Girlfriend Fishing

Whenever I'm in Richmond I have to go down to the pier to sketch the people fishing. They ignore me sitting or squatting in the corner sketching and taking photos and video. The group varies depending on the day or time you show up. It's always a diverse group and a chill mood until someone catches something. I was able to film a man catching an eel. Of course the video is shaky because I was excited. On this particular day a little girl was catching "all the fish" as one of the guys below would report to me as I was leaving. I had photographed them earlier as they approached the pier

I didn't realize who they were until I uploaded the photos that day.

SOCO Boots OnThe Ground

This is a little slice of bustling South Congress (SOCO) Avenue. Its a very popular spot as its where you will find coffee and the "I Love You So Much" sign.

Hot Deals

I remember taking the photo that led to this painting. We were in the car and Pam told me to look back and to my left. This was the scene. The light and figure drew me in. This woman appeared to be simply waiting at the bus stop and taking in her surroundings. She almost seemed defensive in her posture.

Study Long Study Wrong

If you have ever played a game of dominoes in the south, you have heard the term "study long study wrong". Or that is what my stepfather used to say to me when I played dominoes with him and his buddies. Of course I would slow the game down because I was and am a rookie at the gane. This painting was inspired by a photo taken during a family gathering. My brother referred to this as the grown up table. Even he was smart enough not to compete.

Friday Night Ritual

My parents loved to entertain. If people were around, there was usually a game of cards and/or dominoes going. I usually sat on the couch taking pictures or sketching. The participants had to have thick skin as there was always trash talking.

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.

Dog Wash

I am going back to old photos for another painting series. Most of the photos are from the nineties. The subject is my stepfather and one of his dogs. He is giving her a bath in our yard. Our backyard was large and great for parties.

A sketch book share.

Ruler He Thinks

This is another painting inspired by photos by my bosses daughter. They have a lot of animals and she loves photography. One Easter my mom gave me a baby chick that grew up to be a rooster. That rooster tormented me. He would attack me on sight. One day, I wouldn't go home because he was waiting for me. My mom finally figured out what was causing the delay in me getting home from school. I think that rooster ended up on someones dinner table.

A sketchbook page.

Brazos Hipster Crossing

I snagged the photo that inspired this painting with my camera phone. They just had to be painted. Their body language and spacing drew me to the composition. I started with an ink drawing to which I later added watercolor.

Not Eye To Eye

I was sketching while watching television and came up with this composition. It seemed as if these two had just had an argument that wasn't resolved. I worked on Garza papel watercolor paper. One of my goals this year is to fill up sketchbooks and paint from those sketches more. I am also going to work more with pens and ink.

We Leave It Behind

I made this painting standing on Pam's back porch. Pam had complained about how one of the workers wouldn't pull up his pants as I was doing the initial sketch. Of course this guy had his underwear exposed and that became part of the pun and painting. On a more serious note, I knew the man who lived in that house. He passed away this year. His house is being renovated for sale or rent. That's how I got the title. Gary left behind his home and belongings. I catch myself looking out Pam's window into his backyard. I miss him and I hope he rests peacefully.

Different Directions

A cityscape inspired by my recent visit to Charleston, South Carolina. After the presentation I went out with cameras and sketchbooks. It was hot and muggy but I got in quiet a few photos and sketches. I was attracted to the buildings and the people. I was in the coffee shop of the hotel one morning and in walks this guy in a yellow searsucker suit and sporting a light yellow bow tie. I only had my camera phone and didn't get the shot before he left.

This is a sketch from yesterday's baby prosecutors course. As you can see it has been quite a marathon. I learned a lot and got some motivation.

Rhasta Rules

One of my sisters neighbors. He had long dreadlocks with his hair shaved on the sides. I drew him while hanging out with the family. Color was added later.

Santa Off Season

The subject for this painting is a guy that sometimes stands at the corner of Bee Caves Road with a sign asking for change. He has this huge white beard and always wears a baseball cap. I was in a good place when I painted this one so he appears happy. The title came into my head as I was looking at the painting from across the room.

Matrimony

This is the wedding painting that I referred to in an earlier post. I loved drawing the ceremony and everyone stood still. The colors and outfits were amazing. One of the men in waiting (I don't know much about weddings) bought the painting for the groom. I also took a few photos that I should paint too. I used my graphite water soluble pencil to make the initial drawing. Before I left the garden I put in the darker greens. I finished it later at home.

Just A Sip

We were celebrating something at one of my sister's houses and I caught this shot of a family friend sipping on her drink. Of course she caught me taking the photo too. Hence the knowing glance. I just wanted to have fun with both gesture and color with this one.

Mr. Smooth

This is the first larger watercolor of the "Say Uncle" series. I will post the studies below. I think the studies are a little more animated that this version. I think I will do a pastel of one of the studies as opposed to using the photograph. This is my Uncle Carl in front of his home in San Diego, California. I was out for a visit.

Giving Direction

This is an old fishing buddy of my Stepfather's. He loved moonshine, gin (always had a bottle), beer and fishing. He was always at our family functions and would frequently just hang out at our house. He was very old school. I seem to remember him playing dominoes with my father and his friends and talking plenty of trash. That is customary when one plays dominoes. The two kids are one of my nephews and one of the neighborhood kids. His nick name was John L.

Grill Tending

This is a painting of my stepfather tending his grill/smoker. He loved cooking and entertaining. The photo that inspired this painting was taken on my birthday in 1996. (Back then I had a camera that put the date taken on the photo.) He was probably cooking for my birthday. He did that for his kids, loved ones and friends. I also did a pastel version which I will post soon.

Everyman's Santa

My brother in laws brother asked me to draw him over the holidays. I was sitting around sketching during a family gathering and he turned around and said draw me. I executed a quick sketch in my book and took a photo. I plan on another version in pastel. He has an interesting face with many challenges.