cartoon Archives - Author K. Williams

Cotton Candy Zo

September 9, 2023 By Captain Maiel Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year that makes me think fondly of going to the fair and all the treats to eat. Cotton Candy (or Candy Floss for others) came served on a paper cone at some fairs. I know they stuff it in a reusable container or plastic bag now. However, the paper cone is part of my core memory surrounding the Cotton Candy. My daughter first saw the image as a brightly colored ice cream Zo. I told her all about the Cotton I had when a child.

This Zo drawing in particular demanded some color, but it didn’t feel right to do this digitally. The nostalgia wanted something traditional. The initial drawing is traditional number 2, and then colored with my fancy set of pencils (no brand name).

No Zos were injured in the making of this art. Zo wants you to know we did not stuff her into a narrow paper cone. Picture if you will, her standing behind that with her head resting on top. The curves of her body and her sweet golden feet remain unseen thanks to the miracle of the pencil rendering.

The reason behind photographing the piece on a table top was the fun of the set up and play of color. The idea popped into my head when I saw it laying there. It already looked like a great shot. I ran with it. Zo agreed with the framing, so here we are!

Without further adieu, I present Cotton Candy Zo…

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Zo Duck collage with web address and author name, K. Williams, The Blue Honor Blog — _{Shop Zo Duck on Cafe Press}

Night Ducks

August 5, 2023 By Captain Maiel Leave a Comment

Art is one of Zo Duck’s favorite things. Why not? She is art, after all! A foray into the classics is a necessity because of that. You might wonder what art Zo likes. Well, she likes whatever tickles her fancy (not Pollock, although she may or may not do one to troll him–because who doesn’t).

In this first try, Zo and her friends reenact a gorgeous work called Nighthawks, by Edward Hopper. She wants us to call it Night Ducks. I thought maybe Nighthawk (or Nighthawks) Zo would be cool, but I kind of agree that Night Ducks is a fun turn on this piece.

Do you see Alex? He thought he wouldn’t come across so clearly with his back to the viewer, but I think his antennae give him away beautifully. Say something nice, because he was very uncomfortable in that suit, and the hat holes did pinch a little. Oh, what we suffer for art!

Zo looks absolutely plastered down and that was on purpose. She wanted to be starring into the distance as if about to scream with overwhelming existential dread. Don’t give her ideas or I’ll be stuck rendering Zo’s scream next. She is on the prowl for the next idea!

I’m really proud of Zak and Bear. These champs did a great job blending into their roles. Althoug, rendering Bear in this manner was totally new for my hands.

Enough of talking about it. Let’s take a look. 3 – 2 – 1 – I present Night Ducks!

Edward Hopper's Nighthawks reimagined with the Zo Duck Crew: zo is the lady, Zak is her date, Alex is the other guy having coffee, and Bear is the server. — ^{Night Ducks is inspired by Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks}

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Ballet Zo

July 8, 2023 By Captain Maiel Leave a Comment

Zo is a go-getter if there ever was one. Her baby winglets don’t hold her back from anything. This summer, she’s trying her waddle out in ballet shoes. She looks happy as a lark in her leotard and toe shoes.

Summer is the perfect time to think of ballet in my opinion. This time of year brings up memories of Swan Lake at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Saratoga is also home to the National Museum of Dance. When I was a girl, these two things deeply impressed me. Although my dance lessons would never result in me being a professional dancer, they still created a soft spot in my heart for the art.

What color do you think her ballet outfit is? A traditional pink or something more daring like a royal purple or red? Maybe black? I can’t decide, so I’ll let you all imagine. Maybe one day I’ll add a touch of color to this–a soft blue.

On another note, have you ever seen a crested duck with their feathers in a bun?

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Diver Zak

June 10, 2023 By Captain Maiel Leave a Comment

Last year this time, I treated you all to a quick peek at Zo in a dive suit. I’m so glad that June has come back around so that we can revisit this time. In review, I can say that time is still steaming along like a freight train regardless of how far more normal life has become. You think that things will improve if you get your kid a little older and more self-sufficient, or if you change jobs, move closer to work or family, streamline processes to claw back minutes of your day–but no, it just seems to free up more space for more to do.

With such a whirlwind of responsibilities, it is refreshing to spend time with Zo and the crew having some summer fun. While it seems a bit extra on their part to get all suited up to dive in a pool, it does create memories not soon forgotten. Doubly, they won’t be forgotten as I immortalized them in pencil.

Doesn’t Zak look fantastic in his dive get up? He may not look like he is having a lot of fun, but I assure you that he is all in for water sports. Remember, he is a goose–erm–gander. Just try to keep him out of that water!

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Mama for Bear

May 5, 2023 By Captain Maiel Leave a Comment

May brings the fullness of spring and escalates a sense of renewal. It is no wonder that this month boasts a day to honor mothers. While that holiday is fraught with emotion for many, it is a day that I never thought I would be able to celebrate. Having a family was always in my plan. However, it played out a lot differently than my vision. Post IVF, I am still grateful for this opportunity to raise a child.

For Bear, once purchased from a pet store toy shelf, he never had a mother. Years ago, he came to Lady’s home as a toy for her dog. When the magic hit, granting sentience to him and his friends, that status had to change. The dog, who doesn’t understand why he cannot play as he wishes with his toy, didn’t much care for the change. An animated stuffed toy was a bit much for him, in the end, so keeping him safe from further damage got a lot easier.

Bear is quite grateful to Lady for her protection and sewing him back up where needed. So, he when he discovered this holiday, it was pretty fluid to seek to express his feelings toward her, as if she were his mother. Lady’s kind heart was pleased by the claim.

The artwork below captures the moment, endearingly marked by a homemade card, imprinted with an inky paw…