People ask me, “Hey Tom, do you want some Crayola colored pencils? My children no longer use them.”

I never say no! In my world of art I use four types of pencils, and each brand has its own character. Some have a light and pastel appearance while others have a rich and more opaque look.

For example, when I’m creating a highlight or reflection in my illustration Crayola and Rose Art pencils are the best choice. After using the pencils, I’ll skid a kneadable eraser over a chosen area to develop a highlight.

On the other hand, when trying to achieve a darker richer look, Prismacolor is the best! Prisma and Derwent pencils also offer colors that the others do not carry.

You wouldn’t believe the different textures and colors you can create with the various brands of colored pencils out there.

So if you have colored pencils your family no longer uses and you don’t know what to do with them… send them my way. I never say no!

Yours truly,

Passion is defined as, "An intense desire or enthusiasm for something."

Artists have an insatiable need to create. I parallel an artist's career to some extent with an actor or actress traveling to Hollywood, taking a job or a number of jobs to support him or herself financially, and waiting for a shot on stage.

Since my leaving the graphic design field to pursue fine art, I have had to put on many different hats - taking jobs I would never have predicted doing in a million years. All unrelated to my field of expertise.

Taking the leap into acting, singing, writing, photography and art can be a rewarding experience but be prepared because it does have its challenges. I believe it's worth it!

Yours truly,