Portfolio
Welcome to my portfolio page. Below is a brief glimpse into the motivation and processes for my artworks. Developing a strong connection with my subject is an important part of the creative process. I often do in-depth analysis to build a better understanding of a subject as I work. This helps me focus in on the details I wish to convey in the finished piece.
© 2026 All artwork and images on this site are the exclusive property of Michael D Palmer and protected under international copyright laws. Images, including purchased artwork, may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted, or manipulated, either in whole or in part, without express written permission.
01
Wanted Poster Self Portrait
Colored pencil on toned Canson mat board
This sepia-toned self portrait was part of a project request for the AZ chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA). The goal was for each member to create a wanted poster-style self-portrait to be hung in the lobby as our chapter hosts the 2026 annual CPSA convention.
02
Scissor-tailed flycatcher
Colored pencil & Pan Pastel on Fabriano hot press watercolor paper
The Scissor-tail the state bird of my birthplace, so naturally, I wanted to try this one. This was one of my first attempts at using Pan Pastel for the background.
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03
Golden Eagle Study
Colored Pencil on Black Canson Mat Board
Golden eagles are incredibly majestic birds. They boast wingspans approximately 7 ft and hunting speeds of up to 200mph. These apex predators can live up to 38 years in the wild. This was another fun experiment to see the effects of colored pencil on black surfaces.
04
The Great Provider
Colored Pencil and Pan Pastel on Pastelmat
The American Bison, once numbering in the tens of millions across the North American Plains, was hunted nearly to extinction in the late 19th Century during the westward expansion. The Bison was sacred to Native Americans, not only as a vital food source, but for all other facets of daily life. Skins covered covered teepees, hides were made into winter coats and beds, utensils and weapons were made from horns and bones... everything from bowstrings, thread, sleds and rattles. The bison truly was "the great provider."
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05
Shasta
Colored pencil on Canson Mi Teintes Velvet
Shasta was a long-lived and cherished family member and our first family pet. Given her dark dense fur, I chose Canson black velvet paper, which I think worked beautifully.
06
Torched
Colored pencil & Watercolor Airbrush on Fabriano hot press watercolor paper
These large hybrid torch cactus flowers have quickly become one of my favorites. This one in particular reflected the colors of all the surrounding flowers. The drawing was done using a combination of water-soluble pencils, colored pencil and airbrushed watercolor.
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07
"Well, Hi!"
Colored Pencil on Porcelain Tile
The texture and color of the tile can add some interesting effects to a subject. I was quite pleased with the richness of color was able to achieve with this subject.
08
Fundraising Projects
Charcoal on Canson Mi Teintes Grey Tones Paper
Several of my works have been completed as gifts. For a couple of years, my work center held fundraising auctions where we would offer up goods or services to the highest bidder. As part of the auction, I offered a custom drawing of the winner's choosing. For the first year, I drew this pet portrait for the winner.
09
Just One More Spoonful
Scratchboard and Ampersand Inks
Scratchboard can be a very challenging medium.
I captured the photo of this Roseate Spoonbill during a trip to the South Padre Island Birding Center.
10
Thousand Yard Stare
Pen and Ink on Borden & Riley 108lb Paper for Pens
Osprey photo from Biloxi, Mississippi
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11
Family Road Trip
Pen and Ink on Borden & Riley 108lb Paper for Pens
Conceived composition of giraffe family on the move.
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12
Cleared For Landing
Pen and Ink on Borden & Riley 108lb Paper for Pens
The great horned owl is a highly effective a silent nighttime apex predator. This owl is an ambassador of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum's Raptor Free Flight Program.
13
Pet Portraits
Digital Drawing on Rebelle Art Program
While I do enjoy drawing pet portraits to practice fur techniques, I don't like working on commission. Traditionally, when doing pet portraits, they are done as gifts for close friends.
14
Shasta - Hypnosis
Digital Drawing on Rebelle Drawing Program
Shasta definitely has a unique personality, as like most dogs, she was highly motivated by food, which is how I got her to pose for this drawing.
15
Dottie - laser focus
Digital Drawing on Rebelle Drawing Program
Dottie was a beautiful half Australian Shephard that loved to play frisbee. She would nearly do a backflip to catch when I launched it over her head.
16
Pumpkin - back porch blep
Digital Drawing on Rebelle Drawing Program
I wish I could say that Pumpkin and the dogs got along well.... not so much... she did love antagonizing them under the bedroom door.
