Detailed graphite drawings using contrast, texture, and expressive shading to capture the form and character of each animal.
The Pencil Collection demonstrates the timeless versatility of pencil media, where graphite, ebony, and subtle tonal variation bring texture, depth, and expression to life. Each work celebrates the character of its subject, from the softness of fur to the quirks of human-like expression. Together, the pieces reflect a fascination with both natural and imagined worlds, proving how a simple tool can yield extraordinary results.
The Process
This collection was created using a range of pencils from 4H to 2B, with ebony pencil added for stronger contrast. Every drawing began with a reference image, carefully studied to capture detail in fur, patterns, and posture. Works in the series include A Musing Chimpanzee, Baby Chimpanzee, Bamboon, Cheshire Cat, Dragon, Elephant, Giraffe, Giraffe Profile, Gorilla, Laughing Chimpanzee, Leopard, Oh My!, Troubled Monkey, Lion and Tiger, Rhino, Robot, Roses in a Vase, Samurai, Squirrel, and Zebra. Many of these sketches were first displayed at the Lewisville Symphony Exhibition in miniature formats of 2" x 3" and 4" x 6", called Pencil Minis, making them intimate keepsakes. Some of the imaginative pieces have been adapted into merchandise: Dragon is available as a standalone mug; the Mythological Creature Jumbo Mug Collection includes Phoenix, Turkey, and Unicorn; Robot appears on T-shirts through Zazzle; and the Pencil Animal Mug Collection features the complete Pencil Animal Collection displayed in a tiled pattern, allowing the entire collection to be enjoyed on one mug!
The Framed Pencil Chimpanzee Collection in the 20" x 16" format centers on capturing specific expressions and hand gestures that feel distinctly human. Laughing Chimpanzee was developed through multiple preparatory studies rather than a single reference, allowing the final drawing to convey a clear sense of joy and amazement. Its expression conveys joy and amazement, creating a candid, lighthearted moment that invites viewers to smile. First exhibited in November 2024, the work quickly became a favorite and remains a defining piece of the collection. A Musing Chimpanzee was added to the series in November 2025 and, like its companion, was preceded by several studies focused on refining expression and gesture. This work was later entered into the Gift of Art Exhibition.
Inspiration & Meaning
At the heart of The Pencil Collection is the ability of line and shading to reveal character, from the solemn stature of the baboon to the distinct personalities of the monkeys and the avant-garde presence of the samurai. The works celebrate how animals reflect both individuality and shared gestures, echoing the mannerisms we recognize in ourselves. By including subjects that range from natural creatures to imaginative figures, the Pencil Collection shows how pencil remains one of the most expressive tools in art, able to capture not only likeness but also mood, personality, and narrative.