A Look Inside My Sketchbook

Hi there. How are you?

Summers are busy around here, and I haven't had much time to work in my studio lately.  If I don't get my art fix, I get pretty crabby, so I've had to make away from my studio.

I've been channeling all of my creativity into my sketchbook, which comes with me everywhere I go.

Care to have a look inside?

A stars & stripes themed sketchbook drawing that I finished on the 4th of July.

Stars & Stripes Forever

Stripes have been popping up in my sketches lately.  I like the way they play against the organic forms that I naturally draw.

The finished version of a sketch that I started and abandoned earlier this year.

Months in the Making

I started and abandoned this drawing months ago. (See the earlier version HERE.)  After a lovely fan left an encouraging comment on my blog, I decided to finish it up.  I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and my fan was too. (She bought a print! Thanks Lisa!)

A ballpoint sketch in an elegant emerald green.

An Elegant Emerald

I'm usually really drawn to the yellow-green pen my set of 8 Bic Crystals, but this emerald green was calling to me. There's a real elegance to this color that I'm totally digging right now. You'll probably see more in this color soon.

Adding a little pop of pink really brought this sketchbook drawing to life.

A Pop of Pink

I decided to use pink sparingly in this composition. I like how it adds a little variety to the composition, instead of it being the same all over.

I'm planning on designing a 2018 calendar and you'll most likely see some of these sketches as backdrops for the pages. Stay tuned my friends.

Want a Print Made?

If you're fond of my sketches do head on over to my shop. I've made a small collection of prints from my most favorite sketchbook pages.

Don't see what you're looking for?

I'd be happy to make one special for you. Just get in touch!

Until next time. Ciao!

A New Ballpoint Drawing Video

Hi there. How are you?

I've been doing a lot of drawings in my sketchbook lately. These new multi-color sketches are going to serve as backdrops for a new line of cards and prints I am designing. (More on that soon.)

I recorded another short time lapse video while I was drawing this in my sketchbook.

I made a new video.

Since my last time lapse drawing video was so popular, I decided to record another while I was drawing in my sketchbook this weekend. You won't see the whole composition being drawn, but you do get a good 1:30 of drawing goodness.

Like what I do?

If you appreciate these videos, please consider patronizing my shop or contributing to my "Virtual Tip Jar".  I would love to upgrade my video set up and I need your help to make it happen.

Send a Virtual Tip

That's all for now.

I'll be back next week to share some of my new cards with you. Ciao.

Ready to Go Big!

Hi there. How are you?

After weeks of directing all of my attention to my soon to be released coloring calendar, I was itching to make some original works. I had a stack of small 4"x4" cradled hardboard panels in my studio and decided to use 'em up.

Here's what I made:

Small, abstract pen drawings on colored paper. All are now for sale in my shop. Click to purchase!

The first 4 featured black ink on colored paper.

Very quickly, I could see a new style emerging in this collection. The focus on negative space that permeated my work for a time was gone. This new work is reminiscent of plaits or woven strands. I liked where this was heading.

Small ballpoint pen drawings on paper, each in a different color of ink. Click through to purchase!

Then I got a set of assorted colored ballpoint pens.

It was "Back to School" time, and I picked up a set of 8 assorted ballpoints for $1.50. I don't know why I'd never used anything other than black ink in my years of ballpoint pen drawing. I do know that I'm hooked and can't wait to do more drawing with my expanded color palette!

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My newest sketchbook drawing got me thinking big. I'm ready supersize these drawings!

Now, I'm itching to "Go Big."

I really enjoyed working on this full page spread in my Moleskine the other day.  This drawing measures just 8" x 10", but it feels expansive in comparison to the tiny 4" x 4" squares I've been making. There's room to move and experiment and I liked that. I've come to the conclusion that It's time to go big!

I'm thinking my next piece will be made with same royal blue ink. Or maybe red? All I know is that I'm going to work larger, and I'll be sure to let you know how it goes!

That's all for now. Ciao!

P.S. All of the pieces shown in this post are now for sale in my shop. At $50 with free shipping these ready to hang beauties make a lovely gift. Want more than one? I'll give you a discount. Get in touch!