Kingfishers are such badass-looking birds, I just had to draw one.
Signed prints of this piece are available here, in my Etsy shop.
Cornel West
This philosopher effortlessly traverses the topography of spirituality, the arts, and politics.
From Sacramento, California, it’s the one and only Dr. Cornel West.
Tom Waits
It's interesting how certain musicians we discover in our youth help shape our world view. I stumbled upon one such artist as a senior in college, Tom Waits. With his entirely unique approach to songwriting, this singer effortlessly channels downtrodden characters, like hobos, carnival barkers, and junkyard dogs. His attention to those fringe dwellers in society helps to confirm the humanity in all of us. Thanks to this artist, who was born in Pomona, California, for reminding us that everyone has a good story to tell.
Signed prints of this portrait are available Here, in my Etsy shop!
Nathaniel Hawthorne
As we live through this modern-day pandemic, I’ve been reading a lot of nonfiction, but also finding escapism through classic literature. One particular story which was assigned way back in high school English class, Young Goodman Brown, has always stuck with me. Having recently reread it, this devilish tale still spooks the hell out of me. The author is the descendant of a judge who presided in the Salem Witch Trials. With that kind of family lineage, no wonder his writing is so vivid and haunting.
Signed prints of this portrait are are available here, in my Etsy shop!
Elvis Presley
Just looking at pictures of a young Elvis Presley, it’s easy to understand why he found such meteoric success. This native of Tupelo, Mississippi exuded an aura which has yet to be duplicated. While drawing this legend, I found myself continuously mimicking his distinct southern drawl. He sadly lost his way in life, but his early contributions to rock and roll will reverberate forever.
Signed prints of this piece are available here (in my Etsy Shop)!
John Steinbeck
Much of this author’s literary universe is set in the fertile lands around his hometown, Salinas, California. If he didn’t have the life experience which was shaped by this region, we would never have The Grapes of Wrath, or Of Mice and Men.
Signed prints of my John Steinbeck portrait are available here!
Spaghetti Western
You effortlessly traverse the topography of both tumbleweeds and Tinseltown. How ironic to give a face to the American West, when your name is Clint Eastwood.
Jack Rabbit
Here's a charcoal portrait, Jackrabbit, drawn on a topographic map of Rabbit Peak, California. These bouncy and beautiful creatures are part of the fabric of this desert region in southern California. Beautiful prints of this piece are available here!
Wild Pig
This charcoal portrait of a Wild Pig was drawn on a map of Mount Laguna, California. The mighty creatures are part of the fabric of this region in southern California. Prints of this piece are available here!