Sketch: Across the Bay

"Across the Bay"
Charcoal on Paper

Here's a sketch I started a few years ago. I have finally finished it. Inspired by driftwood at the beach or a photo of driftwood, I left it tucked in a stack of sketchbooks until I was in Florida recently and saw a storm across Perdido Bay.  Then, I remembered why I started it at all.

I have many sketches in various states in sketchbooks scattered around my office/studio. Some of them remain unfinished and may always remain that way. I don't mean to leave them unfinished, but it's often hard to come back to something I've long ignored. In some of them I see some value and the spark is renewed, but in others I have let them smolder too long in the dark. I've simply forgotten why I pursued them.

Isn't that like life?

Amphibian Warrior

 

Here is a Pen and ink sketch of an amphibian warrior from my sketchbook. This sketch idea generated from a short story I'm working on in the fantasy genre. The story is for a specific contest this fall. I have not done much work in this genre, so i'm finding the sketches are a vital part of the story planning. Look for more sketches or story excerpts here soon.

Pen, ink, & pencil on paper

Peter and the Flying Turtle

While Max’s party was going on in the dining hall, Peter sneaked away from the noisy crowd and through the kitchen. His bare feet on the red tile floor barely made a sound. No one even saw him leave.

This was his moment. It was now or never. Just a few more steps and he would be free.

Peter grasped the brass knob and pushed open the heavy wooden door with one hand and squeezed Simon tightly in his other hand. They peeked out the door together.

The garden was dark and quiet except for the soft hum of tree frogs. The grass shined green and wet in the light from the doorway and he could just make out the live oak across the pond.

“This is it,” he whispered to Simon. “One more step and there’s no turning back.”

(from Peter and the Flying Turtle)

This is a small excerpt from a children's book I've been writing. The artwork is a little sketchy right now and far from final, but this small piece might give you an idea of the general direction of the book.