En: David S. Owens: Schröder Reproduction - The Work Process

Charcoal portrait by my Masonic Brother Travis Simpkins. Travis is a 32° Scottish Rite Freemason and member of Morning Star Lodge located in Worcester, Massachusetts. The lodge was instituted in 1793 with the patriot Isaiah Thomas being the lodge's first Master. He is a freelance artist with clients throughout the United States and Europe. He currently works with the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and also serves as an Art Advisor with the Massachusetts Senate. He works on projects for the Supreme Council, 33°, NMJ in Lexington, Massachusetts and his art has appeared in publications by Arturo de Hoyos, Grand Archivist & Grand Historian of the Supreme Council, 33°, SJ in Washington, D.C. Travis was commissioned by the Worcester Historical Museum to create a series of portraits which were displayed alongside works by colonial-era portraitist, Gilbert Stuart. His artistic skill has drawn praise from the office of Martin Kemp, art historian and world-renowned authority on Leonardo da Vinci. He has created artwork for bestselling British author Graham Hancock, which has been utilized in promoting Hancock's books, website and lectures at venues such as the National Arts Club in New York City. Travis is also a staff member of the Worcester Art Museum, working in different capacities over the past 18 years. His efforts and connections have culminated in the addition of more than 300 works of art to WAM's permanent collection, including 94 woodblock prints by Japanese artist Yoshida Toshi. He holds a certification from the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection. He is also a contributor to various art security forums, conducting research into art theft, preservation and archaeological ethics. His website: http://www.artcrimeillustrated.com/p/travis-simpkins.html