These two have had quite a time setting up camp. So they decide to use their idle time near a pond and sit for a moment. Brother decides to make the best of it and sketch.

The twins are ready to pummel each other. Lucky for them, Mom is around to keep the peace. As the old saying goes, "It takes two to tango!"

This piece took a while to do. I tried using virtual models to pose for me using a program called Poser. However, I didn't anticipate how long it would take for me to "move" and "pose" the models to get the right shot. I think, in a pinch, this may come in handy (if I learn how to use it better) but in the meantime, I prefer the live models!

I don't always use the sketchbook to concept new ideas, draw character designs, or do rough/tight pencil drawings. I also use it to "exercise" my skills in a way. The other day we were out at the Aquatic Center with the family. And if you know me, I'm not particularly fond of the sun or pools. So, I had my sketchbook and pencils handy and just set up shop in the shade. (And at this time of the year in DFW - shade temps were probably around 100º or so!) What I like to do every now and then to loosen up is to do gesture drawings - where you draw from life quickly. Most times it is of the human figure in motion, which at a public pool, there were plenty of figures in motion. These exercises help me to draw more loosely and to learn to capture form with simple strokes. Of course, the designer in me can't resist tightening a few things up (like the pipes and structures) and add a little whimsy here and there. Just to portray the searing heat!

Well, for some time now, I wanted to do a new self portrait. I constantly depict myself as a child, but this time, I wanted to do something a little different. I tried to imagine if I were a children's literary character, who would I be? Some of you who know me well may have a variety of answers, but I always likened myself to the Hatter from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. As I worked on the sketch, I did not want to be influenced by any of Tim Burton's images that had been recently released from his upcoming feature based on the book. Besides, as much as I like the look and the design, I did not want to portray myself as "scary." And as I was drawing, I became aware that I looked very ... well, "up to no good." So I added my hands holding the teacup and saucer. So here's my sketch. I have begun painting and will post it soon - I hope.

In this illustration for Red RIver Kids magazine, our main character is looking at a picture of her dad filling a kid pool for her and her sister last summer. This year, he is not home. She has a hollow feeling, like something is missing and she doesn't know how she will handle this summer without him.

Finally. Complete. Not the book. But my personal assignment of illustrating three scenes. I had a lot of fun doing these pieces and hope to work on more dinosaurs in the future. Maybe even some dragons!

Molly finds herself in a shaky situation. Having found the dinosaur bone in her backyard, and making a wish upon it, she has apparently conjured up a large intimidating new friend.

I've been reading a lot of articles lately on artists' workspaces. I find it very interesting the difference from one artist to another. I seem to be more like the one whose work space is fairly utilitarian and worn. I also like clutter and trinkets looking over me. However, I have seen artists' who keep workspaces immaculate and totally presentable as a formal room of their homes. One artist has labeled and categorized his materials, papers, paints and even water! So, here's my drawing table as I was painting the 3 illustrations for Red River Kids. Since it was just 3, I worked on them simultaneously - to keep a consistent palette. The iPod kept me company as the room I'm in is isolated from the rest of the house. For a closer look, click on the image to embiggen!