Two of my sisters became grandmas for the first time this year. My sister Karen had two grandsons born within one month of each other, Max and Cavin, and since it is her birthday tomorrow, this became my inspiration for her hand drawn birthday card.

This was commissioned by a guy who wanted to do something special for his girlfriends 30th birthday, so he brought me some poster board and a drawing from which he got his idea. Everything in the drawing has significant meaning to his girlfriend, then he was getting pictures for each year from birth to age 29 which would go around the outside, her 30th year picture will go in the center of the drawing. Supposedly there would be room for all her friends to write a note and sign the poster as well. He seemed very pleased with the result.

These are some handmade cards I drew recently. The bird card was for my sister Shauna's birthday, and my idea was based on the fact that all her kids have now moved out of the house (hence the BLUE bird sad about her empty nest), but she still has reason to find joy and celebrate.

The next two are the covers of Christmas cards for my daughters Kristi and Lauren. Kristi is in her first year of college at Pasadena City College, but still lives at home and loves her dog Meesha. Lauren spent 5 months in a study abroad program in Campo Grande, Brazil. Her host family owned a farm where many wild animals would make an appearance. She caught and became enamored with a little baby armadillo, so I thought she would enjoy her experience relived on her card. Inside I write a personal note and put money in so they can buy what they want. Besides, I hate shopping and have no idea what teenage girls would like, so this is my solution. I think they appreciate the time I spend drawing their personal cards anyway.

I was commissioned to do a caricature of this conductor who apparently sweats pretty heavily as he does his thing. It is the first time I've done one of these in pen and ink with an ink wash. The client decided on B/W to keep the cost down, but I still put a lot of time into the piece. It was a rush job, and since my car was in the shop getting it's transmission rebuilt, I couldn't get to the art store and had to use the paper I had available. I didn't get the smooth blends that I usually get with watercolor paper, so it looks a bit rough and the brush strokes can really be seen, but then I decided I liked the textures which kind of adds to the movement and splashy feel of the flying sweat, and whatever movement of light and audience that could be going on in the background.

Election time for Governor of California between Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman. This is my first attempt at all digital drawings with Photoshop on my Wacom tablet. The learning curve can be a bit frustrating, but it's nice not to have eraser shards spread all over and a garbage full of paper crumpled in frustration. It's also great to use the tools to make instant changes to get the effect I want. It still took me a long to complete these. Again; the learning curve, but I like how they turned out.

The next in line of my wedding caricatures. It's sometimes hard to get good photos of the subjects, but I always do the best I can under the circumstances. I love his funky outfit with theyellow Converse shoes.

This was a commission for a plastic surgeon, Dr. Retson who does a lot of charity reconstruction surgery for kids in Bolivia at his own expense, taking his own staff, equipment and supplies. He is fond of Coke and Snickers, so I incorporated them with his love of his occupation.