This one took nearly a month to draw, since I had to work in spurts when my fingers were cooperating, and as a happy coincidence, I have it ready in time for President’s Day. I assure you, this was not planned, and I didn’t even realize it until I started typing the text you’re reading now. The original title was “Memorials in Pencil,” but what the heck, why not be an opportunist?

This was inspired by the view from the Amtrak Cardinal as Mel and I were passing through on our way back from New York last month.  At one point we were stopped for about five minutes, and I snapped a few reference photos from where The Washington Monument and The Jefferson Memorial were perfectly aligned in my point of view.

This was done with my trusty Blackwing Palamino on a new type of sketchbook paper for me that has a little texture to it. I switch back and forth between as many as half a dozen pieces at a time because Myasthenia Gravis affects how well I can grip whatever implement I’m using.  At times I’ll have a couple of paintings and a few pencil drawings in progress at the same time.  Pencils tend to need the most control, so stuff like this is the most frustrating to create, but also the most rewarding to finish. This one I was particular glad to put in the rear-view mirror.

To see it bigger try clicking HERE.

Over in radioland, Monday at 2 PM on The AIR, we bring you encores of a classic episode of Psychedelic Shack, and then at 3 PM a classic edition of Herman Linte’s weekly showcase of the Progressive Rock of the past half-century, Prognosis.  You can listen to The AIR at the website, or on the embedded radio player elsewhere on this page.

Psychedelic Shack can be heard every Monday at 2 PM, with replays Tuesday at 9 AM, Wednesday at 10 PM, Friday at 1 PM,  and Saturday at 9 AM. You can hear Prognosis on The AIR Monday at 3 PM, with replays Tuesday at 7 AM, Wednesday at 8 PM, Thursday at Noon, and Saturday at 10 AM. You can hear two classic episodes of the show Sunday at 2 PM. All times listed are Eastern, so if you’re in another timezone, adjust accordingly.

At 8 PM you can hear an hour of alledged bloopers from Kermit Schaffer, on a recent episode of The Comedy Vault.

Tonight at 9 PM the Monday Marathon presents ten hours to expand your mind with Nigel Pye’s Psychedelic Shack.