If you’ve been reading this blog, you already know that I’m not a botanical artist. I love seeing those exquisite, … More
Category: Nature Drawing
Autumn Colors
Last night was a fun night at Gettin’ Sketchy. It offered a chance to get out a few art supplies I … More
The Bird is the Word
Back in 1963, if you turned on the radio you might hear this silly song: It went all the way … More
Creating Illusions
I remember the first time I heard that art is an illusion. Maybe other artists have a natural awareness of … More
And So It Begins
Welcome to October, and welcome to Inktober. My little monkey mind and I have been looking forward to this day … More
Nature Sketching
Early this morning I drove to our City Park, one of my favorite places for hiking, sketching, and just communing … More
Sticks and Stones
We’ve all heard that familiar childhood rhyme. Stick and stones may break my bones…” The rhyme is intended to strengthen us against … More
Stumped
When I made my big charcoal mess a few days ago, I was definitely feeling frustrated. For me, one of … More
Barking Up the Wrong Tree
Nope, I’m not drawing dogs — although our stuffed puppies do make excellent subjects. From time to time I will … More
Speak Softly
Theodore Roosevelt’s foreign policy was based upon his thought that good diplomacy came about when one spoke softly…and carried a … More
Afternoon Serenade – Unfinished
Today I’d like to share my “Zeny Woodpecker”, and tell you a bit about its story. During the past spring … More
Rocks Revisited
When I first began learning to draw, I sat outside and patiently drew a couple of rocks sitting in a … More
An Illusion of Oregano
I have always loved words. All languages fascinate me. Among the words I most enjoy are those that describe groups … More
Become One with the Tree
Recently I’ve been looking again at works by my favorite landscape artists — Thomas Cole, Asher Durand, Frederic Church and … More
Just Doodlin’
I’ve always enjoyed doodling. I think most of us have fun just picking up a pencil or pen and doodling … More
What Does It Mean to be an Artist?
Anyone can learn the proper techniques to follow in art, but that alone does not make one an artist.
Will I Ever Learn?
Will I ever learn to create the landscapes I want? Will I ever be able to paint trees that make me smile? Or will it always be a struggle for me?
Sketchbook Memories
Every artist — and every aspiring artist — should have a sketchbook. Although it might seem like an insignificant little thing, it’s one of the most important tools in our art arsenal.
My Matterhorn
When I first got the inspiration to paint this mountain, I really thought I was out of my mind. Me? Paint the Matterhorn? But I grabbed a canvas panel, picked up a piece of charcoal, and began blocking in the shapes.
Landscape and the Sublime: The Art of Caspar David Friedrich
Friedrich wanted to capture elements of the sublime, that moment of “connection” that often happens when we contemplate the natural world, that inexpressible feeling of our own spiritual being, our awareness that we are but a part of something greater than our insignificant selves.
