Balance

Balance

Size: 18x22 inches
Medium: Watercolor & Pencil
Prints and original available -here-


Tried a slightly different process this time, on the recommendation of my friend Allen Williams. I did a much more detailed initial sketch than I usually do, in pencil, with some shading even. Scanned the sketch. Then Allen printed it out with his Epson (I've only got a puny laser b&w printer) onto my Strathmore board, at about 10% of the darkness of the original sketch. From there, I did my usual with watercolors and fixative layers. Though I did bits of shading with pencil here and there as well.

Book sketches

Had some people asking how detailed and how big the sketches are I do inside the books (when you order one of my books with a customized sketch option). So here is a sampling of some of them that I've done this week:

Balance - in progress

In progress partial scan of this piece. Finally had a chance to paint this weekend after many setbacks on getting started with this!

Balance - More sketches

A much more detailed sketch than I usually do. But going to be trying out a different technique with this piece!



Here were the rougher sketches leading up to it:
Sketchbook scribbles. This was about 2 months ago. Was just messing around, but didn't know what I would do with the piece just yet. It's been sitting in my sketchbook since, waiting for me.



Rough compositional ideas. Played around with a few. I knew I wanted her to be balancing on something....


Tightened up the sketch of the figure.

Balance sketches

A peek at what's currently on the drawing board:

Been noodling around with this figure and pose for weeks now, but I think I finally know what I want to do with her.

Travel sketchbook - Garnada & Rose Garden

Today at the Berkeley Rose Garden. A beautiful old oak on the hillside with branches that spread out across some steps and a concrete slide.

And I had forgotten to scan this other one from several months back. Rehearsal session with the band Garnada as we were preparing for a benefit show in Oakland. Fusion bellydancing & flamenco to Middle Eastern music.

Unison

Unison
Size: 10x13 inches
Medium: Watercolors
Detail closeups, original, and prints available -here-