R. C. Eberz Artist and Illustrator

Spring Screaming

2012-02-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

I'm taking advantage of a break between book jobs to do some much needed studio cleaning and organization. I really dislike dirt and dust, but it's amazing what gathers when you're not looking. It's been suggested to me I should hire someone to clean my space since I am so busy, but I don't think that's a good idea. I get froggy when someone comes into my studio and starts moving things around. I don't mind. Cleaning is cathartic for me anyway and helps me get organized. There is one thing, however, that I dislike more than dust and that is spiders. If I come across one while I'm cleaning, my entire neighborhood will know it. I've been known to break world records in the vertical jump and gasp. What makes it so horrible is that I can't squish them! It makes me gag. I have to somehow wrangle them outside.

Wish me luck!

Busy Boy

2012-01-23T01:38:00.000-08:00

   Okay, I know it's cliche, but I've been so busy! I promise to keep up with my blog (another cliche). When I get an assignment or when I'm on a deadline I get tunnel vision. I've been working on three books and I've been up to my eyeballs in art. I even had to go the the eye doctor to get a new prescription for my reading glasses. I can see again!
   Now that things have calmed I plan on taking advantage of this time off. I can to work on some of my own projects I had put on hold. I've broken out my canvases and paints to do some painting, and all of my sculpting tools for my Halloween characters   Look for WIP's pics and final pieces soon here and on my FacerBook page.
   Here are some of the new Splat titles I've been working on that will be coming out soon. I am so happy Splat has become so popular. Thank you all for your kind emails. I try to answer all of them so forgive me if I haven't gotten to you yet. Unfortunately I've stopped sending out free Splat books due to my limited supply. If you would like a signed copy just send me yours and I'll sign it. Be sure to include a SASE with your copy so I can send it back to you. Thank you very much for your support and for stopping by!

Halloween and Vine is Divine

2011-09-26T22:47:00.000-07:00

I'm back from an exciting weekend in Petaluma California and the Halloween and Vine show. WOW, What a great time I had! The weekend started on Friday when my good buddy Dennis Haynes (another terrific artist) and Robert Gonzales threw a magnificent dinner party with lots of great grub, party favors, and good friends. On Saturday at the show I met lots of my FaceBook friends and made some new ones. I also had the chance to see lots of amazing art created by some of the most amazing people I've ever met. Most of my friends know that I had to pull out of the show a month ago because of my workload, but I had to pop in for a visit anyway because I knew so many people I cared about would be there. Besides, Petaluma is just down the street ;-) It's amazing to see all of the shoppers picking out their Halloween goodies, dolls, trinkets, and sculptures. I've never been in a room with so many like-minded individuals. Truly and awe inspiring event! I spoke to the coordinators of H&V and was told I would be invited to next years show - YAHOOOO!! Now I'm even more excited than I was this year! You better believe I will be clearing my calendar for that weekend THIS time! It all ended too quickly as we finished the weekend in San Francisco at my sisters home and feasted, drank lots of wine, and played hours of Cranium until the wee hours of the morning. I had to call it a night when they pulled out the Ouija board. I'm not one to mess with the spirit world. Anyway, a great time was had by all and I really can't wait until next years event! Now I need to get back to work because I have a deadline this Friday for my NEW Splat book - Splat the Cat and the Name of the Game., then next week its off to Miami Beach for a little weekend getaway! I forgot to take my camera to the event, but luckily my friends and family are shutterbugs. Thanks guys!

Hermann Sons Hall

David Everett with Chicken Lips

check out his work here: http://www.chickenlips.biz

Iva Wilcox: http://www.ivascreations.com/

Nicole Sayer at http://nicolsayre.com/halloween.htm

Me, Dennis, Heather, and David.

Luke enjoying salad at Old Chicago Pizza....avoiding the olives.

My beautiful sister and me at Old Chicago Pizza.

It doesn't take much to make us art people happy!

Check out Dennis's artwork here:http://www.runamuckstudio.com/

Goodbye Halloween and Vine!!! Until next year!

Slippped my mind

2011-09-09T00:00:00.001-07:00

Oh, and I almost forgot. My new Splat book, "Splat the Cat and the Duck with No Quack" came out in stores just a few weeks ago. It was such a suprise because I usually know ahead of time, but there I was in Barnes and Noble and WHAM! From what I've read so far, Splat is doing really well. I'm so happy for Splat.

Bitter Sweets

2011-09-08T23:54:00.000-07:00

Most of my friends know I'm incredibly bummed that I cannot participate in this years Halloween and Vine show because of my sudden workload. Sad, but true. H&V is an event I have been looking forward to all year. The flip side of that coin is that I just found out I will be illustrating two more children's books! I did not anticipate getting more illustration work at this time of year because usually it's a slow time for me. Apparently times are a changin'. I plan on visiting the show since it's practically in my back yard, to see all of my friends and their wonderful creations. Next year (if I'm asked back) I plan to be ready with loads of awesome creations...and hopefully a few new Halloween themed children's books! Now THAT would be sweet!
The pieces I had originally intended to show at H&V I will be posting in my Etsy shop. I hope you like them. I'm also thinking about offering prints in both large and small formats.
Thanks again for all of your support and kind emails.
-Robert

ps. Here is a piece I call "Bones-in-a-Box" that I recently completed. You can see more of him in my Etsy shop!
UPDATE 9/26/2011 Bones-in-the-Box has been sold.

Back to SPLAT

2011-06-17T09:21:00.000-07:00

Working on a NEW SPLAT the CAT book. Another crazy adventure for my favorite feline. I can't wait to share pix from the book. I forgot to also mention I signed contracts for two more SPLAT books.

New Book

2011-06-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Just finished illustrating Can I Have a Kitten, written by Vanessa York. Now it's back to SPLAT the CAT and Halloween and Vine.

2 Busy 4 Fun!

2011-05-31T05:29:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: It's been a while, but I haven't forgotten my blog. I am SWAMPED with a workload that boggles my mind! Currently I'm illustrating three children's books at one time! Also, I'm working on my own children's picture book projects that I need to finish soon or my agent is going to change her number. Poor me right? Well, I am not complaining about my work because I feel very fortunate..it's just the load. Sometimes I take on too much knowing I'm challenged in time management skills. Yesterday, my dog barked at me when I came out of my studio. He didn't recognize me! So, I juggle, and sleep when I can. On top of everything else I am squeezing in my projects for this years Halloween and Vine Show. EEEEE! I'm so excited I can't stand it. I know, I know, you get the picture. Nothing like overstating the point.
Anyway, in conclusion, I wanted to let you know I will be posting works in progress pix here on my blog and my Face Book page. My album is called "The Road To Halloween and Vine" For my first entry I am working on a mouse cottage. Below are some of the pix. When I'm finished with these deadlines I'll get back to H&V work. See you soon!!!!!!

Mouse Cottage work in progress...more to come soon!

2011-05-31T05:09:00.000-07:00

1. First the sketch

2. Gathering supplies

3. Prime then basecoat

4. Now for some color

5. Too bright. Needs more aging.

6. That should do it!

7. Now for the environment.

Cat in the Box

2011-03-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

The small suprises in life always make my day. This one comes via my publisher.

The Cat is out of the bag!

2011-03-04T03:31:00.000-08:00

Two new books, Splat the Cat Sings Flat (release date 3/1/11), and Splat the Cat Good Night, Sleep Tight (release date 6/14/2011) are now available for pre-order on Amazon!

Why is that so important you ask? Last year I was chosen by Rob Scotton and Harper Collins to be the licenced artist for Splat the Cat ICR books! These are the first two books I've illustrated based on Rob Scotton's creations. I'm currently working on my third Splat the Cat book, but unfortunately I can't discuss details on that book until it's published. Working on Splat has been a great joy for me. If you've read any of the books in the Splat series you will fall in love with him too. Rob Scotton is also the creator of the fun Russel the Sheep series. To get your advance copies, type in "Splat the Cat" in the Amazon widget on the bottom right of this page and check out Splat!

Halloween & Vine

2011-02-19T18:48:00.000-08:00

I am so happy! I just found out I will be in this years Halloween & Vine show! If you are already familiar with the event then you know what an honor it is to be able to participate. If you don't know what it is let me just say that its a Halloween artists dream come true! Yes, we get to sell to our creations to collectors and fans, but that's just part of it. The best part being in a room with like minded individuals that all share the same passions! Click the link to get to know more about the show and I hope all of you will get to come and see the show in person. There are loads of talented artists and you will be sure to find something you must take home with you. The show is in September so I have plenty of time to prepare, but rest assured I will keep you up to date.

http://www.halloweenandvine.com/

Happy Valentines Day!!!!!!!

2011-02-14T10:16:00.001-08:00

Clay and Plaster

2011-02-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

Another sneak peek at the work in progress for my Haunted Creatures & Confections collection. I see a witch with a sweet tooth and a cookie loving cat coming to life. What do you see?

GUMPLES

2011-02-01T20:42:00.000-08:00

I just posted some new items in my store. These are my "Gumples", and they are getting ready early for trick-or-treating. If you would like to see them just click the Grimm Grinz banner to the right.

Coming Soon!

2011-01-15T22:57:00.000-08:00

Sneak Peek!

2011-01-15T22:50:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of detail pix of upcoming characters I'm making. The collection is called "Haunted Creatures & Confections". I'll announce here what day I will be posting them for sale in my shop "Grimm Grinz", so if you follow this blog you will be first to know!

NEW STORE! NEW LOOK! NEW ADDRESS!

2011-01-15T22:38:00.000-08:00

I've opened a new online store called "Grimm Grinz", and I hope you will be able to stop by and see my goods. I'm still uploading images (it takes some getting used to) and learning the ropes, but there is a bit of eye candy I hope you will enjoy...or maybe have to have. Just click the banner to the right to begin the tour.

Thank you everyone!

YouTube

2011-01-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I actually managed it, but I'm on YouTube now. I made a small "film" of my portfolio samples in my Windows Movie Maker and pretso! It was easier than I thought it would be. Check it out:

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011-01-11T03:16:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm a little late, but hey, things have started out with a bang and I've been crazee bizee! I'm back but a few days from the holiday break and WHAM!.....suddenly I have tons to do. I'm not complaining, mind you, because In all honesty I was really ready to get back into the studio. Did I just say that? Anyway, on a different subject. One of my promises to myself for the new year was to actually utilize the sketchbook I carry around with me everywhere. I will make time to complete at least one sketch a day no matter how big or small, detailed or simplified. I've read its a great way to hone your instrument. Ummm, did I just say that too?
So anyway, here it is...my first doodle of the year in my 2011 Sketchbook.

WIP

2010-07-19T01:13:00.000-07:00

I know I've been delinquent in keeping up with my blogging and posts, but ...well...let's just leave it at that. In order to prove I haven't been slacking here is a sneak peek at some WIP's (works in progress) I've got in the studio right now.

2009-10-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

I've never had an interest in blogging before now. I used to wonder why anyone would be remotely interested in how my life functions behind the digital curtain. Besides, I've never been that good at keeping up a journal anyway. Ironically, I love reading other artists blogs. I find them to be a constant source of inspiration. But what in the heck could I offer? After some consideration I finally decided that maybe I too could be a source of inspiration to a newbie or just a fellow lover of art like myself who enjoys watching the creative process. I have a website http://www.roberteberz.com/ , but if you'd like to get updates on my newest artwork, take a look to the right. There should be an option to be my blog "follower"and you will be notified....well, you know how it works.
Thanks for stopping by!