1. Eugene (small sketch) 2. Eugene (medium sketch)   3. Eugene (large sketch) Sketching separate pieces before completing a final drawing, has never been a process that I enjoyed; for long periods of time. I still prefer to start and finish a piece in pen and ink, with flaws and all, included. The journey from start to finish with pen and ink; within a single drawing, still keeps my engagement the most, because I'm more interested in working through errors, without erasing or starting over on another sheet of paper. These sketches, of a man I named Eugene, display various lines, from my pens, but I prefer to begin a drawing with rough sketching and finish it; with additional pen and ink details, within one piece. To create additional sketches or drawings, reduces the spontaneity significantly. The process feels mechanical, and I cannot continue such a process as an artist, because it suddenly feels like work. 

   These pieces are a continuation of the period, in which I was trying to maintain an interest in creating art. I cannot imagine ever living without creating art, but there are moments that occur when I definitely lose interest, because of mood swings and depressive episodes. It is not  always easy to create, while trying to manage a mental health condition, but I am blessed to still have the determination, to do so.  1. Reggie (small sketch) 2. Reggie (medium sketch) 3. Reggie (large sketch) These were not considered to be favorites of mine. But, as far as sketching goes, they are an important contribution to my creative portfolio. I appreciate them more now, after scanning and reviewing them for posting online. I decided to name this man "Reggie", because certain names usually enter my mind when I'm observing the physical features of these men; that I create, and this name satisfied me. 

Forde, is a character I created about fifteen years ago. He has been featured in several of my drawings, through the years. When I began these three sketches, he was not intended to be the man featured. It was until the third and final sketch, that suddenly made me realize how strikingly identical he was to Forde. I decided, after completing the large sketch; that Forde had been rendered, once again.  1. Forde Poses (small sketch) 2.  Forde Poses ( medium sketch ) 3. Forde Poses ( large sketch ) 1. In " Forde Poses " ( small sketch ), the random markings of my pen are visible, beneath a final linear approach to this figure. It is very rough in details, but it displays my layout, for beginning an idea on paper; with pen and ink. Nothing can be erased, revealing every direction, angle and shape, I chose to bring this man into dimension.  2. With " Forde Poses " ( medium sketch ), I have more clarity and perspective, for creating a  solid figure in the composition. The...

1. Naked Graciousness ( big sketch) 2. Naked Graciousness ( small sketch ) 3. Medium Preferences 1. "Naked Graciousness (big sketch)", is not a satisfactory piece to me. It is my first piece, after a long period of not creating male figure drawings. I think the proportions are clunky, but it represents my style overall. I could have adjusted the proportions, using a pencil and eraser. But, pencil drawing still does a disservice to my spontaneity and looseness. I cannot draw or sketch with a pencil, without realizing the privilege of erasing disliked lines. This piece also represents one of my first attempts, after a long break, from using gray brush pens, for shading skin tones.  2. "Naked Graciousness (small sketch)", was quickly done, after I decided to return to creating male figures. I looked through my book of  "Paul Cadmus's Male Figure Drawings" for inspiration. And I searched online for "dad body" types of men. I am really inspired by...

  I created this sketch last week, while relaxing during the weekend. I did not want to focus on drawing the male figure for over two years. I thought everything was said and done. I matured in several ways in my personal life. I wanted to continue my creative journey. But, I sought a path that would exclude my sexuality and anything considered personal. I am generally a private individual, regardless of the intimate and transparent perspectives of my art. I experienced several changes during this period. I enjoyed sketching this piece, and it felt like a returning to home for me. I am currently creating more male figure sketches. This has lifted my mood and revitalized my interest and enjoyment of figure drawing. I will share more in the near future. My excitement motivated me to take a photo of this completed sketch with my phone! I will post more polished content of scanned images soon. 

1. Suburban Oak (small sketch) 2. Suburban Oak (medium sketch) 3. Suburban Oak (large sketch) 4. Suburban Oak  5. Me standing before a tree