Arm and Leg Raised
graphite, ink, and charcoal
9.5" x 7.6" (24.1 cm x 19.4 cm)

The wall behind the model was covered with a sheet, and the model's arm or hand was resting on a thermostat beneath the sheet, which is why the arm seems relaxed. This may also be the reason that the arm is drawn a little oddly. It may have been deformed by the thermostat beneath the sheet.

Man Pushing
graphite and charcoal
9.5" x 9.7" (24.1 cm x 24.7 cm)

For this pose the model was actually pushing on a pole braced against a wall. This is not apparent in the drawing except in the strange shadow to the model's left.

A.
graphite, ink, and oil pastel
8.625" x 11.75" (21.9 cm x 29.8 cm)

It would have been interesting to see where this drawing would have gone, given more time. It would have had more colour and more contrast, although, in the end, it might not have been any better a drawing.

This pose reminded the artists present of Manet's Olympia, a painting whose disregard of convention caused a sensation in the Paris Salon of 1865. Rather than draw directly in front of the model as Manet, I chose, for no good reason, to draw from the side.

For comparison, Manet'sOlympia is posted below.

Olympia
oil
51" x 73.75" (129.5 cm x 187.3 cm)

Edouard Manet. Painted 1863. The Louvre, Paris

Portrait
graphite,ink, and oil pastel
9.7" x 7.2" (24.6 cm x 18.3 cm)

This portrait was done with an inexpensive set of oil pastels. It is always a struggle with cheap pastels to keep things under control. They keep wanting to shock you with intense colour and contrast. The best approach might be not to fight them, but take what they have to give.

House in Shadow
ink, charcoal, and pastel
6" x 9" (15.2 cm x 22.9 cm)

For anyone who is curious about trees, that is an apple tree in the foreground.

Tony Against a Wall
ink and charcoal
8.5" x 11.75" (21.3 cm x 29.9 cm)

French Roof
ink, pastel, and charcoal
6" x 7.5" (15.5 cm x 19.3 cm)

Coloured last night, this is an older drawing done somewhere in France, probably Cluny. The odd branches overhanging the top of the wall give the scene an exotic look. Who knows? It may be that there are exotic trees planted in Cluny just to attract naive, unsuspecting artists.

Arles
graphite, ink, and pastel
9" x 6" (22.7 cm x 15.1 cm)

Although this rather slight drawing was coloured this morning, it was begun last October, on a bright, sunny day in Arles, France, place de l'hôtel de ville. The square was a lovely, calm place, removed from the bustle of the town.

Leaning Over
ink and gouache
11" x 15" (28 cm x 38 cm)

The model was less than impressed with this pose. By the time it was over her neck and shoulders were pretty stiff, not too mention that the toes of the foot bearing her weight had all fallen asleep.

Overalls
graphite, ink, and gouache
8.3" x 11.4" (21.1 cm x 29 cm)

Although it does not necessarily show in this drawing, the model is very pregnant as of this posting. She was kind enough to sit without complaint for a portrait last week.
Those are two bunnies on her overalls. Two for twins?

Mountain No. 2
graphite and pastel
5.875" x 7" (14.8 cm x 18 cm)

Another drawing done while hiking in Banff National Park. It was done during the same lunch break as the previous drawing. It was a cool September day, good for hiking, but a little cool on the hands when drawing.

Mountain, Banff National Park
graphite and pastel
5.75" x 8.25" (14.7 cm x 21 cm)

This is an older drawing, done a couple of years ago while hiking in the Skoki area of Banff National Park in Alberta. A very quick drawing, but one I like nevertheless.

Ariel
ink and graphite
8.25" x 5.875" (21 cm x 15 cm)

The model for this drawing is an artist, who is putting modelling on hold to pursue her artistic career. She enjoys modelling with props of some sort - in this case, a book.

Backyard
gouache
6" x 6" (15 cm x 15 cm)

This is our backyard. Apple tree, and a bit of the garden, garage, and pad for the car. The painting is quite stylized. It reminds me of the work of some artists from the 1920's and 30's, with simplified shapes, like trees with only the major limbs.

Easter Flowers
gouache
6" x 6" (15 cm x 15 cm)

These flowers do not look much like the actual flowers, except for the colour. Perhaps it is better this way. These flowers could be any of several different types of yellow flowers. Take your pick, and call them what you will.

Storm Sky
gouache
3.5" x 4.625" (8.8 cm x 11.9 cm)

This was a very quick painting, which started out as a simple cloud study. It has a certain vigour and immediacy that I like.

Green Streaks
ink and gouache
9.5" x 15" (24.1 cm x 38 cm)

The model for this drawing was a young university student. She seemed to quite enjoy posing, although she had some trouble with the hand she was resting her chin on.

The lower legs and feet are a little ill-defined. They were altered at the last minute.

Plants No.2
inkjet print
7.5" x 10.75" (19.5 cm x 27.3 cm)

Brad's Porch
gouache and charcoal
10.5" x 7.125" (26.7 cm x 18.2 cm)

Chimney
gouache and charcoal
7.5" x 10.875" (19 cm x 27.5 cm)

Raymond
ink and gouache
12" x 9" (30.5 cm x 32 cm)

Alcoholics Anonymous
graphite and ink
4.5" x 7.0" (11.3 cm x 17.6 cm)

Street Shadows
gouache
7.875" x 10.625" (20.5 cm x 27 cm)