As I work with these acrylic paints, I remember why I love (and prefer) oil.

--Perfectionism vs. participation? 

The point with each of these sketches--and it's an evolving one--is to create a new visual experiment with each page.

To me, this image is mostly a record of struggles with different colorants (watercolors, wax pencils, and the texture/fiber of the paper). 

Pencil. And I'm finding that I'm getting most mileage out of my hard, hard graphite pencil. The soft pencil, other than for tonal contrast, feels sloppy.

Acrylic & ink. 

Contrade are districts within the ancient Italian city of Siena. They are represented by colorful heraldic devices--this one is worked from the flag for the district of the "Crested Porcupine," in combination with a medieval illustration sent to me by a friend. 

The real piece of jewelry is a dragon. This is... more bird, but not all bird.