THE ARTWORK OF GARY L. SKINNER

THE RED DOOR, BEGINNING . . .

2011-06-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill is a wonderfully engineered park that is actually a false cover for an immense system of water storage bladders that serve as one of the main sources of water for the city.

On Memorial Day, it was actually SUNNY and WARM, so I dragged my easel and paints out and began this watercolor looking towards downtown through the trees and over the reflecting pool. It's still pretty rough . . .

This is only after about 6 hours of work; I am guessing after about another 10 to 15 more it should be at a finished state.
22" x 18", watercolor
May, 2011

FOR BECKY

2011-06-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

During my first week back to work at Microsoft, I had the pleasure of sitting next to an extremely lovely and a very bright woman who hails from Nigeria. She takes great pride in portraying herself as a serious, no-fooling around - and - all - business kind of a person. After the first few days, however, I realized underneath that well-guarded cover was a wonderfully witty, fun, and extremely astute person who showed me that dwelling on useless and past events do nothing but hinder and stifle personal growth.

She also loved my artwork; and to brighten up the otherwise dreary server room I scribbled a picture of an azalea on some copy paper. I framed it and gave it to Becky.

5" x 7", colored pencil, May, 2011

NOT A MING VASE, BUT HEY . . . ITS ABOUT THE FLOWERS

2011-05-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Spring always brings the best stuff out of the ground. These daffodils I brought in to enjoy and having no access to my enormous collection of Waterford vases, I opted to rip the top off a can of Genesee beer and plop them in there.

I know what you are thinking, WHITE TRASH.
Perhaps. But I didn't see anything trashy about them for the few days I managed to keep them, and after all . . .it's about the flowers.

5" x 7", ink
May 2011

TRASHCAN PARK

2011-05-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

This is a picture I stumbled across that was purloined by one of my great admirers . . . MacKenzie.

It is a drawing of what is commonly known as Trashcan Park, a little oasis of trees, grass, etc. within the confines of Capitol Hill.

5" x 7", ink.

May 2010

Hummingbird

2011-04-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

On 17th Ave on Capitol Hill a mere two feet above the blissfully unaware passersby there lives a hummingbird complete with nest and baby hummers . . . how many I don't know.

Were it not for David, I never would have seen her. In my whole life, my encounters with hummingbirds have been as fleeting as a flash of lightning -- you see them, and they are gone. Or, there is a blur in your field of vision that only seconds later, after it is gone, you realize it was a hummingbird instead of some gluey thing in your eye.

Her nest is a feat of fiber fabrication and architecture. Watching her navigate through the blossoming cherries along the street, pure physics in motion, she masters a world largely hidden to the eyes of we sluggish, slow, clumsy humans who think we are so brilliant as we walk ignorantly underneath.

5" x 7"

colored pencil, ink

April, 2011

Dreamstates

2011-04-06T15:12:00.000-07:00

I love to watch people sleep, especially when they talk and I can lead a conversation into the absurd to see how long I can carry it on before they either wake up or simply stop talking.

This man is responsible for directing my attention to much of the subjects I end up drawing and painting, and I don't give him nearly enough credit for it. Although he doesn't consider himself

'talented', he has no idea how gifted he is. He has a way of manipulating my focus to subject matter I sometimes wouldn't consider, and they often become some of the best work I do.

This is David, my partner. Sleeping blissfully, mumbling silly things while I sit back and sketch a quick minute-or-two to catch the innocent and peaceful moment of an afternoon slumber.

5" x 7"

pencil

April, 2011

Starbucks (sigh)

2011-04-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

I will be honest . . . I am not a fan of Starbucks. I'm sorry, but your coffee requires three hundred tons of sugar (which they serve in little miniscule packets requiring a team to open enough to sweeten a mere tall size americano) for me to consider palatable. Compared to all the GREAT small independent coffee houses in Seattle, you simply suck.

However, I found myself in need of some wifi so I hunkered down and joined the cliquey coffee clan to get some work done. Distracted as always, I managed to get in a sketch of my 'neighbor' who seemed to pay no attention to the fact I kept looking at his pants. Actually, it was his shoes . . . shiny and black, like the bitter ink they serve as coffee.

5" x 7"

colored pencil, ink.

march, 2011

Seattle Spring

2011-04-06T14:56:00.001-07:00

Winters in Seattle generally tend to be the usual laid-back rainy and dismal. On the dismal scale (1 being mildly dismal, 10 being suicidally horrific) this one was pushing about an 8.

Today, the sun is shining . . . FINALLY, hopefully for more than a few minutes. So before you head to your favorite jumping bridge take a few to look at the colors at your feet which are sure lighten that dark veil of doom encasing your brain.

Crocuses.

5" x 7"

colored pencil, ink.

march, 2011

Chat Noir

2011-04-06T14:46:00.001-07:00

You can often count on one hand how many GOOD friends you have; those who you can rely on in a time of crisis, those who stand by you through good and bad without judging or criticizing you.

My friend Samantha is one of those friends I am fortunate to have. At the top of her list of friends is Andi, her long-time pal and pet, her cat. At 16, this cat knows evil! Not one to instantly cuddle up to you, if you make it through the two-week trial period without a major slashing or hiss fit worthy of a rabid viper, she may warm up and consider you to be a fit human. Fortunately, I have no scars. She rules from within a pile of pillows simply glaring at you, giving no indication of her intentions. This is a watercolor of Andi, the Black Cat of Sam.

18" x 24"

watercolor

march, 2011

gifted to Samantha

PAINTING SOLD!

2011-03-04T02:34:00.000-08:00

Remembrence

I am thrilled to report that my latest painting, "remembrence' was purchased by the owners of the house I painted in Shoreline, along with two prints of the original. Considering this lovely piece of property remained within their family for nearly a hundred years, there could be no better home for the painting.

Thank you Pam and Cheryl, and I hope you enjoy it. I loved doing it.

Also, thanks to Blick Artists' Supply in Seattle for providing excellent, swift and beautiful print reproductions.

MIRROR, MIRROR, ON THE . . .

2011-01-12T10:34:00.000-08:00

I never throw anything I can repurporse away, that includes any broken glass. I replaced the rotted out threshold sill at the entrance to my apartment with some new pressure treated lumber then tiled the surface with 1/4" old float mirror that had broken.

REMEMBRENCE

2011-01-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Here is the finished painting, "Remembrence".
(yes, that is yours truly in the inset when I first started the ink sketch)

This is the Craftsfman style home that was built in 1927 on the shore of Echo Lake, just feet from where I currently live, below the Echo Lake Tavern.

Before it is sold to some developer who will simply tear it down, I wanted to capture the quiet elegance of this wonderful piece of property.

Watercolor, 3' x 1.5' Jan 2011

Fur, Feathers and Fingernails

2011-01-06T04:05:00.001-08:00

Doing a test drive with a pair of my "Hairy Back" gloves -- a gift for a good friend Chip. (He still doesn't know, I'm sure he thinks he will never see a pair)
Knit with merino wool, partridge feathers, copper-colored knuckle-hair and custom knit-in copper fingernails, each pair highly unique.
Besides being very warm, they will also make sure you don't go through the chilly weather unnoticed!

Mother and Babies

2010-12-12T05:00:00.000-08:00

My mom painted this and gave it to David and I last Christmas as a gift; I have it hanging prominently in my living room and is one of my most cherished pieces of art.

Approx 2' x 3', acrylic on canvas board.

by Helen Skinner, Dec, 2009

Tribute to Mom

2010-11-07T23:56:00.000-08:00

This is my mother, Helen. She passed away Nov 5 at the age of 70. I never knew she was ill, and knowing I will never see or speak with her again leaves me with a huge hole in my heart.

I attribute all my artistic talent to her; she was a wonderful artist and I will miss her so very much. I wanted to be able to go home to New Hampshire to visit this year, but it did not happen, and I am stricken with grief over it.

She loved landscapes and animals, always painting her pets as well as her friends' pets. I was always in awe of her talent, and I never started to develop mine until about 10 years ago when I began drawing again. Sharing that with her was something I treasure deeply. It was a connection that only she and I shared within my family, something we both found much satisfaction in.

Being the only member of my family who moved 'away' from home, I missed out having her at a moment's notice; my brother Kevin is so lucky to have been nearby all these years.

To my Mom, Helen. I will always love you and I miss you so very much, and every time I pick up a pencil, a paintbrush, or make a huge mess in my studio -- you will always be there with me since without you, I wouldn't have this wonderful gift.

MORE PHALENOPSIS

2010-08-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

The beginnings of a new painting . . .

FAMILY HISTORY

2010-08-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

This is SO premature, but I couldn't resist. This house was built in 1917 in Shoreline, WA on Echo Lake. It has remained in the family to this day.
This is my next attempt at a large watercolor -- not done, and to be sure I'll repost when it is...very soon!

CITY SCENE, CARTOONISH

2010-08-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

This got pulled from one of my sketchbooks, no doubt I thought it was hideous -- but now the color and contrast is rather cool! So, here it is.

8" x 5", gel pens on black paper
circa 2007

NUDE MALE, ON BACK

2010-08-02T05:07:00.000-07:00

Simply lying on his back, arms folded behind his head. Approximately a 5 min pen and ink.
5" x 7"
pen and ink with wash

NUDE MALE, LEANING ON STOOL

2010-08-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

The way the arm and hand were positioned in space simply gave this 3 minute pen and ink the relaxing and peaceful mood I had hoped for.
5" x 7"
pen and ink

GUITAR HEROES

2010-08-02T04:51:00.000-07:00

I am always trying to capture the human form while in motion with the intention of giving the image life, while at the same time doing my best to make it look natural and recognizable. Plus, it satisfies my hand and foot fetish (hands, feet, not always the simplest things to get right in a fast sketch). These two guys of course never even saw these sketches being in their own little worlds.

5" x 8"

pen and ink

gui

ACID ORCHID

2010-08-02T04:42:00.000-07:00

While sitting in the food court area of the local supermarket, I sketched an orchid I wanted to get but never did.
5" x 7"
Ink
July 2010

SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE

2010-08-02T04:33:00.000-07:00

Went with my partner Dave to the Social Security office in Shoreline, where I managed to catch this lovely woman standing at the counter.
8 1/2" x 11"
colored pencil
July 2010

QUADRUPLETS

2010-08-02T04:28:00.000-07:00

Well, not really quadruplets . . . just the same model in 4 different stances. About 30 secs for each stance. It was easier to do it on one piece of paper instead of separate ones.
11" x 18"
Pen and ink, color washes

THREE LATTES

2010-08-02T04:20:00.000-07:00

Three friends getting ready to spend some time together at Vivace on Broadway. The woman in the green jacket wanted to kiss me because I didn't draw her 'fat' when they later saw I had caught their moment at the counter. I just smiled and said, "I draw 'em the way I see 'em."
8 1/2" x 11"
pencil, colored pencil

Tigger

2010-08-02T04:10:00.000-07:00

A quick pen and ink sketch of a friend named Tigger. His Ipod had him enraptured so he never noticed me drawing him from 4 feet away.

5" x 7"

pen and sepia ink

April, 2010

YEAH, YEAH, I KNOW I HAVEN'T POSTED IN A WHILE

2010-08-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

Pike Place Market is one of the main "must go and see" places in Seattle. I spent some time down there one afternoon with my sketchbook and got a little carried away . . .

8 1/2" x 11"
ink and colored pencil

BARBICIDE

2009-10-15T13:45:00.001-07:00

Besides drawing, painting, knitting, I occasionally like to take everyday objects and combine them in ways not always considered. Anytime I’ve gone to the barber shop for a haircut, they always had the “Barbicide” with the blue fluid and the tangle of combs sitting there. I always wanted one of those containers . . . unfortunately for this particular Barbie, I got one.

Kevin at Dave’s with David

2009-10-15T13:26:00.001-07:00

Kevin playing a bowling game on Dave’s computer. This began as a great big sketch (I was carrying around my REALLY big sketchpad). I didn’t anticipate it would develop into a full painting by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve wanted to get my hands messier with paints and so a few hours with my watercolors and lots of “Oh, great…I’ve REALLY ruined it now” proclamations, this is what resulted.

12” x 16”, Oct 2009

Another Spring

2009-07-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

This painting was done for one purpose -- it was donated to the Susan B. Komen "Race for the Cure" breast cancer fundraising event.

My good friend, David Smith, was the sole individual who worked for many weeks to spearhead the donation of products, artwork, and other items from Seattle local businesses and individuals for the purpose of organizing an auction to raise funds for this cause.

Someone bought my painting at the auction for $280! This made me very happy to know I made some contribution to this great cause.

watercolor, 2' x 3'

July 2009

Mt. Rainier

2009-07-10T05:46:00.000-07:00

Mt. Rainier as seen from the rooftop of my building.

5" x 7", ink

July 2009

Surfin' Barista

2009-07-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

A quiet moment for the barista at Uncle Elizabeth's is spent in front of the computer.

8" x 10" colored pencil
March 7, 2009

Plein Air Irises

2009-06-27T06:35:00.000-07:00

Sat in a local pea patch and threw some watercolors on some paper to see what I'd get.
12" x 16", watercolor

MAY DAY

2009-05-01T22:12:00.001-07:00

HAPPY MAY FIRST EVERYONE!

Rooftop Deck, Casa Del Ray

2009-02-17T16:35:00.001-08:00

Little black pen, and a piece of horrid green mimeograph paper. Remember we used to have many a math test printed on this kind of paper in school?

blank ink, 8.5 x 11

July 2008

Heart Attack!

2009-02-17T16:31:00.001-08:00

We can thank this tall very colorful flowering plant that grows all over the place for saving many a life because of its medicinal value – this is where digitalis comes from. But a word of warning: DON’T EAT THE PLANT! You’re more than likely die from a heart attack. Funny how that works . . .

This one was growing on the roof of my apartment building in a clod of dirt.

colored pencil, 12” x 36”

Aug 2008

When We Were A Big Happy Group

2009-02-15T10:33:00.001-08:00

A couple years ago, I was involved with a fun group of people who got together once a week at Online Cafe on 14th and Pike and we did something that for all of us was great, great fun. We knit. My roommate at the time, Daniel Herrera, got involved with this crazy girls’ knitting group and I finally joined in.

It was the most fun I’ve had in a long, long time with a group of people. It was especially fun one night when I brought my fart-noise making machine and hid it under the table. So the question is: how many different fart noises can one get away with before SOMEONE in the group says something? (not to mention the OTHER people in the cafe…)

If I had pulled more stunts like that, maybe the group would still be together. Sadly, people came and then they went until the group was no more. But I met a bunch of very cool people who were very talented, and that was really exciting to see! I miss many of them.

Blue Abby

2009-02-15T09:58:00.001-08:00

A 3-minute study of Abigail. I really like the blue . . .

white, black pencil on blue

5” x 8”

January 2008

The Day the Model Didn’t Show Up Naked

2009-02-15T09:47:00.001-08:00

. . . and because of that, one of the artists volunteered to take their place.

He kept his clothes on, however.

white pencil on black paper, 5” x 7” June 2008

He Turned, and Looked

2009-02-15T09:44:00.001-08:00

And he said . . .

Mystery Feet, Mystery Halls

2009-02-15T09:43:00.001-08:00

Who is that? What are these rooms? Where is he going? Where are his shoes? What place is this?

Don Mueller Knits

2009-02-15T09:40:00.001-08:00

A washcloth for the masses.

white pen on black paper, 5” x 7”

August 2008

Poophead and the Fly

2009-02-15T09:38:00.001-08:00

This is Sasha . . . our cat. I fondly refer to her as “Poophead”.

pencil, 3” x 5”

August 2008

I’m a Lightnin’ Bug!

2009-02-15T09:35:00.001-08:00

Another version of Sisyphus . . . in nuclear green.

Little Lunch, Cafe Septieme

2009-02-15T09:30:00.001-08:00

It’s been a while since I’ve been here to eat . . . I used to go once a week at least! Of course, that’s when rents were reasonable, people had jobs, and having lunch at Septieme wasn’t considered a blatant luxurious slap to the wallet.

Street Light Studies

2009-02-15T09:27:00.001-08:00

Power lines . . . lights . . .

Nude on Table

2009-02-15T09:23:00.001-08:00

Five minute gesture of model sitting on a table.

8.5 x 11, brown ink and brush w/ wash

Nov 2007

The Tower

2009-02-15T09:21:00.001-08:00

Is it the tower where Rapunzel was forced to heave her freshly washed locks out the window? Or is it the tower where dissidents awaited their fates as freshly beheaded enemies of the Court? Or is it the entrance to a wondrous land of pink clouds and vinyl grass?

Nope. Just the top of the water tower in Volunteer Park, looking out one of the windows. See what a little color can do?

Time Wrinkles – Squared!

2009-02-15T09:14:00.001-08:00

Once again, my little ‘fabric’ doodles . . . this time with layers!

A Little Blue

2009-02-15T09:12:00.001-08:00

Just a quick little sketch of the broken up pavement after a quick rain by the sidewalk.

Woman at Bus Stop

2009-02-15T09:11:00.001-08:00

This is a duplicate of a sketch you’ll find earlier in this blog . . . I thought it would make a good painting.

10 x 15, watercolor.

Nov 2007

Volunteer Park Trees

2009-02-15T09:07:00.001-08:00

Circus trees!

The One and Only Tulip

2009-02-15T09:05:00.001-08:00

The only tulip to successfully grow and blossom this past Spring in Don’s backyard.

Chez Gaudy

2009-02-15T09:03:00.001-08:00

Wait person at the terminal with a customer at Chez Gaudy on Capitol Hill . . . which, by the way, is one VERY FINE restaurant.

Man at Martin’s

2009-02-15T09:00:00.001-08:00

Man sitting at the bar at Martin’s.

Pool Player at the Eagle

2009-02-15T08:59:00.001-08:00

Setting up the balls . . .

If it’s a Mullet, it must be the Crescent

2009-02-15T08:57:00.001-08:00

The hairstyle that personifies all that is good and great about the old dives of Seattle.

white pencil on black paper, 5” x 7”, September 2008

Marmaduke and Nicole Ritchie

2009-02-15T08:55:00.001-08:00

These two at the Madison Pub reminded me of Marmaduke the big dog, and Nicole Ritchie… she with her size 0 frame, and he with his big tall stature and coiffed hair.

Spring at the Cuff, with Snow

2009-02-15T08:51:00.001-08:00

First day of Spring, 2008 at the Cuff and it was snowing.

The End is Near

2009-02-15T08:48:00.001-08:00

Pretty close to the last day for the old Elite on Broadway before it closes its doors.

Madison Pub

2009-02-15T08:46:00.001-08:00

People sitting at the main bar in the Madison Pub.

Beginning of Ball Season

2009-02-15T08:43:00.001-08:00

First day of baseball practice for a bunch at the Madison Pub.

Three Bitches of Eastwick

2009-02-15T08:40:00.001-08:00

These three women sitting outside of Cafe Vitta stole my table, moved my coffee, and then proceeded to badmouth their ex-boyfriend, ex-husband, and a college instructor who “didn’t understand the female condition”.

They were desperately uninteresting until one of them caught wind I was drawing them. After a short ‘whisper, whisper’ to the Queen Bitch, she promptly turned to me and asked, “what are you writing about us?”

I turned, smiled and said, “Only good things, ladies, only good things!” Then I showed them the picture, and the three bitches melted into harmless bunnies and wanted to know how they could get a copy of their ‘memorable’ get together.

Blonde Ponytail

2009-02-15T08:21:00.001-08:00

Two women at Cafe Vitta studying while I drew her all stalker-ish from behind; she had the kind of blonde hair blonde’s would kill for.

Mt Rainier

2009-02-15T08:18:00.001-08:00

Mt. Rainier looked so clear early last summer so this is a quick pen & ink rendering of it from the room of my apartment bulding on Capitol Hill. I’ll finish coloring it, don’t worry . . .

And Then . . . A Star!

2009-02-15T08:10:00.001-08:00

This very entertaining member of the Scary Oakie family made me laugh so hard I wish I had had a clique to laugh with! This young woman I never expected to see SINGING in front of people; a few years back the most interesting form of expression she seemed capable of was hiding her head inside her sweatshirt between drinks. Her singing style is like this: Pick any normal “karaoke” song, except pull a Tourrette’s Syndrome while you sing it…the end of each sentence must say “whore” or “bitch” with lots of colorful other words which bear no resemblence to the song; but she delivers it and makes the crowd howl :)

Go, Star!

The Duet

2009-02-15T08:02:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah, downhill like an 800 ton granite boulder careening down a mountainside.

The “Trained” Performer

2009-02-15T07:59:00.001-08:00

Big voice, big show tunes, all-in-all, not bad.

Short People Got No Reason to Live

2009-02-15T07:57:00.001-08:00

And then began the thrilling hour or so of Scary Oakie performers . . . this guy started off with the oh-so popular, “Short People” song. Considering the mike stand was taller, it was a good call.th

Scary Oakie at Manta Ray

2009-02-15T07:54:00.001-08:00

Looking down at the bar, towards the ‘open’ area where the Karaoke performances will be.

Manta Ray!

2009-02-15T07:51:00.001-08:00

A few years ago, a little bar called “Manray” opened up on Pine Street; at the time it was very suave; wonderfully conceived – very Stanley Kubrick 2001 looking; they even had 2” x 2” television displays embeded in the wall over the urinals in the men’s room so you could catch whatever the hell it is you could possibly be watching while ridding yourself of excess water weight. It had a wonderful outside courtyard and a nice demeanor.
Then, of course, whiny people complained about the noise so the outside area had to be closed. Then, it unfortunately morphed into an S & M (Sneakers and Makeup) Bar. Stand, model, wear the latest crap, ignore. Repeat.

Then, the entire block was condemned! (Was it something they said?) – it was to become yet more especially distasteful and thoroughly unattractive paper-mache condominiums. . . but currently it now stands only as a parking lot with gravel. Actually, the space is nice . . .

Peep at the Paph

2009-02-15T07:35:00.001-08:00

Another paphiopedilum orchid, my most favored of all the orchid varieties. I especially recall walking down 15th Ave. after I left the Conservatory without any inkling that the backside of my pants looked like the bottom of an outhouse. Ah, so what’s a little dirt?

ink, colored pencil, 5 x 7

Jun 2008

Glass Houses

2009-02-15T07:20:00.001-08:00

The Volunteer Park Conservatory . . . where I go to hide amongst the plants and draw pictures or to occasionally sneak a cutting or two. Their orchids are exceptional, as well.

ink, colored pencil. 4.5 x 10

Jun 2008

Take the Back Stairs . . .

2009-02-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

Afternoon sun creates shadows on the back stairs in my apartment building, the Casa Del Ray. It's an old, huge, apartment building that dates to 1910.

pen & ink, 5 x 7
Aug 2008

David, to the Point

2009-02-08T22:30:00.000-08:00

David in dots.

pen & ink, 5 x 5
Sep 2008

Beer and Pies

2009-02-08T22:07:00.001-08:00

One fine day, I followed a friend's advice and trucked all my framed art down to Pike Place Market with hopes of unloading a bunch to art-loving tourists.
The tourists were more interested in stinky flying fish. I must have picked the wrong day . . . yeah.
So instead, I began a drawing of the hopelessly busy storefront areas at the Market, with no regard to what they actually sold. Now there are only two shops. Beer, Pies. And some wierd ribbon things amidst the 'scrapers . . .
pen & ink, colored pencil, 8.5 x 11
May 2008

Tomatoes, Squirrels, and Spiders

2009-02-08T21:45:00.000-08:00

Just a little pen & ink of a backyard in the summer . . .

complete with spiders, squirrels, tomatoes, and dahlias.

Jun 2007
6.5 x 10

Yes, A Year . . .

2009-02-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

I know, I haven't posted anything here in quite some time. Excuses? Let's see: scanner wouldn't work with Vista, time went by SO fast, was too busy with work, etc.

Lame.

Much has happened in this year that is worthy of note, however. I have done a LOT of art, butt loads of knitting, and moved residences.

It has been a very difficult year -- I was dropped from one of my contract positions at Microsoft because I needed surgery to remove a kidney stone the size of France from my right kidney. Along with paying some serious debts, it was a lean year.

The best thing that happened this year? I reconnected with my mother. I had not spoken with her in many years, for no particular reason -- but now that's a great weight that no longer presses down on me, and I am so grateful. I have no family here in Seattle, and my mother lives where I grew up in New Hampshire. She has brought much happiness back into my life, and I don't feel so alone anymore.

Now I have the daunting task of going through all my sketchbooks to catch up this year.

Stay tuned.

Girls' Soccer

2009-02-08T14:08:00.000-08:00

Stopped and attempted to capture a quick snapshot of a girls' soccer game at Cal Anderson Park.

colored pencil

8.5 x 11
Nov 2007

David

2009-02-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

A fast ink and brush rendering of my friend David, who was relaxing watching TV.

Sep 2008

8.5 x 11

Noon Seat

2009-02-08T13:58:00.001-08:00

Walking down Broadway towards Pike Street, you pass an alley that marks the entrance to Seattle Central Community College's Math & Science Building. Too many leaves! I didn't want to draw so many leaves.... ugh. Somewhere in there, someone is sitting and thinking about . . . how many damn leaves there are everywhere.

pen & ink, 81/2" x 11"

Sep 2008

Central District Color

2007-07-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

The corner of 24th and Madison in the Central District of Seattle.

Looking across to the vacant area now well established with trees, grasses and bushes which invade the space each summer, what most people generally wonder when seeing it is "I wonder how long it will be before that disappears . . . "

Granted, it is overgrown and full of insidiously murderous blackberry bushes, but it adds to the rich lushness that is Seattle. Condos, no matter how expensive, can never make that claim.

gel pens, 5" x 7"

July 2007

Awaiting Lunch . . .

2007-07-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

Cafe Septieme, Broadway, Seattle.

I remember not so many years ago I would sit here every night reading my computer magazines from cover to cover. During the birth and rise of the Internet all was prosperous, work plentiful, and I seemed to be happy, driven.

Now, many years later, so much has changed; but this place has not. It is important to relish these times, for as permanent as something may seem, change comes swiftly.

Sometimes the change is welcome; many times it is not. We are creatures of change -- ironic since it is we that try to cling so hard to the known, the simple, the comfortable.

But without change, there is no growth. Although I am infinitely poorer and my life teeters on that dangerous high wire I love so much to walk, I am grateful that I can record these places and capture the feeling of these moments gone by.

I never picked up a pen in those days except to endorse my paycheck; I am so very glad that change has prompted me to pick up that pen and use it to capture that which I know will never remain the same for long.

pen & ink, colored pencil, 5" x 7"

Sep 2006

Meaningless Meetings

2007-07-13T16:58:00.001-07:00

My idea of a meeting at work is recording everyone else at the meeting.

ink, 6" x 8"

June 2007

...Of wisdom and reason

2007-07-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

I recently met a wonderfully talented artist named Bradley, and this is his 93 year old grandmother. It was also probably 93 degrees outside which is a known killer of ice cubes and soft-serve ice cream cones. We had to jump Bradley's artistmobile so she was kind to allow us to use her car to fire life into it. As I sat in the backseat I quickly sketched her as she and her grandson chatted away. She reminded me of my grandmother, who passed away a few years ago. My eyes stung from the flood of my own remembered past.
People often tell me that my work is much more than just well-drawn images, that they get a much deeper sense of feeling from them, they see life; and I now know the reason for that.
Every line I draw, every color I choose, each time I put my hand to paper, or paint or crayons -- I am showing you that I am many, many people. I am my mother who paints beautiful landscapes and animals. I am my father, who could ressurect a pile of rust to its former glory as a car which provided Sunday drives on warm summer days or transform lumber into a house or barn. I am my grandmother, who made Hungarian nut cakes and crocheted doilies of such precise beauty and delicacy to rival anything from a museum. You are looking not at my work, but at the work of countless mathematicians, loggers, cooks, musicians and laborers who did what they did so that I could sit here and show you through the magic of technology what happens to me when you give me a pencil and some paper. It is to them you owe your compliments and admiration; I simply channel all their creativity and intelligence (I HOPE) and perserverence into something that gives tangency and meaning and pays homage to their long lost existence so no one is ever forgotten.
This is why I am an artist; the reason I am here. It took 47 years to see that which was always sitting right in front of me, and how glorious a feeling that is to finally know who I am, and what I should be doing.
Imagine -- all of this just from sitting in the back of a car in 93 degree weather with two people I barely know on a summer day in Seattle. Thank you, Brad -- and Brad's grandmother, for showing me this, and you don't even know yet that which you have done.
ink, 6" x 8"
July 2007

"Sorry Raw Jaw, You Tie Guh Now!"

2007-07-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

"Tattoos are PERMANENT!"

The Comcast commercial is all I could think of as I drew this tree, which is located in front of Cafe Vita on Pike Street.

ink. 6" x 8"
Jul, 2007

"Come into my Parlor!" said the Spider to the Fly

2007-07-10T07:44:00.000-07:00

If anyone feels the need to install a 4' x 5' stainless steel and copper wire web inside a large wooden frame as a trendy room divider to add interest to an otherwise dull decor, I can accommodate you!
If this were real, I'd be the first one screaming bloody hell out the door. But, alas. . . Boris is made of pipe cleaners and rabbit fur, and the web is stainless steel and copper installed in a large black wooden frame, 4' x 5'. My crappy webcam doesn't do it justice . . .
I am taking orders, and they are expensive. But oh, so worth it!

It's All About the Hose

2007-06-25T01:23:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to draw the hose . . .

pen & ink, colored pencil. 8" x 12"
Jun 2007

Squirrel Conspiracy

2007-06-25T01:15:00.000-07:00

The Squirrel Mafia at work, formulating highly sophisticated secret stategies to further push my friend Don over the edge of reason.

pen & ink, 5"x 7"
Jun 2007

Day of the Trifids

2007-05-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

I LOVED that movie! Vicious plants!

At the conservatory in Volunteer Park, they have some viciously wonderful orchids. I am partial to the paphiopedilums -- commonly known as the "lady slipper" orchids.

This is my rendition of their Rothschild hybrid "rex".

pen & ink, colored pencil on brown paper,

8 1/2" x 11"

April 2007

Refill

2007-04-20T13:10:00.000-07:00

I need a refill of opportunity, and some fresh air.

pen & ink, colored pencil, 2" x 3". (yep, it's really a little little picture! Cool, huh?)

May 2007

Woodgrain Floor

2007-04-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

Abegail once again. This image was done entirely from memory and a few sketches I had done from life. As is my standard, I like to deviate; I toyed with elements like environment, emotion, and of course, a touch of color.
I am drawn to draped and folded textiles; so I placed Abegail in a pool of technicolor at the bottom of a fabric waterfall looking towards an ethereal, impressionistic scene of a forest's edge. All of course being held to the reality of the hard, plain, wood-grained floor which spreads beneath the scene; binding the familiar dimensions we know with the not-so-familiar ones.
pen & ink, guache background, 17" x 11"
April 2007

Heleportation

2007-04-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

For the record, this is my best friend, Don. He LOATHES this picture; which means it is darn tootin' as close as a clone at a look-a-like luncheon!
I think it is full of character and charm and silly-willy fun; which is what Mr. Mueller is all about. The propeller hat is a must have!
white and black pen & ink on black paper, 7" x 5"
April 2007

Jason and His Lost Glass Eye

2007-04-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

This is Jason, one very fine artist I have been fortunate enough to come to know. He lost his glass eye and was reaching down to grab it before it rolled onto the floor . . .

(HA HA HA! )

no glass eye. but good artist, yes :)

colored pencil on toned paper, 11" x 7"

Aug 2006

Female Nude IV - Abegail

2007-04-20T01:43:00.000-07:00

Abegail is an incredibly gifted model; she emenates qualities which are hard to put into words. Many models--good models --hold poses and positions with the best of them; but there is a dimension I feel they miss.
The finest models embody the art and embrace emotion and feeling; thus helping the artist to channel and emulate those feelings through his or her art.'
This quality always commands my best work.
colored pencil on toned paper, 11" x 7"
Apr 2007

Bauhaus Tek

2007-04-20T01:36:00.000-07:00

One night drawing at Bauhaus, I took a glance around and noticed the once cool coffee shop for the beatnik Seattle types had transformed to Geekasaurus Central. Laptops. Everywhere. They should call them Laptop Hostels instead of coffee shops.

pen & ink, colored pencil on toned paper,;

11" x 10"

April 2007

Son of Hulk

2007-04-20T01:34:00.000-07:00

Or, actually, my left hand drawn in the dark. I didn't realize I was using a green pencil until I looked at it in normal daylight...

white ink, colored pencil on black, 5" x 7",

Jan 2007

Before the Last One Falls . . . Again

2007-04-20T01:29:00.000-07:00

No, you're not seeing a duplicate image. This is drawn entirely from memory; I wasn't altogether pleased with how I began to ruin the first attempt with black ink so, while my mind was clear, I tried to recapture the essence of the orchid....in subtly different hues. Afterwards, I thought they both had their merits!
pen & ink, colored pencil, watercolor, 9" x 12"
May 2007

Before the Last One Falls

2007-04-20T00:17:00.000-07:00

These last 3 nearly gone blooms lasted just long enough for me to draw the plant since during it's previous 5 weeks of bountiful blooms I never bothered to take a photo. Who needs a camera, anyway?
pen & ink, colored pencil, 9" x 12"
May 2007

Bow Wow Bauhaus

2007-04-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

A typical late evening in the corner of Bauhaus Cafe on Pine St.
white ink, colored pencil on black.
5 1/2" x 7"
Feb 2007