Zorro

“Zorro,” pet portrait of a Yorkie drawn in pen and ink, private collection. Zorro was adopted from the ASPCA over a year ago. This sweet loving Yorkie now enjoys walking in Central Park and snuggling with his human subjects. His dainty movements when walking and resting gave him a royal air. I just adored the way he crosses his legs while lying down and in my opinion the pose exemplifies his nobleness. 

The Zoo Giraffe

The painting "Giraffe" in sepia ink wash was posted for this week's Illustration Friday theme, "the zoo". It is also part of the "Sepia Suite" series. Please read the Zebra Plains Foal post to find out more about the "Sepia Suite" series!

Mikie

“Mikie,” pet portrait of a poodle drawn in pen and ink, private collection. This latest commission was fun because of those fluffy ears!

Flatiron Building, NYC

When the sun starts to set in Manhattan I enjoy going to Madison Square to glimpse the yellow light rays illuminating the west face of the Fuller Building or, the Flatiron Building, while the east face slides into shadow. Plus I can't help but admire what once was one of the tallest buildings in NYC. The building sits on a triangular island block at Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street.

"Grow" Corgi Puppy

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppy illustration was created for this week's Illustration Friday theme, "grow". I've been fussing over the style of my Children's Book art lately and this was a perfect way to play a little and have fun!

Gray's Papaya, UWS NYC

In celebration of my dearest friend’s birthday I have illustrated his favorite hotdog joint. He is not a huge fan of hot dogs, so I’m not sure whether it’s the taste, the fact that they are dirt cheap or the value of the recession special that has captured his fancy. His favorite Gray's Papaya is on Broadway and 72nd street!

The Dairy in Central Park, NYC

Temperatures in NYC hovered in the 80’s this week. I took advantage of summer’s come back by strolling through Central Park. Nestled in the park is one of my favorite buildings, a visitor center called The Dairy. The Victorian Gothic structure has an open loggia which provided ample shade and benches, perfect for this artist to sit and view the gardens and Wollman Rink.

Manhattan's Chinatown, Canal Street NYC Subway

I enjoy winding down my weekend by partaking in the Sunday ritual of brunch. Dim Sum, in Manhattan's Chinatown, was last weeks culinary escape, yum!

The main artery of Chinatown is Canal street. Overflowing with shoppers seeking treasures of cheap stuff and fresh food or cars connecting to the Manhattan Bridge and Holland Tunnel this area is always bustling. Thankfully I don't have a car so I never have to fight the traffic! Instead I engage with Chinatown by way of the 6 subway line and exit at Canal Street. I love getting off at this stop. To me it feels like the heart of Chinatown because the view of the lovely red pagoda type building is so welcoming.

New York Water Taxi

After last weeks ride on the Staten Island Ferry I continued to explore the southern tip of Manhattan's Battery Park. I could still gaze out and see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Governors Island from land, but among all of the historical sites it was a little NYC Water Taxi that caught my attention. The splash of bright yellow really brightened up the skyline and the boats graphics are reminiscent of the famous NYC "Checker" taxi cabs!

Statue of Liberty

I'd like to extend a huge thank you, to those of you who have been writing me about my blog! I have appreciated the feedback and suggestions. A few of you requested that I expand the NYC Upper West Side card serious to include landmarks from all over Manhattan. I was inspired to start with the Statue of Liberty, when I spied our fair lady while riding the Staten Island Ferry. Thanks again and keep the comments rolling!

Westie in the Sun

While traveling back to Pennsylvania I had the pleasure of staying with a friend who has the cutest little Westie, named Pickles. The next morning I woke up to find Pickles resting in a patch of sunlight. I rendered this moment, of a very happy dog's life, in water color and ink.

Bat Teeth Fossils

Some of my favorite illustration assignments involve documenting other peoples fun finds. I had the pleasure of illustrating fossils of an insectivorous bat, H. besaoka, for Dr. Karen Samonds. Her paper describing the new fossils from her paleontological expeditions to Madagascar has just been published! The citation is: Samonds, K.E. (2007). Late Pleistocene bat fossils from Anjohibe Cave, northwestern Madagascar. - Acta Chiropterologica, 9 (1): 39 - 65. My three illustrations of Hipposideros besaoka, A. lingual view of right maxilla B. labial view of right dentary and C. occlusal view of dentary can be found on page 50.

Santa and His Elves

We have about seventeen weeks to go until Christmas. But I had so much fun creating this years card, "Santa and His Elves", that I felt it was time for its release. The idea behind the card began while researching my father's family tree and seeing our tartans. I wanted the horses and blankets to represent the countries of my ancestors: The Shetland Pony from Scotland, The Connemara from Ireland, The Welsh Pony from Wales and The Shire from England. The Shire in my eyes made a perfect Santa and his blanket reminds me of both Santa's robe and the uniform of the Queen's Palace Horse Guard. Enjoy!

Mustang Horse

The latest installment in my "Sepia Suite" series is the Mustang Horse. Please read the Zebra Plains Foal post to find out more about the "Sepia Suite" series!

Takhi Horse Head Study

For several years I have been researching the Takhi (Przewalski Horse) at Zoos and Natural History Museums in the States. My friend is a zookeeper at the WCS's Bronx Zoo. He has generously aided me in my visual explorations. This color pencil head study is based on some of his photographs! My studies are in preparation for a future expedition to the Mongolian steppe to observe these ancient wild horses in their native habitat.

Norwegian Fjord Horse Head Study

This little head study of a Norwegian Fjord Horse was rendered in colored pencil. I have not drawn with them in about ten years! I decided to resurrect this medium because I am looking to develop a new shorthand for sketching animals from life. So far the pencils are fairly quick and a lighter load in my day pack compared to my inks or water colors!

Keep Your Eye on the Ball II

Sargent is at it again!

Keep Your Eye on the Ball I

Last week I visited my dear friend who lives on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Her dog Sargent, a White Shepherd, was always game for going down to the beach to play fetch.

Zebra Plains Foal

Zebra Plains Foal from my "Sepia Suite" series has just sold! It is included in the invitational art exhibit, "Inspired by Nature" in Cross River, NY. The show will be on display at Gallery Yellow, May 19, 2007 – July 31, 2007. http://www.galleryyellow.com/index.html

The “Sepia Suite” series is an intimate reflection of the tranquil moments I experienced while observing these animals in the field. The artwork is primarily created in sepia tones using homemade black walnut ink on carefully selected specialty papers. As a gesture of my deep respect for these creatures, their form stands alone against the paper’s natural background. For me this placement emphasizes the essence of each individual’s nobility and grace. African wildlife and horse paintings from the "Sepia Suite" series are still available. To purchase an original painting, please write me for more information or stop in the gallery before the show closes!

Happy 4th of July

Happy July 4th! While strolling around Manhattan's UWS neighborhood I stumbled upon a subtle sign of today's celebrations. This sweet floral memorial and flag display is located at 120 West 83 St,The Engine Company 74 fire house quarters. Enjoy tonights fireworks!

NYC, UWS, 72 Street Subway + Ansonia Hotel

Recently I have been working on simple illustrations for note cards. They feature interesting landmarks located in Manhattan, NY’s, Upper West Side. This installment is of the 72 Street Subway Station and the famed Ansonia Hotel.

Sammy M the Wonder Dog

“Sammy M the Wonder Dog” was created for the first virtual art show, The Artist's Best Friend, sponsored by The Canine Art Guild. “In this show, members of the group are free to express through their art and stories, the love they've had for certain special dogs in their lives.” I believe Sammy M’s story is a fitting first post.

Abandoned at a gas station in NYC, Sammy M was rescued by the animal shelter where I volunteer. This once homeless Australian Cattle Dog mix had a renewed outlook on life and was full of energy.

The first time I saw Sammy M his antics made me laugh. All I could see were his very large ears as they appeared and reappeared over the frosted kennel door! He was jumping in excitement higher than any dog I had ever known.

Sadly, an aggressive degenerative bone disease had infected his front leg and the shelter’s medical team made a tough decision to amputate. Sammy’s recovery was nothing short of inspiring. Aside from getting tired quicker than before he seemed un-phased. During playtime he was jumping as high as ever and he would even police his friends, breaking up any rude doggie behavior. Sammy M was also an intelligent student and flew through obedience school mastering all tasks and commands.

Shortly after graduation Sammy M was adopted. My last day with Sammy M ended in the same way it began - giggling. His body wiggling and tail wagging, Sammy M very cutely raised his shoulder and stump moving it up and down. This was his adaptation on the commands "shake" and "wave bye bye"! Sammy M was only part of my life for eight months, but his survival and success influenced my own outlook on life.