A Handy Drawing Exercise

Here's a quick study I sketched out while sitting at my community pool. Much like the human body, hands are complex and convey dynamic movement. If you can draw hands well, you can draw almost anything. So this is a handy exercise worth doing on a regular basis. You can see more sketchbook excerpts here.

Rutgers Radio Reunion

Here's a spot (for Rutgers Magazine) with a very nostalgic theme. The story is about a reunion of alumni who first met working at Rutgers' Radio station in 1968. Much has changed since then, but many of these friendships have stayed strong throughout this 45 year span. Thanks to art director, Michelle Cody for another fun assignment. You see see ideas I submitted for this illustration below.

 

Thanks for viewing.

You can see more Rutgers illustrations here, here, here, here and here.

A Toolbox for Students

Some methods of studying are more effective than others.  These illustrations ( for American Educator) accompany an article outlining the best ways for students to study; utilizing practice quiz's, flash cards, study calenders, etc. You can see a few of these study methods illustrated below. This has been the perfect assignment to usher in the new school year. I'll be sharing this article with my daughters, who are in high school and college. I'm sure they'll both benefit - having toolboxes full of effective study methods.

Students learn material best when their minds are engaged in the subject.
One effective study method is to read a question, (while covering the answer)
and then attempt to answer it in writing.  This forces students to think about
 (and understand)  the material, as opposed to simply memorizing the answer.

Practice quiz's are an effective way to engage a student's mind
with the lessons they are learning.

Cramming is not an effective way to study - because you don't retain
much of the material you're memorizing. Students will have more success
 by creating a schedule and studying incrementally over time.

Students will benefit from having these study toolboxes

A special thanks to art director Michelle Furman for another enlightening assignment.

Thanks for viewing...and good luck on your next exam!

Poolside...

Here are observations from my weekend at the Red Hook Pool, taken from my trusty 4" by 6" sketchbook. Buddy (above) is a recently retired school teacher. This guy knows how to relax in style! Below are studies of kids playing tetherball (a game which I find visually striking). You can see more glimpses of life at the pool here and here.

A  tetherball game      ...or an scene from Lord of the Flies?

Goliath and David?

tetherball, or sun dial?

The Umbrellas of Red Hook

You can see more from my sketchbook right here.

May the light of August shine brightly upon you...
...but don't forget to wear sunscreen!

PCOM Cover Art

Here's art from one of my most daunting assignments; a portrait of thirteen distinguished faculty members of a prestigious Medical school (which will appear on their magazine cover). My client is one of the oldest medical schools in America, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.  I'm honored to be the first illustrator (ever) to have contributed to their alumni publication, Digest.  Thanks to communications manager, Jennifer Leone, for a great assignment. I'll be posting more about this project soon...

 PS. I also illustrated this portrait of the PCOM president, Matthew Schure, to accompany his "Letter from the President" column in this upcoming issue.

You can view my new illustration website here!

Lifeguards...

These charcoal sketches were drawn at the Red Hook Pool on Saturday afternoon.  I've always looked up to lifeguards (in part, because they sit 8 feet above everyone else). Seriously, they've got an important job, and they do it well!

Happy Summer!

Hudson River Exchange

Yesterday, I attended the Hudson River Exchange - an artisans fair (displaying handmade and vintage products) in Hudson, NY. The event was sponsored by Etsy.  I was there to help my ex-wife set up a booth of vintage French products. There were many talented artists showing their wares under big tents (set up along the Hudson River). Considering the sweltering heat, there was a great turnout. In my free moments, I sketched out these scenes...

I met many interesting people at this event. It's wonderful to have Etsy's presence here in the Hudson Valley. I hope to participate next year by exhibiting my own work. If you haven't visited the town of Hudson, I urge you check it out. It's a fun place!