Monster #14 - 2/15/16

This monster is the third in a set of "real-life" monsters illustrated with Prismacolor pencils (my favorite). Who could forget Bigfoot?

Also commonly known as Sasquatches, these creatures have been debated as hoaxes, myth, and hopeful reality. They are the beloved subject of popular culture such as the television series Harry and the Hendersons, as well as many other shows, movies, games, books, and more. I recently saw a Bigfoot Ale in the beer section of the grocery store. Clearly, as a population, we are mystified by the possibility of mysterious, giant ape-like creatures roaming our forests.

There is a certain lack of evidence of Bigfoot to where most scientists rule all film evidence and footprint casts as hoaxes. It's easy to say that we've dressed our best friend up in a gorilla suit and had him saunter around in front of the camera when there's never been a solid discovery of this monster. Believers argue that these creatures are somewhat endangered, and intelligent to a point that they know they can hide in solitude and be somewhat unknown. I try to think of the first captured bigfoot, and what a parade it would be...and for the captive bigfoot being on display and prodded by scientific instruments--that is no way to live. Perhaps they know better to stay away, and remain out of sight.

If they are real, I can't blame their decision to lay low.

Monster #13 - 2/8/16

Everyone has heard of the Loch Ness Monster, or otherwise lovingly and famously known as "Nessie." Loch Ness is a lake in the Scottish highlands and it's alleged beastly inhabitant could be a hoax, a surviving plesiosaur, a glitch on Apple Maps, or something else entirely. This urband legend of the mystical creature has not entirely been debunked.

As for me, I odon't know what I believe. The lake is supposedly pretty murky, so really, there could be anything in there. I know for certain I would not mind a surviving dinosaur on this planet.

This "Nessie" was created with use of Prismacolor colored pencils on Arches paper.

Happy Monday,
xx emily

Monster #12 - 2/1/16

Happy Monday (or, uh, Wednesday)! For the month of February I am focusing on drawing with Prismacolors--one of my longtime favorite mediums that I have not explored in a long time. I also have decided to depict traditional monsters this month.

This first February monster is the famously known yeti. I decided a notorious snow monster was an appropriate subject as we are still in the thick of a bitter, cold winter here in Wisconsin.

Yeti are a Bigfoot-type monster or "abominable snowman" that are rumored  to wander the Himalayas of Tibet. The yeti that were of reported sightings are similar in appearance to Bigfoot: reddish-brown in color and standing upright. I decided to go with a more "snowy" looking version of this creature that is often depicted white in the media and popular culture.

Hopefully I'll get next week's monster done on time 😊 I underestimated how long these drawings take. Oh well, live and learn I suppose.

xx emily

Monster #3 - 11/23/15

Gel pen on sketchbook paper

Monster #2 - (11/16/15)

Untitled monster #2 - ballpoint pen in sketchbook

I was drawing this little dude right before the start of my shift in the coffee shop. One of our regulars saw it and proclaimed "Mike Wazowski!"

This guy needs a different name. Not every one eyed monster is Mike Waxowski, no offense to the scare-master.

Monster #1 - 11/9/15

Untitled November Monster, Sharpie on Canson Sketchbook Paper (8.5x11")

Happy (Monster) Monday!

I've decided that every Monday, I'm going to draw or create a monster in some fashion. There is no scheme to this weekly tradition other than the fact that coming up with my own creatures is something I've always enjoyed doing since the days of magic markers and model magic when I gallivanted around the house in what I considered to be princess or ballerina attire.

There could be bigger plans for these monsters, but for now they are to appear here and on Instagram (@emily_bartos) once a week for your viewing entertainment. Perhaps they could inspire your imagination, as they have redisovered mine.

xx emily