SKETCHBOOK: "Giant Royal Hornet"

Did a sketch on my way home from work tonight.  This giant animatronic Japanese Hornet sits out in front of Union Station as part of the "Xtreme Bugs" exhibit.  The crown was added yesterday in honor of the Kansas City Royals being in the World Series.

SKETCHBOOK: "Cicada Hawk"

About a month ago, I noticed what looked to be a "hornet" burrowing into the ground by my back screened porch door. Not allowed...so I sprayed it. But not to let a perfect specimen go to waste, I decided to sketch it!  As my daughter, Courtney, informed me...this was not a hornet.  It was actually a "CICADA KILLER" (or HAWK).  I looked up the insect online, and was pretty creeped out by it.  This is a female, and she was making a nest in the ground. They then sting and kill about 3 to 4 cicadas, bring them to the den, and start laying eggs in the cicadas.  Nasty.

But this lovely lady looks cool...and I couldn't resist a couple of evenings of sketch time with her.

Tree Trolls!

Here's a little October fun I just posted on Facebook...thought it would fit nicely on my blog, too.  Only had to coax those trolls out a little bit with a nudge from Photoshop.  These are trees on the street where I used to live.  My daughters remember these trees very well from when they were little.  No doubt. :)