Waiting the blade

I took a photo of this pile of pumpkins a couple of years ago. Yesterday I received some new pastel pencils in the mail so I took 'em on a test ride to the pumpkin patch. It was a joy to work with them. I'm anxious to try a landscape later this week.

Pumpkin Patch Produce

I drew a quick sketch this morning of a couple of pumpkins from the Avila Barn pumpkin patch, which my wife picked out as she bravely "enjoyed" a morning chaperoning a busload of kindergartners.

Georgia Marsh

This painting is done from a photograph taken by my daughter, Kelsey. It is of a wetland area on the island of Saint Simon, a small island off of the coast of Georgia.

A Couple of Pictures from South Dakota

Earlier this summer, my niece, Michelle, spent the summer working in South Dakota. She and the family she lived with hosted my wife and daughter for a short visit. I promised Michelle that I would paint a favorite picture of South Dakota for her. I ended up painting these two which I cleverly named: SD cabin and SD Lake (you have to figure out which is which).

Guacamole, Anyone?

This is a quick sketch done on black paper. I would like to say that after drawing this piece of fruit, I ate it; but, sad to say, I drew it from a photo.

National Elephant

I haven't completed a pen and ink drawing for a long time. I finally had enough staff meetings that I could get some drawing done. This style of drawing, stippling, is labor intensive, but also quite relaxing. As I explore other art mediums, I hope to always squeeze in a drawing or two.

This elephant was photographed at the National Zoo in Washington, so I presume that it is the National Elephant. (Republicans may be pleased by the thought of a national elephant until they realize that it has lived entirely on the government dole.)

Honestly, I was not impressed with the elephant enclosure, it was large but barren. But while I was there, the zoo was constructing an elephant walk way that went throughout the zoo, so that the elephants could go wandering. I'd love to see the elephant enclosure once its completed.

I've included the final sketch and two earlier sketches, too.

This is a Lanner falcon with some creative plumage coloration. I did this earlier this year. I finally got it framed and hung. It's one of my favorites.