Serial Imagery Based on the Theme of Relection
January 14, 2016 § 1 Comment
This still life drawing in pencil also speaks to the subject of reflection. Our big red tabby, Jake had to get in on the action and so I incorporated him into the composition.
Shift in Focus
September 22, 2015 § Leave a comment
This is the last of the series of black and white pencil drawings of my friend Hazel based upon the theme of reflection. Here the focus and clarity shifts from the person to the reflection in the mirror. One can see how sparse the small room was in the nursing home. This stands in stark contrast to her environment at home where she had fine china, her grand piano, and a spacious and lovely setting. Yet she was gracious to the end, accepting what life handed her
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Garden Goddess
July 4, 2015 § 1 Comment
I’m reblogging a previous post entitled Garden Goddess as some of my settings were not intact. Additional hue was added to a color pencil drawing to provide more differentiation between the foreground, middle ground, and the background.
Dynamic Composition
June 25, 2015 § Leave a comment
This pencil drawing illustrates the creation of balance on the page. The fan like light leaves spread out over the dark foliage of leaves and stems. The light value of the leaves connects with the space and shadows around the plant providing a strong pathway from objects nearest to us and those furthest away. The result is a dynamic composition filled with dramatic movement
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Lauren in the Looking Glass
November 16, 2014 § Leave a comment
A drawing of Lauren when she was young peering into a mirror on a music cabinet. Notice how the value spectrum really opens up to include whites to very darks leading you as the viewer into the looking glass.
From my Point of View
October 15, 2014 § Leave a comment
This is an older work of me completing a self portrait. You, as the viewer, see things from my point of view. My body becomes dramatically foreshortened and enlarged while my hands and image in the mirror are smaller and lighter in value. This difference allows you to see a steep drop from my eyes to the drawing surface.
St Paul Cathedral
September 8, 2014 § Leave a comment
I am posting the contour and final drawing of the St Paul Cathedral in St Paul, MN. I was looking above the rectory at the dome and wanted to lead the viewer to that upper area. This was accomplished by allowing the focal point to contain all of the values including extreme lights and darks. The gradation scale became more restricted and encompassed only middle range lights and darks in the lower areas. 
Finished Stage of The Pileated Woodpecker
June 8, 2014 § 4 Comments
I haven’t posted for awhile, but finally am finishing the drawing of a Pileated Woodpecker feasting on bugs from a dead tree stump. The last stage involved watercolor washes to support the line drawing or the contour. This stage shows gradations of colored pencil to provide a more subtle clarity to the picture and some pen & ink to allow for more drama. It is a riot of color now as the orange leaves swirl about the bird. I am working with this type of mixed media to spur me towards a more free approach. I still have a ways to go!! Any advise or input would be welcomed!
Persephone in Spring
January 6, 2014 § Leave a comment
Here is a colored pencil of a sculpture of Persephone, the goddess of seasons. This drawing is part of a larger series based on the subject of sculpture in architecture. I personally would like to see the season of spring return as winter is becoming brutal. Times like these when one can be thankful for warmth, shelter, and the company of friends and family. Much to be thankful for in the New Year. Happy 2014 everyone!
Falling Peonies in the Shadows
December 27, 2013 § Leave a comment
Thought I’d give us a reminder of summer with this colored pencil/ pastel of peonies. It’s dark, wintry, and cold where we are. While the snow is beautiful, it’s nice to see some color.
Dr. Mary McNaughton and Drawing 