Tree wrapped in straw

I was recently in Korea to participate in a conference for Korean teachers. Great time. While there I found a moment to make a sketch of a tree that was wrapped in straw! I was told the straw helps the tree survive the long winter. Seems like a lot of work, but it sure looked cool. 

Sketching in Nigeria

During a break while visiting Hillcrest School in Jos, Nigeria I found a chance to sketch. I couldn't resist the beautiful Flame Tree on campus. Too bad it wasn't in bloom when I was there. 

Prague Charles Bridge Sketch

When you are in Prague there are simply too many good things to sketch. It was very cold so I had to sketch outside fast and then do the ink later. 

Building Things

Our master bathroom did not come with a door on the entry (who in the world thought this was a good idea?) so I finally found the time to put a door in myself. I found this project to be a very good way to Unstring the Bow. Like sketching, building stuff is good therapy. 

The original opening....

Cutting out the arch...

Admiring the final product...

Feels good. Feels real good. 

One of the Regulars

A fun sketch in front of the Starbucks on N. Tejon, Colorado Springs. Seen this guy several times. 

We biked to Starbucks this day. I was able to sketch discretely. 

Sketching in the America the Beautiful Park

What's better than a good bike ride with your wife and a chance to sketch a scene like this? Not much. 

Conference Doodles

Did some doodles while attending an ACSI conference. Doodling really helps me to listen during those long sessions. The funny thing is what shows up on my paper! There was no planning in any of these little drawings. 

Sketching FBC in Cary NC

I was really taken with this quintessential American church architecture. It's a beautiful church. You will not see anything like this in Europe - that's for sure. 

It was fun to finish this sketch on the airplane later that evening. I wish I could have taken a picture of the flight attendants looking at the pages of my sketchbook. This is a fun hobby and a conversation starter.  

Sermon Sketch

Bill Butterworth's sermon last week started with an unusual and funny story. I think you had to be there. Bill spoke from the passage about Jesus and Peter walking on the water. The point was that we need to focus on the person with the power. To learn more visit Woodmen Valley Chapel and listen to the sermon.  

Dakar Boys

I recently had the privilege of being in Senegal with the wonderful dorm staff at Dakar Academy. On an outing with them I took this photo. On the trip home I made this sketch. Later at home I added some watercolor and tried some "splatter". This is a good way to unstring the bow. 

Sketching a statue in Kiev, Ukraine

Sketching near Dublin Castle

Sketches from Howth Ireland

Sketching the Temple Bar in Temple Bar

I had to try doing watercolor with this one. I love the red paint on this building. 

The Siamese Twins

My wife recently discovered this "twin" formation in the Garden of the Gods Park. She led me to this place and I knew I had to sketch it. I'm taking some risks here and trying to figure out how to watercolor. I have a long way to go before I am completely satisfied with this medium. In the meantime it's a good way to unstring the bow. 

Dalat International School

I recently visited the campus of Dalat International School in Malaysia. I loved the shape of this outdoor basketball court and just had to sketch it. Notice the ocean off in the distance! It was very warm that day - and humid. 

Sketching in Bangkok

Recently had a stop in Bangkok, Thailand at a transit hotel. Sketching by the pool is a good way to get over jet lag. 

Pikes Peak Stipple Drawing

This drawing of Pikes Peak was done using the stippling technique: 347,452 individual dots. Yes, I counted them all. :-) This is the same mountain that I see every morning on my drive to work.

The Balanced Rock - Garden of the Gods

Watercolor of the famous Balanced Rock in the Garden of the Gods park, Colorado Springs, CO. A beautiful winter day. 

Sermon Sketch 13 November 2001

Good message this morning. Matt Heard spoke on Giving. As he spoke the following sketch came from my pen...