Chalk It Up 2026

The finished artwork for my Chalk It Up 2026 square. The illustration is of a Pac-Man with open mouth and teeth chasing two scared ghosts. Underneath is the square number (200) and the words "Massive Catapult", the square's sponsor.

A few days before Labor Day I came down with a cold, so I was slightly dreading this year’s Chalk It Up. Getting up somewhat early on Saturday morning, spending a lot of time doing all the physical stuff that this kind of art requires, talking with people, etc. just sounded like it was going to be a bad time.

I tried medicating myself a lot before Saturday. I also secretly hoped for some rain, so I could just come in on Sunday. The hoping didn’t help much, but the medicine did, and I was able to power through a quick drawing this year before having lunch and heading home. I’m happy with the result, but it’s definitely on the simpler side as far as my Chalk It Up illustrations go. 😅

This one was based on a drawing I did for June Toons earlier this year.

This year I ended up getting a “cowboy” burger from The Fry Boys food truck. It was alright, and the cheesy fries were good.

A photo of my hand holding a burger in a tray. The burger has a beef patty, cheese, onion rings, and bacon on it. Behind it is a bunch of fries covered in nacho cheese.

I’m hoping that next year, I won’t have the same trouble when Labor Day rolls around again. For now, I’m thinking about Inktober next month!

A selfie of me standing over a blank sidewalk square. I have a hat and sunglasses on, and I am smiling.
A photo of my initial sketch on the sidewalk square, showing a white outline of Pac-Man and the ghosts. The square number (200) in the lower left corner is blocked out and finished.
A progress photo of my square with an outline of Pac-Man and filled in ghosts.
A close-up photo of the finished ghosts.
A close-up photo of the finished Pac-Man and ghosts.
A photo showing the entire sidewalk square with the finished Pac-Man and ghosts in it. The sun is lighting part of the square and casting a shadow of my neighbor's tent over it.
A photo of the finished artwork from a high angle. The finished art shows Pac-Man chasing two scared ghosts, with two drops of spit flying out of Pac-Man's mouth, shadows under all the subjects, and three lines emanating from Pac-Man's head. The lettering underneath the illustration (the square number and the words "Massive Catapult") is also blocked and finished.
Another selfie of me standing over my finished artwork. It is a bit brighter than the first selfie, from the higher sun, and the finished artwork is on the sidewalk square behind me. My son is standing in front of the square, facing away from the camera, and holding a dried leaf over it.
The finished artwork for my Chalk It Up 2026 square with the perspective removed. The illustration is of a Pac-Man with open mouth and teeth chasing two scared ghosts. Underneath is the square number (200) and the words "Massive Catapult", the square's sponsor. You can see grass at the top and bottom of the image and my neighbors' squares to the left and right.
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