Just Mad Books by Justin Madson

"A Sophisticated Sort"

(I wonder when smoking pipes will become more commonplace.  How very classy.)

A couple new watercolor illustrations.


"Wandering"

(I don't usually go for pink in my color palette, but this time it just felt right.)

"Whatever It Takes To Survive"

(This is one of my favorite ones yet.  Feels like there's potential danger at every turn for these two, but they'll see their way through it.)

Some of my watercolor illustrations are currently on display at the Eclipse Gallery in Algoma, WI.  This is the gallery's very first exhibit, so there was a definite feel of excitement at the opening night reception last Saturday.  I dragged my entire family along with me and there was plenty of wine, so everyone had a great time. 


I like wine.


My target audience.


The Justin Madson wall of weirdness.

I will be one of five artists displaying work at the newly-opening The Eclipse Gallery in Algoma, Wisconsin.  The opening reception is on August 1, starting at 5:30 in the p.m.  I have a number of watercolor illustrations that will be at the show so, if you're somewhere in the area, try to stop by, won't you?  I think I'll drag along some Breathers comics and Birch books too, for good measure.

I don't usually (or ever) do gallery shows, but figured it was about time I embraced the idea. So, there you have it.   

Some new watercolor illustrations...available for purchase in my ETSY SHOP


"Sometimes it's Easier to Fly Away"


"Dystopia"


"A Long Way From Home"

"Your Music Magazine" is a free music magazine circulating around California.  An interview I did appears in this month's issue (which can conveniently be read online).   Give it a read.  I admit I probably spent too much time mulling over the questions asked, but my ramblings perfectly filled up the two-page spread.  Nice. 

I whipped up a handful of full color prints, featuring characters from my Breathers books.  You can buy them and hang them on your bedroom wall and stare at them to your heart's content. Go to the ONLINE SHOP for ordering info.  

"Siblings"
 

"Haunted"


"Best Friends"

 

It may have taken something like 6 long months to finish, but I have finally completed BREATHERS #4.  Copies are available for purchase in my ETSY SHOP, for those of you interested.  You can read some preview pages by going to my WEBSITE.

One more issue to go.  It feels good to know that I'll be working toward the completion of the entire book now.  I'm not sick of drawing gas masks yet, so I guess that's a good thing. 

I am in the inking stages of the fifth story for Breathers #4.  One more to go after that.  I really want to have the book completely finished by the end of this month.  That may require some serious ass-busting...but it could happen...really...it could...

I have also started a Facebook thang.  I know I'm like the last person to have one, but so what?  I'm still cool.  So, if you want to be Facebook friends, I'm down with that.  Word.

Bruce R. talks about Breathers in this podcast.  Are they still called podcasts?  Well, whatever you wanna call it, you should give it a listen.

http://www.comicbooknoise.com/2009/02/26/indie-comic-book-noise-224-small-press-digital-comics-and-kazoo-funk-orchestra/

Hey, I guess it's time for an update. 

Breathers #4 is coming along, slowly but surely, and should be completed in March.  It will be at least 80 pages of story.  Over 50 pages are alreay done.   So, using my keen mathematical skills, I figure I still have about 30 pages to go.  

I'm moving to a new place right now, so that's kind of cutting into comics-making time.  But I still manage to sneak some drawing time in when no one's looking.  Sneaky. 

There is also talk of a Breathers film adaptation.  I'll keep you posted on that, for sure.   

Guess that's it for now.

Here'a page from the next book:

A few more watercolor creations...working on these gives me a much-needed break from the long hours required to draw Breathers.  Plus, it's fun to play with water...and color. 

"Cinnamon"


"Empty Streets"

Here are some new watercolor pieces to start off the new year.  They are for sale in my ETSY SHOP.

"Crown of Flame"



"Flying Solo"


"Man Machine"


"Orchid"

I have decided to start selling my original pages from some of my books.  I am starting with the pages from my graphic novel, The Waiting Sun.  You can view all the pages from the book online and if you're interested in buying any of them, just contact me and I'll let you know if they are still available.  I am selling them at $25 each or, if you buy multiple pages, at lower combined prices (2 for $45, 3 for $65, etc.).  Just let me know!   I have listed a few in over in my etsy shop, as well.


Page 25

 
Page 111

Emma of Emerald Arts has written some nice stuff about my Birch book in her blog.   
Thank you, Emma!

I will be heading to SPX this weekend for a few days of comics-loving fun.  I will have a hefty stack of the just-completed Breathers #3 for sale at the show, along with a bunch of other comics & prints. 



I will get Breathers #3 up for sale in my online shop when I get back. 

Until then, here's a look at the cover:

It looks like I will have Breathers #3 completed for SPX the first weekend in October.  I still have a good amount of work to do yet, but am surprisingly on schedule.  After this weekend I'll have about 20 pages to go.  Here are a few random pages for your enjoyment:









In other Breathers news, Breathers #1 is a 2008 SPACE Prize Finalist!  You can read all about the SPACE Prize HERE and check out my fine competition. 

Also, the Comic Collective interview I did at Wizard World Chicago is now on YouTube.  You can watch it HERE.

 "City Streets"


7" x 11" watercolor and ink on watercolor paper...this was inspired by some fashion from an Anthropologie catalog...

Here are a few more watercolor paintings.  All are 5" x 7" and can be all yours for $20 each.  Just go to my ETSY SHOP and buy 'em up!  

"Zimmerman"


"Moody Blue"


"Whimsy"