carbon pencil drawing on paper
11 x 9, double matted

It's basketball tournament time everywhere. The sports casters refer to it as 'Hoops Mania". Our local high school is done but the University of Illinois is still in the game. I don't watch as much basketball as I used to and never did follow the professional teams...but thought this drawing was appropriate and might just stir some good memories.

As I worked on this carbon pencil drawing, memories of my own High School days flooded my head. I remembered the small gyms we played in, cheering until we were hoarse, and the excitement of riding the bus to the game with the team. Things were different then...times more relaxed and definitely more innocent.

On the way to the basketball game the team always sat together in the front of the bus. On the way home...we were allowed to pair off in couples. I still remember holding hands in the dark on the ride home, and my first kiss.

The drawing Old Glory is not just about the game, but also about the 'freedom' to enjoy the game. Despite ALL the negative issues that make the news today. We who are fortunate enough to live in the United Sates and enjoy the freedoms offered by living in a true democracy have much to celebrate.

The American Flag is the symbol of our freedom. Old Glory, as it is referred to, stands for who we are as a nation and a people. Our American Flag has been burned, stomped on, and desecrated by many over the years...yet she still flies strong.

The old basketball and shoes are a reminder of our youth when life was much simpler. School, the Friday night ball game, getting a date for the weekend and cruising the town square...don't we all remember when?

I also took some WIP photos and put together a drawing tutorial when working on Old Glory and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the techniques used.