THANKS FOR THE EDUCATION!

 

I like to share this editorial cartoon every college bowl season. Sportsmanship, tradition, pageantry, and wholesome competition are just pipe dreams when compared to the real motivation for bowl games. Belly-up to the platter boys (Universities, that is), these kids make you a fortune!

JEMS Magazine Illo

New illustration for Jems magazine about EMS health-care providers trying to multi-task too many things and overlooking the patient's obvious needs. This was a fun and challenging piece to do. Went through nearly six roughs before I was satisfied with the viewing angle and energy of the piece.

Weekly Work

Working on a spot illustration for Inside Business magazine today and tomorrow - will share as soon as possible. Also, finishing up on my first illo for FireIce this week and will post first of January. Busy, busy, busy...
In the mean time, here's a sample of a large two-page illo I'm working on. I love pipers!!

SCROOGED!

 

As I was reading Dickens' A Christmas Carol last week, it came to me that the lessons learned in this classic tale apply to many facets of life - especially in the fire service. And just as the three ghost that haunted Ebeneezer Scrooge that Christmas Eve opened his eyes to what was, is, and will be, so could they warn us of the perils of recording and posting crash-scene photo/videos. Though a few creative liberties were taken on my part, the message remains the same - we are chained to what we do in the past, must be accountable for the present outcome of our actions, and suffer the future consequences.

With alarming regularity, incident scenes and video taken by firefighters are popping up everywhere on the internet. Most are harmless; well-intended movies of responding units showing what we do and experience. However, in recent months reports of disturbing photos and videos recorded by firefighters are making headlines. Whether for morbid curiosity or deranged pleasure, these images were leaked to the public, and what's worse, to the victim's family. I can't imagine their horror and heart-break! In an age where nearly everyone carries technology that is capable of taking photos or recording video, we must stop and think about our actions. Because once shared, they can never be retrieved - and that permanent chain is forever linked to you! And just as my Jacob Marley/Ghost of Christmas Past character portrays, you will dredge that chain for the rest of your life.

Cell phones have NO business on the fire ground or crash-scenes, so keep the damn things in your pocket!!

CHOPPED!

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving, everyone!!

FIRE ENGINEERING EDITORIAL CARTOON

I LOVE Fall!! I love everything about it, except for the allergies, of course - but even they're tolerable with the incredible beauty of a Great Lakes Autumn!!

However, seeing multi-colored leaves carpeting the ground also brings to mind the ever increasing mounds of paperwork and documentation that accompany our jobs as firefighters - whether career or volunteer. This commentary came to me while out on a country run. I saw a couple raking their leaves and they were literally up to their waist in fallen foliage. It was comical - and made for a great metaphor (always looking for a great metaphor) about the ever-present pile of paper that weighs down the firehouse desks - especially chief, inspection, and training officers.

Enjoy Fall, everyone - it goes by too quickly!!

A HUNTING WE WILL GO...

It's deer season here in NW Ohio and the hunters are out in force. Generally a good and jolly bunch, but there are always a few that get the "fever" and take things overboard. Couldn't resist having a little fun at their expense:)

TESTIMONIALS

Thought I'd post a few comments that I've received about my book Drawn By Fire - the response has been terrific. Thanks to all!!

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Just had to say, "Great work!"

Those training and leadership observations were so on-target they hurt.

Well done.

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AWESOME!  I just received a copy of ‘Drawn by Fire’ and print # 99/100. As a gift for being selected Fire Training Instructor of the Year by my department, my Battalion Chief blessed me with a copy. He’s heard me talk about your illustrations so much and seen the samples I have in my office that he was compelled to honor me with a copy.

I try not to contact you every time I am inspired by your cartoons, but I had to email you again. ‘Preventable LODD’ is my all time favorite.  I’m the physical training instructor and I teach a LODD class. Needless to say, all of our recruits have seen that illustration.

I compliment and encourage you to continue to share the sentiment of the fire department through your incredible gift.

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Paul, I've looked through the book Bro, outstanding work! It's another training tool I can add to my toolbox thanks to you. It looks great, my 21 year old daughter, big on drawing, not big on fire stuff, was looking through it and liked and understood the work my friend. To me, that speaks volumes of the way this book turned out!

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INCREDIBLE!!! I've seen your work for years - but to see it in such detail brings it all to life. The leadership cartoons are spot-on! Great Job Brother!

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Hey Paul, I got my book and Print, and I can't put it down, Amazing and is an awesome book...I didn't realize I had missed so many, I got #37/100. You truly have a way of capturing the thoughts, pride and tradition of our job.....Great Job Brother can't wait for the next one…

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You did it again - I have used your work in classes for years and can honestly say they teach our lessons very well. you make us smile and laugh - and cry and get angry. Thanks for the gift of your cartoons brother! 

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Ouch! These editorial cartoons sting - and thank you for doing them. We can all learn something from your work. BTW - I received a print too - AWESOME!

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CHARACTER STUDY

Just finished a character study for my next book project. He (Smokey Joe) is a combination of drawing and painting to create the gritty high-contrast style. Firefighting is a dirty job, and I want the viewer to experience the smells, grit, and sweat through my art - I'm pleased with the results here (kind'a). I have a ...few tweaks here and there, but for the most part this project is ready to launch. More teasing to come later...:)

PRINT SIGNING TODAY

Signing the first of 100 L/E prints that will accompany my book Drawn By Fire - which ships next week. Very exciting time around the Combs home - our cat even got an extra tummy rub - she was very happy about that!!

EMAIL-BLAST FLIER

Here's the PennWell email-blast flier that was sent out today. Very cool, and they did a great job on the design, too!

NEW BOOK AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 30th

My new book is titled Drawn by Fire and it's a collection of 150 fire service editorial cartoons created over the past five years. I'm EXTREMELY excited about this! More will be posted later, but if you're interested in pre-ordering a copy, you can go to the PennWell bookstore to do so. Here's the link...

http://pennwellbooks.com/drawnbyfire.html

And, there's more.... the first 100 pre-ordered books will ship with a L/E hand signed and numbered 15x9" print by me. Orders are starting to mount, so my guess is these will not gather any dust. I've attached a sample of the promotional print below.

The Beacon

Whether you're for or against a Mosque (Cultural Center) near Ground-Zero, it is sure to be a hot-spot for protests and heated debate.

August Fire Engineering Magazine Commentary

NY CITY STREET SINGER

From quick NY City sketch, to finished illustration. Watching this guy dance around in Brooklyn was a blast. He had such a passion for singing that he was totally oblivious to the world around him - including the delivery truck that almost creamed him as he danced across a street.

Had a lot of fun pushing the contrast with this piece - not to mention painting the crazy brick patterns.

NO TIME TO STOP - FIRE ENGINEERING COMMENTARY

'Nuff said!!

FRIDAY SKETCH

It's very hard to draw while sitting in uncomfortable chairs, twisted like a pretzel - but somehow this sketch came out of the ordeal. Had fun working the light and folds of clothing - however, wish I had more time to explore his personality a bit more.

TAMPA PD LODD

Tampa Patrol Officers David Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab - rest in peace, gentlemen!

THE BLAME GAME

For those of you that have not read Chief Halton's commentary in June's Fire Engineering magazine "Is Making A Mistake A Crime?", please take a moment to do so - trust me, it's worth your time. My second illustration this month plays along many of the same lucid points made in his commentary and highlights the challenge we now face as emergency responders. We train, we rely on experience (both our own and those around us), and we study trade magazines, journals, and case studies, all to help us prepare for those split-second decisions that may save a life, or prevent one of our own from sustaining an injury. Unfortunately this is not enough in a scape-goat society where the need to feed a perceived gratification for justice sometimes outweighs common sense. Add to this a bandwagon of attorneys who are licking their collective chops at big dollar settlements, and you can see where the "system" has left the tracks.

Don't get me wrong, sometimes good does come from the justice system hammering down on our bad practices, negligence, and complacency - especially in cases where injury or death has occurred. Measurable positive change has come from these unfortunate events. The thorn in my side stems from the frivolous questioning of our decision making and actions for monetary gain. Isn't our job tough enough without this keeping us awake at night, too?!

JERSEY CITY SKETCH

Sketched this guy while in Jersey City two weeks ago. As usual, I love to wake up early and walk around a new city, soaking in the experience of the city's culture and people as I go. All the while, taking mental snap-shots that ultimately end up as sketches while sitting in some local café. This man, however, really caught my attention (along with anyone else in a two block radius) because he screamed constantly at perceived demons that were tormenting him at ever turn. He would walk quickly from street corner to corner, stopping only to warn those following him to "stay away and go home" with profanity that would make any sailor blush. His savage anger was startling... and very sad, too.

I could not leave this experience in my head (which would ultimately drive me insane, too); thus, it came out in this quick sketch. I was not concerned about catching a likeness as much as I wanted to portray his anger - I hope it worked.

FIRE ENGINEERING EDITORIAL CARTOON

Perhaps this illustration is a bit over the top, but it is an unfortunate reality for many of our retiree and disabled Brothers and Sisters. Pension benefits often do not cover sky-rocketing medication costs, not if you intend to eat, too. Volunteers have it worse, yet - some gave 20 to 30 plus years of service to a community, working a full-time job that may, or may not have provided retirement benefits. It's heartbreaking to see them struggle with drug costs; having to make the choice between daily living and life saving medication.

I wish I had a solution! All I can offer is a whimsical take on a serious situation and the knowledge that we honor your service and sympathize with your struggle.

NEW YORK CITY SKETCHES

Thought I'd post a few sketches I did on a recent trip to New York City. Incredible place! I only wish I had more time to just sketch and watch their inspiring diverse culture. More sketches to come...

FIRE ENGINEERING EDITORIAL CARTOON POST

One of my all-time favorite quotes pretty much sums up my feelings on this month's commentary; "Don't tell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let them surprise you with the results" - George S. Patton.

Nothing is more demoralizing than to have a job or responsibility ranked from underneath you, not because you were doing it wrong, but because your superiors did not trust your instincts, training, and/or leadership. If you've trained your people well, let them do their jobs. As General Patton stated, they may just surprise you!

MONDAY MORNING SKETCH

MORNING SKETCH

Just limbering up the ol' digits this morning! When sketching, I don't do caricatures, per say, but find characteristics of people, their faces, their personality, and just start drawing. I don't concentrate on getting a likeness as much as just allowing the artwork to take on its own life and lead me where it wants to go. Fun exercise - no rules!:)

MAY FIRE ENGINEERING MAG ILLO

...and just in time for all those summer wildfires, too. I am truly amazed every year as I watch reports from the network news drama-mill (insert Fox News, here) about folks who refuse to leave homes and property threatened by wildfires. Understanding that every home is a man's castle and we'd all fight to keep ours, it's comments like "I'm can fight it off myself" and "I'm not asking anyone to save me" that really wrinkle my diamond-plate! Because we all know as soon as reality settles in and ol' man wildfire is licking at their back door, who they're going to call to rescue them at the last minute. And of course, we do, because that's what we do.

I'm preaching to the choir with this one, but hopefully it will be worth a laugh, if not a well timed sigh.

Frank Frazetta 1928-2010

One of my all-time favorite illustrators has passed away at age 82. I learned much of my early style by copying Frazetta's artwork in high school. I wish I could have met him...

WHERE ARE THEY NOW!?

Isn't it hilarious how those who were screaming "Drill, Baby Drill" and championing offshore Gulf drilling have become dubiously quiet? Surely a little thing like an environmental disaster wouldn't effect their political grand-standing, would it?

I'm not naive enough to believe our energy needs will be settled by just turning off the oil pumps, but we NEED to begin an aggressive approach to renewable energy. The time is now, and this disaster is just a reminder of what is to come if we base our short-sighted hopes on off-shore drilling. It's a short term fix at best and the consequences of a disaster, possibly larger than the current Gulf spill, is just too great. We're the most resourceful, innovative, and proactive country in the world - we can do better than this!

Michael Ruhlman Illo

My latest illo for Inside Business Magazine. Fun article about celebrity food writer Michael Ruhlman and how smart-phone apps are changing the way we do business.

Who's Serving Who?

Ahhh, the stench of May elections is in the air and I just couldn't resist pulling out my ol' political cartoon pens to take a stab at our "helpful" elected officials - with an obvious fire service twist, of course. This cartoon expresses two points; the first being that our elected public servants tend to steer the wagon they're sworn to empower (even when they're clueless to the desired direction), and secondly, this is nothing new.

My Department is fortunate that our city officials allow us to operate with minimal interference - a result of mutual respect, a solid history, and positive communication between both parties. This of course is contingent from one election to the next - but we've had a great run. Unfortunately, it does not take much research or talking with folks at events like FDIC before you realize that the situation is much, much, much worse in other areas.

I have always loved this quote by Groucho Marx, "Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies". Regrettably, these are the horses trying to steer our steamers.

APRIL FIRE ENGINEERING MAGAZINE ILLO

This is my latest Fire Engineering magazine illo. To see more, click on the image...

FDIC

I'll be at FDIC in Indianapolis all next week sketching and signing autographs. I will also be signing complimentary, limited edition, anniversary prints at the Fire Engineering booth. As soon as I know specific dates and times, I'll post them here.

Hope to see you there!!!

Fight Is NOT Over!

On the eve of next month’s ICC Code hearing in Dallas, it seemed only appropriate to opine about our continuing fight for residential sprinklers in ALL new homes. The National Assoc. of Home Builders (NAHB) has been working hard to undermine the ICC’s earlier ruling (BIG money talks, folks) and we must show up in force to reaffirm our hard earned success in Minneapolis and Baltimore. If you are not familiar with this very important issue, please research and learn more. There have been many fabulous articles written (especially by my dear friend Ozzie Mirkhah) – just Google the subject, there will be no shortage of fodder.
The fight is not over!!

Little Indian Bear Princess, all grown up!

This is a drawing I did of daughter when she was seven. She posed in our back yard before going to a Halloween party where she would grace the floor as the Indian Bear Princess. It was a fun costume, Pocahontas dress, with moccasin slippers and a stuffed bear rug on her head. Add a few turkey feathers we found while hiking, and voila - the Princess had her crown!

I post this for the simple reason that my little Indian Bear Princess turns sixteen in a couple of months and I'm feeling very nostalgic (and old), besides, it's just a fun image to look at. We should all put a bear rug on our heads from time to time and forget life's little demands. So, I think I'll put on my old fuzzy gorilla slippers (Oggo and Toggo - yes, I named them) and watch some good ol' westerns today.

Firefighter Monopoly game

This game has been on the selves for a few months now, and from what I've been told, it's doing well. I gave one each to my Crew as a Christmas gift, and they loved it. For my part, it was an extremely fun project to work on and I'm excited about some future projects with Go Forward Media (stay tuned). I've included a link to the game as well as a close-up of the tray illustration. But I must say the best part was creating the chance cards - what fun!!!






Go to http://www.firefighterplay.com/ to purchase your copy.

Some quick 15 minute warm-up sketches!

Big Red and his High Mountain Posse

Spring's Just Around The Corner!!!!

"Woo-Hoo!" Spring training starts today! Feels warmer here already.

New Sheriff In Town

Bat Masterson, Wyatt Earp, and Judge Issac Parker, all rolled into one no-nonsense law-man. The piece is aptly titled "Welcome to Hang'em, Kansas".

DemoCrazies!

I can't begin tell you how disgruntled I am with my dysfunctional party of choice. However, I think this new illo pretty much sums it up for me!

On an artistic note, doing this piece reminded me how refreshing and therapeutic political editorial illustration can be - and of course, I miss my editorial cartoon days! I think I'll do more...

Stay tuned...

Shoot'em Up!

Anyone who knows me, knows my love for Westerns! I'm a sucker for anything John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, or Glenn Ford. These movies celebrate and exaggerate the myths and folklore of the old west, and I LOVE it! The real western lifestyle was most certainly hard, gritty, and adventurous - but Hollywood give us an illustion of fast shooting, hard drinking, anything but dull men and women who are colorful and dramatic. I accept this fiction, and embrace the mirage of daily shoot-outs at high-noon - just for the pure fun of it!!

Enjoy my outlaw, there will be more Old West illustrations in the near future.

New Style

Ahhhh, I can smell the BBQ already! And of course, you gotta have blues with BBQ!