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.
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.
Love it! It is a perfect mix of the The Country Bear Characters! Nice job!
ReplyDeleteNot 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. :-)
ReplyDeleteLana
Real pretty like!
ReplyDeleteI wish they'd make more characters like this!
ReplyDeleteMan, you is the best! ;)
ReplyDeleteNo 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!
ReplyDeletei really loves this. i love the background and for some reason this obese banjo wielding gator makes me feel peaceful
ReplyDeleteWe need more jug bands! Great piece, Shane.
ReplyDeleteGreat piece Shane - I love how you've done the grass too!
ReplyDeleteHey I really like your stuff. We're looking to add a lot more visuals and comics to our site - maybe we could collaborate sometime.
ReplyDeleteGood luck,
Mike
Why It's Lame
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.
ReplyDeletehaha 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.
ReplyDeleteSorry! 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!
ReplyDeleteIt 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.
ReplyDeleteBy 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteBy 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).
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!
ReplyDeleteLove it! He even has "Big Al" eyes. Good to see you drawing again. :-)
ReplyDeleteMan, such a great blog here! Love all your characters.
ReplyDeleteShane,
ReplyDeleteHe 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.
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.
ReplyDeleteAdam Record
love the expression of pure enjoyment
ReplyDeletethat hes gettin outta that Banjo
Twang! YOure the man
This is great! I love how contented he is. And I really like his hat and vest.
ReplyDeleteOn 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...
I like your work and I like your commentary! THe best thing to come out of Utah since the Stockton/Mailman duo!
ReplyDeleteHi Shane. I agree with dobberfam that a book with your illustrations and commentary would be a wonderful christmas present for me. :) I'm serious.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I have a banjo playing gator in my sketchbook! your jug bands are awesom!
ReplyDelete