"The Resonance of Hope" acrylic, 3 hours. (12x16)

This abstract work is meant to depict the myth of Pandora's Box. In the legend, when Pandora opens the box, dark emotions fly out into the world, leaving the single emotion of Hope at the bottom. I used dark colors in the background, but tried to make the color apparent, because though dark emotions are dark, they are also powerful. The solid white square represents the box, a solid container. Finally, the light hope spirals out, in a free pattern that looks to be growing larger and larger. 

"Apotheosis of Heracles" colored pencil/graphite, approx. 14 hours. (12x16, approx)

This piece depicts the moment when Heracles (the Roman Hercules) transitions from man to god. Along the edges are small panels depicting a symbol of each of the 12 labors of Heracles, as if they were etched in stone. The famous Nymean Lion is draped over his shoulders, but he moves to remove it, symbolizing the removal of his mortal skin. Gold accents highlight the whole piece to create a feeling of prominence. This was part of my concentration, as the "Rise of Man."

"Through the Window" ink/watercolor, approx. 8 hours. (10 x 14)

This piece was entered for the Congressional Art Competition. I tried to capture the vibrancy and life of the two frogs. I used sharp shadows underneath their feet to give the illusion that they were jumping out of a window. The background was chosen as a colorful, but slightly more subdued, compliment to the striking colors of the two frogs.