Thursday, July 10, 2008

Big Al-Gator

A couple of months ago I set out to draw a jug band, and this was the first thing I came up with. For a minute I kind of liked it, but then I realized the design was nothing more than a rip-off of a combination of characters I grew up with at Disneyland. (Yes, I grew up at Disneyland... I'm pretty sure I spent more time there than I did at school during my elementary years, which would not only explain my career choice but also my inability to sound out words of three or more syllables). Those of you who are familiar with America Sings and The Country Bear Jamboree have probably already figured out that this guy is a mix between Big Al and one of the Swamp Boys. Those of you who are not familiar with America Sings or the Country Bear Jamboree - I hope two things... one, that you enjoy this fabulously creative gator I thunk up, and two... that you only read this last sentence.

25 comments:

Zach said...

Love it! It is a perfect mix of the The Country Bear Characters! Nice job!

Lana said...

Not specific to this actual gator... but I want to request a book of your blog. Yes, I love your art and I love your commentary and I would love it even more in a nice book that I could have in my living room... So there, enough notice to have Lindy put it together in time for my birthday/Christmas. :-)

Lana

Adam Ford said...

Real pretty like!

Richard Gaines said...

I wish they'd make more characters like this!

Cartuman said...

Man, you is the best! ;)

The Jorgensen's said...

No appologies about Disney needed. I grew up there too! PS -My sister is friends with a guy named Will who was n your class at BYU last semester. Small world!

Brandon Waltman said...

i really loves this. i love the background and for some reason this obese banjo wielding gator makes me feel peaceful

Ryan Wood said...

We need more jug bands! Great piece, Shane.

Tim Bye said...

Great piece Shane - I love how you've done the grass too!

Why It's Lame said...

Hey I really like your stuff. We're looking to add a lot more visuals and comics to our site - maybe we could collaborate sometime.

Good luck,
Mike

Why It's Lame

Robin said...

why is the very creatively thunk up gator in the middle of Grand Teton National Park? they got gator's there? Seems an unfriendly sorta place for a gator... but then again, that may be what he's a singin' about.

Ken said...

haha I am not familiar with either. I read your whole paragraph - sorry! But I must say I do enjouy your fabulously creative gator! Sweet design.

Steph said...

Sorry! I read the whole thing and giggled! Hey. Steve and I just read the most hilarious book and we kept saying the whole way through it, "Shane Lewis needs to write a book like this." Seriously! You would make a killing! Just make sure that when you Do write it, some of the proceeds need to go to us because it was our idea!:) The book is Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Maybe you've already read it??? HILARIOUS and right up your alley!

Kloosli said...

It really bothers me to see all the people who come on your blog and tell you how great you are. I know you, worked with you, taught you in school, and although we are still friends I can't figure out why. You are angry and mentally challenged and you certainly don't draw as well as Seth. And furthermore you left me with 5 extra years of your Lion and the Mouse film to finish.

By the way, Gators rule, America Sings and Bear Country were great and death be to the Disney folks who opted for Winnie the Pooh ride instead of Bear Country.

Kloosli said...

With that said, I must admit I love Splash Mountain, remember how we got drenched on the ride, and so I can't say too much about how American Sings was plundered to get animatronics for the ride.

By the way, I've heard Shane's version of Diary of a Wimpy kid and it isn't that funny... well sort of funny, especially when I think about the fact that it was happening to you Shane. I take that back, it would be great, please write the book so we can all laugh at your misfortune. Tell us stories of Anderson Lumber, basketball games, bad dates in college, the happy go lucky German people and then the fun trip to Budapest were we nearly killed Adrian by walking at warp speed (especially in DC).

Steph said...

This might bug you to DEATH, but I have given you an award! I gave you a shout out on my blog. Check 'er out if you get a chance!

Heather D. White said...

Love it! He even has "Big Al" eyes. Good to see you drawing again. :-)

Gerald de Dios said...

Man, such a great blog here! Love all your characters.

Joal said...

Shane,

He is a groovy alligator; seems like the sort of fellow I would enjoy sitting on a porch with. I haven't been to Disneyland, nor am I familiar with the characters who found their way into your art, but he vaguely reminds me of the alligator on Disney's Robin Hood.

Fall.Down.Tree said...

Shane, you never cease to amaze. I remember watching you draw when we were kids in St G and wanting to be just like you. Thanks for sharing.

Adam Record

Unknown said...

love the expression of pure enjoyment
that hes gettin outta that Banjo

Twang! YOure the man

Heather said...

This is great! I love how contented he is. And I really like his hat and vest.

On a creepy note, did you know that on the Winnie the Pooh ride (since it's now where Country Bears used to be), if you look backwards on a certain point (I was backwards the whole time we were riding it so I wouldn't miss it), they have the heads of the animals from the C.B. show on the wall? yeah, not a fan of Disney taxidermy, but whatever...

Anonymous said...

I like your work and I like your commentary! THe best thing to come out of Utah since the Stockton/Mailman duo!

Karalenn Hippen said...

Hi Shane. I agree with dobberfam that a book with your illustrations and commentary would be a wonderful christmas present for me. :) I'm serious.

Jeff Maka Merghart said...

LOL! I have a banjo playing gator in my sketchbook! your jug bands are awesom!