happy birthday to me!

charcoal on Strathmore paper

Jack will be 13 tomorrow. He's thrilled as you can see here! We're celebrating with walks and treats and a swim...like almost every other day.

: )

I'm painting a series of skyscapes and charcoal sketches really get me limbered-up for the range of values needed. Artist Laurel Daniel is exceptional in capturing the subtleties and contrasts in her landscapes.

Wiseguy

9" x 9" charcoal sketch on paper

Completed sketch of Wiseguy. What a difference with a darker background. Seeing the shuffling back and forth of foreground to background when altering the values never ceases to amaze and amuse me.

Will be doing more.

busted!

Pruning my flowers again...they all seem so innocent, don't they?

6" x 9" charcoal sketch

Either I will go back into this sketch of Wiseguy or start another tomorrow as I wanted to reveil as much of his features with as little light as possible. Handsome soul.

I hear you

22" x 30" charcoal on Rives BFK

ok...so he's not so small.

This is the drawing I was referring to in a previous post. I've been sketching for days now trying to get Diamond's expression and the lighting just right. It was a bit tricky as he was blasted with sunlight from above but also bathed by the light reflecting up from the concrete pad.

You can set your clocks by this sweet ol' soul...stopping by the studio doorway for his afternoon snack. He takes a look inside, turns his head with ears tracking where you might be, then winnies.

Who has who trained here?

: )

ahhh...

11" x 14" charcoal drawing on Strathmore | sold

props swirling above

escaping the summer heat

in the afternoon

: )

three carrots

10" x 8" charcoal sketch on Strathmore paper

Diamond coming by for his mid-afternoon treat, he loves carrots. He's being featured for an upcoming show...stay tuned.

: )

ripple effect

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

- James. M. Barrie



I had a few pieces of spalted pecan left over from a previous project. One in particular caught my eye as the wood grain resembled the ripples left on the water by a rower paddling the river.

Yesterday, a young lady from our crew left Austin for grad school in upstate New York. Beautiful, talented and witty...a true pleasure to be around. She quietly influenced many in a wonderful way. As happy as I am for those moving on to their next big adventure, I selfishly don't like good-byes.

So Miss Amy I will say...Later, Cupcake! We'll see you on the water.