Pine Needle Basket

I took a Native American basket weaving class many years ago and always wanted to try a pine needle basket which they had taught us, but we didn't have time to complete that day.  This basket is 12 inches in diameter.  It is kind of like a Black-Hole.  Each time around, it requires more and more needles.  I figured I would need a lot of needles but I would estimate I used a whole tree-full of needles.  The Native Americans must have had a lot of patience to complete projects like this. 

 

Balloons over Paris

After seeing the beautiful print (left) at my son's house, I decided to use it as a model for the watercolor and ink picture above.
 

Lester Hayes, "Press Corner"

I have wanted to paint a picture of Lester Hayes for a long time.  I wasn't sure how to capture his intimidating presence against a Wide Receiver.  I don't know that I accomplished getting that intimidation down on paper.

I dedicate this to Mike Milner who is my coaching mentor and who coached Defensive Backs throughout his career.

 

For this watercolor, I used a 1935 painting called, "The Flower Carrier" by Diego Rivera as my model.
 

Coach Bill Belichick

One of the greatest football coaches of all time.

Residence Club "In Bloom", Westhaven, Tennessee

This is our Residence Club.  They host many community activities.

Fountain at Founder's Square, Franklin, Tennessee

 

 

This is a watercolor of a fountain near our house.

Huntington Beach, California

This is my first attempt at painting a wave.  I was very intimidated because they are so difficult to do.  The painting was inspired by the photos I receive from my friend, George who takes daily walks on the beach.  This is supposed to be Lifeguard Tower #4.  Catalina Island is visible on the horizon.

Ashlin-Moore Family Cemetery, Westhaven Community, Franklin, Tennessee

This is a pen & ink drawing of a small family cemetery in the middle of the Westhaven Community in Franklin, Tennessee.  It was established in 1821 and contains the graves of family members and slaves.

In the midst of all the hustle and bustle of this community, it is a peaceful, yet stark reminder of where we will all end up some day.

My Poem about Convict Lake

 I was always inspired by the beauty of the Eastern High Sierras.  My great friend Mark and I would often go fishing for several days at Convict Lake.  I tried to put my feelings down on paper and came up with this poem.  I gave a copy to the people at the Convict Lake General Store.  Click on the photo for a larger view.

Steampunk Football Player

 

I have always wanted to do a "Steampunk-style" painting.  I thought I would combine that style with a football player.  I used an old photo of Clyde "Bulldog" Turner, who was a seven-time all-pro Center for the Chicago Bears.

Burning Covered Wagon

 

This is a pencil drawing from a promo ad for the TV series "1883."  I tried to capture the starkness and loneliness of the scene.

Orca II

This is the second Orca that I've done.  I incorporated the rust-colored paint on this one.  I really enjoy the artwork of the Pacific Northwest Native Americans.  I am NOT trying to pass my artwork off as being Native American, but it is so interesting to replicate their style.
 

Moses Football Player

I always thought that the pose that Michelangelo used could have been a football player.