"Tami"

I tried a different method when I started this portrait. I drew directly onto a piece of Bristol vellum without using a grid. It was a challenge but I was successful in the end. I purposefully rendered the torso and hand less detailed because they aren't the focal point. The face has all the attention. Thanks for visiting!

"Tim and Bella"

A commission for my sister of our cousin and his recently deceased dog. When he was presented with the finished portrait he was very moved. Another successful adventure! This was somewhat difficult for me as I was enlarging it from a smaller reference, there were two subjects and the reference was not good quality. I took on the challenge and I feel it was rather successful. Thanks for visiting!

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"Storm Coming"

When I started sketching this scene it was sunny out but windy. After a while I noticed these dark clouds moving in. I just barely made it to my car with all my gear without getting soaked.  A little work in the studio to add the dark cloud. Thanks for visiting!

"Heritage Trail at Dusk"

A quick sketch at dusk on a nearby trail by my home.  It was quite cool and got cold really fast.The sun was low and sinking fast so I had to be quick about it. I like the light and dark patterns that were formed by the sun streaking through the trees. Thanks for visiting!

"In the Valley"

I found this valley way up north above the White Mountains in New Hampshire. What a beautiful place! This stream was running through it and I found the scenery so spectacular! I painted this on site with a few touch ups in the studio. I really enjoyed painting this piece and I was so happy to find this huge valley. Enjoy!

"Lazy Day"

I really love this area near my home. The park is called Mine Falls  and it covers quite a large area. This section is not visited as much as it's a bit out of the way and not too well known. The river is shallow here and as the sun shines on it you can see all the sparkles. A beautiful place. I wanted a simple, colorful piece where the light was bright and soft. Enjoy!

"Brook Trout Heaven"

I set up right by the riverside and positioned myself looking upriver. The view downriver was beautiful too. The area is right next to a country road with a nice path and a little flat area next to the river to stand for fishing or in my case, to paint. I loved all the colors, the shallow river, and the way the river twisted and turned a bit as it disappeared into the distance. Painted on site with minor touch ups in the studio. Thanks for visiting!

"Goffes Mill Stormy Sky"

This is an historical site near my home called Goffes Mill. Interestingly enough it is located behind a shopping mall now. It is fenced off from the parking lot but you can walk around the fence, which I did. I sat in a grassy area and proceeded to sketch the scene before me as ominous clouds approached. It got windy, much cooler and darker. I finished up in a hurry and scurried to my car. It did rain but only lightly. I was experimenting with some very dark compressed charcoal. I will continue to experiment. Thanks for visiting!

"Solitude in the Country"

A nice scene in the country along a river bank. I sketched this sitting right beside the river while I listened to all of nature around me. The lull of the stream casually running by, a weasel stopping by for a moment to visit, and birds in the background. A peaceful place with lots of beauty. Thanks for visiting!

"Along Lake Massabesic"

A nice little sketch of a lakeside view I drew recently. It was a nice, sunny day and I sat in the shade under a tree for comfort. The tree is my focal point. The benches and the shoreline lead the eye right to it. Thanks for visiting!

"Silo's Restaurant"

This is an old silo next to a farm that was converted into a restaurant sometime in the past. It has changed hands over time. I sketched this on site across the street in a church parking lot. Just a nice, simple pencil sketch. Enjoy!

"Old Shed"

This old shed is long gone now but I love the character it has and the way nature takes over and kind of swallows it up. I find these types of motifs very charming and fun to draw. I love the old look with the boards, windows, doors, etc. Various shapes and values abound. Thanks for visiting!

"Country Home in Hollis"

It was a wintry day and I parked my car on the side of this country road. I liked the look of the scene so I decided to sketch it from inside my car. It was quiet and no traffic so it was a peaceful session. Just a simple sketch of a country scene in a small town. Thanks for visiting!

"Tall Trees"

This was a nice little sketch that I did in a neighborhood nearby. I wanted to get a lacey light touch with the leaves and branches on the trees. Thanks for visiting!

"Reeds Ferry, Spring"

This area is where a ferry used to stop to deliver and pick up goods and transport them up or down river back in the old days. It's the Merrimack river in Merrimack, NH. I like to think that Henry David Thoreau passed by here on his travels up and down the Merrimack! I sketched this on site enjoying the weather and the sketching experience. A simple sketch with a little charm. Thanks for visiting!

"Enter the Forest"

This is part of the Heritage Trail in Bedford, NH. It's a nice walk along the Merrimack river. I sketched this near the end of the day hence the long shadows crossing the path. That time of day usually has more interesting shadow patterns as well as dawn. I believe I had to go back for a second session because I lost the light on the first session as the sun set behind the trees on the left that are out of sight. A peaceful scene. Enjoy!

"River Island View"

This is an island in the Merrimack river in Bedford NH. This is not far from my home and it's a rather beautiful area. The island is in the middle of the river whereby the river goes around both sides of it. I've always wanted to venture out there. Maybe some day. I chose the left side of the island for sketching. I sat by the river on a rocky outcrop and sketched away. Enjoy!

"Downtown Nashua by the River"

It was a stormy day and it actually rained a little bit when I sketched this scene. The sunshine was in and out due to fast moving clouds. I worked it out in the end. It was ultimately a nice day overall. I really love this area and enjoyed sketching all the beauty before me. Enjoy!

"House in Hollis"

I was experimenting with different media and this sketch was done with vine charcoal. It is usually softer than standard charcoal and can smudge much easier. It has it's pros and cons but I find it interesting and useful so now I use it regularly. I had fun drawing this scene and I like the result. A quick sketch with personality. Enjoy!

"Farm in Dunstable"

A nice bucolic scene in northern Massachusetts in the small town of Dunstable. I sketched this live on the spot using a Sharpie marker. No erasing with ink so you have to be aware at all times. It was a beautiful day and I really enjoyed sketching this scene. Enjoy!

"Gnarled Tree"

This old tree is in my hometown near the city center. I believe it has since been trimmed or removed. I am glad I got a sketch of it while it existed. I used a micron pen for experimentation and I am pleased with the results. It's a good media for more detail if desired. I sketched this on site sitting by the roadside with cars whizzing by. A nice portrait of an old tree. Enjoy!

"Horseshoe Pond High Noon"

I sketched this scene from inside my car. It was a very hot day so I thought I'd try it. I put the AC on and proceeded to sketch the scene. It worked out great. I started with the small bush on the right and worked out from there. I liked the reflections on the left and the overall serene look of the whole scene. Thanks for visiting!

"Mill Pond Midday"

I did this sketch on site on a beautiful day. Vine charcoal is very malleable so I can even draw with the eraser if I wish. This is a beautiful place which is part of a large park called Mine Falls in Nashua NH. A nice, peaceful scene. Thanks for visiting!

"Almost Dusk"

A nice little sketch done from inside my car because there were too many bugs. I used Sharpie brush pens which are fairly new to me. I had fun experimenting. A nice property to explore and find interesting motifs. Thanks for visiting!

"Daenerys"

This is the character Daenerys as played by the actor Emilia Clarke in the hit TV show 'Game of Thrones'. The show is now finished after 8 seasons. I may do some more characters for practice and fun. I feel this one came out quite well. Thanks for visiting!

"Lazy River Bend"

I sketched this just up the road from New Boston center. It's quite a beautiful scene and it was just sitting there waiting for me to sketch it! I liked how the two trees flanked the river on either side and the sporadic rocks in the river added to the scene. The bend in the river was just in the perfect place and the distant bridge was just a little icing on the cake. Thanks for visiting!

"Peaceful Day by the River"

I sketched this scene on a beautiful summer day in June right by the river. This place is not too far from my home and I visit there often. It's a popular local spot for people to bring their dogs to swim, just run around, or for fisherman to try their luck. I love the power of the railroad trestle against the low lying river and the old, bent trees. Thanks for visiting!

"Leaving New Boston"

This was done plein air (out in the open on site) on a beautiful sunny day. I sat alongside the road on the sidewalk in the shade - at least for a while as I ended up in the sun! Traffic was light as was an occasional breeze. I liked the way the sun hit the house on the left. The road kind of brings you to that point. The houses and trees along the way as you go up the road are my secondary focal points - more like a supporting cast to the main focal point - the house in the sun. I had a very satisfying session. Thanks for visiting!

"Mem"

Another portrait commission for a client. I feel particularly proud of this one as it seems to have come out so nice. I like all the values on the face and how it all balances out. I feel I caught her personality and expressive smile. Thanks for visiting!

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"Along the River in Waltham"

I was in Waltham, MA recently and had some time to kill so I walked over to the bridge by the river and sat down on a bench and started to sketch this scene. It was breezy and a bit chilly but it was a nice motif and lots of people around - walking, running, etc. It got very cool a bit later so I sped up to finish sooner as it was getting uncomfortable. It's a beautiful area right in downtown Waltham. Enjoy!

"Angela"

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This little girl has such delicate features. Her hair is wispy and her smirk oh so subtle. Very subtle creases all around the mouth and chin that were necessary to be accurate to really capture her likeness. Very happy with the result. Enjoy!

"On the Corner of Depot and Pleasant St"

I sat in my car on a cold winter day and decided to sketch this house. It had enough interest to challenge me. I enjoyed the process and feel happy with the result. I like the different shaped trees behind the house and the different elements that make up the house and yard. Kept me on my toes. Thanks for visiting!

"Milford Barn"

I sketched this from inside my car on a mild January day. I used vine charcoal which is very soft and malleable. I can move things around easily and I use the kneaded eraser to draw with too. A nice simple sketch. Thanks for visiting!