Road to Empowerment

This  piece for the University of New Hampshire accompanies a story about their Institute on Disability. Through the study of statistics, this group helps craft policies which empower disabled Americans. Their goal is to ”improve the lives of and opportunities afforded to people with disabilities, to support equal opportunity in employment, independent living, and healthcare.” Thanks to art director Valerie Lester for this enlightening assignment! You can view more work at my new site!

Year-end Sketchbook...

I drew the picture above as my dog Lily sat in my lap - shivering in fear - as she awaited her yearly check-up at our local animal hospital. Fortunately, the vet was able to extract a rotten tooth, Lily's up to date on her shots - and is in great shape for 2014.  I love sketchbooks, because they remind me exactly what I was doing at specific autobiographical moments in life. Each drawing is like a marker in time. Here are a few excerpts from the last week of 2013, and one from the new year.

From a beautiful Christmas Eve service...

At the movie theater, waiting for American Hustle to begin...

At 88 years old, mom is allowed to take naps any time she likes, especially on Christmas.

I burned 109 calories on the exercise bike while drawing this scene ( at IXL Fitness)

Thanks for viewing. You can see more sketchbook excerpts here.

Here's to a happy and healthy 2014!

Postcards from Lyon...

Vacation season has arrived. This inspired me to share some of my hand-drawn postcards. Every year I visit my daughters and their mother in Lyon, France. I love to explore the streets of this beautiful city. I sketch my observations onto blank postcards. Once I've compiled a variety of drawings, I send them to family, friends, and clients. This is one of my favorite rituals. It's gratifying to mail original artwork to the people in my life.  I hope your summer adventures are picture-perfect!

 the view from my bedroom window...

 Outdoor markets are an integral part of French culture.

This park has a nice view overlooking the city

 Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon.

Lunch hour traffic at Place Saint-Jean.

This man on the park bench perfectly echoed the sitting statue.

The Rhône region has beautiful rolling countryside.

You can see more fun sketchbook scenes here.