California Elephant

Study of an elephant at the San Diego Zoo.

Pop and Mishka

With the bulldog nestled, all snug on his lap,
My Pop settles down, for a Christmas Day nap...

Mishka

Where there's cats, there's dogs...

Sam

I was cat sitting for my friends Mike and Jen on the East Side. This is Sam, staring out the window in frustration, as pigeons on the other side mock him.

View From The Gate

While I'm showing pen and ink stuff, here's another view of Lake Kanawauke from the Camp K-20 entrance.

Old Walls

Back by popular demand... more poetry. I didn't have to go very far for inspiration, this is my backyard in Westchester County, NY. But when I think about the history, and how different life here was here a century ago, it gets very interesting...

Old Walls

From the earth he built these walls-
Stretching ‘cross suburban sprawls;
Strong and unrelenting hand,
Sectioned off the fertile land.

His essence stained on every stone-
Fences long since overgrown;
Hidden ‘neath the forest floor,
Or swallowed by a reservoir.

Reminders from a time transcended-
Hundred years left unattended,
Farmers with their blood and toil,
Cultivated rock and soil.

From the earth he built these walls-
Property the earth recalls;
To the ground from which they came-
Mother Nature laying claim.

© Chad Wallace

If this kind of subject matter appeals to you, I strongly recommend you take a look at books written and illustrated by Eric Sloane. He is famous for his pen and ink sketches of old barns, covered bridges, antiques, and of course, old walls. He was also a member of the Hudson River School, and was said to have done a small painting every day before lunch to keep his skills up...

Su Lin

Su Lin was kind enough to pose for me when I payed a visit to the San Diego Zoo. Having Illustrated Little Panda made it easier.

Emerald Pool

The first leg of the Half Dome hike in Yosemite takes you here. People gather here to take pictures, hang out, and swim. I drew.

Half Dome

Quick study of "Half Dome" one of the more impressive features of Yosemite National Park, CA. Professional climbers from all over the world come here to attempt it's vertical face. If you look really closely you can see one soiling himself.



Speaking of crazy hikers, I happen to know a few. Here's a picture of my friend Steve and wife Karen (bottom) waving to the photographer - Karen's brother Tim.

Hospital Rock

"Hospital Rock" is a landmark in Sequoia National Park, CA.

Queen's Garden

On location in Bryce Canyon, Utah. This particular formation is known as "Queen's Garden"