His Breath Smelled like Limburger Cheese
I’m not 100% sure what’s going on in this picture, but I have no doubt that spending his day in the house of a creepy old man wasn’t exactly the way this kid hoped things would turn out. There’s a story here, I’m just not exactly sure what it is.
His Breath Smelled like Limburger Cheese belongs to the following groups:
Art and Stories Made For Children, Cute-n-Creepy Illustrations, Fine Arts, Humour Captured and Pencil Drawing (2 per 24 hrs) Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints

cheetaah
His angry at him, why? did he broke something? hmmm or may be the old guy wants to be alone. Great work.
Steven Novak replied
He might not be angry per say, but I do think he has something evil and nefarious in store for the kid. Never trust someone with a really skinny unibrow. ;) Thanks Cheetaah!
darkestartist
maybe he’s saying, “In my day, when a kid broke a window with a baseball, we pulled his underwear over his head and hung him from the window…” lol.
great look of terror on the kid’s face tho
Steven Novak replied
And the kid is replying “ALL the way over the head!? The elastic couldn’t stand such pressure!” To which the old man replies, “Well, lets give it a try. Consider this a science experiment.” ;)
butchart
day old limburger cheese…...and he’s angry because rodney cut the bushes to short… now the neighbors can see into the house…it’s much too bright
Steven Novak replied
Possibly. It doesn’t look like the old man has the best skin, does it? ;)
Mark Peterson
Excellent!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Mark! Much appreciated.
BLYTHART
He’s saying, “If you don’t eat your fruit and vegetables, you’ll grow up to look like me!”
Steven Novak replied
If that is in fact the case the kid will no doubt gorge himself on helping after helping of brussel sprouts that evening at dinner. ;)
vertigodog78
The old man looks like a house-servant. The drawing is sublime: magical and not too scary, but certainly that boy is surprised. When you think of the story, I’d love to hear it man! Good work!
Steven Novak replied
My wife is a primary school teacher and for whatever reason out of everything I’ve done over the years that has made it’s way into her classroom, the kids have responded the most to this one. I have yet to figure out why. Thanks Luke!
Conrad Stryker
Ha! Some groovy-ass stuff, right there.
Steven Novak replied
I can dig groovy-ass. Thanks!
Imber
This is just wonderful!
Steven Novak replied
Thank you much Imber!
Tine Wiggens
Oh WOW! Your drawing is amazing!!! Brilliant!!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Tine! Though “brilliant” might be giving me more credit that I deserve. ;)
Karin Taylor
i could look at this for ages, the detail is fab, fantastic drawings just spill outa ya don’t they just!
Well, the thing i prob love best is the light and shade, it’s bloody fantastic. You are so annoying tho!
I tried to say it’s crap, but i just can’t!!!.....sO, i guess i am just going to accept that i am nicer than you…(or just plain passive-aggressive….....so don’t push me Steven, lol)
Steven Novak replied
No offense, but I’ve seen the picture of you and, well…you aren’t exactly what I would call “intimidating.” ;) Seriously though, thanks again Karin!
Ria Rosa Quinto
Superb detail. I could almost smell that limburger cheese.
Steven Novak replied
Really? Then I think I owe you an apology. ;) Thanks!
atomikboy
Awesome!!!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks!
Tahnja
brilliant illustration! Sure seem like there’s a definate story there to be told. Hmm, did anyone ever tell you that your profile pic makes you look like Ewyn McGregor? Not an ugly man to look like for sure LOL!!
Steven Novak replied
You should be nicer to Mr. McGregor. There’s no reason to insult him like that. ;) Thanks Tahnja!
ElRobbo
Rock on, Steven!
Steven Novak replied
Indeed I shall, thanks!
pinkyjain
This is wonderful, & beautiful, such detail, such characters, hee hee, i wouldn’t want to be in that kid’s shoes. Gonna be a great story
Steven Novak replied
Thanks again Pinky!
butchart
no it doesn’t…. from lack of sunlight… he’s used the fire for light for years…. his sight has diminished to nothing from all the squinting he’s had to do…..... the wrinkles grew heavy from overly used squint muscles…........
darkestartist
cause old people are scary to kids, i think. i know I didn’t like them. Hell, I still don’t most of the time. :)
Tine Wiggens
No it is brilliant and now it’s my turn to be jealous ;-)
BLYTHART
I’m old but no-one is scared of me … where did I go wrong? :))
Michelle Boyer
Awesome work! :)
Steven Novak replied
Thanks again Michelle!
Sally Hanreck
OH my god! Your work is amazing!! those eyelids are so expressive and Your drawings have so much life and movement in them. You really do live and breathe your work, don’t you? I’m in awe.
Steven Novak replied
I do in fact live and breathe my work yes. (Which basically means that I have no life) ;) THANKS SALLY!
Ilunia Felczer
WOW!!!!! fantastic work…I also think you have a story here….
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Illunia!
amarica
Such a wonderful imagination Steven
Steven Novak replied
Thanks again amarica!
Kristal
lol….very creative work
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Kristal!
Shanina Conway
lol! poor little kid is praying mum won’t be long…brilliant work..love your style;)
Steven Novak replied
Or maybe he’s wishing mom hadn’t married dad because grandpa is a REAL weirdo. ;)
mooonrocks
OMG! awesome rendering!........YOU need a break after this one!!! hehe!
Steven Novak replied
I do need a break. I tried convincing my wife that she needed to give me a massage because of all my hard work, she laughed at me and told me to change the cat’s litter box. ;)
helene ruiz
lol..great one!
Steven Novak replied
Thank you yet again for the compliment Helene (You’re spoiling me) ;)
xbrokendreamsx
I love it
Steven Novak replied
You like terror in little children’s eyes? You sicko. ;)
queenykups
thank the lord you commented on my work or I would have risked the tragedy of never seeing your work! wow wee lad, ...Im sure thats not how reality works, but thought it was a nice way of saying…I love your work!
Steven Novak replied
I’ve never in my life been called “lad” by anyone. I kinda dig it. ;) Thanks!
Douzy
All you stuff is incredible – Thanks for leaving a footprint! :)
Steven Novak replied
I wear a size 13 shoe. It’s hard for me not to leave footprints. ;)
Helene Kippert
Great work Steve – very expressive
Steven Novak replied
Thank you Helene!
greenbeards
shivers.
Steven Novak replied
Put on a jacket and sip a hot cup of tea. ;)
peyote
Sorry its a dirty old man with bad breath :(
Or one fugly old Vampire! lol
xXx
Steven Novak replied
Maybe a fugly old vampire with blood breath? ;)
Tara Sheffer-A...
This is awesome! So much drama here. Would love to know the story behind it, but one’s imagination can make an interesting story I believe.
Steven Novak replied
Thanks for the kind words Tara!
Cherie Dirksen
Very cool! Love it! Although I wouldn’t like to be smelling his breath either…LOL
Steven Novak replied
Smells kind of like my wifes breath. (Oh crap, I hope she doesn’t read that) ;)
Leslie Patton
wow great detail. Nice image.
Steven Novak replied
Thanks yet again Leslie! If you keep complimenting me I’m going to get an ego. ;)
Meiko Janke
lol and great in sense, I do remember stuff like that….....
Steven Novak
Thanks Meiko!
Monk
Very well done.
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Monk.
Tracy A Smith
Billy was dared to sneak into scary eyebrow mans spooky hilltop house and old scary eyebrow man jumped out and nabbed him .
I know a typical type cast observation , maybe they are just comparing screams, who knows its just a fantastic comical artwork.
Well done !
Steven Novak replied
Comparing screams, I like that! Thanks Tracy!
LittleHelen
Eeehee…he reminds me of a guy I dated :0 Hahaha
Steven Novak replied
Ouch…too bad for you. ;)
Abdelaziz Alsa...
Steven ,
you have a wonderful style … i like all of your drawings … im an illustrator also for children but i will put my drawings in the site nearly …. i like your way in drawing so much
Steven Novak replied
Thank you, I appreciate that. I look forward to seeing what you put up.
BarbBarcikKeith
Maybe he’s not really angry.. just old.. and everything hurts!! Great piece though..
Steven Novak replied
Strong possibility. ;) Thanks!
BlaizerB
another gr8 piece steve, cheers
Steven Novak replied
Thanks!
Tina Hogg
Excellent drawing….the old bloke’s not taken his meds (they’re stashed away under the kitchen sink). Through his failing eyes this disgusting liittle boy begins to look more and more like Limburger cheese…..he’s even beginning to smell like it….it IS cheese! Bares decaying jaws wide…..
SORRY! Now where are my tablets…..?
Steven Novak replied
Hopefully your tablets are in plain view and you can get yourself a handful easily…because methinks you need them. ;)
Tracey-Anne Pryke
all the above steven
Steven Novak replied
I like that comment. I’m going to start using it myself. ;)
InvisibleSmith
He’s ran out of boiled lollies…. only cheese left.
Can anyone say “Rock Spider”?
Steven Novak replied
Rock spider. ;)
kcranmer
Oh I love this…and your story will follow of course…I always come up with an image idea before I realize what it’s supposed to mean, lol.
Steven Novak replied
I’ve actually drawn entire books before I wrote a single word. ;)
lowvincentyh
This is an excellent drawing!! Awesome!!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks again!
Rosina Lamberti
Cool b/w. Nicely done
Steven Novak replied
Thank you Rosina!
Charl045
Oh wow Steven your an amazing artist!..I love this and look forward to your story! I also can’t wait to dive into your portfolio!
Steven Novak replied
If you dive into my portfolio make sure you do a cannonball…because cannonballs make me laugh. ;)
Naylor
Your work is beautifully exciting !!! I want to hear this story as well … although as I sit and look at this brilliant drawing .. I am finding that I am making my own story up. I LOVE the way you can shade so perfectly .. my eyes love to take in each inch of this piece!! The intesity that you can achieve is increduble !!!!!!!!!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Naylor! I was born with a pencil in my hand (which made for an incredibly uncomfortable birth for my mother) ;)
George Yesthal
I have a very odd and sometimes macabre sense of what is fitting for tales to tell my grandson. I’m sure there are times when this tableau defines our relationship. I am definitely favoriting this. Great job.
Steven Novak replied
Odd and macabre is the best kind of humor. ;) Thanks George!
Tracey-Anne Pryke
Feel free….I’t only work’s if your one of the last to comment….
Daniel Rarela
oho now that’s creepy (and funny)!
have you seen The Orphanage, Steven?! this image is like Bayona’s The Orphanage in reverse…. hehe maybe a famous director will see this and be inspired to make a film called “THE NURSING HOME” :P
Steven Novak replied
I actually did see The Orphanage this weekend…very solid piece of filmmaking. As for “The Nursing Home”, the title itself sends chills down my spine. ;)
Larasolnishko
I can write for you very good story if you wish to illustrate your fabulouse picture…Grazie
Steven Novak replied
Thanks for the offer! I’ll let you know if I ever decide to take it to the next level.
mklau
Outsanding talent .. imaginative illustration that captured my attention
Steven Novak replied
Thanks, I appreciate that.
Jan Piller
Ewwww – I had a dentist like this when I was little! His name was Dr. Mason. hahahahaha this is great!
Steven Novak replied
If Dr. Mason was anything like this guy I bet never wanting to see him is the number one reason you brushed your teeth every night. ;)
RMonroe
Fantastic Work
Steven Novak replied
Thanks again Robin!
Mariaan Krog A...
Wonderful again! You rock!
Steven Novak replied
I tried playing the guitar once…it was anything but “rocking.” ;)
Theresa Rankin
Fantastic storytelling and an incredible style!!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Theresa!
Irish
EXCELLENT Work!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks!
Carrie Glenn
LOL, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ALL of the comments here…and of course your work!!! This is great Steven!
Steven Novak replied
I like how my work is an afterthought in your comment. ;) Seriously though, thanks!
PJ Ryan
your work is incredibly astounding .. such a talent !!
,,, this piece inspires me so much.
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Ryan, I appreciate the kind words. Though the idea of a shmoe like me inspiring anyone is a bit chuckle worthy. ;)
H M Bascom
Ha Ha. This reminds me of my Great Uncle Saul. Old people scare kids. Great work.
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Helen and yes…they do. ;)
Jean M. Laffitau
Again a BRILLIANT b/w work!!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Jean!
Bob Fox
You are a wonderful illustrator! Are you doing any animation with your work? Your work almost looks alive as it is! I could have picked any one to comment on. They are all great!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Robert! Nope, I actually haven’t done any animation work. It’s something I’ve always been interested in, but just haven’t had the time to dive into.
Bob Fox
When your ready, download a 30 day free Flash trial, take the tutorial, and get imaginative. With your art it ought to be great!
S4art
This illustration shows a lot of fear and horror in the child’s eyes, which they should not experience if the child knows that they are loved no matter what accident they have created?

But to me, it brings in the other illustration that you had created.
Steven Novak replied
Thank you much.
ellejayerose
love the title…not the breath
Steven Novak replied
Not big on stinky cheese, huh? ;) Thanks!
klezedawg
wow, just a fantastic piece
Steven Novak replied
Thank you much.
ElYPares
Disturbingly Adorable. Your work is fantastic.
Steven Novak replied
Disturbingly adorable. I like that. I like it a lot!
ellejayerose
love to eat stinky cheese actually – particularly with nasty ass cheap wine at art exhibitions – tends to repeat on me though :)
Steven Novak replied
Remind me never to challenge you to a burping contest. ;)
ElYPares
You can use it for the Title of your next work.. Consider it an inspiration.
DISTURBINGLY ADORABLE
Kim Bender
So nice!!! Great expression in the two faces!!!!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks Kim!
wendyL
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love this!!!!! this takes me back to the day when I was a child and forced to sit on Santa’s knee for pics….Hated it…It was so scary!!!!!!!!
Steven Novak replied
You must have sat on the laps of some VERY scary santas. ;)
Heloisa Castro
simply wonderful!!!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks again Heloisa!
Aloramyst
Lol! I absolutely love it!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks!
ellejayerose
r.e. burping contest IBS syndrome provides a hidden advantage – I can’t stop returning to this image – such an admirable depiction of a disturbing rite of passage :)
MaddyPaddy
Wow! Amazing work! Such talent!
Steven Novak replied
Thanks MaddyPaddy! (Now THAT is a cool name) ;)
Rosemaree
LOL… I think that maybe the kid had to be tutoured in math and this is the guy that his mum (mom if you are American…lol) has ddug up for him. just think math is bad enough… now he has to hang out with this guy to pass…
Great pic…
MillicentMorrow
Such talent…amazing…in awe of your talent and of the image.
4spotmore
Reminds me of our headmaster I would be sent to for not knowing my spelling. I was eleven,
and living with Uncle & Aunt & their two younger Children, & the child’s fearful expression, yep
how I felt … the old guy did do tutoring after he retired at 65… Rosemaree could be right.
Such expressive facial features, exceedingly cleaver..
Cheryl Dunning
love the title..and very expressive drawing! amazing work…
ROUBLE RUST
Amazing work