Oak Savanna

This is a typical scene in the Santa Ynez valley, an oak savanna. One comment from a reliable critic is that it lacks a central focal point, like some deer or cattle or something. What do you think?

A couple of years ago, a friend was writing a book about the adventures of the humming birds in her backyard. She asked me to do a few quick sketches as illustrations. These are a couple of small sketches which came at the end of the chapters. The two drawings don't go together, but this is how they were submitted to the publisher.

Barn Owl

I do draw things other than birds, but I did draw the falcon in my last post and this one back-to-back. This is, of course, a barn owl.

First Post: First Pastel

I am becoming fixated on creating blogs! This time I am interested in using the blog to keep track of the art I make. It's amazing how many times I come across small stashes of art that I've stuck in a closet or under the bed. The main purpose of this blog is as an organizational tool for me, but if it can bring anyone else some enjoyment, so much the better.

This falcon, a lanner falcon, is taken from a photograph from a good friend in the LA region. Paul Bronstein works at the LA Zoo several times a week as a docent and always brings his camera along. My collection of reference photos is made up largely of work that he has generously shared with me and allowed me to use.

About a month ago, I started using pastels for the first time. Like nearly everything in life, it has both its advantages and disadvantages.