Drawings

Most of my pencil work is used to explore subject and composition ideas for future paintings. The drawings are usually fast and rough, basically quick sketches, but once in a while a subject will get my attention and draw me in to the point that I find it hard to stop the process. For me, there is something luxurious but demanding about the feel of a soft B2 or B4 pencil on a sheet of bristol 'plate' finish. Andrew Wyeth once said, "To me, pencil drawing is a very emotional, very quick, very abrupt medium... I will perhaps put in a terrific black and press down on the pencil so strongly that the lead will break, in order to emphasize my emotional impact with object." I talk a little more about my drawings in the 'about' section.

Dunning Springs

Detail of Dunning Springs

Flowing out of limestone cliff walls, this beautiful spring was especially dramatic on this day. In the days before air-conditioning townspeople would often come to hike, sit or picnic here on hot and muggy days because of the natural coolness.

The Overlook

Detail of The Overlook

This beautiful stone gazebo, built during the CCC days of the Great Depression, has been overlooking the Upper Iowa River for nearly 100 years.

View From Pulpit Rock

Another CCC limestone construction project overlooking Pulpit Rock and the river valley far down below. Like a miniature version of Norway's Pulpit Rock, it is aptly named, but I have to admit to enjoying the silence with occasional birds singing and the sound of soft breezes providing the sermon when I visit.

Detail of View From Pulpit Rock

Early Morning At Twin Springs

I used to fish for rainbow trout here when I was a young boy. I grew up in a small town that had many beautiful cold water spring fed creeks. I later fly-fished on some famous western trout rivers, but in the early days all I needed was a bicycle, my zebco rod and reel, a small can of earthworms, and a wonderful spring fed creek.

Binkhaven Nord - A View From The "Main House"

This drawing brings back pleasant memories. I woke up early with a cup of coffee for three or four mornings in a row to catch the fleeting effect of the morning sun. I probably could have completed the drawing in one sitting while relying on my memory, but chose to experience the scene firsthand with a fresh sunrise each morning. It is difficult to be self-indulgent while drawing or painting on-site, but this was one of those times when it worked out.

Detail of Binkhaven Nord - A View From The "Main House"

Visiting an Old Friend

Eastern white pines are one of my favorite trees and one of my favorite things to draw and paint. I came across this tree near the Saint Croix River in Taylor's Falls, Minnesota. They are sometimes called the 'Monarch of the North Woods' because of their beauty and that they ultimately become the tallest tree in their woodland neighborhood. Unlike upwardly pointed spruce and fir trees, the eastern white pine has a large spreading evergreen canopy that is often seen from miles away swaying high above all trees around it.

Detail of Visiting an Old Friend

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