Sketches, Studies & Demos

Sketches, Studies & Demos
Sketching is a fundamental part of my process. I use sketchbooks to record observations and thoughts, a visual journal. The drawings can be quick and spontaneous, or slow, methodical explorations. The demonstration pieces are from the college classes I’ve taught, workshops I’ve attended and private lessons I give from time to time.
An Egyptian Peasant Woman and Her Child (After Bonnat)
Oil on Linen32 x 24″ I saw the original of this painting by Léon Bonnat at the Metropolitan Museum in New York in 2015, soon after breast cancer and radical hysterectomy surgeries. It was a transformational time for me on many levels. Walking through the museum in a heightened emotional state, I felt keenly sensitive …

Drapery Demo
Drapery demo Charcoal & Conté on Paper22 x 30″ When I teach drawing classes, I try to find a balance between formal, academic drawing and experimental markmaking which allows the student to express themselves more freely. I find studies like this to be incredibly valuable. The level of complexity requires an ability to see past …

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas (After Caravaggio)
The Incredulity of Saint Thomas (After Caravaggio) Oil on linen 30 x 40″ I started this demo piece when I was teaching Oil Painting a couple of years back. I’d love to finish it one day! For now it hangs in our downstairs bathroom where I wash my brushes, and has lots of reminders in …
