Recently I have been watching
Spark* about as avidly as I watch
Check Please!, which
last week led me to discover the art of
Paul Madonna, an artist who publishes the weekly comic,
All Over Coffee. There's just something in the sketchiness of his lineart (which, since he draws directly in ink, skipping the pencil stage, often contains small inaccuracies that add more character to his style) and the amazing watercolor/wash lighting that really draws you in. His choice of scenery is awesome, too, it's great seeing these little-noticed side alleyways and off-skelter cornices, along with more recognizable landmarks (the Golden Gate and the new De Young, for example). So far my favorite is
The sound of no cellphones ringing because the narrowness reminds me of walking up and down the outside stairs of my grandparents' home when we wanted to go to the flat down behind the garage.
Really, check it out.
I think the starkness of the landscapes appeals to the Kino fan in me, yet each has its own sort of strange beauty.