A Sweet Elderly Man

I work part-time in a nursing home, and was tasked with keeping this sweet elderly man company. I didn’t have my sketchbook handy, so this portrait was drawn on piece of printer paper. 

You can view a fun gallery of sketchbook drawings here, on my website.

Ocean Therapy

I was able to get some ocean therapy this week, taking in the sights, sounds and scents of Bethany Beach, Delaware. Without a doubt, spending time at the ocean is good for your mental health!

Please visit my website to view more fun sketchbook drawings.

American illustration Interview

It was an honor to participate in an interview with American Illustration, part of their DART series (Design Arts Daily). The interviewer, Peggy Roalf, asked very thoughtful questions about my map drawings, sketchbook images, what my habits are, and who my influences are. You can read the full interview here!

Vigil Honoring Victims of Gun Violence

This sketch may be rain soaked, but bad weather didn’t stop a wonderful crowd from standing in vigil to honor students and teachers killed by gun violence. If we're really a civilized society, we've got to value Public Safety over gun rights!

This vigil, which took place on Presidents Day, was organized by a 13 year old girl in our town.  I'm in awe of the students who are leading the charge for sensible gun laws. Below is the sign she posted to get the word out.

Life As I See It

I always carry a small sketchbook which is dedicated to capturing little moments in time.  I hope you enjoy these recent observations! You can view a big collection of sketchbook drawings here, at my new site!

Life as I See It

My ex-wife used to say a picture is always more interesting if there are people (or dogs) in it. I try to keep this in mind whenever  I'm sketching the world in front of me. Here are recent excerpts from my sketchbook.

Heading north on the thruway, Isobel tests out her new car .

sketches from a scenic train ride in the Adirondacks

A bar-fly's perspective of Flatiron Restaurant Red Hook, NY

Stewart Copeland drumming with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra 11-29

At the reading of my friend Mark's new play, Rhinebeck NY

You can check out my sketchbook gallery on my new site.

Thanks for visiting.

Michael Stewart

I couldn’t find the right words to talk about this drawing, but it’s in the memory of graffiti artist, Michael Stewart. RIP

Life as I See It

As life unfolds before my eyes, I like to unfold my sketchbook, 

and record all the action.

At the Red Hook Pool, 9.02.16

At the Mad Dash 5K road-race, Rhinebeck, NY  9-05-15

at Modern Taco, Red Hook, NY 9-10-16

Minister Dan gives the sermon at St. Paul's Cathedral Buffalo, NY 8-21-16

Workers paving my street 9-09-16

You can view a big gallery of sketchbook drawings here at my new site.

Life is a Beach

Here are some sketchbook spreads from my stay at Bethany Beach, Delaware last week. Sitting by the ocean and drawing is a truly relaxing experience.

Isobel does a crossword puzzle on the beach...

While watching the Olympics on TV,  I sketched a scrabble game in progress

The beach house across the street

observing beach-goers around me

A view of Fenwick Island State Park before a kayaking tour

 You can view a big sketchbook gallery at my new site here!

Systema Naturae

This sketchbook spread was inspired by Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction. This book walks readers through the major extinctions which have taken place on Earth. She also discusses the history of zoology, in which the first book (published in 1758) on this subject was Carolus Linnaeus's Systema Naturae. This Swedish scientist attempted to map out an order to the animal, plant and insect kingdoms. His work was an important building block towards our modern understanding of nature and evolution.

Systema Naturae detail # 1

Systema Naturae detail # 2

Thanks for visiting. You can view my new illustration website here!

Life As I See It

I have so much fun in my sketchbook. I can say so many things which can't be expressed with words. Here are a few recent excerpts...

spread inspired by Carl Hoffman's book, Savage Harvest, about the Asmat Tribe in New Guinea

Any advice for getting rid of crow's feet?

ideas for illustrating for an article, Have Jung, Will Travel

Bill O'Reilly is looking out for all the folks named Bill O'Reilly

life drawing at IXL Fitness, Rhinebeck NY

You can check out a fun gallery of sketchbook excerpts here!

Life As I See It

I like to take my sketchbook everywhere.  In fact, I'll probably take one to my grave. Much like exercising at the gym, it's important for artists to exercise their observational skills on a daily basis. Here are some recent journal excerpts - drawn at my gym, in the courtroom, at church, in the club, and more!

Sitting at a Trivia contest which raise money for the Red Hook Public Library.

Drawn while working out on an exercise bike - at IXL Fitness, Rhinebeck, NY

Drawn at Daryl Hall's club, Daryl's House - of guitarist Davy Knowles

A view of my father and sister sitting in his living room, Buffalo NY

The Rev. Will Mebane gives a sermon at St. Paul's Cathedral, Buffalo, NY

I burned 200 calories while drawing this scene at IXL Fitness, Rhinebeck NY  Woo hoo!

Random views of Rhinecliff Train Station and IXL Fitness

Sitting in at zoning board hearing, Red Hook Village Hal l 01.27.16

You can view a fun gallery of sketchbook excerpts here!