Drawing

The Bar Brothers Ink Pen 1992 Ok, this was done in high school, but it's one of the few high school pictures that still appeals to me. I think I really did a great job considering my lack of training. I just keep coming back to this picture.
Study in Cubism Graphite Pencils 1994 This was a fun project that forced me to do abstract art. It is included mostly because it was a milestone in my artistic development. It forced me to look at shapes and values more. It is also a wonderful project, one that I would use with my students. The whole concept is to take an image, render it as realistically as possible, then over the course of four more images, start to simplify it into its component shapes, eventually playing with the shapes to form a pleasing composition.
Untitled Colored Pencils on a letter Envelope 1998 I did this one during my student teaching in Screven County. The Art teacher did a lesson on envelope art, and I really liked the concept. There are a couple of artists out there that do this. They then mail the envelope to their friends. It gives the artwork some history. This idea just popped into my head. I guess it was the whole envelope/journey thing. Anyways, this one leaves the viewer wondering: Is the knight coming home, or is he out on a quest? Well, you decide. This work is still with Mr. Smith, the teacher I student-taught under, as he always keeps a work of art from each of his student teachers. He made one for me to keep as well.
Titanic Graphite on drawing paper 1998 This was my first commissioned work. One of Mr. Smith's 7th grade students wanted me to draw a photo he had. I originally agreed to do it for $35, but as I progressed along in the picture, I realized I needed to ask for more. I showed him the picture when it was 50% done, and asked for $70. He agreed without hesitation. I kinda' miss this piece, even though I got sick of the movie. It was my first attempt at photo-realism and careful shading.
Still Life Graphite on drawing paper; inked with brush 1999 My first full still life, a collection of objects that speak of me. I drew this with graphite pencils, then got the great idea to ink it using india ink, water, and a brush. I had very little experience with india ink or with water colors at this time (see my painting section), but I decided that I would try it anyways. I am actually pleased with how this came out.
Leggo my truck Colored Pencil on drawing paper 1999 Man, Prisma-color color pencils are a dream to work with. I enjoyed working on this, particularly the front of the truck. This was my first attempt at photo-realism with color pencils.
Bling, Bling! Graphite on drawing paper 1999 Heh, I saw this photograph in a magazine and I thought it was funny. I purposely left his body and arm very sketchy in order to draw attention to his face (and consequently, his tooth). This piece was just good fun to work with.
Smooth Ness Graphite on drawing paper 1999 This is a drawing of a customized motorcycle designed by Arlen Ness, crafted in 1996. I drew this motorcycle from life at the Macon Museum of Arts and Sciences. It was a pleasing shape to look at and let me work with reflections a bit.
High Roller Graphite on drawing paper 1999 A study of the same image in different mediums. The mediums are (from right to left, top to bottom) pencil lines (no blending), ink line, colored pencil line, pencil blends, ink wash, and colored pencil blends. This was tremendously fun at first, but soon became very tedious.	Hi resolution version
Bridge Over Troubled Waters Graphite on drawing paper 1999 This was my first full-scale graphite drawing done solely from my imagination. I found that most of my previous drawings were more like sketches, with a figure or two in the center and no concern for composition or scenic detail. With Bridge over Troubled Waters, I tried to fill the page and concentrated heavily on shadows, composition, lighting, and contrast. Even so, there is a HUGE difference in technical quality between works created solely from your imagination and those created with photo references. Compare this image with Topaz, below.
Topaz Graphite and charcoal on illustration board 1999 I really like this one. It was the first full-scale fantasy drawing that I ever used photos on. I burned a roll of film getting images of the forest and poses. Luckily, my wife didn't mind posing. Well, it is her character. Anyways, it was also my first attempt at a composite piece. That is, compiling 10+ photos into one work. The lighting and textures had to be just right. I also worked very hard on composition, lines, balance, and contrast. I chose my shapes carefully, even the tree branches, so that they would guide your eyes around the piece. I'm pleased with this one.	Hi-Resolution Version
Baby Graphite on drawing paper 1999 This was my second commissioned piece. A guy at work wanted his grandchild drawn, and gave me a photo to work from. I finished it in about 8 hours. While I think it rocks technically (I especially like the hair), I hated working on it. I just didn't like staring at a baby face for that long. I charged him $70, but I probably should have asked for about $140. I told him that the next one would cost him about $140, and he said "Ok, that's reasonable." Man... No more Baby Pictures!