The images above are Archival images. Some go back many years while some are more recent. A few of these images are digital images created using Adobe Photoshop, Adobe In Design, and Adobe Illustrator.
This series of images are sketches from my various sketch books. As part of my process I often sketch random subjects that come to mind, sometimes working from photos from my extensive photo library that I have accumulated over the years of photos that I take myself, or from life and direct observation. This is where my painting process begins. Sometimes these sketchs evolve into final paintings and sometimes they are done just for the joy of drawing. I am a firm believer that for a realist painter the process of drawing is an absolutely essential fundamental skill that must be mastered. The only way to do this is to draw constantly, either from direct observation or even photographs. Just make sure that they are your own photographs.
Occasionally a take a break from painting and experiment with sculptural objects. The images above depict one of these experiments. My inspiration for this piece is obviously derived from the American Indian "Dreamcatcher" concept with a twist. I call this object "Mandela food fight". Close examination reveals a variety of insects arranged in a circular pattern around the edges of the center motif. The insects appear to be preying on one another in various ways. The material for these carvings are pieces of branches that I find around my 10 acre country property in the boondocks of Holly Michigan.
The command and control module in my home studio. The only thing missing in this picture is me because I'm taking the picture. For a virtual tour of the rest of my studio click on the images below.