Early Work
I started my career as an Illustrator in the Chicago area after leaving The American Academy of Art in Chicago in 1983. Early work included Textbook art for Scott Foresman Publishing, McDougal and Latell, and World Book Encyclopedia. There were many magazine and book assignments for Christianity Today, Tyndale House, Campus Life, Christian Reader, Focus on the Family, Billy Graham, Ranger Rick Magazine, Children's Press, etc.
There were hundreds of Illustrations created in my first ten years but most were for very specific articles or stories and don't have the individual appeal to stand on their own. However there were some that I was pleased enough with to post on this page.
The portrait of young Princess Anne has particular meaning for me, since it was created one night while I was still in art school. It was my first attempt at a Gouache Wash, a "subtractive technique" where paint is laid down over a drawing and the light areas subtracted with a brush and water. Earlier that day I witnessed a demonstration of the Gouache wash by one of my favorite Illustrators; Thomas Blackshear II. The technique was to have a profound effect on much of my work for years to come. It also resulted in a charming little portrait of a very royal little girl.
"Sign of The Beaver"
Illustration for Scott Foresman Textbooks
Ranger Rick Magazine “Critters”
Book Cover Illustration for “Way Back In The Hills”
Princess Anne
Setter and Swallow
Irish Setter and Swallow was an Illustration for Partnership Magazine, probably around 1988. Patty and I moved from Chicago back to Michigan in 1987. That first year back I went to the dog pound and adopted a young Irish Setter named Rudy who looked very much like this one. She was my constant companion for the next 7 years. I wish Rudy was still here.
Fearless