sketch: painted turtle

It was so warm this early Spring, I took the canoe out several times, already, and had many a turtle sighting, giant elder ones to little coin-sized ones. They were enjoying the sun just as much as people do at the beach.

Do you think turtles are slow? Well, try approaching them while they are basking on a lake side. Blink an eye and you may miss it. Zoom! They will dive and disappear faster than you can say “turtle soup”.

I drew this turtle on an iPad, using a stylus. This kind of method creates a different feel. It will never replace the good ol’ paper and pencil.

Can you tell which of my drawings, on my blog, were done with an iPad? (Hint: those iPad drawings were done this year.)

sketch: sea turtle

I sketch an ancient sea turtle which is graceful as it “flies” though the ocean. Its species has survived since the dinosaur age, over 200 million years ago, partly through its protective shell and partly by sheer resilience. Turtles are a true living fossil.

cartoon: santa sighting (part 3 of 3)

painted turtle

The clocks move an hour forward this weekend, and that means Spring is almost here.  (One more week to go.)  In honor of the return of warmer weather, I create a watercolour. It’s the first critter to emerge from hibernation, a Painted Turtle, now basking in the sun, peacefully in a remote pond.

sketch: turtle on rock

Sketch of a Red-Eared Turtle, sunbathing on a rock.

illustration: cherry blossom turtle

Spring is almost here, and so soon the hibernating animals will emerge.  Sleepy-eyed critters, like aquatic turtles peak their heads from the lake, eager to find a floating log and worship the sun. My red-eared turtle models for this illustration, done in digital medium.

the abominable snowman

This was a fun project for the holidays.  The goal was to indicate the feeling of Christmas without being too literal.  Plus, I wanted to create more action and adventure in my mini cartoon.

red-eared turtle

A Red-Eared Slider climbing out to bask.  It is a chilly winter here, and I long for the warmth of the sun just like this turtle.

sierra the turtle

It paid to be a fuzzy turtle when it was winter time.  But now, it’s officially spring.
Happy Spring y’all!