Sketches

Memphis got its own chapter of the international group Urban Sketchers a few years ago, and sketching has become a much more important part of my work. I used to do a sketch or two just to lay out a painting, but sketching wasn't something I did for its own sake very often, usually only on trips. The Memphis Urban Sketchers have inspired me to carry a sketchbook much more regularly and use sketching as a visual journal of my own life. In the process I have brought home images that I wasn't out looking for but that have become paintings or prints later on because they kept calling my name. I have also begun using watercolor, markers, and ink after watching the other artists in the group have fun with these media.

Groups of sketches in this section include my Dutch travelogue, a trip to North Carolina, images of Memphis and Overton Park, and portraits of my dog Mr. Darcy as well as various musician friends of mine. They are in personal sketchbooks and are not for sale, but I want to be able to show my process, and sketches are an increasingly important part of my work. 


(photo on bottom left by Charles Barnes)