A surprise book: Bad to the Bone
Maybe it's because of my initials, but when I was little, I was determined to become a vet when I grew up. In fact, I got my first job at the age of 11, working for a vet at the local dog pound. It was only when I was in high school, and proved abysmal at Chemistry, that I realized I'd have to take another career path.
At any rate, I have always loved dogs. The dogs I loved the most weren't the Lassies and the Benjis, the dogs that rushed to the rescue and did tricks and were cute and cuddly. No, my favorites were the ones that got into trouble, that showed character and individuality, the dogs that are bad.
For the past few months, I have been concentrating on drawing bad dogs of all types. And, inspired by Ogden Nash and Edward Gorey, I've been moved to write some little poems about dreadful pooches.
All of which leads me to the surprise part.
I love my new publisher and can't wait for An Illustrated Life to come out this Fall. In fact, I am so impatient for a new book that I decided to print up a limited edition book on my own, collecting about forty pages of those bad dog drawings and painted ripped from my sketchbooks.
This little book is only a limited edition. It's four-color and I am really happy with the quality of the printing. I think it really captures the intensity of the watercolors I've been doing. Some of the drawings are done with a Rapidograph but most were drawn with a dip pen and they have a good energy that captures the mischief nature of their subjects. There's a lot of experimentation with the quality of the line and the way I'm using color. It's a bit of a departure for me, an intense exploration of a single topic but the folks who've seen it so far think it's pretty funny and beautiful.
So, as part of this publishing experiment, I've decided to share this little book, Bad to the Bone, with my readers. I'm selling it more or less at (a super-low) cost, because I'm interested to see if this is a good way to make and share books. If you like it and want me to make more books of this sort, let me know and I'd be willing to give it a go.
I am really pleased with this book. I hope you'll like it too.
Here are a few pages from inside it. (We've made a Flash Book Preview too). Best of all, see the whole kit 'n' kaboodle once it hits your mailbox.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Hi Danny!
I just made an order of this book and was wondering if it's possible to get the book signed by you?! :)
If not, I guess I will survive anyway...but I just thought I'd ask anyway.
All the best,
Anne
PS: I'm also waiting for that book you will publish this fall, can't wait for that one!
--------
Hi Anne:
I'd love to sign your book. In fact, my original plan had been to get all the copies myself, sign 'em, and then send them out in person. However, dealing with credit cards became so complex that I just decided to let the printer handle it all. If you'd like please mail me your copy and I'll send it back to you.
Your pal,
Danny Gregory
Posted by: Anne Majakari | July 8, 2008 02:10 AM
Congratulations Danny!!!This looks like a winner for sure! Can't wait to get my copy;)
Posted by: Bonny![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.dannygregory.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
July 8, 2008 03:08 AM
I love it and I want one!!! Or two. How can I get my hands on this book?
Posted by: Diane | July 8, 2008 07:10 AM
the illustrations and poems are great, I love 'silly poems' as well. However, have you ever considered children books along the line of Eric Carle/Bill Martin? They have the same type of rhyme, but less about toilet stuff (although trust me, 4 year olds think 'poop' is the funniest word in the world, although teachers and principals disapprove). anyway, just a thought Libby Meyer
Posted by: Libby Meyer | July 8, 2008 07:22 AM
I figured it out and ordered two copies. Can't wait to get them.
Posted by: Diane | July 8, 2008 07:23 AM
Danny, I LOVE it! In fact I need a copy--they dogs are SO doggy, and all dogs can be bad from time to time!
My sweetie just lost his beloved Sarah, so he may just get a kick out of this--your timing is excellent and I'm on my way to buy, right now. A laugh is always welcome!
XO
Kate
Posted by: Cathy (Kate) Johnson | July 8, 2008 08:51 AM
Hey- THIS IS A SURPRISE! It translates very nicely on your blog. (how come you dint mention that's TIM's First Cover!!!)
So will I have to wait at the back of the line to receive my copies? I forgot to tell you how much I LOVE the variety of styles and colors in this collection! Glad You made it!
PL
------
Patti's right. That's Tim on the cover. And Joe's in the first few spreads. They asked to keep their identities a secret for fear that they will become overwhelmed by celebrity once Bad to the Bone hits the bestseller list. They like the quiet lives they lead today.
DOG
Posted by: patricia gregory | July 8, 2008 08:59 AM
Danny; as soon as I saw the cover, you sold me your book. That is the EXACT same look my bad boy Papillon gets on his face when he knows he's done wrong! Can't wait to receive it!
Posted by: Kris | July 8, 2008 09:38 AM
These are the dogs that bring the much needed comic relief,
you capture that!
Posted by: Coco | July 8, 2008 09:54 AM
I love this idea of a small book about different subjects with your drawings. I especially love this subject because we love bad dogs. Good job. I'm sure it will be a success.
Annette
Posted by: annette | July 8, 2008 09:56 AM
Hi Danny - I too love dogs, and drawing them, your book looks like another winner! Have ordered one for me and one for a deserving dogophile (hmm - don't think that's what I meant!) friend -hope it doesn't take too long to wing its way to England - the postage cost same as the book! Good luck with your new project and can't wait for A.I.L. in the Autumn!
Kan Kan in Devon, U.K.
Posted by: Kankan | July 8, 2008 10:01 AM
these are just great...love it!!!
Posted by: Margaret Hunt | July 8, 2008 10:19 AM
It looks beautiful! (I do wish it were about cats, though...) Just ordered my copy!
Posted by: Jane LaFazio | July 8, 2008 10:25 AM
Looks very cool, but I'm a cat guy.... when's THAT book coming out?
;)
Posted by: SlowX | July 8, 2008 10:44 AM
are you kidding? do I want a book by danny gregory about bad boy dogs that's heavily illustrated with watercolor? well, those are only 3 of my favorite things.I thought I would be the first but clearly there are more eager devotees out there. I can't wait to get my copy and one I ordered for some fortunate christmas recipient. thanks, and yes, crank more of these babies out!
Posted by: dana | July 8, 2008 11:01 AM
Looks great Danny! I'd love to order one for my husband who is a dog lover and fan of your work...but, alas, they won't let me mail a money order!!
--------
I'm sorry you were stymied. Send me the money order and I'll send you a copy.
Your pal,
Danny Gregory
Posted by: SideShowMom![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.dannygregory.com/nav-commenters.gif)
|
July 8, 2008 03:13 PM
Beautiful theme and book. Congratulations!
Posted by: Miguel Marcos | July 8, 2008 04:38 PM
Love the book. Very doggy and makes me sad not to have one right now. Love the poetry, too...very doggy!
Posted by: Kay Cox | July 8, 2008 06:49 PM
Oh I love how this looks so much that it hurts!
I wanted to order 2, one for me and one for a friend, but I don't have a creditcard :(
(living in europe has its drawbacks, clearly) and they won't accept paypal *sob*
Did you draw these live or did you have a little help with photos? I can't seem to get my dog on paper properly, she moves so much!
Posted by: Tanja | July 9, 2008 11:34 AM
Loved the surprise! I hope mine will travel safe and sound all the way to Brazil! :)
Posted by: Paula Abreu | July 10, 2008 09:30 AM
I raise puppies for Canine Companions for Independence and put this out to our yahoo group. Hope it brings you some more orders.
You've been a hero of mine since I found you through Jane LaFazio, but this latest venture makes you a super hero!!!
Posted by: ann deakers | July 10, 2008 09:57 AM
Danny, this is beyond coolness. Hope there are some copies left by the time I get paid next week!! Wonderful job man!
------
Fret not.
We'll print more!
Your pal,
Danny Gregory
Posted by: steve | July 10, 2008 06:46 PM
I have nominated you for an award on my blog. If you don't want to participate, that is fine too!
Posted by: Christina Jonsson | July 12, 2008 04:59 PM
I´m patiently waiting for "An Illustrated Life" too and though I´m not a huge fn of dogs, this book is lovely as well.
In case you publish another one, I´ll surely order it.
Posted by: ksklein | July 14, 2008 07:33 PM
Great book. Will definitely be getting one in the near future to send to my father.
Posted by: LostInWonderArt | July 15, 2008 04:33 PM
I'm not a doggy person but the beautiful presentation and lush colour make me VERY interested in seeing this type of publication from you again.
Posted by: E-J | July 15, 2008 06:27 PM
I cannot even imagine why you would NOT be pleased with Bad To The Bone. The design, color and drawings are fantastic. You should be proud. You have made us all envious.
Posted by: Terry Banderas | July 16, 2008 09:50 AM
I´m not a fan of dags but I am a huge fan of your art work. I thought a long, long time (not really) whether I should buy the book. SO finally I did order it as a gift for a friend who loves dog and will appriciate your art.
And please, please do print more. Something like the deathrow yearbook collection would be fantastic and I would order right away.
Posted by: ksklein | July 19, 2008 08:33 PM
Danny, this looks great!
Just wondering about your experience with Blurb? I did a photo book for my girlfriend last year and was happy but thought the design tools were a tad limited. Did you use their design templates or just upload the whole page layout as an image?
Either way, it's definitely a cool option for those who'd like to make their own books but don't want to deal with hand-construction or expensive printing.
Posted by: Tim Clary | July 22, 2008 02:48 PM
It's here! LOVE it!
Posted by: Paula Abreu | July 24, 2008 04:09 PM
Oh, sweetness! That a tribute to all these dogs.
Posted by: wagonized | July 28, 2008 12:06 AM