Beth Sotelo

Moving to Wordpress.

2010-04-28T18:11:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give a heads up that my blog is getting a shiny new Wordpress home, but it will still be accessible through www.bethsotelo.com once all the transferring is sorted out.

Hope to see you there!

~Beth

Long Beach Comic Con Adventures

2009-10-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post a thank you to all the fine folk at the Long Beach Comic Con. It was very pleasant. I didn't get smacked with any backpacks or bags while walking around, and it was easy to meet everyone!

Here are some trading card/sketch giveaways I wanted to share.

Also, have a look at this Comic Impact Video which includes interviews from *ME*, J.T. Krul, Richard Starkings, Amanda Connor and more! Thanks Dana, for not cutting me out!

If you have iTunes, then subscribe to Comic Impact's podcast!

Long Beach Comic Con

2009-10-01T17:07:00.001-07:00

"Umm...I was like umm...like umm..."

Finished me up some Soulfire Vol.2 #1 and onto issue #2. A little Kiani Aspen Showcase sprinkled in. Now it's time to say hello and prepare for the Long Beach Comic Con this weekend!

There will be an Aspen Panel Saturday @1:00.

There will also be a special Coloring Comics panel Saturday @3:00
Peter Steigerwald, Christina Strain, Alex Sinclair, Moose Bauman and I will be "talking about our experiences as professional comic book colorists."

I'll have some Grump Appreciation Packs to give away, so if you want one come ask me at the show. You don't have to be as awesome as Tony Parker and send me some sweet creepy-cute art like this...

*By Tony Parker*

Hope to see some of you at the show!

Empty Apartment :(

2009-08-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

I'm the lucky owner of Francis Manapul's new 2009 Artbook AND Agnes Garbowska's book Y0u, Me, & Zombie!!! Not only that, but look at those sketches!! Grump lovin'.

Joel and I had Agnes and Francis visiting with us throughout SDCC. They're on a plane back home to Toronto, where they will enjoy two full days before they head back out to the Chicago convention.

It's always nice having them around. It's too quiet here now.

Agnes Garbowska on Deviant:

Francis Manapul's on Deviant:

Thank you SDCC

2009-07-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a con sketch I did for Lenny at the San Diego Comicon.

Here is the San Diego Comicon 2009 free Grump Appreciation pack. Two mini-prints, three stickers, one magnet and one fine hand-crafted sketch.

As always, It was nice seeing all of you. Ryan, Jason, or Evic never made themselves known at the booth, but I hope you guys all did some good collecting at the show!

Next up: Long Beach!!

San Diego Comicon: Prints/Drawing list

2009-07-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Are you on my list?

I'm packing free goodies for the good kids, so leave your name in the comments and come meet me at the Aspen Comics booth this weekend. Make sure you add your name by Thursday, because I don't think with all the hoopla I'll have time to check once the con is underway.

Also, here are two new prints available in Artist Alley table DD-09 with Joel Gomez (colors by me).

See you there!

Aspen Matthews

2009-07-01T20:43:00.001-07:00

Here's another commission I colored for a long time Aspen fan and friend, Thomas.

The artist is Siya.
You can find her on DeviantART here: ~kamillyonsiya

The Scream

2009-06-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

This is a commission I colored for Matthew Siu from New Zealand. He sent me the line art last winter and said he'd get back to me when he was ready to have it colored. I thought he forgot about it, but sure enough he contacted me recently and here it is!

I had fun matching the colors up with the painting it was inspired by. Thank you Matt!

Just Keep Walking...

2009-06-05T20:16:00.000-07:00

I was looking at Scalped #29 (cover by Jock) and it made me want to color this guy from my last post.

Sketch clippings

2009-06-01T16:23:00.000-07:00

Happy June!

I put a bunch of sketches on a single image to share. Some of them were done at the beach (guess which ones ;), some were for testing out new pens and some were done while just waiting around.

Dr. Serious

2009-05-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Don't go to his house for Memorial Day BBQ.

Quick Sketch

2009-05-23T19:03:00.000-07:00

New calligraphy pens!
I got new pens in the mail that I'm having fun trying out.

Rockdude

2009-05-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

On a distant, waterless planet, this guy collects rocks.

Tattoo #2

2009-05-07T14:55:00.000-07:00

This is madness!! A Kings Of Leon fan from Germany is showing KoL love.

Happy Birthday to me!

Cove Robot! Aaahhh!!

2009-05-04T18:04:00.000-07:00

Stay indoors!

Kings Of Leon Tattoo

2009-05-03T18:49:00.001-07:00

Dario from Dubrovnik, Croatia was kind enough to send me this picture of his new Kings Of Leon tattoo that he got from my T-Shirt design.

I didn't win the contest, but a tattoo is even better! Thanks Dario. You made the pain of losing easier to handle :)

Sneaky

2009-04-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

What is she up to? I dunno, but now I'm craving Cheetos for some reason.

'tude

2009-03-12T10:18:00.000-07:00

A-tti-tude! She likes her new vest.

I got some new pens. Thought I'd try them out.

Dr. Serious

2009-03-07T19:42:00.001-08:00

...he don't play.

San Francisco WonderCon Doodles

2009-03-03T12:09:00.001-08:00

Thanks San Francisco! WonderCon was great. It's always fun to sketch in all your sketchbooks and see the "what-the-heck-is-this" faces!
I wish I could have seen more of the city, but I'll be back for sure!

And thanks to Danny and Claudia! I hope you like your little sketch-cards I'll see you again at the San Diego Comicon!!

Get yer Grump On!

2009-02-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

The San Francisco WonderCon is right around the corner! I'll be there at the Aspen Comics booth all weekend, so come say hello!!

Do you want me to pack you some special free Grump-ness? Leave a comment by Thursday night and I'll bring something just for you!

Right now I'm feeling like the Grump bottom-right.
By Thursday I'll be approaching Grump top-center,
but if you comment I'll be more like Grump bottom-left!

See you in San Francisco!!

PBJ's for lunch

2009-02-19T16:24:00.000-08:00

Another marker/pen trading card.
I'm just going to keep trying these 'till they get good!

Paint Pen Practice

2009-02-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

I bought some paint pens over the weekend and thought I'd try them out. I used mostly Copic markers and DecoColor pens for this.

I'm pretty sure I'll be going to the San Francisco WonderCon this month. If you'll be there too, let me know in the comments and I'll bring something for ya!

I'll make sure to post more info about it when the date gets closer.

Thanks New York!

2009-02-11T19:42:00.000-08:00

Here's something from my sketchbook. I messed around with it off and on throughout Saturday at the convention.

For the last few conventions I've been offering free Grump stuff for blog commenters. Art was the lone commenter for the New York Comic con goodies. Here are the mini prints he got. Besides these prints, he got some stickers, magnets AND a one of a kind Grump drawing made just for him :)

I'm glad to have met you Art!

I also had fun chatting it up with Jessie pictured below (on the left!).

It was nice meeting Jeff Balke, and also ChrisShields from DeviantArt.

I wish I didn't have to wait until October 2010 for the next NYCC.

The San Diego Comicon will have to do for now.

New York-Bound

2009-02-05T02:31:00.000-08:00

It's about that time!

I'm on my way to the New York Comic Con. I'll be packing some art for Art (looking forward to meeting you!)

I will also have a few mini Grump prints to sell, plus free stickers and magnets.

See you at the Aspen Comics booth!

To The Moon!

2009-01-26T15:26:00.001-08:00

Maybe she's mad because I'll be spending Grump's birthday at the New York Comic Con.

Hello my Chickens!

2009-01-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

{END.HIBERNATION}

In a couple weeks I'll be heading off to the New York Comicon. If anyone will be there let me know and I'll bring something for you, but you have to let me know before I leave town. Leave a comment and I'll pack some goodies!!

In my absence I've been working on some marker and painted (acrylic) trading cards. I'll be adding a store to the website soon, but if you're interested in an original hand crafted trading card email me at BethSoteloinfo@gmail.com.

Winter needs to kick rocks. I'm ready for Spring!

Super Grump-Girl

2008-11-20T13:18:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to share another commission I did at the New Zealand Armageddon Expo, and also say that the Tribute signing was canceled (huge fires in the area). Hopefully it will be rescheduled soon!

Golden Apple Northridge Signing

2008-11-12T10:53:00.000-08:00

There will be a huge signing event at Golden Apple (Northridge) on November 15, at 1~5PM. It will be a big celebration in honor of Michael Turner. There will be music, food, games...it's definitely an event, not just a signing! The proceeds from the Michael Turner Tribute Book, and this event, will benefit the American Cancer Society.

There will be plenty of artists signing, so it will be well worth the drive out. Let me know by Friday (Nov 14) if you'll be there and I'll pack some stuff for you :)

New Zealand/Australia Armageddon Expo

2008-11-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

(but don't miss the new signing info at the end of the post!!)

Those were the best conventions ever! Hello new visitors, and hello to Craig and I-Hua!

What a whirlwind these last couple of weeks have been. It was nice to meet all of you. I hope it isn't too long before we're able to visit again.

I wanted to share some of the drawings I made for the fine folks on the other side of the planet, but first I'll start with the photo of myself and Craig. It was nice to see you in person, Craig!

Craig got one of the little print sets I like to make. Usually before a signing or convention I'll post about where I'll be and ask for commenters to let me know if they plan to attend (so I can bring something for them), but please comment before the convention/signing so I have time to gather things for you!

I only took a picture of a couple drawings from the New Zealand Armageddon Expo...

Both conventions were really busy. They passed by in a blur. Here are a few things that kept me occupied through the Australian Armageddon Expo...

That last one was for Trevor Wood (artist for Sawbones).

...and here's a Koala picture for good measure!

There's a signing for the Michael Turner Tribute Book at Golden Apple this November 15 at 1~5PM. Post a comment no later than Nov. 14 so I can make you something nice, but I'll post again before we leave to be sure to catch everyone.

That's about it for now. Time to wrap up Shrugged #8!

So much to do!

2008-10-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Manny is hard at work getting ready for our trip to the Auckland, New Zealand (October 25th - 27th) and Melbourne, Australia (November 1st - 2nd) conventions.

If you'll be at either of those conventions leave a comment and let me know. I'll save something nice for you!

Who likes puppies?

2008-09-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

Everyone's getting a dog, except me ~sad face~
This is my imaginary dog, and he's the cutest!

Kiai!

2008-08-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

At the San Diego Comic-con I asked Micah Gunnell for a quick sketch idea and the first thing that came to his mind was Karate Grump.

I scanned it in (my scanner doesn't work very well) and added color in photoshop. Kiai!

Olympic awesomeness.

2008-08-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, I've been watching the Olympics!
No, I don't watch any of those sports during any other time of the year and that's ok.

Now that my favorites are pretty much done it will be less exciting. At least I won't have to invade Joel's "Call of Duty 4" with a picture-in-picture of gymnastics in the lower right hand corner of his killing screen.

Two more sketches

2008-07-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a couple more of the sketches I brought to the San Diego Comic-Con. A few dozen more of these and I just might get the hang of it!

Thanks for a great SDCC!

2008-07-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

There were a handful of people I knew I would be seeing at this year's San Diego Comic-con who were flying in from different parts of the world. These people have kept in touch with me either here or at the Aspen Comics message board for years and always have encouraging words for me, and are really nice people in general.

I wanted to make something special for them, so I collected my stickers, magnets, made a couple mini prints and made each of them a one of a kind Grump drawing!

I love having free stuff to give, so if you come around here make your presence known! I just might have a Grumpy surprise at a convention for you too.

...and apologies for ruining your sketchbooks every year.

San Diego Comicon

2008-07-23T01:38:00.000-07:00

Marcus Fenix says, "DON'T MISS IT!"
This piece was penciled by Joel Gomez and colored by me.

Unfortunately I won't have my own spot at the con, but all my wares (including this Gears of War print) will be for sale in artist alley with

Joel Gomez
table: DD-17

I'll be at table DD-17 with him, and also at the Aspen Comics booth. If you see me, ask me for some Grump stickers!

I will also have with me to sell:

13x19

and

6x8

13x19

and

6x8

8x6

8x6-ish

CH-CHAK

2008-07-13T19:12:00.000-07:00

In a world
cracked dry from heat,
one Grump
kept his cool.

RUN!!!

2008-06-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

The Deadline Monster is gonna get us! AHHHH!

Oh the humanity.

Let's Celebrate Art

2008-05-30T16:29:00.000-07:00

Today is Art Day at the Gillispie School in La Jolla!

My husband Joel and I were invited to speak to grades k~6 about how comics are made.
There were two groups of 90 students. First the younger group, then the older group.

Here's Joel teaching the First Graders three-point perspective...

...I'm kidding! He was great with the kids. The above picture was part of his explanation about the different things he needs to draw to tell the story.

If you know me, you know I'm no great speaker, but I definitely win the I-Try-Hard award today. My contribution was a simple demo of how pages are colored in the computer. I had a page prepped for some simple coloring, and a page that was done to show the finished product.

Bam!

The Q and A part was fun. All the age groups had great questions. In the younger group one kid asked how many pages Joel had to draw and Joel told him he had to do 17 a month. Another kid enthusiastically raised his hand to share with us that he had 17 kids in his class! Thumbs up to stream of consciousness!

We brought copies of The Batman Strikes for everyone, and plenty of Grump stickers to go around, although I removed my website info because of my Sky Doll blog post (mature content).

The whole experience was more fun than I had expected!

Now, it's back to work. :)

Making room in the shopping bag.

2008-05-13T17:41:00.001-07:00

We're making room in our Wednesday shopping bag for the English adaptation of Sky Doll!

C. B. Cebulski (Loners, Aspen Showcase: Aspen Matthews #1) wrote the English adaptation for this French comic that I first saw in Mark Roslan's collection. My favorite is the third book, but I'll be looking forward to them all!

Thank you NYC!

2008-04-25T12:45:00.000-07:00

Everyone loved both Francis Manapul, and Marcus To's prints. Some people really liked my Grump stuff too! It was exciting to see people's response to it. I'll have more ready for the San Diego Comicon, prints AND Grump.

The New York Comic Con was great, and we enjoyed perfect weather! I'll be posting more pictures at Myspace of my week in Manhattan soon.

It was nice meeting a bunch of new people. If any of you are reading, thanks for visiting!

Who likes Laydees who kick butt?

2008-04-16T22:05:00.000-07:00

I do!

So does Francis Manapul, penciler of Legion of Super Heroes -and- Iron and the Maiden. He and I will have this print on hand at the New York convention this weekend.

I'll have some freebie stickers and magnets on hand too. If you see me, ask!

Who likes Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy?

2008-04-14T22:30:00.001-07:00

I do!

So does Marcus To, penciler of Soulfire Volume 2.

He and I did this print for the New York convention this upcoming weekend. I'll post more of what I'll have at the con throughout the week.

A sure sign of Grumpiness

2008-04-09T22:37:00.000-07:00

Behold!

My gigantor 70"x31.5" banner to be debuted at the New York Comicon.

It will either be signsational or completely obnoxious. I will find out on the other side of the country.

New York Comicon comin' up fast.

2008-04-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

New York Comicon April 18~20

I'll have a spot in artist alley along side these fine folks. Here's where we'll be.

CHRISTINA STRAIN F14
EMILY WARREN F13
DAVID NAKAYAMA F11

~and me~

BETH SOTELO F12

Come say hello!

Layin' down the law...

2008-04-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

Don't make me laugh when I'm trying to take a nice picture!

Hello Valentines!

2008-02-14T20:51:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is out having a nice time.
Don't mind me. I have some chocolate strawberries to eat!

I did actually paint this Valentine. Go me!

Party Favors

2008-02-11T22:18:00.001-08:00

I made this gif with some of the images from the Big Birthday Video. It inspired me to work more with Adobe ImageReady, and After Effects but my trials with that was less successful.

The next Birthday party should look even better! I should start working on it now.

This other photo is of The Girl practicing in my apartment. She told me not to post it. Shh!

Can you believe it?

2008-02-10T00:41:00.000-08:00

On this day, about 24 hours ago, my dearest Grump was born!
Congratulations, Grump!

What a cutie!

Oh Joy!

2008-02-04T14:20:00.000-08:00

In the beginning there was GRUMP.

Can hardly wait!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T00:45:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone's been good!

This is Grump's first Christmas. I don't think he knows what to expect. We're all very excited! Well, maybe not Manny.

Take care! ...and Happy New Year too!

Where have I been?!

2007-11-09T22:06:00.001-08:00

I'm sorry Grump! Let's go do something fun.

I mean to post about 3 times a month, but no time for October Grumpin'. It's a shame really.
With all the upcoming Holiday action we should have a lot to share...except the pumpkin pie!

Iron and the Maiden #4

2007-09-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

I guess this is ok to post since it's on CBR now. I've never colored over Jim Lee before. It was fun! He's easy to please. Or maybe he was just being gentle with me. I think it was the latter, actually.

Here's the biggest correction. Iron's grill! What happened!? My first try was terrible. I couldn't make sense of the line art I was coloring. Jim told me to just send it back and he'd fix it himself on his cintiq. I thought I could fix it myself so I gave it a try before I sent it over. It was a huge help that Joel kept a copy of the pencils. That's what I used as reference for my changes that Jim approved. Go me!

They're on their way somewhere...

2007-09-05T16:40:00.001-07:00

Poor guys picked the hottest day to go.

If heat was daisies, this would be me.

2007-09-04T12:05:00.001-07:00

I don't have much else to say. My computer and I are about to burst into flames.

Practicing with the paint...

2007-08-26T12:37:00.000-07:00

...so far I've got the white square down.

Super Wizard World Chicago

2007-08-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

I had a great time meeting all of you in Chicago! I've been hanging on to this Shrugged #6 cover, but it has already been released as the Wizard World Chicago 2007 variant for the issue, so up it goes!

A little about coloring this cover...

I printed two copies of Micah Gunnell's line art on a board and made a mess with some watercolor. On one copy I did the background textures and foreground on the second copy, then scanned it. I foolishly thought I could drop out the line art if I deleted the black channel in Photoshop. That didn't work, but with a lot of cleaning up I was able to slide the watercolor under the original line art file. A lot of work went into tweaking the colors in Photoshop. The watercolored boards eventually found their way into the round file bin.

Ta-da! Anyway....

Thanks to the people that let me know they come around this blog every now and again. I feel like I messed up a couple of your sketchbooks with my rookie attempts. Next year I'll knock your socks off (well...I'll try really hard to).

I came home to a digital stack of Loners #5 and Shrugged #7 pages so I'll be away coloring those for a while. Wish me luck!

Hello Wizard World Chicago!

2007-08-08T22:28:00.000-07:00

Edit 8/16: This t-shirt is a heat transfer I printed out and ironed on in a mad rush before the convention. It's hand wash only (which is a t-shirt deal-breaker for me) and faded considerably at that.
I've ordered a proper one from Zazzle.com and if it's much better I'll be going about it that way instead.

I'll be in Chicago this weekend passing out free stickers and spreading the Grumpiness to all!

When I'm not signing at the Aspen booth I'll be hanging out with Christina Strain (superstar colorist) in Artist Alley.

I'm looking forward to seeing some of you there!

...I mean to say I'm looking forward to seeing everyone who goes, not that there are some of you whom I'm not looking forward to seeing...am I still typing...?

When did Manny swipe Grump's ride?

2007-08-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

Where's the love, Manny? Honestly.

I hope you like!

A very special thank you.

2007-07-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

Hmm. I don't know what to say about this one. The creep factor was unintentional, but as it steadily increased I kind of ran with it. Now it looks like it should be hanging in the Haunted Mansion! I like that.

Grump really does like his new, agreeable, solar powered Friend though!

Thank you!!

The cost of 'casual' at the con...

2007-07-24T13:16:00.001-07:00

Flip...flap.slap...flip...flap.slap

So I went blog-fishing a couple of days ago and everyone's latest post was either
~Are you ready for San Diego Comicon?~
or
~It's that time of year again!~

Of course I thought "ME TOO!" so here's my Comicon post!
And no, I am most definitely not ready.

VROOOOM!

2007-07-23T00:10:00.001-07:00

Hairs blowin' in the wind.
I hope he's coming down my street.

I think she's cute.

2007-07-19T15:39:00.001-07:00

No, It's not Grump in a wig!

They haven't even met......yet.

Ode to Kings Of Leon pt 1

2007-07-15T09:57:00.001-07:00

~ More at bethsotelo.com ~ :)

About a month ago Kings of Leon announced a t-shirt contest on their website. I waited until the last minute to enter mine because of the little robbers-of-ideas I saw posting submissions. I even saw someone submit a Guy Burwell Kings of Leon gig poster. Tisk Tisk

I wanted to include the band members without swiping their promo-photos, so I hid pictures of them (from screen captures of live shows) in the L E O N.

By now there are a handful of good designs that will probably win over mine. Sad Face.

Ode to Kings Of Leon pt 2

2007-07-14T16:38:00.000-07:00

Here's my second contest submission. I was trying to make a shirt Joel would wear. He came up with this idea.

After this, all I can say is I hate letters. Big thumbs down. At least it gave me another opportunity to try something new whilst paying homage to one of my favorite bands.

That's RIGHT!

2007-07-12T23:04:00.000-07:00

Things have been going Grump's way for a while. Now even his team won! Whoo-hoo!!! Too many good things...

...just wait 'till security pulls this 'Grumpy' fanatic off the field.

He has ALL the ram.

2007-05-29T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hey Grump, be careful with that! I don't want to have to document your Blue-Screen-of-Death next.

Arrrrgh!

2007-05-23T23:47:00.001-07:00

Are you ready?!

Oh, the HUMANITY!

2007-05-12T15:03:00.000-07:00

He's never been more scared in his life, but it's better to have your wisdom teeth pulled out sooner rather than later.

I think he'll do just fine. I hear it isn't so bad once it's over.

ROCK OUT!

2007-04-11T18:29:00.000-07:00

Since I sprained my pinky playing, Grump finally got his chance to be a Guitar Hero. Unfortunately we only have one guitar so I can't get any of those co-op achievements.

I'm trying to post as often as I can, but these 'sketches' are taking longer to finish, and I'm having less time to do them. I'll do the best I can though.

Enjoy!

Manny ALWAYS has better luck finding his size!

2007-03-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

I feel your pain, Grump. I feel your pain.

Wizard World Los Angeles, done and done.

2007-03-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

Oh no! Grump's attempt at hanging his booth sign resulted in a nasty spill!
Luckily, my convention experience went more smoothly.

It's always nice to see the familiar faces and to meet new folks. I hope all you guys and ladies had a nice stroll through the convention hall and made some nice purchases.

It looks like I'll have a busy spring/summer but I'll keep updating this blog and hopefully have something interesting put together in the not-so-distant future.

WWLA 'Round the Corner

2007-03-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

When you see this guy at Wizard World Los Angeles make sure to say "hi!", but don't cut in front of him in line. He takes no guff.

I'll be there too, in Artist Alley with Joel Gomez and Talent Caldwell. I may have some mini prints to trade you for some lunch money.

See you there!

Off to N.Y.!

2007-02-19T03:58:00.000-08:00

I'll be ready to post more terrific art when I get back from the New York convention this weekend.

Send me toasty thoughts.

Getting ready for Valentine's Day!

2007-02-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, Grump's nail clippings flung across the room and weren't to be found until later that Spring.

A weekend offering.

2007-02-10T22:38:00.000-08:00

Grump shakes his fist at the world!
Next time he'll run through daisies or something cheerful.

Something new.

2007-02-09T12:57:00.000-08:00

Grump says thumbs down.
He's just a little sketch I did so I'd have something new to add. I like him, so I'll probably post another one soon.

The cover my computer hated.

2007-02-08T19:07:00.000-08:00

Weighing in at over 400MB, this cover killed my 1gb of ram. I did the background as a whole, but separated the foreground into four pieces. Eventually I merged the whole thing. That's when photoshop threw a tantrum.