In this topsy-turvy world, drawing can be a wonderful way to center yourself.
I’m thrilled to have the piece below included in a juried group show Gallery 40, 40 Canon St, Poughkeepsie, NY. The exhibit, Beyond the Curves, is a celebration of courageous, outrageous, and trailblazing women. My drawing depicts Mollie Burkhart, whose story inspired Killers of the Flower Moon. The show opens tomorrow, July 6th, 5-7 PM, and runs through July 28. Check it out!
Gabriel García Márquez
I attempted some magical realism while depicting one of my daughter’s favorite authors. No doubt, this beloved Colombian belongs in the pantheon of Latin American writers.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Metaphorically speaking, I was digging in Colorado, and unearthed this Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. No doubt, these majestic creatures are tough enough to survive in the most rugged conditions. They're a perfect symbol for this iconic mountain range. This is part of a series called World Tour - in which I use pages from an old atlas as canvases - painting images relating to the place on each map.
Signed prints of this piece are available here, in my Etsy shop.
Margot Robbie
While preparing for our Australia Day celebration (January 26), I thought it would be fun to grill shrimp on the barbie. This reminded me of a brilliant actress, Margot Robbie, who hails from Dalby, Australia. As evident in all her roles, Margot is a master of accents, but my favorite is when she speaks the one from down under.
Prints of this piece are available here, in my Etsy shop.
Jimmy Carter
Here's a tribute to a peanut farmer from Georgia, who in retirement, built houses for people in need. Throughout his life, Mr. Carter was involved in many humanitarian causes, and, oh yeah, he also served as 39th President of the United States of America. This is part of a series called World Tour - in which I use maps and pages from an old atlas as canvases - painting images relating to the place on each map.
Signed prints of this piece are available here, in my Etsy shop.
American Bison
I grew up far far away from Wyoming, in Buffalo, NY. The The American Bison is a symbol of my home city, so I've always had a strong affinity for these beautiful animals. It's frightening to think they were nearly brought to extinction in the late 1800's. Thankfully, these majestic creatures are roaming Yellowstone Park and ranches of Wyoming once again. No doubt, it's on my bucket-list to visit this epic western state.
Signed prints of this piece are available here, in my Etsy shop!
Albert Einstein
While drawing this iconic physicist, I felt like I was getting lost in a tiny universe. Albert Einstein’s head may have been in the stars, but his heart was firmly grounded in humanity.
Prints of this piece are available here, in my Etsy shop
James Gandolfini
He ruled this turf with killer acting chops.
Rest in peace, James Gandolfini.
This is part of an ongoing project, where I'm
attempting to draw a picture on every
map in an old Rand McNally atlas.
Stay tuned for more!
Hopi Indian Woman
Hopi Indian culture was destined to go viral, in a galaxies far far away.
This is part of an ongoing project, where I'm
attempting to draw a picture on every
map in an old Rand McNally atlas.
Stay tuned for more!
Grizzly Bear
With all due respect to Kevin Costner, here’s the real star of Yellowstone.
Prints of this portrait are available here, in my Etsy shop!
James Madison
This portrait of James Madison appears in today’s edition of The Wall Street Journal. This story looks at the debate our founders had about how much federal representation individual states should have. Madison argued that representation should be proportionate to the population of each state, which would have been more reflective of a true democracy. Unfortunately, the author of the Constitution lost this debate. Regardless of enormous disparities in population, each state has two senators. Thanks to art director, Alice Cheung, for this fascinating assignment!
(Map: David Rumsey Historical Map Collection. Convention scene: Alamy Stock)
Baby Alligator
Baby alligators are pretty darn cute.
Signed prints of this portrait are available here, in my Etsy shop.
Kingfisher
Kingfishers are such badass-looking birds, I just had to draw one.
Signed prints of this piece are available here, in my Etsy shop.
Patti Smith
Last year, my dear friend Bernadette found a beautiful Hammond Atlas at a Brooklyn yard sale. Knowing that I’m obsessed with drawing on old maps, she generously gave it to me. I wanted to give her a thank you gift, and she suggested a portrait of the great Patti Smith. Knowing that they’re both Jersey-girls at heart, I was sold on this idea. I hope I captured an inkling of this artist’s poetic spirit. Thank you for this incredible atla, Bernadette! It’s given me so much inspiration!
Ben Franklin
This piece was commissioned for a dear friend who recently retired from teaching social studies. As a history buff, she has always admired this founding father of the United States, Ben Franklin. And why not? To name a few accomplishments, he was a statesman, inventor, publisher, printer, abolitionist, as well as the first US Postmaster General (as a frequent user of our exceptional postal service, I really appreciate this last accomplishment) . While I have very mixed feelings about a number of America’s founders, this man embodied the best of the this young county’s spirit, and was a big believer in democracy. Thanks so much for this opportunity, Christa!
John Lewis
Out of humble roots in Alabama, John Lewis rose to become one of the most significant civil rights leaders in America. I was born on Bloody Sunday, the day he made his fateful march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. This event would help inspire the most important voting rights legislation in US history. John Lewis is no longer with us, but he provided us with a template in fighting for voting rights going into the future.
Signed prints of this portrait are available here, in my Etsy shop.
Aldous Harding
This singer-songwriter from New Zealand makes the most enchanting music. I drew this portrait solely while listening to her new album, Warm Chris. Her lyrics are so cryptically beautiful, you're compelled to keep listening in order to decipher them.
Extraterrestrial
This undocumented visitor was recently spotted in New Mexico. This sketch is based on several eyewitness descriptions. The truth is still out there!
Signed prints of this piece are available HERE, in my Etsy Shop.
Māori Woman
No doubt, the number one priority on my bucket list is to visit New Zealand one day. In tribute to the indigenous people of this beautiful island, here's a portrait of a Māori woman.
Signed prints of this piece are available HERE, in my Etsy shop