Southwest Survey Portraits

These portraits are part of a new series, inspired by Wheeler’s Photographic survey of the American West. From 1871-1873, George M Wheeler led an expedition to create topographic maps in the western states. He took with him two photographers, Timothy O’Sullivan and William Bell, who documented the journey. For me, these landscape photos act as inspirational launching points for drawings. The image above portrays naturalist John Muir, who was considered “Father of the National Parks”. Stay tuned, I’ll be posting more portraits soon!

Portrait of a Paiute woman, who's tribe was indigenous to the Kanab Creek, Utah

President Theodore Roosevelt, who was pivotal in creating the US National Park system

A Powerful Network

These illustrations for Rutgers Magazine accompany a story about the school's powerful network of industry mentors. Students and graduates get direct experience learning from executives on Wall Street, the publishing media, and many other fields. Thanks to Lara De Meo Hoyt for a super fun assignment!

Protest Signs

Ever since the swearing in of the 45th president of the United States, it’s become my ritual to attend a protest march once a month. Each of these events is designed to stand up for particular cause which is vulnerable under this administration. Designing signs helps me focus on issues which I value, as well as how best way to communicate the message. It’s been energizing to participate, because you realize you’re not alone in your feelings, and you have the opportunity to amplify messages which are important to a healthy society. I hope you enjoy this little collection of signs.

With hand-drawn signs, at the People's Climate March on the Walkway over the Hudson.

At a rally in support of public education in Kingston, NY, with my girlfriend who's a teacher.

At a rally in support of Planned parenthood in Poughkeepsie, NY, with a sign inspired by their logo.

At the Woman's March in Woodstock, NY, with a quote from Elie Wiesel. Sometimes all you need is words.

Maori Map Drawing

It always feels good when one of my drawings finds a new home. I’m thrilled to be shipping this depiction of a Maori Carving (on a map of New Zealand) to it’s new owner in Chicago. bi!

Walls are Un-American

Here's a little meditation on symbols. Without a doubt, the American bald eagle is a powerful representation of the freedom which America stands for. In contrast,  the current U.S. president is glorifying the idea of building a "big beautiful wall", one which would run along our southern border with Mexico. To my mind, a project of such monumental proportion would create a different sort of symbol for the United States. I would argue that walls are completely incongruous with the freedom our country so proudly promotes.

Harvard Advocate

Here's a new piece for Harvard Magazine. It accompanies a story about how various clubs on campus are evolving towards more diversity and inclusiveness. The Harvard Advocate, which is a club for writers, is portrayed in this group portrait. Thanks to art director, Jennifer Carling, for a super fun assignment!

Below are a few sketches I submitted for this assignment.

Take Action!

Macalester College is an excellent liberal arts school located in St. Paul, Minnesota. They asked me to illustrate a story for their alumni magazine, addressing how we as citizens can make a difference in unsettling political times. Our actions can help affect society in a positive way. Thanks to art directer, Brian Donahue for this very timely assignment.

Organizing a protest can bring attention to important issues in society.

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper can help change people's minds

Speaking directly to your elected representative can influence their thinking.

Joining a giving circle can direct donations to worthy causes.

In Russia's Pocket

I had fun experimenting with a denim pattern in this piece.

Combing Over Tax returns

Mr. President, what's hiding underneath that rug which sits atop your head?

Sketchbook

I always carry a small sketchbook which is dedicated to capturing little moments in time.  I hope you enjoy these recent observations!

A quiet moment with my father in his living room. Buffalo, NY 1-29-17

At a writers-reading-benefit in Woodstock, NY, raising money for the ACLU. Planned Parenthood, Rverkeeper and others.

At Black Star Social, Red Hook, NY 11-05-16

My father reading the paper, Buffalo, NY 11-25-16

Long Distance Lovers

I created this mixed-media piece for an invitational art exhibition in Erie, PA at the Renaissance Centre. The show is called Post-Romance: Artists' Valentines. Curator Laurence Walzcak asked for artwork exploring expressions & notions of love, romance, mating, passion & longing. My entry is titled Long Distance Lovers. The opening is on February 11th, and runs weekends through the 25th. Thanks to Laurence for including me in this exhibit. Happy Valentine's Day!

Here's a detail of Long Distance Lovers (the original measures 12" by 12")

The opening is this Saturday, February 11th, featuring over fifty artists, at The Renaissance Center, 1001 State St., Erie, PA, 6-9 in suite 515. Happy Valentine's Day!

Grand Cru Beer & Cheese Market

I created this custom print for my friends at Grand Cur Beer & Cheese Market in Rhinebeck NY, They offer an incredible selection of beers - many of them brewed locally. I was asked to integrate various brewery labels into this storefront scene. Although technically challenging, it was very rewarding to find the right balance in this picture. If you’re ever in Rhinebeck, I highly recommend Grand Cru for their amazing selection of beer, wine and cheese! My prints will be available there soon!

Grand Cru print detail #1

Detail #2. The French bulldog on the bottom is Grand Cru's official mascot

Princeton Alumni Weekly

Here’s a new piece for Princeton Alumni Weekly, which accompanies a story about their University Press Club. In this age when there’s much volatility in the profession of journalism, they’re rethinking ways to practice it with quality, efficiency and success. A special thanks to art director, Marianne Nelson, for a super fun assignment! Below are sketches I submitted...

More Living Local Art

Here are more pieces from my Living Local Exhibit, which is up at Taste Budd's Cafe in Red Hook, NY  (until January 31st). You can read about and view more work from this show here. They're all pieces depicting my amazing community. If you're in town, please check em' out!

Equis Gallery, Red Hook, NY

Red Hook Public Library, Red Hook, NY

Holy Cow Ice Cream, Red Hook, NY

Sipperley's Grog Shoppe, Red Hook, NY

Riverdale Country School

Here's a little social media promotion I illustrated for my friends at Riverdale Country School. Here's to a fantastic new year!

Living Local Exhibit

Here are more pieces from my Living Local Exhibit, which is up at Taste Budd's Cafe in Red Hook, NY. You can read about and view more work from this show here. They're all pieces depicting my amazing community. If you're in town, please check em' out!

Living Local Exhibit

With eyes cast towards my Hudson Valley community, I painted some little pieces dedicated to its many charms. They’re up at Taste Budd’s Cafe in Red Hook through January. As an introvert, I live a little too much in my own head - contemplating big thoughts, ideas, and dreams. Given this, it’s very easy to take my environment for granted. I consistently come back to the theme of community in art - because it reminds me of all the wonderful things right before my eyes. Drawing local landmarks is a way of contemplating why they are so special. For the viewer, I hope these pictures bring out some nice memories, and frames these places in a fresh light. If you live in the area, I hope you'll check out the exhibit!

Migliorelli Farm Stand, Red Hook, NY

Upstate Films, Rhinebeck, NY

Ward Manor at Bard College, Annandale, NY

Bard College of International Studies, Annandale

Tivoli Mercantile, Red Hook, NY

Traghaven Whiskey Pub, Tivoli, NY

Loomis Chaffee

Loomis Chaffee is an excellent boarding school located in Windsor, Connecticut. These illustrations appear in their magazine, accompanying a story about dorm curriculum. The article touches on issues students face, such as ethics, health and safety. A special thanks to art director, Patricia Cousins for a super-fun assignment.

scene in a dorm social room

The story addresses ways to relieve stress

The school mascot appears in the center of this drawing

The school's signature building appears in the center of this drawing

Turning off devices leads to a better night's sleep.

Making America Safe Again...

I bought some safety pins this morning, and was inspired to whip up this quick portrait.

Mr Liquid Crystal

James Fergason invented LCD technology. His contributions to science have led to everything from calculators and my first Casio watch, to Gameboys and ipods. His daughter Teri wrote a book about his amazing life. I was thrilled to contribute a portrait for the cover, and am looking forward to learning about his journey. Wonderful Book design by Susan Shankin.