Over the few years that I have been sharing and selling my art I’ve been asked various questions about what I do from loyal collectors, other artists and those who are just curious. Most are quite innocent, some are rather inquisitive and occasionally a bit obnoxious like “Did you really draw that?” Thank goodness thought bubbles don’t appear over my head during such moments. But most people tend to ask me the same basic questions so I thought I’d put together this rather short list of my most frequently asked questions.
1. How long does it take for you to do a drawing?
Actually it depends on the size of the drawing, the complexity of the subject, my schedule and whether I’m doing the drawing in just black ink or in color. Taking all of that into consideration, a drawing can take me from 3 days to 4 weeks to complete.
2. What pens do you use?
For the most part I use Pigma Microns with 0.20mm or 0.18mm nibs. I like these pens because the ink in them are permanent and archival. Plus they’re relatively cheap compared to technical pens which can be rather expensive. Twice I spent up to $40 on a technical pen only to have issues with ink flow or a broken nib. After that I switched to Microns and haven’t used a technical pen since. I have to admit though, technical pens produce more uniformed and crisp dots when it comes to stippling.
3. What paper do you use?
When it comes to paper, I’m all about the pounds. I’ve found that for the work that I do paper that is smooth and 80 lbs or more works best.
All of my art card drawings are done on Strathmore Bristol art cards which are 100lbs. Larger black ink drawings are done on Strathmore natural white 80lb drawing paper while my color drawings are done on Strathmore bright white 100lb Bristol board. The bright white brings out the colors more and the heavier weight is able to withstand the layering of color that needs to be done.
4. How long have you been drawing?
Well, unlike most artists who usually answer this question with “I’ve been drawing since I was three.” I was a late bloomer in this respect. I mean, yes, like most kids in elementary I played with crayons and drew houses, Big Bird and what not but it wasn’t until I took my first art class during my senior year in high school that I discovered I had a knack for this drawing thing. I was 17 and up until I took that art class, I wanted to write. Matter of fact, I still have my very first 50 page short story that I wrote back when I was 13.
Anyhoo, it was in that class that I was introduced to stippling and over the years, whenever I did a drawing it was done using this technique but I didn’t officially start to get serious about my work until the summer of 2015. So, in a nutshell I’ve been drawing for over two decades but seriously and consistently for three years.
5. Where do you get the patience from?
I have absolutely no idea. I assume it’s part magic and part insanity. ☺
6. Can you draw me?
Yes, of course. It will cost you….(Once I bring up cost the conversation usually stops.)
7. Can you design a t-shirt/tattoo for me?
I could but it’s not my field of expertise. If I do it will cost you…(Once again conversation ends.)
Carve & Draw 