05/23/2026
Just wrapped up a really fun commission inspired by one of the great comedic moments from The Adventures of Tintin. From the Land of Black Gold, we find the bumbling detectives Thomson and Thompson managing to crash 💥 their jeep 🚗 into the only tree 🌴 in the middle of the desert 🌅.
Why the green tires? Classic Hergé gag - the detectives (not twins) are sold a mysterious “Formula 14” product by an opportunistic salesman while traveling through the desert to cure baldness… and these two thought it a good idea for their tires.
I wanted to emulate and fully lean into the whimsical spirit of Hergé’s pioneering Ligne claire (“clear line”) technique: bold clean outlines, strong color, and simple composition that somehow says so much.
The size of this watercolor was completely custom, designed specifically to fit a spot in the kids’ playroom where the family is currently making their way through all of the Tintin adventures together.
Fun side note: the small study I did helped me frame the larger composition. Plus it is a fun little extra piece to enjoy!
