Making Progress

Graphite on Illustration Board 

 16"x 18"

I have been enjoying working on this piece now that it is in the fine detail phase. My pencils of choice are Staedtlers, ranging from 3H to 6B, and the kneadable eraser is indispensable. The rider is coming into view now, and the action and excitement of the story is beginning to take shape! Part of the creative process is the freedom to imagine the different scenerios that could play out as I work on the drawing - How will the horse react to the thunder and lightning? Will they make it to safety? Can the cowboy retain control of his steed? I can become quite happily imersed in the story as it unfolds in my imagination!

Heads and Tails

Recently completed for Alexis, (my cousin's daughter)  this little watercolor looks perfect in this frame I found at an antique store! Finding frames at antique shops and secondhand furniture stores can be both fun and rewarding. You never know what hidden gems you may find!

Wild at Heart



"Wild at Heart" is a 16"x20" graphite drawing on illustration board. This pair of young Morgans from my home town of Birch Island BC, seemed to epitomize the tension that exists between the willing, domesticated companion and their wild and free spirit. Though anxious to set forth on an adventure, they willingly submit to the restraint of a fence which would hardly withstand an escape attempt by such powerful creatures!

New Beginnings

Happy New Year! It sure has been a while since my last post--with a move out to the country near Bragg Creek, followed by the greatly anticipated arrival of our first grandchild, my art has had to take a back seat...but these are welcome diversions!

Here's what I've recently started. This is a detail shot from a larger drawing on illustration board. The colouration of this horse is referred to as "skewbald", as it is tan with large white patches. The horse also has a "bald" or white face, resulting in the eyes being blue--which is a challenge to translate in a drawing. It's still in progress, but the final piece will include a stormy background and a glimpse of the rider.