Many years ago, which is unbelievable because I’m only 37, I embarked on a series of traditional pen and brush ink drawings based on War themed photography mainly focused on World War 2 and Vietnam. The reason I did this was… well… I forgot how to draw. Sounds crazy? Actually not at all.

During that time in my life I was graduating from college and focused on so many things. I was an Art Direction major (mainly graphic design focused in advertising). In short, I was so preoccupied on that aspect of my work and the pressure of graduating, building a portfolio, trying to find gainful employment in an already changing world in where my work was already obsolete (that is a story for another time). So much so, that I let the basics go. I stopped sketching and and practicing the fundamentals of what made me… well… me!..lol

Once I realized that my drawing skills fell into atrophy, I decided to do what my art heroes did (George Pratt and Ralph Mcquarrie). Doing a series with pen and ink drawings focused on military imagery. I did that, and the results were wonderful. This practice loosened me up again, confidence in how I approach projects and the over ability to convey on paper on what I wanted to communicate.

In addition, I was able to gain a perspective in warfare that I never would have had. Many former serviceman and vets who saw this appreciated it and loved what I did. That type of kudos is what I found most meaningful.

Below are some of of the sketches that I did. There are sooo many more and will soon re-upload them onto my website again once I find a way to present it that makes sense.