the current

10.5" x 14" x 5" spalted pecan with vintage Hamilton printer cabinet pulls sold

My friends, Judy and Molly of Float Press, are proud owners of a letterpress, Esther, and are quite talented at designing and printing broadsides (a poem with a graphic, usually 8" x 10").
They asked if I would design and build a box for their broadsides for the upcoming Poetry at Round Top festival. Of course, how could I refuse, right? Oh, the possibilities! The design was pretty straight forward, but soon into the process I realized I was in way over my head as my shop (or my skill set) is not equipped with the precisioned tools necessary for this build.
Had it not been for the help and encourgement from the very talented Rob Eberle of Wildwood in Henly and the extraordinary Woodcraft team in Austin at Burnet and 183, this box would have been throttled out to pasture.
: )

another chase

11" x 14" charcoal on Strathmore paper | nfs

I've received a few emails requesting that I post the photograph, if not drawn from life, and an in-process shot of my next drawing. My pleasure!

First I do a quick sketch, then place the features. Darkening select areas with charcoal, my drawing and palette become one as I spread the dry medium onto the lighter areas.

Here's Chase's softer side, the darling I spoke of yesterday.

: )

chase

8" x 8" charcoal on bristol

Chase is a 90lb+ catahoula. He can appear quite intimidating, but he's really a teddy bear.

I had an interesting time with this drawing. He has a beautiful black and white dappled coat and it was a challenge to keep him from flattening out. A wonderful exercise, but I still see the afterimage dancing around.

: )

He looks sad because he's not with his mom on her special day. Happy Birthday Angela!

grazing in the sun

9" x 12" pastel on toned paper

A quick study for an upcoming commission.

My sketchbook is full of drawings that are more reminiscent of gesture scribbles than quick tonal studies, but I'm getting better at editing faster. Conte stick charcoal and pastels have proven to be more helpful than the pencils. And I get longer poses if I turn the horses out after breakfast as opposed to before dinner.

: )

wiseguy

11" x 14" charcoal

Wiseguy after his breakfast, before his nap.

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After reading a few of your comments I thought it suitable to elaborate.

This sweet old boy was a rescue. One of his previous owners had neglected to remove an undersized halter when he was younger which left a permanent indentation on his nose...which I chose to edit out. He has a residual look of fear or mistrust in his eye that surfaces from time to time that this drawing conveys.

Of the three, Wiseguy is the one who most enjoys his daily grooming and watering down in the summer heat. If we haven't brushed down or hosed off the right spot, he kindly reminds us by backing up or turning around in circles. An incredible soul.

g-pop's valentine, take 2

8" x 8" charcoal on Strathmore paper | nfs 

This square version works better for me than the previous post...yes, I'm a tweaker!

I typically complete a larger drawing so that I have more wiggle room when it comes to cropping or more room on the page to correct the layout. I know, my college profs would not be impressed! My focus with the recent charcoal drawings has been value and light, but mostly composition.

g-pop's valentine

8" x 10" charcoal

Ava takes her grandfather for another walk.