I just lost a very dear friend. We and our wives often went on vacations together. One of our traditions was relaxing with frozen margaritas. This was especially important to my friend and my wife. On one occasion they were nestled into rocking chairs on the front porch of a renovated hotel in west Texas, sipping on their margaritas until they noticed a sign: “No alcoholic beverages on porch.” Oops. Another time they made their margaritas and sat down in lawn chairs ready to watch the sun set over the mountains. After a short while they realized the mountains were to the east. No sunset there. Oops!
I’m sure today they are enjoying their heavenly margaritas.

Computer sketch.
I started this drawing doing some experimental things. It wasn’t working. I really wasn’t in the mood to start over so I saved it by turning it into a more traditional drawing.

Color pencil on color paper, 7″ X 10″
I have had the privilege of doing some illustrations for a fantastic book that offers many great tips and activities for all grandparents. Some of the people in the illustrations may look a little familiar.
The authors did a great job of organizing and presenting a wide range of ideas to help build memories with your grandkids and this book will no doubt inspire you to think of even more.
Check it out for yourself or think of it as a nice Christmas present. And let me know if you think you recognize anyone in the drawings.

While surfing the net I came across a photo of a model, was intrigued by the sash she was wearing and decided to draw it. I changed the color of the sash to red (it was gray) and de-emphasized her anatomy to draw more attention to the sash.

Colored pencil on paper, 9″ X 10″
Another drawing exercise inspired by a photo on the internet. Wind-blown hair is always intriguing. When the hair is wet it adds another facet.

Charcoal on paper, 8″ X 10″
Near Burton in central Texas I was enjoying life away from the big city and musing about what might be nice to draw or paint: farm houses, windmills, livestock, fences, trees, etc. I looked down at my feet and was inspired by what I was standing on: lines, shapes, textures, etc. I took a photo of the ground. Here is the drawing. I chose not to draw my feet.

Color pencil on paper, 12″ X 18″
Dressing up is just part of being a little girl.

Colored pencil on bristol board, 10″ X 12″
Nothing special with this drawing. It’s a small pencil rendition of a flower with the mat cut in a “keyhole” shape. Making small pieces allows you to add a nice touch of art in unusual spots around the house.

Colored pencil on paper, 5″ X 7″
The view of a pecan from the top. Or is it from the bottom?

Oh, BTW, it’s pronounced “peh-kahn.” Any other dialect is just plain wrong.
Acrylic on matboard, 8″ X 14″
The ink of a broad felt-tip marker used on regular ol’ posterboard will “bleed” a little. That makes it fun. And even though they’re called “permanent” markers the drawing will probably not last too many years.

Felt marker on poster board, 28″ X 12″