"By The River In April"

This was finished in about an hour on a cool Spring day in April. There was snow on the ground and it was very bright. That is what I wanted to capture - the blazing, bright light amongst the trees. The shadows help emphasize that. The trees are on the edge of a river bank as you can see in the front as the shadows drop down to the water. A nice, little sketch. Thanks for visiting!

"Trees in Watson Park"

An array of trees at the top of a bank over the Souhegan Rive in downtown Merrimack, NH. I love to capture the wildness of nature and leave some of the view to the imagination. I enjoy using charcoal for different effects on the paper surface. So many varieties of shapes and aesthetics. Thanks for visiting!

 "Mine Falls Above Oxbow Lake"

A quick sketch done on site (en plein air) with charcoal pencil. It's a beautiful park in a town nearby my home town. Always enjoy visiting Mine Falls  Park. This piece has got quite a sketchy feel but captures the true scene where you can cross the bridge or continue onward... Thanks for visiting!

"Brook In The Forest" 

A forest scene along a stream. This area is right in my hometown in Twin Bridge Park. It was a beautiful day and I was in the shade the whole time so I was very comfortable. It was a peaceful experience and I enjoyed the trip. This is mainly in charcoal pencil (soft), #2, #4, #6 and kneaded eraser. The finished work seems to have a woodsy feel to it. Thanks for visiting!

"Island Beach" 

This island is formed when the Merrimack river splits around it heading towards a railroad trestle. It's a beautiful area with plenty of motifs to choose from to paint. This piece is busy but I think it works with the relatively non-detailed beach area. Some day I'll wade across and visit the island. Thanks for visiting!

 "Dead End, Winter"

I sketched this scene near my home on a cold winter day. It's at the dead end of Moores Crossing Road in Bedford, NH. I liked the way the house stood out from some of the woods and the road leading down with the ranch style fence posts leading to the house. I sat in my car and faced the scene. It was too cold to work outside. It's very sketchy but the house grabs you as it's the focal point and has a bit more detail and careful rendering. As you move about farther away from the house the rendering diminishes as it's not necessary unless one wants to sketch it fully. I don't usually do that. I sketch like I paint - with a composition and a focal point or subject. Thanks for visiting!

SOLD

 "The Old Ice House"

This is a popular motif in New Hampshire. It's an old ice house that was reproduced and sitting on a farm in Hollis, NH. I sketched this sitting in my car with the AC on because it was so stifling hot outside and I was weak from my current condition. I feel I captured the essence of the scene on this bright and beautiful sunny day. Enjoy!

 "The Other Tree"

This scene is down the road from the town center of New Boston, NH. It's easy access because it's right by the road but it's down below a bit so it's away from the road and the traffic. It's such a nice place and a bucolic scene. I usually favor the tree on the left but this time I favored the tree on the right hence the title 'The Other Tree'. I really enjoy sketching here. I just sit in my lawn chair down by the riverside and sketch away. I was lucky once and saw a black mink in the water. A minute later he had a fish in his mouth. Such a nice way to enjoy nature. Thanks for visiting!

 "Gentle River Flowing"

A beautiful river scene in New Hampshire. I sketched this plein air out in the open. The scene is a little busy but it gives the eye plenty to do. One of my favorite spots to sketch. Thanks for visiting!

 "Still Standing"

I sat by the river on this cool winter day and sketched this beautiful scene as the river quietly flowed by. I loved the look of the tree all gnarled and weather worn and silhouetted against the sky. The rock added a support mechanism to the tree. The background is loosely sketched with a small tree to the far right as a minor point of interest to move the eye around the piece. Thanks for visiting!

"Sketching while waiting for Tami"

I sat by the riverside and sketched this quaint scene while waiting for someone to visit me soon. It was a peaceful scene and the weather was perfect. The sound of the river and the animals doing their thing made the experience more enchanting. Thanks for visiting!

"Late Summer at the Homestead"

I sketched this while sitting across the street near a popular hiking trail. I had to go back for a second session because I was blocking parking. It was a challenge for this one with all the flora abounding everywhere. I liked the house nestled within it all. Enjoy!

"Milford Stone Church"

A plein air sketch I did while sitting on the side of a busy street. I really liked the shadow patterns and the interesting shapes of the church so that was the reason for wanting to sketch it. Thanks for visiting!

"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!

"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!

"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!

"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!