Behind the scenes art blog- drawing tips and techniques

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Here be monsters !
Where did I put my mug ?
What are you doing ???

Aug 31, 2019
2 min

Unleash the beast !

Not that I think anyone has ever succeeded in getting a lead on the Barghest and I wouldn't like to say what would happen to anyone if th...

Karen Ruffles

Aug 18, 2019
2 min

The scene behind the scenes.

This week, I've been looking closer at some of the monster's home territories as I build up the Barghest commission and start deciding how...

Karen Ruffles

Jul 25, 2019
3 min

Female of the species. Possibly...

The especially observant among you may have noticed a curved spine sketch popping up in posts about reference work. In this week's post, ...

Karen Ruffles

Jul 17, 2019
3 min

Making a monster

Now we've done some of the introductions and you've got a general idea of what goes on around here, I thought it would be good to start g...

Karen Ruffles

Jul 9, 2019
3 min

Scary is as scary does

One thing that I find very interesting when dealing with other peoples perception of the monsters is how they think it must work for me. ...

Karen Ruffles

Jul 4, 2019
3 min

Of Monsters and Moos.

This week I was in pursuit of another monster, the fabled Barghest. I've been commissioned to produce a large drawing of Whitby's famous ...

Karen Ruffles

Jun 26, 2019
3 min

Mr Thingy makes a new friend

Last week I mentioned the unpredictability of monsters - this week, Mr Thingy surprised everyone by going on a wee adventure. I'd been ch...

Karen Ruffles

Jun 17, 2019
2 min

What do monsters do all day ?

This year is a special one here at monster hq - after much planning and a good deal of swearing, the book is out, other jobs are being ca...

Karen Ruffles

Sep 30, 2018
2 min

The Borrower, graveyard guardian

The latest illustration for Tales in Sombre Tones with author Sean Walter has an interesting origin story. I used to live in London and o...

Karen Ruffles

Dec 27, 2017
2 min

A Hoot with a heart.

This year has proved to be an especially interesting one as I've been deliberately making changes to the business so I have more time for...

Karen Ruffles

Feb 23, 2017
2 min

Stephen's file

So, by now you should all know about our dear friend Stephen. If you don't, take five to go explore this site. We'll wait for you. In thi...

Karen Ruffles

Aug 5, 2016
1 min

On the case

Or rather, in the case. Those of you familiar with the story of Stephen and his file will know that for the last couple of years I've bee...

Karen Ruffles

May 25, 2016
2 min

What do you want ?

Of all my creations, the one I get asked about most often is Stephen. It all started with a song - the actual track by Alice Cooper is ti...

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