Tools of the Trade. I continue to be fascinated by the inherent beauty of the tools I use to make art. Thanks to Blackwing for making great pencils, and for providing today’s model.

The pencil is a simple analog tool I continue to use many times throughout the day as I plan my paintings, as I underline and take notes in whatever I'm reading, and as I just make drawing of whatever I see around me each day. And I continue to be fascinated by how the tools we use really do shape our daily lives. I find that when using tools such as this, I'm am much more observant to the world around me than when using a digital tool. And I like very much being more observant and attentive!