Technical Drawing

Moving along quite rapidly on this drawing as a deadline looms. Nearly finished with the first Soldier and now detailing his weapon.

Precision is the name of the game with this type of work and I've relied upon my technical illustration skills for accuracy. This gun is a bit different than the 410 shotgun I bird hunted with years ago. I have it roughed in and have started to bring up the volume gradually. You may notice that I've added protective eye wear on our young hero. The circumstances surrounding the creation of this new work are interesting and I'll be telling more about that in the next few postings.

Second Sentinel

This addition reveals more of the overall composition. A good friend of mine, Command Sergeant Major Hibbs explained that the top Soldier should have his glasses and gloves on. Ooops, I'm considering adding clear ones later. I'll think it over. It's important to be accurate with this subject matter because Soldiers are some of the finest professionals I've ever met and they really know their business. CSM Hibbs is a very talented photographer and has advised me on work in the past. So glasses and gloves on this 2nd Soldier for sure!

Who is this Soldier?

As I work on this drawing I'm wondering just who this Soldier actually is. This part of the composition is based on an image from the US Army website. I'm pretty sure he's a Specialist and definitely a Division Soldier. I don't have the details of exact location aside from Afghanistan, or a name. Anyone who might know this young warrior and can inform me of his identity would be entitled to a free print from the limited edition as well as a print for this young hero. I can be contacted via my website.

New project

For those that are familiar with my work will have seen these patches before. Bravely worn by our devoted Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division. Once again I'm proud to create a drawing to honor the sacrifice made by them and their loved ones back home. Stay tuned.

"Trespasser in the Dominion of the Tyrant King"

It's been a long haul but I signed this drawing today. The title is unusually long since I normally use only one word to name most pieces. All the work on the bison only to prepare for the addition of the main subjects, being two Eastern Kingbirds. When I was in Yellowstone National Park excitedly photographing these fantastic animals I was only peripherally aware of these highly agitated birds flying about.
As I later realized, one bird was hitchhiking through an others territory on the back of one of these lumbering beasts. The territory holder was repeatedly swooping and calling at the other. Of course the bison were totally unaware of this drama unfolding around them.

As for the title... I reference the scientific name of this fascinating bird. I love the fact that it's thought that birds are descendants of dinosaurs and that this bird in particular is named Tyrannous tyrannous. The 'lizard king' as it's referred to seemed an appropriate choice to name this aggressive and territorial little flycatcher. I simply could not resist the grand title to honor this wonderful bird. The bison are just there as supporting actors.

Art of the Animal Kingdom XV

As I put the final touches on the bison drawing I've received word that "Sovereignty" has been accepted into one of the country's most prestigious animal art exhibits in beautiful Bennington, Vermont. Dates are June 12th through August 8th. Shay and I always enjoy a spring visit to Bennington.

Take Me to the River

I have not worked this drawing for awhile as I was on holiday with my family. Out of the groove of it I was nervous about getting back into it. I dove right in today and started the reflection on the river. Very rough to begin with which had me nervous for awhile because it looks so sloppy.

Then after several hours of drawing this is currently where things are. I still have a great deal of refinement to go but I think I'm past the critical point of wondering if it will all work out or not. So far so good.

Just enough

A while back I posted about learning restraint in the drawing. I practiced on this animal and so far I'm pleased. I'll avoid touching this any further (hopefully) until all the others reach this stage of completion. Then I'll decide if any more detail will be required.

Coming together bit by bit

Now that all of the animals are drawn in things are beginning to be more cohesive. I'm better able to see relationships between the separate elements and now I'm moving equally among each one touching here and there. Soon I'll start on the water and reflections and that will pull it all together.

This is the point where I really start getting into the flow of the work. I easily lose track of time and am in a state of 'no mind', no thoughts occur what-so-ever, just pure consciousness.

Smoothing out the rough

The texture of the drawing board is so extreme in some places that help is needed to distribute the charcoal more evenly. Applying powder as mentioned before is only a beginning. After the smudging is done then I use a larger stiff brush to poke down onto the surface. This pushes particles down into the crevices therefore smoothing it out. Dragging a charcoal stick across the panel catches just the peaks of the texture, this brush process forces it done into the valleys.