In traditional art, you start almost always with a sketch on paper. I do this leaving the bottom area unencumbered where the calendar numerals will be. Then I scan one or more of the sketches into Photoshop. What is exciting about using computers is how easily the compositional elements can be altered. I'm able to flip, resize, position, cut and paste, erase and draw just the way I used to work with tracing paper, light boxes, scissors, and tape. In fact, I'm likely to experiment and play more with digital composition. I work on a lap-size Wacom tablet using a pressure-sensitive stylus. It's much like drawing on a drafting table. Next, I create a very faint line drawing (still in Photoshop) and print it on 12"x 18" Strathmore paper. Moving to the other side of my studio (where a still-life might be set up) I add color using a school-grade set of semi-moist watercolor pans and water color pencils. Knowing that the drawing is saved in the computer, I'm able to paint several versions with a relative sense of freedom. Sometimes I go back to the computer to add cast shadows and print a background. Often I collage parts of the final piece.

Quigley, our Irish Terrier, has appeared in two calendar editions—2003, and 2006. He keeps me company as I work, but reminds me each afternoon when it's time to go for a walk—or in good weather, kayaking. How happy we are.