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Wow Erik, this is really pretty. A pretty educated cat.

Thanks Colb. It took me about three tries to get this one "right" or at least so that I was happy with it. Indeed, an educated cat. They write/tell the stories in CAT DIARIES after all :)

Speaking of educated, out of the blue I'll be taking over the art teaching job at the high school for the rest of the year (just 17 days). Unfortunately, the current teacher, a friend of mine, was diagnosed with a TBD cancer on Monday, and he needs to retreat from the day-to-day work in order to sort things out and to get himself well. It's really hard for him to step away because he really loves his classes, but I'll do my best to keep all of their various projects moving forward...

Hi Erik-
Are you a Carleton alumnus? My daughter will be a freshman there in the fall. We live in Nashville, TN and I have never even been to Minnesota. If you did go to Carleton, were you an art major there?

Your drawings are fabulous!

Thank you Linda :)

Right on both counts. I AM a Carleton alum ('90) and I was also a Studio Art major with an Educational Studies concentration (basically the Carleton teacher certification program). The Art department is small, but the faculty, and their attention to teaching, is first rate. A true "art school" education might have been a little more practical as my intial introduction to making a living as an artist, but I am thankful for my liberal arts education practically everyday.

Best wishes to your daughter as she graduates from high school and heads off to college in the fall. I hope that she is challenged and rewarded by her experience at Carleton as much as I was!

Hi Erik,
That is one really nice cat. You clearly have a tremendous gift. I surmise you already know that, but it doesn't hurt to hear occasionally that others see it too. The way you use overlaying textures makes the planes in your drawings much more lively and vibrant than shading would alone. And the slight lack of symmetry in that cat's eyes that you obviously intended makes him look like a real individual. I think it's wonderful that you are illustrating/making art for CHILDREN. Because kids are so open they've got the best chance to appreciate your stuff, enjoy it and learn from it.
Too many adults are dead in the eyes and feelings. Anyway, good luck and God love you for what you're doing. Todd Lund, Class of '72