Study of Clint Eastwood

Pencil 3"x5"

Study of Clint Eastwood 

Clint Eastwood has such an expressive face (animated) with the intense stare or glare and the high contrast of black and white was enough for me to start sketching. What I always admired about this actor is his determination to follow his own creative vision instead of trying measure up to everyone else. It paid off because,

 1. When he began in “Hollywood” in his twenties, he was rejected from roles because his Adams Apple was too big, he spoked slowly and his voice was too low.

 2. Early in his career, during breaks on the “set”, he studied the behind the science of production and direction. 

3. His “Spaghetti Westerns” were different from the typical Hollywood standard. 

4. He was one of the few actors who acted, produced and directed their movies.

Study of Grandma “Red”

Pencil 3"x5"

Study of Grandma “Red”

 Grandma “Red” was her name, socializing was her thing!

She would spend most of her time at her neighborhood park, across the street from her building, hours in conversation with friends. 

As the years went on, friends moved, friends died. Grandma began to spend more time in her apartment. This was where I began weekly visits. At the time my job was 10 minutes way from her building.

 She always has been a fan of TV. Her favorite soap was Young & The Restless. Grandma would watch anytime syndicated show but her favorite was The Jamie Foxx Show. She would all ways stated “That Jamie is crazy”. Then she would end it with a belly laugh. I laughed along.

It started with her sitting in the chair in the living room watching t.v. With her hands folded cross the upper stomach during my visits. Then, over the years, when she became weaker, she would be in her bedroom laying down watching TV, hands folded across her upper stomach.

The weekly visits became visits twice a month because I began to work at head start program in Harlem. I always ask if she need anything from the store before my visits. I didn't mind I enjoyed walking. traveling, but more of all,listening her talk.

 Fridays with Grandma Red had became the norm for us. It was easier for me because sometimes I found myself leaving her place late in the evening. Time flew during tv time and deep conversations with Grandma Red.

Study of Tony

Pencil 3"x 5"

Study of Tony

One of the members of the R&B group “Tony! Toni! Tone!” had the most amazing music.The group’s music was infectious and fun. Their Jams were danceable was well as soulful.They were part of the of the New Jack Swing Movement.That hair! I loved it… It was a combo of afro with dread tips. One of the singers is wearing dark shades longish face. That's enough to do a study for me! 

Subway Sketch Series

Sketches pen and ink 3"x5" each

Quick sketches of mass transit is never easy especially the NYC subway. On one hand, you want to study what’s in front of you. On the other hand, you don’t want to “draw” attention to yourself. That would be open invite to the weirdos and wackadoos! 

People reading, standing, day dreaming, sleeping, waiting for their stop in the subway cart. Pushing, shoving, shouting and dancing in the subway. No, I am not kidding, dancing!!!! 

I don’t mind free entertainment, but there’s no room for rolling and swinging around like 

Circus Soleil! 

That it! That the second time his foot almost hit my face!! 

If I get hit by these “Yahoos” that’s it…. It’s on like Donkey Kong! 

I’m going to break dance on their heads! 

It’s never a dull moment in NYC Mass Transit……..wait, wait a minute…what the crap is this??? Now someone’s eating their lunch combo special Chinese take out with a side of fried chicken wings dripping on the side of their pants. That’s it, I am not waiting for the rats to join the Circus Soleil troop….I’m outta here! 

PEACE!

Study of Prince

pen and ink on paper 3"x5"

The eyes, The eyes were the first thing I noticed of Prince. It was striking, especially under the shadow of his gloved hand.

This was a sketch…..MUST!

Even the shadow over the brim of his hat and hand creates a more intense stare.

Prince was/ is a true artist, the most unusual humans are, I guess.

His music, AMAZING! GROUND BREAKING!

Dare I say REVOLUTIONARY!

I didn’t like everything that Prince has created, it would be a boring world if we did, but I‘ve always admired his ability to think and create in a different way. Unafraid to express himself. “ Thinking outside the box! ”

Study of classmates

This event was a small class reunion. Everyone was listening to different testimonies on the survival as an 

illustrator in the “Real World” since graduation.

It was great for the group to share about different challenges, struggle, and joys of an artist. As students, in the pass, it was usually side conversations whenever there was someone up front was speaking to the group. This time, you could hear a pin drop. you could tell some of the people were seriously thinking about their future.

……A very pensive moment but also could lead to growth.

Intro to sketchbook chronicles

Definition of sketch 

(noun)

A rough or unfinished drawing or painting, often made to assist in making a more finished picture....

(verb)

Make a rough drawing of......

What is inserting about sketching from a 3”x5” sketch book was adjusting to a small scale.

 It forced me to visually scale down proportion… OUGH!

I was accustomed to draw pads 11”x14” or 18”x24”.

OH BOY! 

Talk about giving your eye and brain a workout.

These sketches are studies from various photo references to sketches from life.

It’s always a joy to sketch faces. 

The study of faces alone has helped me prepare to create portraits.