I'm Staying Here

This painting sat in front of me for quite a while before I knew what it needed. When I posted the study, a Facebook friend posted "where are the cows?". The study didn't have cows nor did the larger piece. I found some cow images in a sketchbook and added them. Thanks for the suggestion Amy.

Sketchbook page.

Outside Customers 2

I posted the study for this painting recently. This one just fell off my pen and brush. It was a joy to paint. I liked the body language of the figures. The young man on the corner was a fun catch. This restaurant was near my hotel.

Jetty Fishing

I found this old painting while clearing out some shelves. It was a study for one of my stepfather's cards. I used to paint and make greeting cards for most holidays. This was a Father's day card. He was an avid fisherman. The photo that inspired the painting was taken in Corpus Christi, Texas.

I was standing on Westbank Drive looking up toward loop 360. I was drawn to the clouds.

Shadow Music (study)

This little painting is a study for a larger piece. I photographed and painted this musician while I was in South Carolina a few years ago. He had on a shirt that advertised Crosby's Seafood (or something similar). This was the first time I spotted him. Later on he was playing in the park in front of the hotel I stayed in.

These are sketches of people waiting in court.

Old Train Depot

I took liberties with an old black and white photo. This is my hometown of Commerce, Texas. I really don't know much about the railroad that goes through there. It does make for beautiful paintings and photos in my opinion. This is the railroad that used to divide the African American and Caucasian communities. I worked on a small piece of UART paper. The under painting was watercolor. I added soft pastel after it dried.

A page from my custom made sketchbook from the makers of The Perfect Sketchbook.

He Pays Attention

This young man is my oldest nephew. He is having a conversation with one of his sons. I like how he interacts with them. I primarily worked with graphite and grey pastels on gesso covered charcoal paper.

A page from my sketchbook.

Branch Government

I love the abstraction created by focusing in on the branches of trees.

Fridge Stickers

This painting is one of my still life pieces that includes some refrigerator stickers. I wanted to change it up a bit. One of the photos is my Mom and the other is an old one of me. I pained it in honor of Mothers day.

A page from on of my toned tan sketchbooks.

Alfred Inspired

I painted this looking out my patio window. I have about five bird feeders in my yard. I chose this format because I had the paper. I love birds but not the mess they make. I still feed them. The initial sketch was in ink. Of course, when you work from life you tend to work from multiple sources for one image.

Sketchbook

Blue Moon

My youngest Aunt passed recently. I couldn't go to her funeral. This drawing was inspired by her. The portrait of her is from a photo I took during a family reunion. She always had those sultry eyes and she could sing. I have not seen her in years. I will miss her.

Sketchbook page. My Stepfather preparing his pit.