold 21 million copies in the United States and at least 27 million worldwide.

The next year, he unveiled his signature "moonwalk" dance move while performing "Billie Jean" during an NBC special.

In 1994, Jackson married Elvis Presley's only child, Lisa Marie, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. Jackson married Debbie Rowe the same year and had two children, before splitting in 1999. The couple never lived together.

Jackson has three children named Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II, known for his brief public appearance when his father held him over the railing of a hotel balcony, causing widespread criticism.

(Additional Reporting by Jill Serjeant in Los Angeles and Michelle Nichols in New York; Writing by Frances Kerry, Editing by Jackie Frank)

"GIRL-Sparkle" on Ebay

2009-06-23T09:18:00.000-07:00

Trying to keep the fire going.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280362326776

More Ebay

2009-06-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280355357408&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280355361612&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

Ending this weekend!!

New Ebay listing

2009-06-04T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm doing some pages of sequential art for sale and this is the first one to go up. Drop on by and join the fun!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280352331585&_trkparms=tab%3DSelling

Blast from the Past

2009-05-04T17:20:00.000-07:00

I recently got back in touch with someone. A girl.

A girl I have not seen in over 20 years.

And I only use the term "girl" because she looks exactly how she did when I last saw her.

No-she actually looks better, and that's something I knew back then: that she would be one of those girls that would always look like she did.

I don't want to write her name just yet. We've only been reconnected as of April 24th, just over a week ago, and I just don't want to put that out there and jinx it. I've been flying high ever since and don't see myself coming down for a long time. I'd been looking for her all this time and she literally just popped back into my life, and now continues to drive me insane with her looks and charm and teasing. Damn, that's fun.

She's that girl that could always make me do anything she asked of me, because she knew how to make me weak when I wanted her, but made me strong when I needed her.

If anyone ever wondered where the Taylor Girl came from, it's her. And I won't post any photos of her. Probably not for a while-if she lets me. No way will I do that without her knowing and her consent. I'm not gonna risk losing her again. It's such a wonderful feeling being back in touch with her that I want to share it with everyone-but not just yet. I just want to keep her to myself for a while. And I'm sure many people know exactly what I mean.

When my heart-and everything else-comes down for a rest, maybe I'll put an update about it.

Then again, maybe not. I'm just taking it slow right now to study all the new feelings I'm being bombarded with because of her.

Some people get lucky with finding the person of their dreams.

I got lucky twice.

Another Ebay try.

2009-04-04T06:20:00.000-07:00

Not much success with Ebay lately, but I'm giving it another try.I guess I've been out of the game a little too long.

I'm planning to do some cons and salons soon, so I'll post those showtimes as soon as I have some.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=280329961274&Category=60437&_trksid=p3907.m29&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26its%3DI%26otn%3D1

Deviant

2009-03-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

I just started posting stuff for sale and commissions on deviantart.com, so check it out.

http://taylor8.deviantart.com/art/Bath-Time-115675233

New Ebay listing

2009-02-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

Another GIRL piece up on the Ebay. Just hangin' out.

E-bay auction

2009-01-17T17:52:00.001-08:00

Hey there!

The piece below is up for auction on E-bay (minus the 'Taylor'), so any interested parties have seven days to check it out.

Sales and Auctions

2009-01-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

I'll begin selling original and new artworks soon, and also taking a few commissions every now and then, so check this space.

(Finally, some art from this guy!)

Welcome, 2009

2009-01-01T05:25:00.000-08:00

Comin' out swingin'.

"...He's Got Radioactive Blood."

2008-11-28T05:57:00.000-08:00

Today, the 28th of November, marks a year since I began slipping in and out of what would be described to me as a diabetic coma. I thought I'd get myself checked out before this anniversary, just to see what, if anything, has changed about my diabetes. I became increasingly frightened about the possibilty of being laid up for another ten days or more should I pass out again, even though I've been feeling perfectly fine. So, for one of the few times in my life, I made an appointment for a physical with my doctor for Wednesday, November 19. During the physical, I told the doc that I had a slight pressure in my chest for the past week that would start and stop very briefly. It would last for a few seconds and disappear. This happened only a few times in the previous week, but, hey, I might as well tell my doc, right? It can't be anything serious. After two electrocardiograms, my doctor thought it would be safe to have me checked out at the hospital-the very same hospital I was in a year ago for ten days.

This time I was only there for six days.

I go in for a simple check up and end up lying around a hospital for six days with a needle in the back of my wrist so they can tap my blood at a whim like a beer keg. I was in no pain at all-just a headache I would get because I was furious at being in a hospital again a year later, only this time I felt perfectly fine. I spent several hours in an emergency room listening to old people crying for help and some guy screaming in pain. I was really getting upset. And the nurses paid no mind to these people. I made a note to look up the Hypocratic Oath when I got out. After a night in the Observation room with quieter emrgency patients where I did not sleep a wink, I was given a room with a very loud snoring roommate. Yeah, my week was working out fine.

After a Thursday of lying around, Friday morning I saw a cardiologist who wanted to put a catheter through an artery in my arm to look into my heart and see if I had any clogged arteries. He assured me it was painless and would only take about a half hour. I had to sign a consent form and, on my way back to my room, my chest felt really heavy. It was the first real discomfort I'd had all month. But an hour later, another doctor came to my room and, after talking to me, felt that the catheter was too invasive a procedure. Instead he wanted to put me on a treadmill to give me a stress test then take pictures of my heart. That would happen on Monday which meant a weekend of snoring, hospital food and no sleep. How anyone sleeps in a hospital is beyond me, with all the nurses in and out of my room taking blood pressure at three in the morning, and taking my blood sugar for my diabetes. One of my friends brought me some books so at least I was able to keep my brain occupied.

On Monday, I burned the treadmill and afterwards they shot some chemicals into my veins. Then I was taken to nuclear medicine-that's right:"NUCLEAR MEDICINE"-where they took pictures of my entire chest cavity with one of the biggest, scariest cameras I'd ever seen. The camera hummed like one of the War of the Worlds spacecraft (the Spielberg version) and it took fifteen minutes to complete. Immediately after, I was ushered back to my room where I was told I couldn't leave all day. They put a sign on my door warning pregnant women and children to stay at least a meter from my bed. This concerned me. My doctor saw me soon after and confirmed that, yes, I was radioactive. He told me this while keeping a very safe distance and said I may be able to leave Tuesday after my tests came back. So I'm laying in my bed all day Monday worrying if my hair would start falling out and watching as visitors of other patients peered into my room to look at me, the radioactive man. Oooh, he's scary! Stay back kids!

Well, I got through to Tuesday and my doc said he was right about not having the catheter done. My heart was fine, but I needed my diabetes medicines adjusted. He just gave me a new prescription and said I could leave. After asking him if I was "safe", he chuckled and said I'm okay. I thanked him, shook his hand, and I do not remember ever dressing as fast as I did to leave that hospital. I said goodbye to all the pretty nurses who were surprised that I was leaving. (I would love to see them again, but NOT in a hospital.)

This anniversary check up taught me a good lesson: hospitals are for sick people. And I vow never to be sick again. Sick in the head, sure. But that goes with the job of being an adult illustrator. And I won't even bring up what the treatment is for that.

What kind of girl reads Taylor?

2008-11-15T15:11:00.000-08:00

Too bad for her I only had the cover to this issue and I'm sure this was the photorapher's idea. But it's still sexy as hell. And the magazine on the left also has a cover by me. I'd sure like to hang out on this set.

Hist-O-Ree

2008-11-05T06:21:00.001-08:00

And to think, I'm actually alive to see a black president of the United States of America.

For a few years now, I've thought of cutting my hair, but, in light of all that's happening, I think I'll keep my 'fro for a little while longer.

President Barack Hussein Obama.

The U.S.A is now officially cool. Again.

Moebius: aka a Taylor fan (trust me, I don't believe it either.)

2008-06-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I read about the Barcelona comics salon and I really wish I could've attended. I've been to quite a few and they're always great fun, meeting with fans and other artists, some of whom were my heroes. But no artist has influenced my comic book work more than Moebius who was the guest of honor at this years comics salon. Reading about his appearance reminded me of when I finally met the creator of Arzach and what followed in the years after.

It was 1994 at the San Diego Comic Con and the first GIRL series was well done by then. I was at the Rip-Off Press booth doing drawings and signings and took a break to browse the room. This was one of the first years the con took place at the convention center that it's held at now, and, although much bigger today, it was still a good walk from end to end back then. After a while as I walked back towards the Rip-Off booth, I see the young couple who was manning the booth then waving to me frantically. They could barely contain themselves as I got there and told me that Moebius wanted to meet me. They were a very good looking couple and it hurts me to say how much I laughed at that statement from them. I sat down behind the table and picked up my sketch pad and pencils to finish some requests and they kept asking me "What are you doing?! Moebius wants to meet you!" I decide to pay attention and they explained that his assistant Randy Lofficier-a lovely woman-came by the booth and asked about me, whether I was there, then gave them the message to ask me to come to Moebius' table. About this time Kathy Todd, one of the publishers, appeared and confirmed this. Okay, now what do I do? Attempt to meet the artist who cemented in my mind that the shape of comic book panels don't necessarilly tell a great story as much as what is in the panels without vomiting on his shoes, or just ignore this amazing opportunity and fly back to New York without so much as a "How ya doin'?" I decided to risk vomiting and meet the man.

(A small note: The Moebius story that dictated how I would forever do comics was a five page story that appeared in Heavy Metal called "The Long Tomorrow". If you can find it, it's simply beautiful.)

So, I trekked over to the Moebius stand only to be confronted with one of the longest lines of fans I'd ever seen outside of a Star Wars film. What do I do? Obviously, I go to the end of the line like every other fan, figuring it'll be quite a while. About two minutes pass when Randy, Moebius' assistant, comes to the back of the line, reads my name tag and says "Mr. Taylor. No, no, come with me." She introduces herself and takes me to the front of the line where I see Moebius doing a drawing in someone's book with a pen. No pencilling to ink over-and it was perfect. I'm thinking, okay, I'll wait until he's finished. But Randy says "Jean! Jean!" (Moebius' real name Jean Girard) And she introduces me. A big smile appears on this man's face and he stands up to shake my hand. Now, anyone that's attended a comic con has probably noticed that artists rarely, if ever, stand up to greet people, especially when it's really busy. And, not only did he shake my hand, but he made a hand sandwich with both of his hands! I was trying to tell him how much his work has influenced and shaped my own comic book work, but he kept telling me how much he loved my work and my comics and that he had them all. At that time there was only MODEL BY DAY, THE GIRL, some pin-up books and a few self published books, but it was still a shock. By now I noticed people on line peering to see who I was and trying to read my name tag, but I was thinking "Hey, screw you, pal. this is the moment of my life." And the "piece de resistance": Moebius summed up his thoughts with the five finger kiss. You know, that french thing where a person likes something so much they join the tips of their fingers of one hand, kiss them, then open them up like a budding flower. I thought "Okay, that's it. This is someone in a Moebius mask." But it was the real deal.

I went back to the Rip-Off booth and they were all eager to know how it went, so I told them. I then gathered all the new stuff I had and brought them back to Moebius and I was given a copy of all the stuff at his table, including prints. This all happened on either a Friday or Saturday, and I don't remember whether I made any money at that show, but meeting this man more than made the trip worth while. The very next time I saw Moebius was in France at the International Comics Salon in Angouleme, an incredible salon, and he pretty much greeted me the same way. Since then, whenever we would meet we would exchange any new products and chat for a bit and it was always a treat for me. It's been a while since I've met with him and I hate that I missed the opportunity in Barcelona, a place that I know very well. But I'll try to make the next Angouleme show and see if he's there, if only to say hello. I would go on to try and describe what it's like for an artist to meet one of his heroes, but it would be pointless. I've told this story over the years to anyone who would listen, and sometimes I got the feeling that people thought i was bragging. But how could you not sound like that if it happened to you?

I thought for a long time whether or not I should tell this story, for fear that it would sound like I'm full of it. But a friend summed it up by saying to me, "No one else is gonna tell it for you".

So, there it is. Moebius is a Taylor fan. How do you like that?

My Run-ins with Dave Stevens

2008-03-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

I've only met Dave Stevens a few times and I can't say that I knew him well, but what I knew of him was that he was a very decent guy. I've even had the pleasure of chatting with him and his good friend Mike Kaluta, who I knew a little better, at a table they shared at a New York con. Besides the great art he produced, the one thing that impressed me about him was how easy going and approachable he was to all of his fans. Last week i attended the Salon del Comics in Granada, Spain and spoke with some American mainstream artists and writers at the traditional opening night dinner for all the professionals and invited guests. It was fun-at least that first night. The following days when I approached these same professionals they were very stand-offish, as though i was some nutty fan trying to hang out with them when the truth was I only even heard of one of them. It´s always been fun sharing stories with other American and European artists in another country. But they made me remember why I've never really got along with most mainstream artists in the first place. That "I'm a real pro, not like those self publishing bums" attitude never sat well with me. I thought, and still do, that as tough as it is surviving in this business we could at least show some solidarity. Maybe that's why I never got that mainstream vibe from Mr. Stevens.

I first met Mr. Stevens in the early 1990's after I'd had "Model By Day" and "The GIRL" published and had by then become infatuated with THE ROCKETEER comics and, naturally, Mr. Stevens' great girl art. It's fascinating that this man single handedly revived the career of Batty Page which spawned countless books, artwork and even TV specials. And I must admit that I've only done one painting of her, a private commission done two years ago. At that first meeting in San Diego, I merely told Mr. Stevens how much I liked his work and he seemed slightly embarrased. When I shook his hand he read my name tag and said "Kevin Taylor...I've heard of you." I wasn't sure if he was joking or not, but when he told me that Mr. Kaluta showed him a couple of my books (I always gave Mr. Kaluta any new products whenever I met with him at a con) I knew he was being honest. By that time I had made it my personal policy to never go out of my way to meet artists who I admired because I didn't want to not like them, but that day I was glad I had met Mr. Stevens.

Years went by before our paths crossed again and I reintroduced myself to Mr. Stevens at another San Diego con and the first thing he says is "Hey, I remember you." And that's how it went over the years- until one San Diego con in the late nineties which was to be one of the last times I would see him in person.

I was sharing a table with Sandra Chang and Laura Molina who had dated Mr. Stevens some time before. Miss Molina showed me her latest work-a large painting of Dave Stevens nude. She went on to tell me the story of she and Mr. Stevens and of the series of paintings she´d made and would continue to make. I won't go into details of that story only to say that it doesn't flatter Mr. Stevens. But I will state that, in my adult life, I've learned that people rarely blame themselves for their own problems. This is particularly true of most women and relationship problems. You simply cannot avoid problems in any relationship. That's just how it goes. I believe the first thing a person needs to do when a problem arises is ask themself "Okay-what's my part in this mess?" And I have yet to meet the woman that can do that, except maybe with their female freinds. I even know women that actually sabotage their own relationships by projecting how long it will take for things to go bad. When you think about it, there´s always enough blame to go around.

After a few hours of hearing from Miss Molina, I decided to mention it to Mr. Stevens, just to find out his take on those paintings. Miss Molina didn't mind and, in fact, encouraged it. I waited until some people left his table-I didn't want to embarrass him-and he seemed in good spirits. That is, until I told him who I was sharing a table with and the painting I'd seen. His face actually got longer and he scratched his head, saying "We broke up about twelve years ago. It's really embarrassing. I wish she could move on." He had nothing bad to say about Miss Molina and I thought that showed real class. And I felt bad for bringing it up because I couldn't escape the fact that I probably ruined his day. I even apologized for it but he didn't blame me which was a relief, albeit only a little. Twelve years. I'm no psychiatrist, but wouldn't that kind of obsessiveness be unhealthy?

Those are my recollections of my run-ins with Mr. Stevens-as I remember them. There weren´t many and, as I said, I didn´t know him well, just well enough to share a few words every now and then. It was enough for me.

Since I started in comics, I've met with lots of American and European artists and it's been great sharing stories at dinners and in bars with them. It seems I've only really gotten along with other artists that have bypassed the mainstream market and made names for themselves independently. There seems to be that kinship of having run the gauntlet and coming out the other side in one piece. I guess that's why meeting mainstream folks thus far has been leaving a so-so taste in my mouth. I've been a fan of lots of artists, but over the years the number of those artists have severely dwindled. I guess that's why learning of Dave Stevens' death this week is rather depressing for me-we both ran similar gauntlets. Believe me, I don't in any way put myself in the same league as Mr.Stevens. But, judging from the few times we've spoken, he'd probably disagree. He was as classy as they get.

That's why I'm still his biggest fan. And I hope he can rest in peace.

Sticks or Stones

2008-01-31T10:27:00.000-08:00

After graduating the High School of Art and Design, I didn't really want any more schooling and thought I'd take a chance and see what would come of persuing an art career. Seeing published work on the art boards around the school by artists who got gigs as professionals right after they graduated the school, like Joe Jusko, was encouraging. I knew I wasn't that good, but I was determined to try and break into that world.

My friend Lance Tooks was an intern at Marvel Comics from the 11th grade and worked there many years after graduation, editing scores of books. After months, almost a year after high school, at Lance's insistence, I went up to Marvel Comics to see about the whole interning thing. I was asked to bring a portfolio of some of my work, so I did. I was no child prodigy able to paint beyond my years, and I knew it. But I've always had a thing for drawing anatomy which I've always worked on to get better.

So, I went on up to Marvel Comics one afternoon, not really looking to impress anyone, but just hoping be around artists to learn the comics business. After meeting with Lance I was told the only person available to see me was an editor named Larry Hama. I had no idea who this was, but he was an editor who I was told I had to deal with. After a handshake, I sat across Mr. Hama's desk as he picked up my portfolio just as he answered his phone. While chatting on the phone, he flipped through my work rather bruskly, finished his conversation, closed my porfolio and, after sliding it back across the desk to me very blandly said "It sucks".

Like I wrote, I wasn't looking to impress anyone.

Strangely enough, that experience didn't mean much to me. Being a young, aspiring artist, it didn't have any negative affect on me. It could be because I had no idea who this guy was and he didn't make any impression on me. I just knew he had a job at Marvel Comics. I know many artists who told me they had similar experiences with editors and were so devestated that they couldn't draw for a while. After that incident, I had lunch with my friends, went back to my job as a messenger then went home and drew all night-like I usually did then.

A few weeks later, I went to meet with Lance again at Marvel for lunch and was hanging out in the lobby waiting while talking to the receptionist. I just happened to have my portfolio, but with only a few large drawings and a sketchbook. After a few minutes the door to the offices open and out comes Marie Severin. I thought, "Hey, that's Marie Severin!" Almost immediately she spots my portfolio and says to me "How ya doin'? You an artist?" I think I said something intelligible and she says "Mind if I have a look?" I again muttered something and before my head cleared, Ms. Severin was sitting next to me looking through my sketchbook, then the larger drawings that I had-and she did so with her complete attention. The best part was she kept commenting on how good my art anatomy was and asking where did I study. I knew she was being sincere-if those lines had come from an editor, it would have come off as sarcasm. I was talking with an artist. And I knew who SHE was.

Ready for the rest?

Before Ms. Severin was through looking at my work-and she sat with me for no less than a half hour-the door opens again and out strolls John Romita Sr. "Hey, that's Jazzy John Romita", I scream in my head. And Ms. Severin says, "Hey, Johnnie, come look at this guy's work." And there I was, on a sofa with Marie Severin and John Romita checking out my work, both giving me laurels for my figure drawing. Afterwards, they both shook my hand and recommended I put more work together and keep knocking on the comic book doors. I then had lunch with my friends and related the whole story. Now, THAT experience affected me.

Years after that, after going my own way and self publishing, I would look at the work I had shown Ms. Severin and Mr. Romita back then, and realized just how bad I was, and how gracious they were in taking the time to encourage another artist. And even though I've developed my own style over the years, it's very difficult to say anything negative to a young person who asks me to critique their work. I just think maybe they'll develop a style that I can learn from and they'll be succesful with it. Since leaving the hospital last month, I've thought a lot about what I've done with my art and there've been quite a few things, the most rewarding being I've gotten better. The picture above is from 1998 after I've finished installing my pieces for my first exhibition at the International Erotic Film Festival in Barcelona, Spain. I'll save that story for another time, but, man, it was wild.

I've been wanting to show my work to Ms. Severin and Mr. Romita now for the last few years and recount my story to them. I'm sure they've forgotten. But I know they'd still be just as gracious, regardless of whether they personally liked my work or not. It would still mean a lot to me now, just as it did then.

One thing is for certain: I will never tell any aspiring artist that his or her work 'sucks'. There's a name for people who do that: they're called "editors".

Sugar Unsweet

2007-12-09T06:05:00.000-08:00

Wednesday November 28 started out a normal enough day.
But early in the afternoon until well after midnight I knew how it felt to be dying.

Shortness of breath all day which turned into barely breathing had me crawling around my hallway knocking on doors at 2 in the morning and finally waking up in the hospital emerency room strapped to a bed. I don't really remember much, except some of the hallway crawling because I blacked out soon after. But the reason for being strapped to a bed was because apparently I put up a tough fight with the ambulance medics and some of the emergency room staff. And perhaps having a catheter inserted had a lot to do with it.

Once I was brought back to consciousness and was semi normal, a doctor told me that a sudden surge in my blood sugar took my breath away and knocked me out putting me into sort of a diabetic coma which is why I was so violent. And I could've died that night. Yep, I got diabetes.

All this time I've been walking around with diabetes and never knew. I guess it pays to have regular check ups. So, after a week and a half in the hospital I was released on Friday, December 7 and I'm now a card carrying. insulin injecting part of the diabetic public.

I would like to write more, but I'm exhausted. My doctor friend says it's normal and keeps telling me that I simply don't realize how sick I was and still am. So, I'm gonna sign off now before she reads this and sees how much I haven't been resting.

Until next time.

They Used to Grow Them

2007-10-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

Another post in less than one week? Must be important.
Not really. Just a couple of occurences that had me curious. Tits. Yep, they're the couple that's got me curious-or I should say, that's got other people curious.

Over the past bunch of years doing comic cons and salons, I've ran into quite a few girls who were convinced that the tits I paint are fake. Huh? I'll repeat-there are females out there who actually think I'm painting women with breast implants. During one San Diego con there were two instances. I had a painting of Girl displayed on my table-nipples covered, of course (don't wanna be banned)-one young couple walked by saw my painting and the girl points at it and says "They're fake." I started laughing and she embarassingly dragged her drooling boyfriend away. A few hours later, another young pair walked by, and this time the young dude stopped dead in his tracks and just ogled the painting for a few seconds before his girly angrily yanked his arm and pulled him away.

More recently, last month to be exact, me and my friend were in a pub hanging out with a girl from England that we met earlier this year. She's cool, but she loves her red wine, if you follow me. I'd never shown her my work before last month because she said early on she never liked comics. Okay-that's cool. Well, she was on her way back to England the following week and after a few bottles of the grape, she asked to see one of my books. I thought, fuck it, show her the hard stuff. I normally show prudes and girls from the U.K. and the U.S. my FANG books just to avoid...what happened next.I showed her "Girl's Kama Sutra" and from the first page it was "Those are fake." Okay, that's it. Number one, it's a goddamned drawing. Number two-why the hell would I draw or paint fake tits? Oh, did I mention she hates men? Always picks the wrong guy and keeps going back to them. I did my best to acknowledge that,okay, she was wasted and kept a reign on my temper. I was used to comments like this, but I guess this night was a little diferent. And I wasn't even drunk-but she was a looker. I just wanted to know why someone would think I draw fake tits. The answer I got that ended the conversation was "Because you're a man."

I truly believe that at some point in history, women grew large breasts. Not all women. But every now and then there are women who have exceptional, natural busoms, and I'm convinced that some of them walk the earth even today. I even remember seeing a few of them in person. But I guess I'm just imagining things. I guess I'll be seeing Elvis next and the Yeti. Now that breast implants are all the rage, I guess women just don't want to grow them anymore-except really fat women. I figured out they're the only type of women whose tits will be accepted as natural. I paint tits because let's face it, they sell books. People think I'm a big boob guy, but personally, I'll take what a girl has. I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, but my paintings don't stop below the tits. I focus on everything because it's my duty.

It's a shame that some women's insecurities have led them to put down other women who've "got more" than they do in an effort to make themselves feel better. "Mine are small, but at least they're real!" So much so that they begin to put down fantasy images. This hapened again last night in a pub. One of the spanish waiters saw a copy of FANG that was left there by the ridiculously gorgeous spanish waitress whom I gave it to who simply loved every page of it. The waiter says to me "I really enjoyed your book with all the colors and the women with all the surgery made tits. Very nice."

And I'm leaving that right there. I don't even have a response to statements like that from a guy. From women, I understand those sad comments. But when a guy says something like that, my audio shuts off and he is off my radar for good.

Maybe next time I'll write about the comments I've heard from the fellas over the years about the dicks I've drawn in my books. Then again, maybe not. I just don't have that kind of time. And you though THIS was a long post.

It's Their World

2007-10-17T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'm finally realizing what an entirely different world the online community is and how it's inhabitants can make up lives and have characteristics that are completely opposite of their own. I'm not just talking about gender hoaxes just to string along some poor slobs who can't figure it out-like a few years ago with the Kysa Braswell hoax, who actually wrote me several times and sent me "photos" of herself, writing how much of a fan she was of my work. I mentioned to my friends and webmaster back then that something seemed strange about this "girl", and between the photos and e-mails sent to me and her online erotic stories, I picked up on it immediately. There's always something in a persons nature that will trap them, no matter how much they try to fake it.

Now I'm seeing other characteristics online, mainly in forums that people create and moderate. I go to a few girlie forums when I have time, and, as much as I try to only check for images, I always get caught up in the insaneness of the comments. some are funny, but the comments and replies are usually regarding someone's taste in women, which I could care less about. You like what you like, and I'll never fault a guy for what he finds attractive at any given moment. We've all been there. Then the moderator would chime in to referee-"Hey, cut out this dumb talk and get back to posting. Keep it up and I'll ban you" One site I check out has the moderator constantly berating guys for their comments, like an E-Daddy. One guy called him an E-Thug, which is a perfect way of describing these people. This same site even has a rule of not posting nipples.
Yes-a forum catering to pictures of women where nipples are forbidden. But racial slurs and utterly foul usernames and language is the norm. However,break the no nipple rule and the moderator is quick to point out, "Listen, dipshit, I see a part of a nipple on the third photo. This is your one and only warning. Next time you'll be banned!" I guess the idea is to create a world of your own so you can be in control of others that enter it. I guess it's a rush to be tough and in control of people-as long as no one knows who you really are.

I won't get into the whole "reposting" thing, where people actually get ridiculously pissed off if someone posts a photo that they stole-I mean, that they posted first, as though they took the photo themself. I'm always tempted to electronically bitch slap some of these people back to reality. "Hey, Mr. or Miss Poster, you all got the photos from the same place-you stole them off the internet! And a nipple never hurt no one, E-Daddy. Please don't ban me from your family site." But I know getting into it with these people will be a never ending mess. They have more time than I do for that stuff. And why not? It's a world they feel more comfortable in.

Me, I'm not afraid of girls. They're fun to be around. And since today is my birthday, I'm gonna be around a few of them tonight. Here in Spain, any reason is a good one for a fiesta. So, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare for a world where I'm more comfortable.

SIN TITULO

2007-09-02T09:55:00.000-07:00

I knew I would be no good at writing regularly on a computer. And the added nuisance of my present internet connection makes going on the internet even more of an annoyance. For almost the past year I've been leeching off of a neighbor's wireless connection and this has a habit of going out, depending on the weather-or if the person with the wireless decides to shut it off, or leave town. That's what happened over the summer, and from the end of June until about the end of August, I was without internet service, and even now it goes on and off constantly. But, to be honest, this probably would have been the only update since the end of June anyway.

The e-mails have started up again asking when GIRL:The Second Coming, Volume 4 will be out and all I can say is that I wish I had a definitive answer. Doing a graphic novel is no joke and doing one by yourself would make a clown depressed. (No, forget the clown analogy-depression is why they're clowns.) The bottom line is it's a lot of work, and there's only so much I can do in one day, which turns into one week, and so on, until it's time to pay the bills, and rent. The only way to keep up with it all is through commissions and side projects. (A special thanks to the fans that have been requesting commissions. It's kept me going and even inspired.)Another reason is that I don't use computer programs for any of my illustrative work, but I understand why so many good artists do-it gives them time to enjoy life away from the drawing board. I wish I knew what that was like, but my computer skills are nil.

Which brings me to the image I've added, "Bio Girls". One of those little side projects that I may finish. It's a planned portfolio I'd like to offer for sale with about six pieces including this one for the cover. I was planning it for this summer, but maybe this fall I'll have it done. I'll make another post when it's done and how to get it, depending on my wireless connection. And whether or not I strangle this goddamned computer.

Sincere form of Flattery or..?

2007-06-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

I wasn't planning on posting again so soon, but I wanted to get this done.
At least 4 or 5 times a year over the last three years-maybe longer-I've gotten e-mails asking if I knew about this guy John Persons. I just didn't pay attention until about two years ago when I checked out this dude's site and, whatta you know, I recognized just about every drawing he did was from one of my books-at least all the ones in the preview section. I let it go as just inspiring another artist and didn't expect to hear anymore about it. Every artist has learned from other artists by copying them.
Now, here it is two years later and I'm still being asked about this guy. I didn't expect him to still have a site up, but I checked it out today and there it is. I'll never knock another artist for learning from others this way. I've had my Gil Kane and Barry Smith moments (tits and ass, Corben and Frazetta) but I eventually broke away from that and developed my own thang. And I'm hoping that's what Mr. Persons will be able to do. It takes a while, I know, so I'm trying not to be too paranoid about someone doing better with my work than I am. And it's not something to get riled up about: if he were simply printing my books online then I'd just sic my publisher on him. My biggest complaint with him is his decision to re-draw the male characters as Tarzan stereotypes with Jane of the jungle. And that dialogue! I'm sure somewhere in that site is the phrase "Feets, do yo' stuff!"
Go check him out at www.JohnPersons.com and see for yourself. I'm not worried about giving him exposure because from the looks of it, he'll have to wait for me to do more work to continue. Oh, damn...Body Heat 2 just hit the stores. I guess that'll keep him going for a while. Does anyone think I deserve a lifetime membership?

Can't Please Everyone

2007-06-18T17:53:00.000-07:00

I found this recently:

JILL: Part Time Lover

By Kevin J. Taylor

Rating (2 out of 5 stars)

While I respect every artist and artwork , Kevins style does not appeal to me and his art suffers from several anatomical errors as well as unattractive girls . Yet I notice he becomes better with every new book and becomes more and more popular so it is also a matter of taste
: www.unrealx.com/comicbooks/bookcomics.htm

That's cool."The eye of the Beholder", as the saying goes. I can respect anyone's opinion-especially when they have their own work on display at their site. Then again, once you've gotten into the grind of painting 8 or 9 panels a page of several 48 page books, you understand what it takes out of you to do this kind of work when it's not just for fun, but earning a living with it.

Check out this guys site. I'm sure he's helped many a wary consumer weed out the crap.

In and Out the Pokey

2007-06-07T16:36:00.000-07:00

Just hours before her release, Paris Hilton was heard screaming "Who do I have to blow to get outta this joint?!"
And to think, she turned herself in early just for the cavity search.

I wish I had a rich daddy.

Me...a Bastard?!

2007-05-21T17:46:00.000-07:00

Back in March at the Salon del Comics de Granada in Spain, I was told a story by my buddy Lance (www.lancetooks.com) that one of our spanish compadres related to him while we were there.
It happens that one of our friends Javi was at the salon also and, a day before, was in a conversation at one of the stands with a
friend of his and the subject of Kevin Taylor came up. At this point someone else at the stand joined the conversation
by saying "Kevin Taylor es una cabron!" ("cabron" being" the spanish equivalent of "bastard") Javi, being puzzled by
this, asked "Why is Kevin Taylor a bastard?" The newcomer explained "I met him at a salon some years ago and asked him to do a drawing for me, and he did. But while he was sitting there doing my drawing, he couldn't take his eyes off of this girl standing next
to me and kept looking at her. I was expecting the worst drawing from him, but when he finally finished it, after signing it to me, I
looked at it and it was a perfect drawing. I couldn't believe it! He's a bastard!"
How could I not laugh at that?
But wait...this is even funnier.
That same night after the salon, we cruised to a pub which was where all of the guests, and anyone else, would meet for a round of copas (drinks - and, man, I mean drinks!) and I met some other young spaniards who were guests of the salon. One of them worked with KISS, the music group, as a graphic designer, and the other was an art director. I thought, "Man, these guys are getting younger and younger", meaning, to me, people in those positions used to be wizened old chaps with thick grey hair billowing from ginormous ears. After a few copas, and watching a bunch of drunk American girls try to dance to Abba, I showed some new and old work to the new guys and talked a bit. As it turned out, the art director was taking a class in erotic art in comics at the university in Madrid and he told me that he knew about my work because his professor used it regularly as (I'm not making this up) a "how to" method in erotic comics. He also told me that his professor is an erotic comics illustrator and we've both worked for the same spanish magazines-and I'm very pissed that I don't remember his name. Like I said, there was lots of drinking done by then and those goddamned American girls were loud-but at least they knew the words to most the disco songs playing.
I told my buddy Lance this latest story and, after laughing for five minutes he said, "Aw, man-you're part of the curriculum!"
I share these stories because, as a graphic artist, it's difficult to know the impact my work has on anyone, if at all. I spend an unnatural amount of time behind a drawing board, trying to do the best work I can-not only to give something to fans, but something I can look at later and say, "Yeah, that came out pretty good." But the only way I know if my work is well received is if or when I do a comic book convention, something I just don't like doing anymore. Now I just like to go as a spectator and telling people what a bastard Kevin Taylor is.
I don't know what I can accomplish by doing a blog because I hate typing on the computer. I did all the lettering this way for the first volume of GIRL: The Second Coming and my eyes were never the same from staring at this goddamned monitor. Maybe I can communicate with you this way and figure out a way to explain why it's taking so long to finish my last GIRL book or how they make Fig Newtons. I just don't know.
I'll write here as often as time allows and put up a new drawing or two to keep you updated on what I'm working on.I'm hoping I can do this at least once a month. Trust me, for me that's a lot. Mainly because I don't have much to say.
I'm trying to get my work done.

2007-04-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

stay tuned...