Happy New Year's Eve

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

Our Final Evening in London

When we first arrived in London September 7, we stayed at the Millennium Hotel. It was adjacent to the Chelsea Football (soccer) Stadium, and we returned there the evening our tour ended. Chelsea hosted Newcastle that night; typically before matches, police close nearby streets and canine and horse detachments are deployed to maintain crowd control. It was the perfect opportunity to talk with officers on patrol, who even offered suggestions for dinner that evening!

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

On the Road . . . Oxford

We were surprised to see this cemetery within a few blocks of the university campus. Oxford has been a seat of learning since 1249.


The campus buildings and grounds were so impressive; Doug and I wished that we'd had more than a few hours to explore, but our tour ended that evening. I'd love to go back for another visit!


When we entered the Museum of the History of Science, Doug immediately asked the receptionist, "If you had about 15 minutes, what would you recommend we see?"

Without hesitation, she said, "The basement!" and handed us a pamphlet, which noted exhibits on the apparatus and model for the development of penicillin in Oxford in the 1940s; the chemical developing kit used by photographer Lewis Carroll; AND - Einstein's blackboard with his chalked equations written during a lecture in Oxford in 1931.

Why did this interest us? This past March, Doug and I drove to visit his older brother Ralph, who was vacationing in The Villages, which is about an hour north of Orlando. What kept us occupied during the long drive? The 18-CD audiobook "Einstein: His Life and Universe." Yes, for 21 hours and 30 minutes, we learned everything there was to know about Einstein, including his famous equation presented at Oxford!




(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

On the Road . . . Stratford-upon-Avon

After seeing Anne Hathaway's thatched cottage, it was only a few minutes drive to Stratford-upon-Avon.







Shakespeare's birthplace.


Shakespeare's official portrait.

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

On the Road . . . York

York Minster, showcasing 800 years of stained glass, is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe.

A quiet place to relax in the busy city of York.


Shopping in the Shambles.

This is the shortest street in York with the longest name! The city's whipping and stocks were located here in the middle ages.

Doug and I spent nearly 2 hours in York Minster.

The choir was practicing for an afternoon service.

One of many lovely, quiet gardens throughout York.

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

Blog Schedule for 2011 - Visit Us Sunday Mornings January through May

When Doug's 2011 convention schedule gets finalized, we'll again start daily blog entries - so far, he's committed to exhibiting with Big Wow Art at the San Diego Comic-Con July 20-24 and plans to attend Fan Expo Canada August 26-28 and New York Comic Con October 14-16.

Sunday morning daily blogs - January through May 2011 - will feature:


Announcements about upcoming projects, conventions, special events, commissions, etc.


Artwork of the week, including pencil or color roughs as well as finished art, which may then be posted on http://www.comicartfans.com/ - Doug Sneyd Premium Gallery.


Favorite gag rough rejects - from the thousands Doug has submitted to Playboy magazine since his first cartoon was published in September 1664 - will also be posted weekly on the blog!


(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

On the Road . . . Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall was a defensive fortification built by the Romans in northern England during the rule of emperor Hadrian. Begun in AD 122, it was largely completed within 6 years.

However, much has been dismantled over the years to use the stones for various nearby construction projects.




(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

Season's Greetings

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

Happy Holidays!

In the years since Doug's first cartoon was published in Playboy - September 1964, he has submitted thousands of cartoon roughs. Of course, not all can be selected for final art and ultimate publication in the magazine.

For the holidays, we're sharing a few of Doug's unpublished favorites; enjoy!

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

On the Road . . . Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle, perched on an extinct volcano, dominates the city skyline. It's Scotland's most visited tourist attraction.

The walk from the entrance was steep and gave you a real sense of how immense this imposing structure is.

The view of the city was spectacular.




The dog cemetery at Edinburgh Castle: only one other dog cemetery exists in Scotland - at Fort George, near Inverness, built in the aftermath of the battle of Culloden in 1746.


Edinburgh Castle was a royal residence until the Union of the Crowns in 1603; in the 17th Century it became a military base with a large garrison.

Prestonfield was built in 1687 for Sir James Dick; today it's a hotel and tourist venue celebrating Scottish heritage with singing, dancing, bagpipe playing and sampling of Scotland's national dish - haggis.

Scott Hunter, our Trafalgar tour guide, proudly represented his clan at the "Taste of Scotland," held at Prestonfield for the past 36 years. Scott earned a 10+ from Doug and me; he made our trip a wonderful experience.

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)

On the Road . . . Rosslyn Chapel Tour and Dinner

The famous Rosslyn Chapel is one of Scotland's most unusual 15th Century buildings, famed for its associations with the Knights Templar, the Masonic movement and now The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown.

We walked down a steep path to get a look at the back of the chapel, which is undergoing extensive conservation work.




After visiting Rosslyn Chapel, we walked a few blocks back into town for dinner.

The evening's entertainment featured a local bagpiper.

After a full day of sightseeing, it was time to relax before dinner.

(blog entries by Heidi Hutson)