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!