Each piece is very different, but the starting process is mostly the same. I start by figuring out what I want to draw and then I either find reference pictures or take my own pictures for reference. I spend a lot of time studying the references and visualizing the shapes, tones, textures, values, etc. I may then practice different aspects of the piece and try out different papers and techniques.

Before I start any piece, I always reorganize my supplies and clean up my studio. I choose the paper and cut it to size. If it's a larger piece that I've cut from a roll of paper I then have to wet it to get it to lay flat. Once it's wet I anchor the edges to hold it down and let it dry completely - usually 24 hours. Then I tape the paper to a board on my wall and sketch out the piece. Having the piece on the wall allows me to stand back from it and really see where things are- scale and proportion are very important. Once I get the sketch down just how I want it, I take the piece from the wall and tape it to my drafting table, which allows me to work at an angle.

I start by using different brushes to lay down charcoal powder that I’ve ground down from compressed charcoal sticks. I lay down the powder in the darkest areas first and work in layers. I lift the charcoal off the paper with a variety of different types of erasers to create different tones and values- creating depth. I continue this process - adding in charcoal pencils towards the end- until I’m happy with the result. I don’t focus on one area at a time, but rather the overall piece, typically starting from the top left to the bottom right.

After I get the piece put down on paper in charcoal, I then decide what I want to do to add color - I may spray it with liquid watercolor that is diluted with water to get the intensity I want, I may use pastels, or colored pencils. I let the piece tell me what color/s it wants to be and I take it from there. I then go back in with layers of different media to get the details exactly how I want them and then I spray the end piece with a fixative.

Once I’ve completed the piece and I’m happy with it, I seal it with a fixative spray and take it to a fine arts scanner.

Charcoal and graphite are two distinct materials commonly used in art and writing. Charcoal is a black, porous substance made from heated organic matter and is favored for its rich, dark blacks and smudging capabilities in artistic applications. Graphite, on the other hand, is a form of carbon mined from the Earth, used in pencils for writing and drawing, known for its versatility in creating various shades and line widths. Both materials have unique properties and widespread applications, but I use them both for fine art.

Archival prints are high-quality reproductions of artworks or photographs designed to withstand the test of time. They are created using materials like acid-free paper and pigment-based inks, processed with precision printing methods. These prints resist fading, discoloration, and deterioration, ensuring their long-term preservation. I have archivable prints in my shop, specifically something called giclée prints.

Giclée prints have gained popularity in the art world due to their ability to faithfully reproduce the details, colors, and texture of original artworks. They are prized for their longevity and the ability to create fine art reproductions that closely resemble the originals, making this an obvious choice for my artwork.