South Congress Barber Shop

Pam and I were hanging out on South Congress earlier this year. While she was wandering around in one of the shops, I stood outside and got in a few sketches. These guys were waiting outside Bird's Barber Shop for their cuts. The town has really grown over the past few years. I remember when SoCo was way more eclectic and less crowded.

South Congress Brunch

A few weeks ago Pam and I explored the South Congress (SoCo) area in Austin. With growth, this area has improved but also managed to retain some of its funkiness. The people watching was rich with variety. I took the time to do a few on site sketches on loose Khadi paper. Pam is used to me sketching but, I try to work quickly so as to not bore her. I liked the people so that is the point of this little sketch people appreciation.

Point Reyes Deer

I spent the week recovering from the two weekends of the West Austin Studio tour. Our gallery did great with sales on both weekends. On the last day I managed to sell about six pieces. That made me very happy. This little painting is from my most recent trip to the Point Reyes National Seashore. Since the drought was easing, a lot of the animals were out grazing and hanging out.

I made this sketch from the 8th floor of our parking garage downtown.

Blight Of Condos

We are going through a lot of growth here in Austin, Texas. Condos are going up and being filled to capacity. Our city has lost a lot of its old feel. It takes longer to navigate the city these days and we sit in traffic a lot longer. I still love living here. I took a break from work on Tuesday and did this sketch standing at 11th and Guadalupe using a fountain pen on watercolor Garza Papel (paper). Daniel Smith watercolors were applied later.

Corner Hustle and Seasonal Bloom 2

If you frequent the downtown area you will encounter many people trying to hustle money or your signature for a cause. I bet only tourists actually stop and engage with them.I was sitting on the steps of Starbuck's coffee when I snagged this sketch across the street.

Another addition to my "counter top" series. Daffodils painted from life in oil on Arches paper.

One Of Us

When I finished this painting one of my first thoughts was the song "What If God Was One of Us". I try hard not to prejudge people so I tend to treat homeless people with respect. You never know. I drew this sketch downtown at 6th and Congress while sitting on the steps of Starbucks. I used my current favorite paper Moulin du Roy made by Canson.

A Little Romance

I did this sketch in downtown Austin about three Sundays ago. I had two pieces of watercolor paper in the car. I sat down on the curb and got this sketch of two apparent lovers sitting on a bench.

From 7th Floor

I was in Charleston, South Carolina for a few days for my day job. I gave a joint presentation on premium fraud prosecutions with an investigator that I work with quiet often. My adventure started on Sunday and ended yesterday. I must say the event was well done and I really did enjoy giving the presentation. We got great feedback from the group. Before I got to work I did this quick sketch from my room window. I was on the 7th floor and had a great view of one of the many rivers that feed into the Atlantic ocean.

After the presentation I got out with my camera and explored the area a bit. I saw this street musician playing the saxophone across the street from the hotel. I put some dollars in his case and took some photos and did this quick little sketch.

Fleeting Moment

A painting from my many plein air excursions downtown in Austin.

Sketchrawl 38

I participated in the most recent Sketch Crawl here in Austin. Here are two sketches from the day.

Austin Bus Stop 3

One of my bus stop paintings. Working with trading card size paper outdoors is a good way to capture just a snapshot of the scene.

A Conversation

After painting the alleyway I walked over to the area in front of Chase Bank and sat at one of the tables. These two guys were sitting on a bench to my right. I did the graphite work on site and finished it up with watercolors.

Austin Alleyway 1

I worked on this last Sunday after the gym. I was standing next to the Athenian Grill looking across at this alleyway. I worked with my aquarelle graphite block and watercolors on my 11 by 14 watercolor paper block.

Austin Bus Stop 2

Two weeks ago I sat down on a bench at 6th and Congress and painted the corner across the street. I was working with watercolor and trading cards. I'm working on painting from memory and also just trying to capture as much data as I can for larger paintings.

Austin Bus Stop 1

Last Sunday after my workout I sat on a bench in front of the Littlefield Building and painted the bus stop across the street. I used the watercolor ACEO trading cards.