The Old and the New II

This illustrates the constant restoring of very old cobblestone homes going on in Medicine Park, OK. The only common features to both pictures (with the exception of the tree) is the granite wall in the lower left and the granite wall in the lower right (only seen in the 2011 sketch).  It is hidden by the shrubbery in the 2012 sketch and cobblestones were added on top up of the wall against the house. There are many old ruins remaining in Medicine Park (some of which I have sketched earlier in this blog) which will eventually be restored. Medicine Park has become a very popular resort destination and is the home to a rapidly growing number of artists. New home constructions continue at an amazing pace slowed only by the growing shortage of land and builders.

Hoepfner-Dunn Home

This is a simple pen and ink sketch I did for some good friends. They just finished building their beautiful home in the Granite Ridge section of Medicine Park, Oklahoma

This is the watercolor version done on 140# Arches watercolor paper.

The Cobblestone Gallery

Medicine Park's only art gallery, the Cobblestone Gallery, is owned, operated,and lived in by James and Denise Wedel. Both James and Denise are wonderful artists themselves. A very unusual and beautiful building, the Gallery had several periods of growth (additions) as you can visualize. With all the angles it was a challenge to sketch quickly.

"The Moose is Loose" House

This is a Medicine Park circular home currently owned by Hank and Lee Sabine. A "tongue-in-cheek" sculpture of a moose, created by the late Robert Dean, is seen in the front yard and attracts a lot of attention. I wanted to do a quick sketch for my blog because of its uniqueness. It is pen and ink with Paynes Grey watercolor for the shadows.

Washer Included

This vacation rental home in Medicine Park is located on East Lake Drive, a short distance from the downtown area. It is recognizable by the washing machine and pail in the front yard. It is immediately next door to "The Wallow" posted below on my blog. Another of the interesting, refurbished old cobblestone structures in town. I sketched it with sepia ink in a Micron .05 pen.

The Wallow

One of the many cobblestone remnants that are scattered throughout Medicine Park. According to Charley Wright longtime resident of the Park, this was the Medicine Park dive group headquarters. In the 60s they dove the many lakes in the area including Elmer Thomas Lake (one of the clearest lakes in Oklahoma) for spear fishing. Game included flat-head catfish (some over 100#), carp, gar and others.

The Medicine Park Motorcycle Shop

The motorcycle shop, aptly named "Chaps My Ass" caters to the hundreds of motorcyclists who annually visit or pass through Medicine Park on their way to or from the adjacent Wichita Wildlife Refuge. In this picture I used a little pastel work to supplement my watercolors. It worked pretty good. I may have to try more of it in future sketches and paintings.

The Brox Aerie

This is a watercolor I did of Steve and Katie Brox's house high in the hills of Medicine Park, OK. A beautiful location. Unfortunately, this does not give the house the justice it deserves. There are so many angles to the house (offering the 360 degree view) that it would take several paintings to show its true beauty. The drive up is steep and winding and their address is appropriately enough " Onehellofadrive, Med Park, OK. "

The Old and the New

These two sketches show the current duplex on East Lake Drive (to the left) and the proposed Medicine Park Lodge that will soon replace it (below). The Lodge, to be constructed by Ron and Angela Peterson, will be a multi-room structure built to facilitate overnight guests/visitors to the Medicine Park area.

Kenneth Morrow Recording

The other afternoon I caught Kenneth recording just across the creek from my house. He was sitting on the patio of the "Ruins" here in Medicine Park in the late afternoon. Kenneth has a new song that has placed him in the top 15 contestants in a national new song writing contest. Congrats Kenneth! I used sepia watercolor and a touch of burnt sienna for his beard on the ink sketch.

One To Six Awards Presentation

A picture of my watercolor and of my wife and I at the 1 to 6 awards luncheon on Friday, Feb 3. My painting entitled "Old Plantation Re-visited" was selected to be presented to the six recipients who were honored for their 2011 contribution to the arts in Lawton, Ok.

Old Cobblestone Schoolhouse - Comanche Co., OK

This old schoolhouse is located in the northwest corner of Comanche County. The roof has caved in since the photo I used was made. It is the oldest schoolhouse in Comanche County.

The Ruins and the Old Plantation

I did this sketch entirely in inks, both soluble and permanent. Much of the work was done with a bamboo sharpened stick as well as a pen (Hero).

Mountain Village

Just "doodling" around this afternoon using water soluble inks with pen and bamboo stick.

Home

This is a picture of our home drawn entirely with a sharpened bamboo stick using Noodlers black bulletproof ink. It was an interesting experiment and a lot of fun. I finished it off with light watercolor washes.

Meers, Oklahoma

The old Meers Restaurant with the best hamburger in Oklahoma. You just hope the building doesn't fall in while you're eating there. Located in the Wichita Mountains, the lines to eat stretch into the street in the summer months.

Miscellaneous Oklahoma Sketches

I thought the deserted granary looked lonely in the afternoon sun.

The second picture was of an old dance /roller skating hall in Medicine Park.

Newly Remodeled House

This was a remodeled home in California. It was commissioned as a gift for the owners.

Loretto Chapel, Santa Fe, NM

This is the famous unsupported stairway in the Chapel in Santa Fe. Architects have for years been unable to understand the mechanics that enabled the building of this circular stairway. If you Google it there is a detailed very interesting story worth reading. It is amazing!

Gimigano, Tuscany, Italy

Typical beautiful old Italian village.