Your Common New England Bird

watercolor, pen, 11x14"

Being surrounded by so many birds lately, I had the opportunity to be in the presence of my inspiration for this peice. These birds I saw were those common to the Vermont forests: Blue Jays, American Gold Finches, Cedar Waxwings, Crows etc. Yet, even though, I was engulfed by these beautiful creatures, I wanted to make one with a bit more color. Hard to say, this guy spawned from a crow.

Is it Ready?

Watercolor, pen, 11x8"

After being on the Battenkill River (Vermont) for the past 4 days, I have seen so many rock sculptures and they looked so stable and serene. So I made some too. Some were successful, some failed to defy gravity. Then I got to thinking, what if a scruffy looking Gnome was going creating these sculptures I see randomly place along the river? Thinking along those lines, I found that making these sculptures just right takes time, stability, and patience. Much like the point where all artists come to at the 'end' of a piece: "Is it Ready?"

St. George and the Dragon

18x20" watercolor, ink, color pencil

I have begun a journey that puts me away from my comfort zone and into a new and unknown territory. That can be said for both my work as well as my travel to the other side of the country within the month. But, as I have so much to yet discover what watercolor deems to uphold, I am attempting to discover the possibilities this medium can give. What better way to practice that notion, than on a piece itself rather than on a scrap piece of paper. Yes, one may find that practicing on scrap can give you a feel for what exactly you are trying to achieve, but will you really know where and how to apply it when you get to that point?

Eowyn and Windfola

20x9", watercolor, ink, pencil

I have always related myself to Eowyn in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. In his work, Tolkien describes Eowyn with longing to win renown in battle due —more so because she was royal and the fact that her family has been disrupted by Orcs—but being female, her duties were not so related to such tasks. Therefore, I admire her as a shield-maiden that went against norms, going into battle, grieved but determined.