Pen and Ink Study of a Tree

Pena and Ink on Sketch Paper

This drawing was done as a study for the ink drawing, Walking towards my Peace of Mind. The styling of the leaves were inspired by this painting by the artist Grant Wood.

A Walk Towards Peace of Mind

Black and White ink on Paper

My drawing titled, A Walk Towards Peace of Mind, for the PCS in Millville exhibit. 

Inspired by my occasional need to get outside and go for a walk. 

A task that I know is healthy for both my body and mind. 

Despite the simple pleasure, it's a personal struggle set time to do on a regular basis.

Sketch of an Eagle

Pen and Ink on Sketch paper

In Progress...

Ink Sketch of a Woman

This drawing was likely completed during a 20 min pose. I am especially fond of the 2 drawn feet. With one foot behind the other and the front foot in perspective there is a successful design of depth.

Ballpoint Ink Pen on Paper

I Love Trains!

Ever since childhood trains have always fascinated me. 

Still as an adult I will pull over to watch the trains go by.

 

 A train moving along the tracks in Brandywine, PA

 I was trying to use every means of applying ink to this drawing. 

You can see the use of a pen, brush and the use of a toothbrush to splatter. 

I used a razor blade to scrap out the train tracks.

South Terminal, Boston, MA

    Back in 2004, I was in the Boston Terminal waiting for a bus to take me up to Boothbay, Maine. I left from Philadelphia at 11:00 PM the night before and got into Boston at 8:00 AM. My bus to Maine was not until 2:00 PM. This was a long trip. I had two suitcases and limited funds, so exploring Boston to pass the time was not an option. I was miserable, down on my luck and bored. But, as miserable as I was, I did feel fortunate that I was safe and warm inside from the blistering wind and below zero temperature outside. So, I sat on a bench in front of the staircase leading down to the trains and watched people come and go. To my right was this hobo resting in the warmth of the building, not bothering or begging anyone for a little change. He looked weathered, tired and probably had it a lot worse than I did. There was a sad beauty in this moment of solitude. It was a good thing I drew this sketch quickly, for at 9:00 AM security walked around and kicked him and anyone else out the building who didn’t have a train or bus ticket.

My Precious Shoes

    While I was living in Spain, in 1998, I put myself on a very strict budget. Not because I was poor, but because I just wanted to see how good of a life I could have spending the minimum. I made many interesting friends in Spain and we were not interested in spending lavishly. So there I was walking everywhere I wanted to go. Just using the few clothes, art supplies, and my one pair of shoes I brought from the US.
    Well, two weeks before I was to return to the US, the front-bottom of my shoes had separated from the top leather, exposing my toes and making a slapping sound every time I took a step. I should have gotten a new pair of shoes. I had more than enough money saved. But I was in such a “budget” mindset that I refused and simply brought some shoe-goo and glued it up as best as I could. I retired the shoes when I returned the US. They served me well. I still couldn’t throw them away. They are safely stored away.

Recent Sketchbook Doings

Homemade ink!

I received this jar of homemade ink from a great friend,
Chris "Patch".

He made it from the walnuts that fell off the walnut trees in his neighborhood, Chestnut Hill, PA.
Check out his blog posting on how he made the ink at:
http://artbypatch.wordpress.com/2011/04/08/dont-drink-the-ink/


You know it's good stuff, if it has mold growing in it!
(Footnote: I really don't know if mold makes for superior ink.)

My first attempt drawing with the ink. I attempted a loose drawing with bold washes. I achieved some unique effects, but I got too aggressive with the amount of ink I laid down and it got to be a little too unpredictable how dark the wash would dry. So I abandoned the drawing.

I had better luck with my second drawing. Worked much slower. Used a more controlled application and embraced the attempt to achieve realism. I pulled out my quill pen to achieve the fine lines in the fur.

Sketchbook Scribbles

Two pages of random scribbles both done with a ballpoint pen.