Fine acrylic painting

On stretched canvas or sustainable birchwood panel.

Acrylics have come a long way since I began using them as a fine arts student. The results are comparable to oil painting, especially when varnished, only a lot faster and less toxic. I use Golden acrylics – they are more lightfast and durable than oils.

Charcoal drawing

There is a vigorous sculptural quality to charcoal drawing on paper that I enjoy. Truly a hands-on experience, I often use both hands to smear the charcoal around, then use the eraser as a shaping tool. Drawings can be finished with Krylon Workable Fixatif.

Pencil drawing

A pencil drawing is a meditation. Something about the geometry and cross-hatching and shaping – it takes me hours to finish, and I might revisit the same drawing day after day. Students learn to appreciate the difference between an “H” (hard, light) pencil and a “B” (soft, dark) pencil.

Gouache painting

High quality gouache paint is creamy when wet, and can be reactivated with water when dry, and too heavy of an application can be lightened by wiping over it with a wet cloth. A touch of watercolor pencils can bring out some brilliant accents. It has a matte finish, so it photographs beautifully, and is lightfast, as opposed to tempera, which colors can fade over time.

Ink drawing

There are some that spend hours on an ink drawing. I am not one of them. Ink caricatures and quick sketches are how I like to use this medium. Often I will draw a person from memory. I use brush pens and manga pens in a pinch, but often I will use my Sailor fountain pen for variable line work and a brush for ink washes.

Digital painting and animation

I can spend hours creating characters in Adobe Creative Cloud apps, particularly Photoshop and Character Animator, and I also enjoy using iPad apps on the go. Digital paintings are typically output as print-ready jpegs or pdfs. Animations, with or without sound, are output as gifs, MP4s, or mov files. I can create and animate a character from my drawing of your pet, or person, or favorite thing.

Visual Design

Need some help with an ad, headline, and copy-writing, or your website? I could probably help you out with this. I’m a professional visual designer with over 25 years of experience. Check me out on LinkedIn.

Art lessons

I gain great inspiration from my students. I am particularly interested in helping people improve their drawing and painting skills. I’ve taught workshops and private lessons. Contact me (below) to learn more!

Caricatures and Face Painting

Yes, I’d love to perform face painting or caricatures for your private or corporate function. I’ve been doing this in the North Carolina Triangle area for over 10 years, and use the highest quality of professional face paints to ensure an enjoyable, safe experience.