A (Close) Second Seduction

Shoe Shopping. It's not only about having the shoes- it's looking, and watching everyone else looking. and just when my pair was taking just a little too long to arrive, I started to draw. Talk about gesture and body language. Just found a way to validate my "Oven Collection!"

OUTRAGE

Talk about this, link me, send it, commiserate.
I am sick about this.

Selling Mangoes

Just looking at this drawing from my BATEY series makes me long for the rustle of the sugar cane, the bright smiles of the Haitians who work the fields, and the warm Dominican sun.
This drawing is off to The Society of Illustrators Auction. (Dec. 3 at SI!)

When The (Pool) Shark Bites

Not too long ago I attended a conference where, after a hard day's work, folks unwound with some sharp shootin' pool sharks.
For me, my relaxation came with my pen. The identities have been changed to protect them- and me!

Almost Missed My Stop

Riding downtown on the No. 1, I had to scramble to get off to my day job, other hat, because I was, yes, seduced, by my sketchbook and this looooong standing project of mine-Post-it People, I call it.

There is all at once a challenge and a beauty to record, and then to remember, the fantastic diversity of this city.

Beach Days

As these hot, hazy days continue, and I am inside working, I can't help but think back to the languorous days on the beach this past summer.
The sea is mesmerizing, powerful and engaging in a way that never gets old- but I am never there without my sketchbook. Models everywhere! And that, too, never gets old. Body language, gesture and character galore.
These are just but a few from years of beach days and people from many beaches.

A Day At The Races

There's nothing else that I thnk of doing when the weather is this good.
Today's pick-Belmont Racetrack.

The day of a little man with a long name

Nothing like a rally against someone who doesn't even deserve that attention to bring me out with my sketchbook.

Verdad...

Let me start this blog with a story.

It had already been a long, loud morning. Extensive lines at the airport, many security checks and the signature of the summer getaway- delay. Finally on board to my vacation in the Dominican Republic, I eased into my seat and started to record what was going on around me. If you've never been on a plane to Santo Domingo, then picture this- SOLD OUT-families with children, mamas, pappis, grandmas and grandpas, aunts, uncles, all dressed for the tropics, LOTS of luggage, music, smiles, high heels, music, music, music. I had a field day of models and body language, character and gesture, and my hand was flying over the page as I got caught up in the excitement of everyone.
Across the aisle to my right I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, a young girl watching me. It was hard not to see that she was beautiful, a young teenager and also challenged. Her hands were clenched and her head bobbed and weaved. Her huge bright eyes were on me as I was drawing and her smile was as bright as the sunshine we were heading to.
She started to motion to me that she wanted to draw.
Now, the smile was on my face. I gladly handed over my sketchbook and pen. She was focused and determined, she managed my cartidge pen like a pro, and she clearly knew what she wanted to draw.
This is her drawing-I love the way that is speaks to the country that we were heading to and romanticizes her vision of it.
She offered it to me, and I gladly accepted- and I offered her mine- and she accepted!
We exchanged smiles and this spoke volumes. I can think of no better drawing for my first post on my first blog-

This drawing is truly the seduction of the sketchbook.