Tulips (2007)

Charcoal on tinted paper (12" x 16")

Man, do I love this one! It was a quick sketch, half an hour, with a
stick of charcoal, an eraser and a cloth. The tulips were in a vase
on the counter, luckily just at their peak (today the petals are falling
all over the place). Everything just worked. Makes up for some of
the disasters I had when I tried out conté crayon a few weeks ago.

Laughing (2007)

Charcoal on tinted paper (8.5" x 11")

For this sketch from a photo taken last summer I tried something
different, a technique I read about in a book by Douglas Graves.
The paper is covered lightly with charcoal and then the areas of
shadow are gradually darkened and the lighter areas are erased,
either with a cloth or the kneaded eraser. It was quite quick and
fairly easy to do. I used charcoal sticks instead of a compressed
charcoal pencil so the charcoal was drier and easier to take off
the paper (too easy, sometimes, as I kept accidentally rubbing off
what I had just done). I will stick with this technique for a
while and see how it goes.

Dad (2006)

Oil on canvas (16" x 20")

A painting from a photo executed for my mother on the anniversary
of my father's passing. I was surprised at how the artistic process
took over from the emotional reaction while I was painting this -
I was able to see it as a work of art without being overwhelmed by
the personal associations. I compare it with the first portrait I
ever did and am pleased to see that I have learned many things and
am developing my own style.

Woman In Profile (2007)

Charcoal on tinted paper (8.5" x 11")

Drawn from a photo. I was very happy with this one as I knew
exactly when to stop, for once. Usually I try to add more shading
and end up working it to death. Here I achieved the resemblance
and feeling I wanted, then quit.

Reclining Nude (2007)

Charcoal on tinted paper (8.5" x 11")

My first nude from life, and next time I will use bigger paper. I'm
not unhappy with the results but there was more detail I would have
liked to convey, but with charcoal you can only get so fine a line.

Two Carnations (2007)

Charcoal on tinted paper (8.5" x 11")

A couple of carnations, sketched from life like mad as the sun crossed
the sky and the light started changing. I had to quit when both
flowers were in shade. The left one came out a bit flat but the right
was all right. It taught me the value of doing the big things first,
at any rate.

On Vacation (2006)

Red chalk on paper (12" x 16")

A first try at a chalk portrait, from a photo taken on vacation last
summer. The photo is a bit blurry but gets the point across. I was
quite happy with the figure but would do less shading in the
background in the next one.