"As I developed as an artist, animals became my primary subjects. My finished pieces are drawn from my own photographic sketches, concentrating on three basic characteristics;
I'll portray the subjects as if they are posing,
caught off guard, in conversation, contemplating the 
unusual (such as a hippo and hummingbird nose to nose)
...or perhaps a Rhino observing his observer.
I try NOT to caricaturize them or give them human qualities, but to draw them as realistically as my
technique and personal limitations allow.
Graphite, pastel, a razorblade, sandpaper and Fun are my primary tools. I work on a Masonite panel with multiple cross applications of gesso sanded between coats.
After blocking in the basic composition, I apply graphite to develop the textures and detail that define the work. The process by itself creates the variations in texture.
The detail develops by intent.
I avoid erasers. I use a single edge razor blade to bring out the highlights, add texture and fine tune details.
As my attention is on the subject, the backgrounds are often undefined pastel landscapes somewhat out of focus.
Or, for impact, I'll layer dozens of hand rubbed applications of vine charcoal to produce an inky black that will put the subject in your face."
- John Noble
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