Outer Banks

“Doofy Pelican Study”
Original charcoal on gray-toned paper

9in x 12in

Pelicans have so much personality. I love birds, and while pelicans aren’t always majestic, you can’t deny how absolutely striking they are. Striking, however, doesn’t always go hand in hand with dignified. This was one of the many pelicans I saw during a trip to Ocracoke Island, which I’ve been visiting since I was one year old. Looking at the reference image for this picture always makes me smile, so I hope looking at my rendition will help to brighten your day, too!

“Majestic Pelican Study”
Original charcoal on gray-toned paper

9in x 12in

This is the second in my series of pelican studies based on pictures taken at Ocracoke Island. Given how fun and silly the first one was, I wasn’t sure about this pose at first, but I ended up being really happy with how it turned out! The wing and beak were particularly interesting to work on.

“The Other Pelican”
Original charcoal on gray-toned paper

9in x 12in

Although this was the final drawing in my initial three-part pelican series, it was always intended to be the middle child. All of the pictures for these studies were taken on the docks of Ocracoke and this bird’s pose seemed like a good midpoint between the regal posture of the majestic pelican and the unbridled silliness of the doofy one.

“Crab with Shadow”
Original charcoal on paper

9in x 9in

This is a drawing of one of the many little ghost crabs that make their home on the beaches of Ocracoke Island. They occasionally make their way up from their burrows to bask in the sun, where you can get a few good pictures if you’re lucky. This poor little fellow must have gotten into a fight with a seagull, as he was missing a couple of legs!

“Through the Driftwood”
Original charcoal on paper

25in x 19in

This was my first charcoal drawing of a landscape. Let me tell you, it took a lot of time, effort and blending to get it right! The reference for this picture was taken on one of the beaches at Portsmouth Island during a trip there with my family. It was a lonely, beautiful place with little but the sand, wind and a few dolphins out in the sound.

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