--- Rainey Doodles ---

Top Secret Project revealed! New Jack & Jill Characters & Comic

2012-02-15T11:05:00.008-05:00

A few months back I was approached by Jack & Jill magazine, and I was asked if I would be interested in helping them rebrand their core set of characters as well as illustrate their bi-monthly comic.

With out hesitation, I of course said "yes", I mean how could you pass up an opportunity like this :-) and without further ado…I would like to present to you the first appearance of the new Jack & Jill gang.

Below you will find the new character studies as well as the release of the first comic staring the new Gang.

I would love to hear what you all think, and of course to find out more about Jack & Jill magazine or to sign up for a subscription check out their web-site here.

The Origin

2012-01-17T16:19:00.006-05:00

I've been working on a top secret comic for the last few weeks. So in honor of this piece of work, I've been thinking of a short comic strips based on the antic of a boy turned into a bear. The idea would be semi biographical base on someone I know very well, someone who some people call LittleRainey, but other have nicknamed him The Bear (That's me if you didn't catch the hint). Enjoy!

- Merrill

New Work for Jack & Jill Magazine

2011-12-29T16:13:00.004-05:00

I bet you never knew making a snowball was so easy.
New Work for Jack & Jill Magazine, Enjoy!

- Merrill

Merry Christmas from LittleRainey Illustration!

2011-12-24T13:36:00.002-05:00

Grab your scissors and your tape and take a moment to remember what is was like to be a kid. Enjoy this years Holiday paper toy!

Download it here: http://bit.ly/tbkJTl

From My studio to Yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Bring The Sting!

2011-09-30T06:47:00.002-04:00

Check out the new logo for the Perrysburg Ohio Youth Lacrosse.

The Yeti Paper Toy Has Arrived!

2011-09-29T07:37:00.004-04:00

Cut him out, glue him together, and watch as The Yeti paper toy catches some mean air over top your desktop or table!! Gnarly!!

Download Here >> http://bit.ly/qAto4A

The Yeti is coming!

2011-09-12T15:30:00.001-04:00

Check back soon to find out how you can download and create your own Yeti!

© Merrill Rainey, www.littlerainey.com

New Work Humpty Dumpty Magazine

2011-07-28T00:22:00.003-04:00

This is a Sneak Peak of an illustration I just finished last week for the Sept./Oct. issue of Humpty Dumpty magazine.

Pencils/Concept Sketches:

Final Art:

Current work for Jack & Jill Magazine

2011-07-28T00:16:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile since I last posted, and I wanted to share some new/fresh work with you. So hold on to your seats, and let me know what you think.

This piece was for the hidden picture activity for the current issue of J&J.

Sketch Phases or Pencils:

Final Art:

Meet Gungle

2011-06-16T14:12:00.001-04:00

Every kids best friend!!

Copyright Merrill Rainey, LittleRainey.com

Pirate Theme'd Drop Caps

2011-06-03T13:14:00.001-04:00

Working on creating a series of pirate theme'd Drop Caps. Any suggestions?

Copyright LittleRainey.com

Local Non-profit work

2011-05-18T23:52:00.001-04:00

It's fun to see my artwork hanging in windows all over my own home town! And while I am on the subject, don't forget to stop by on Sat. For the 10th year anniversary of Claires Day at the Maumee branch library, www.clairesday.org

Copyright LittleRainey.com

Recent Illustration Work for Pockets Magazine

2011-05-12T11:56:00.000-04:00

Enjoy!!

- © Merrill Rainey www.littlerainey.com

Yarrr their be Pirate Art!

2011-05-02T11:16:00.001-04:00

If you had a chance to check out the page of sketches that went up last Friday, take a look below for todays final solution:

- © Merrill Rainey www.littlerainey.com

Random Pirate sketches

2011-04-29T17:24:00.001-04:00

Some initial character studies for an in-progress self promotional piece.

- © Merrill Rainey www.littlerainey.com

Of Mice and Big Wheels (Sketches)

2011-04-27T16:10:00.001-04:00

Some Friday Afternoon Fun!

- © Merrill Rainey www.littlerainey.com

Monday Doodeling

2011-04-21T11:36:00.001-04:00

Dinosaurs on the Brain!!

- © Merrill Rainey www.littlerainey.com

It's finally finished, check it out!!!

2011-03-29T17:14:00.001-04:00

Work recently created for a local Non-Profit. www.clairesday.org

- © Merrill Rainey www.littlerainey.com

What tools do you use to create your illustrations?

2011-03-29T07:32:00.002-04:00

Mine are:

What I just wrapped up yesterday, keep 'em coming!!

2011-03-23T14:24:00.001-04:00

More recent work for Jack and Jill Magazine:

Green Pencil Rough:

Green Pencil Sketch:

Final

- © Merrill Rainey www.littlerainey.com

In the works!

2011-03-17T14:39:00.001-04:00

An illustration in the works for a new client, Humpty Dumpty Magazine.

Copyright LittleRainey.com

What I just turned in to Jack & Jill Mag.

2011-03-10T20:52:00.001-05:00

Step 1) Thumbnail Sketch

Step 2) Character Development

Step 3) Final Sketch

Step 4) Final Art

Copyright LittleRainey.com

Moving at a good pace!

2011-03-08T16:42:00.001-05:00

Almost done... getting excited to see how the final piece will turn out.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

What I am currently working on

2011-03-07T17:48:00.001-05:00

I am under the gun to have this completed by tomorrow!! Keep your fingers crossed.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Various sketches from recent projects

2011-02-25T01:41:00.001-05:00

Joshua Banks

2011-02-20T02:37:00.001-05:00

New ideas are a brewing... First character sketch for Joshua Banks (sketched on the iPad), stay tuned...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New Vector Technique

2011-02-16T01:39:00.003-05:00

In the attempt to give my Illustration work a more tactile feel. I've recently been working on tweaking my vector illustration technique. Take a look at the 2 images above and give me your thoughts.

- Merrill

Happy V-Day!!

2011-02-14T07:50:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentines Day all of you lovers!!!

-Merrill

Cover Artwork for the Jan./Feb issue of Jack and Jill Magazine

2010-12-29T16:19:00.005-05:00

If you get a minute, stop by your local Library and check out my most recent illustration on the cover of the Jan./Feb. Issue of Jack & Jill Magazine.

Enjoy!

- Merrill

Cover Art

Original Art

Merry Christmas from LittleRainey

2010-12-26T00:05:00.007-05:00

Poor Santa is stuck again :-(, Download your LittleRainey Holiday Paper Toy Here!

Merry Christmas and Enjoy!

Merrill

Mythical Creatures!

2010-11-29T07:12:00.005-05:00

Some recent work for Jack and Jill Magazine!

- The Yeti

- Big Foot

- Mer Person

- Nessie (Loch Ness Monster)

Claire's Day Sept. Newsletter

2010-09-28T01:12:00.004-04:00

Recent work's for the Sept. 2010 issue of the Claire's Day newsletter - www.clairesday.org

Snipe Hunt 1 of 5

2010-08-19T00:30:00.001-04:00

Has anyone ever really found a Snipe? 1 down 4 to go!

-best, Merrill

Check out....

2010-08-02T00:38:00.002-04:00

...my illustration in this months issue of Jack and Jill magazine.

See if you can figure out the word scrambles :-)

Let me know what you think.

- Merrill

First attempts at sketching on the ipad

2010-07-15T23:54:00.004-04:00

I am working on it, but I just haven't quite mastered sketching on the ipad yet. The jury is still out as to which sketching software works the best, Brushes or Sketch Book Pro.

First attempts at sketching on the ipad below:

Be back

-Merrill

What's Your Holiday Tradition?

2010-07-13T01:30:00.005-04:00

Some upcoming illustrations for Jack and Jill Magazine!

Enjoy!

-Merrill

Huck Finn!

2010-07-01T17:14:00.004-04:00

Character study for the late great Huckleberry Finn.

Let me know what you think!

- Merrill

Jack and Jill

2010-06-16T08:42:00.006-04:00

Check out some of my recent work for Jack and Jill magazine in the Fun to Read Features story "Button Up"!

Enjoy

-Merrill

Summertime Through The Looking Glass

2010-06-16T08:23:00.003-04:00

This illo is to be used for an upcoming promotional piece.

Thoughts?

Enjoy!

-Merrill

Featured Artist

2010-06-03T08:39:00.001-04:00

Hi All,

Check out who the featured artist is on Axiotron.com (the folks who make the modbook) http://bit.ly/cqPYr3

Yeah!!

-Merrill

Layers Magazine!

2010-05-04T00:23:00.004-04:00

My "Rock the Dock" Illustration was showcased in the 2010 March/April issue of Layers Magazine under the Digital Canvas!

Major Awards!!

2010-05-03T22:34:00.006-04:00

2 Awards AH-AH-AH-AH-AH-AH-AH!

I am not sure how it happened but I was awarded both 1st and 2nd place for the Ohio AP Division III Best Illustration of 2009.

Thanks Kristen!!!

Here is what the Judges where saying:

Rock The Docks:
Great original artwork. Vibrant color and style
draw viewer in and clearly illustrates the fun to
be had at the event.

Wood Stock:
A great illustration of a timeless event. Nice use
of iconic imagery to capture the feeling of the
Woodstock era.

Enjoy.

-Merrill

Team Tugeau!!

2010-04-12T23:54:00.003-04:00

LittleRainey is now a member of Team Tugeau

Go Team!!

Oscars

2010-03-08T01:20:00.003-05:00

Caricatures aren’t normally my forte. But when presented with doing a promo piece for the Oscars (showcasing Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin). I accepted the challenge.

Let me know what you think….

Best,
Merrill

Award Time again!!

2010-03-08T01:06:00.005-05:00

A few days ago I was notified that two of my Illustration
“Woodstock“

and

“Rock the Docks”

where both nominated for the AP Best illustration of 2009.

Keep you posted!!!!

Best,
Merrill

Mooses?

2010-02-22T22:14:00.002-05:00

- Enjoy Merrill

Featured in......

2010-02-22T22:04:00.003-05:00

I just happened to be scrolling through the most current issue of the "Hire An Illustrator" newsletter and just happened to notice that my work was selected to be included in this month's issue.

Check it out!!

Merrill

identities

2010-02-21T02:16:00.003-05:00

It's not often I post what the other side of my brain works on. Some recent pitches for a couple of logo identities.

Best,
Merrill

Stickers Anyone

2010-02-12T00:47:00.005-05:00

A couple of recent sticker concepts.

Monkeys!

Cloudy Weather!

Enjoy -
Merrill

New web-site updates

2010-02-10T22:47:00.004-05:00

Wow!, it really has been a long time since I last posted anything. Hopefully you will take a minute and stop by the new LittleRainey site and see what has been taking up so much of my time :-) More new post on the way!

Best -
Merrill

HAI!!

2010-02-10T22:39:00.006-05:00

LittleRainey now on HAI!

So far so good, let the jobs keep rolling in!

Thanks Hire An Illustrator!

Major Award!

2009-05-21T00:07:00.004-04:00

A little belated but I am still really stoked that I had received first place for best illustration for the Ohio AP division III awards.

The judge's comments where "Fun, clever and visually appealing original illustration".

Below is the illustration, thanks again to the Medina Gazette Newspaper for submitting my work!!

Award Time!!

2009-03-26T00:21:00.003-04:00

I can't help but to be extremely excited about one of my illustration being a finalist in the best illustration of 2008 category for the Ohio AP newspaper contest.

I have to wait till May 3rd to find out the final verdict, but winner or loser it is still an honor to have been nominated.

Merrill

FINDMYSOFT.com Excellent Award

2009-01-25T09:56:00.002-05:00

My Halloween icons where awarded an Excellent software award from FINDMYSOFT.com

Expectation #1

2009-01-12T22:15:00.002-05:00

LittleRainey Water Colors on Flickr

2009-01-07T23:42:00.005-05:00

New Little Rainey Water colors on flickr!!! Come check them out

- Merrill

Starting that Christmas Cheer

2008-12-02T00:39:00.003-05:00

Just incase I forget to say it, Merry Christmas to all!!!

This is a recent illo for the Medina Gazette Newspaper.

-Merrill

Black and White Illustration #2

2008-11-13T07:38:00.002-05:00

Let me know what you think.

- Merrill

New BW Sample #1

2008-11-11T01:55:00.002-05:00

Trying to keep my illustration style fresh. I have been trying to develop a new B/W vector based illustration style.

Let me know what you think of sample #1.

More to come.

- Merrill

Family Game Night

2008-11-06T20:55:00.002-05:00

This piece was for a newspaper article on Family Game Nights.

thoughts/opinions?

- Merrill

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T14:56:00.000-04:00

Tricks or Treats and everything Sweet! Monsters, Goblins, Ghost, sure are Neat!
Creeks and Cracks and Spooky Eyes, Skeleton Bones and Witches Fly
Pumpkin eyes flicker, Mummies moan and Frankenstein stomps up & down the Street and who would have thought that even ghost like to Trick or Treat? Apples, Cookies, rocks or Gum, it doesn’t really matter what is in your bag as long as you or the unknown around, are haveing fun!

- Merrill

Illustration and poem © 2008, Merrill Rainey. All rights reserved

Happy Fall!!

2008-09-25T01:03:00.003-04:00

Happy Fall! This is a recent illustration of mine for a client who was writing a story on the Fall Equinox.

Enjoy - Merrill

Our Mission Statement

2008-09-07T22:53:00.004-04:00

One of the best things about my wife being a second grade elementary school teacher is that whenever she needs some kind of artwork or illustration she comes to me.

This always gives me the opportunity to try something new and show it off to the worst critics of all, kids!!

This particular piece was for her class mission. Let me know what you think.

– Merrill

Creatve Shake!!

2008-09-03T23:54:00.004-04:00

LittleRainey now on the Creative Shake!!!!!!

It was time to try something new for generating freelance work. So stop on by and check it out.

- Merrill

PS. I hope you have enjoyed the renovations to my blog.

Humphh!!!

2008-08-26T00:54:00.000-04:00

Humphh!!!
Some days we can all relate with this kid.

I have been experimenting more lately with simplifying my work. This piece was created with a charcoal pencil with a light wash of color behind it. Let me know what you think.

Post soon,
- Merrill

Finally!!! LittleRainey Updated

2008-08-26T00:38:00.003-04:00

Come check out the new LittleRainey web site and see what LittleRainey has been up to!!

Seed

2008-05-07T20:41:00.002-04:00

I wondered, as I watched Jimmy's seeds grow into full grown plants in a matter of minutes, what sinister plan he was up to now!

Enjoy

– Merrill

Silver Star

2007-10-16T23:21:00.000-04:00

Check out this short write up on your favorite Little Rainey Halloween Friends in the Silver Star, The Official Publication of The Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego October 2007 issue.

Click image to enlarge

Happy Haunting
- Merrill

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-04T23:49:00.001-04:00

Tricks or Treats and everything Sweet! Monsters, Goblins and Ghosts sure are Neat! Creaks and Cracks and Spooky Eyes, Skeleton Bones and Witches Fly. Pumpkin eyes flicker, Mummies moan and Frankenstein stomps up & down the Street. Who would have thought that even ghosts like to Trick or Treat! Apples, Cookies, Rocks or Gum, it doesn't really matter what is in your bag as long as you are having fun!

Don't forget to stop by The Little Shop Of Rainey this Halloween season and purchase some new ghoulishly, yet fashionable apparel. Featuring everybody’s favorite Halloween Friends.

Happy Haunting and have a Spooktacular time shopping!!!!

Merrill

Visitors

2007-08-29T07:49:00.000-04:00

On their flight back home, Benny and the gang decided to take a quick trip and visit the moon. They wanted to see what NEET-O things they could pick up on their trip, but while looking around they weren’t quite sure as to whom really was the visitors.

Enjoy,

– Merrill

In Progress

2007-07-21T00:21:00.000-04:00

One of the fun things about being able to work with an artist rep is continually being able to create fun new ideas.

Above is a current illustration I have been working on. Let me know your thoughts and ideas about this one! Look forward to hearning from all of you soon.

Have a Great weekend

- Creatively, Merrill

Spring Friends!

2007-05-21T21:48:00.000-04:00

Come join in the spring time fun with nine fun-loving Spring Friends and a desktop background to help brighten up those rainy Spring days! Load your desktop icons and position them on your new spring wallpaper to create your very own desktop world!

Click here to join in the Fun!

* Apple Top Ten Staff Pick & Featured Download 05.12.2007

Bird is the Word!

2007-05-11T00:48:00.000-04:00

Check out my new illustration for the May issue of Ohio Magazine!
Click on the image to enlarge!

– Merrill

Rainy Days!

2007-03-22T22:26:00.000-04:00

I am not sure if I am able to post this but here is a little teaser of one of the projects I am currently working on.
Hope you enjoy. Click on the image to enlarge.

Also, don't forget to subscribe to my new RSS feed to keep updated on what LittleRainey is up to next!

- Merrill

Quality Time

2007-02-24T17:23:00.000-05:00

Every now and then you need to sit back and enjoy the company of those around you. Enjoy!

Click on the Image to enlarge

Have a Great One!

- Merrill

LittleRainey Finally Updated!

2007-02-19T10:10:00.000-05:00

Come check out the new littlerainey.com! and see what Merrill has been up to!

- Merrill

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-28T15:32:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays!

– Merrill

Click on Image to enlarge.

Busy at work! 1

2006-12-15T03:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile but things are hopping here at LittleRainey! This post as well as the two below are part of a series of images for some educational materials for Harcourt, Inc.

- Merrill

Please Click on Image to enlarge.
copyright 2006, Harcourt, Inc.

Busy at work! 2

2006-12-15T03:45:00.000-05:00

Busy at work! 3

2006-12-15T03:42:00.000-05:00

On Sale Now! Spooky Apparel

2006-10-26T08:08:00.000-04:00

Come check out the new LittleRainey Halloween store featuring your favorite LittleRainey Halloween characters! Click here to join in the Fun!

Hope to see you there!
Happy Haunting!

– Merrill

Boo!

2006-10-20T10:25:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!

Want to trick or treat digitally? Come check out www.littlerainey.com and get all your digital spooky needs to create the ultimate Halloween computer desktop!

Come join in the fun!!!

Click on the image to enlarge

- Merrill

Don't Be Scared!!

2006-10-19T23:47:00.000-04:00

and don't forget to come check out Halloween at www.littlerainey.com

- Merrill

Ps. check out the Monsters below!!!

Watch Out!

2006-10-18T20:04:00.000-04:00

You never know who is lurking around the corner!

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-18T01:07:00.000-04:00

Come check out a little digital Trick or Treat at www.littlerainey.com. Hope you will come join in the fun.

Happy Halloween
– Merrill

Check back as more Halloween Cards are added.

NOIS Annual Gallery Show

2006-09-11T18:53:00.000-04:00

Come see me and my Chefs as well as many other great Northern Ohio Illustrators in NOIS's (Northern Ohio Illustrator's Society) annual fall show at the Edge Gallery in Cleveland Ohio. It starts this friday 9.15.06 from 6pm to 8pm through 10.06.06. Check out the NOIS web-site for more details. Click Here.

Hope to see you all there,

– Merrill

Chef 3

2006-09-11T08:53:00.000-04:00

Number Three! Click on Image to Enlarge.

- Merrill

Chef2

2006-09-06T00:13:00.000-04:00

Number Two! Click on Image to Enlarge.

– Merrill

Chef 1

2006-09-02T00:03:00.000-04:00

First try at Chef 1. Gouache on bristol board.

Click on image for enlargement.

- Merrill

Chefs

2006-09-01T01:57:00.000-04:00

Some new character sketches for a current project. Let me know what you think.

Click on image to enlarge.

– Merrill

Final "Clean"

2006-08-03T07:45:00.000-04:00

Hey kids, keep those teeth CLEAN!

This weeks Illustration Friday's topic of the week “Clean” is in honor of my most recent adventure, A Root Canal. Ouch!!

Please click on image to enlarge.

Enjoy!
And have a great week.

- Merrill

Final "Sticky" or "Sticky Situations"

2006-07-04T19:29:00.000-04:00

"Sticky Situations" are the tense moments in time that create the energy in any story. Peeking the interest of the audience.

Hope my image peeked yours!

Have a great week
- Merrill

Don't forget to check out some of Merrill's new work:
• Remembering The Fourth
• 4th of July

Remembering The 4th of July

2006-06-30T17:34:00.000-04:00

As you watch fireworks this 4th, remember not only our service Men and Women serving our country (Past and Present) but also remember the folks who had to step up to the line and keep this country going during WWI and WWII.

This is another 4th of July illustration for another client of mine. It is based off of a woman who at nine years old had to work small jobs such as cherry picking to help raise money for the Men and Women fighting in WWI.

Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you think.

- Merrill

4th of July

2006-06-28T07:25:00.000-04:00

Its that time of summer again. When the flags fly high, the grills are a flame and of course sparklers are lit.

This is a work inprogress for a client of mine. Let me know what you think!

- Merrill

Final "Jungle"

2006-06-14T00:17:00.000-04:00

Happy mistakes!
A few weeks ago on a blog, I read that there were no happy mistakes in digital illustration. I had to laugh only because I see the computer as an illustration enhancer, an addition to my art arsenal, another tool in the art box and if you know how to work your digital tools and programs there is a bountiful amount of happy mistakes that can still happen. For example my original idea for this week Illustration Friday’s topic of the week had included scary eyes, little kids and a dark jungle. But while creating this image I accidentally started to see other possibilities on how I could enhance this image. So knowing how to work my tools in the art box, I stumbled upon an image that I think is quite successful.

To me digital illustration is not a downfall to this industry, I believe that it can take artwork to the next level and If you know what you are doing those happy little mistakes can still happen.

Hope you enjoy this week’s submission to Illustration Friday’s topic of the week “Jungle”. Let me know what you think.

- Merrill

Final "Portrait"

2006-06-08T22:01:00.000-04:00

The race was on and when Maurice thought he had lost he noticed that Jean Pierre had two more portraits of Madame Amalia’s cat to go.

Let me know what you think! Also check out my newest illustration Home Improvement. Have a great week

- Merrill

Home Improvement

2006-06-02T14:45:00.000-04:00

This is an editorial illustration for a client of mine on home improvement. Let me know what you think.

– Merrill

Sparky's Drawings

2006-05-23T17:47:00.000-04:00

In honor of Little Sparky. I thought it only appropriate to post some original sketches of the Peanuts Gang.
Enjoy

- Merrill

Charlie Brown

2006-05-23T08:11:00.000-04:00

Here is a little story that can be an inspiration to all artist big or small enjoy.

- Merrill

There was a boy nicknamed Sparky, for whom school was all but impossible. He failed just about every subject in the eighth grade. He flunked physics in high schoolwith a grade of zero!

In sports, Sparky fared not much better. He did manage to make his high school golf team, but lost the most important match of the season. He lost the consolation match, too.

While he wasn't actively disliked by the other students, he was awkward socially, and it seemed no one really cared. Sparky never once asked a girl to go out in high school because he was too afraid of being turned down.

There was one thing that was important to Sparky -- drawing. He drew constantly and felt his artwork was pretty good. In his senior year of high school, he finally got up the nerve to submit some of his drawings to the yearbook.
Unfortunately, they were rejected.

Nevertheless, after high school, Sparky got up the nerve again, to submit some cartoons to the Walt Disney Studios.
Finally, the reply came ... Sparky had been rejected once again.

Sparky expressed himself the only way he knew how. He started drawing an autobiography of a little boy who was a
loser, a chronic underachiever, someone who didn't even have the respect of his own dog.

This autobiography might sound familiar to you. It's the story of the Peanuts cartoons, featuring Charlie Brown, a character based on the early life of his creator, Charles Schulz, who was known by the nickname Sparky, and whose work, when he died in February 2000, at the age of 77, had been known the world over for 50 year

Final "Sorry"

2006-05-23T07:45:00.000-04:00

No matter what types of mischievous troubles our pets may get into. They are always very apologetic and sorry for what they have done.

This is my fifth installment for IllustrationFriday's topic of the week "Sorry". Let me know what you think.
Also, if you did not get a chance to see my illustration for last weeks topic "Angels and Devils" click here to view.

Have a great week,

– Merrill

To view all the images on Rainey Doodle click here or check out the new and improved LittleRainey Web-site