Assateague Island

                           

I recently spent a very nice week with my family on Chincoteague and Assateague islands. Famous for its wild horses, Assateague also has long stretches of beach still connected to natural habitat. Anyone who has tried will know that beaches are a good place for observational drawing. Visually, they offer strong contrasts of value, a rock solid horizon line able to anchor the wobbliest composition and an assortment of both subtle and bold colors. Also, being a public space, its visitors expect to be observed and don't seem to mind too much if that observer happens to be carrying a pen and sketchbook.

From the Window

From my third floor apartment I have a nice view of a busy street, grassy lots, and small supermarket. Using direct observation, reference or memory (or usually a combination of the three) I enjoy making notational drawings of things that catch my eye.

Retroactive Post #1

June 15, 2012: Bean Illustration opens to the public. I have moved into a wonderful, modest and sun-drenched apartment/studio in Harrisburg, PA. Each month I open my studio to visitors so they can get a glimpse into the workaday life of an illustrator. In the stairwell gallery I show sketches and other preparatory work for illustrations. And out back there is a rooftop where I grow plants!