As a digital artist my approach may be somewhat unconventional, but it works well for me. I studied as a painter and learned from some of the finest artists I could imagine when I was in college. I continued to embrace their teachings and have always loved to draw and paint in the traditional manner. I often sketch at night just to relax.

However after discovering a multi-level digital painting program I became hooked on digital artwork and illustration. Today I use a combination of traditional and digital in my children's book illustrations.

My studio is small, but big enough for my computer, the reference books I use, my drawing table and even an art worktable. Two windows give me great light and a view to the gardens outdoors. And Henry has a special place to call his own.

Because the term "digital" may conjure up visons of premade items and objects, I think all digital "painters" want to point out that all the work is original and approached with the greatest professionalism and attention to all the steps involved in good painting and story illustration.

I like to begin a book by reading the manuscript several times. I need to get to know the characters and think about what their personalities might be like. Then I start sketching. My sketches tend to be rather large because I think it creates a free flowing feel.

There are often many sketches in various stages that I will even cut apart and place in various positions just to see what will work best.

I will do a lot of these studies before I decide on the best placement of characters and then I will complete a carefully drawn baseline sketch prior to painting.

This sketch on the right is about 20 x 30.. a nice size for me because it gives me room to really use my whole arm when I am creating a scene. Later I will photograph this and transfer it into the computer, but first I might paint a portion of it to see how I want to use color.

At the bottom of this page is the finished painting. You might notice that the lazy lion has been transferred to a high rock rather than a tree. Although some lions may climb a tree it isn't that likely.... so the publisher suggested the change.