Scrimshaw is the art form of the American whalers during the 1800's. Drypoint engraving is a non-acid etching printmaking process dating from 1400. Howard specializes in both of these traditional art forms sometimes combining a scrimshaw with a print in the presentation using antique piano keys or mammoth ivory.

His youth was spent on the Connecticut shore where he acquired a love for the sea. When he moved aboard a 70 year old sloop and began to scrimshaw, this led to an all-encompassing interest in traditional sailing ships, the history of whaling and the natural history of tall ships.

The scrimshander's ivory, knife and ink suited the confinement of small spaces and the work on board taught him the details of hull, rig and life at sea. Years of refining this skill have established his credentials as an artist of sea life and historic ship portraits in highly detailed scrimshaw, pen & ink, copper drypoint engravings and carvings (Free Willy II amulet).

Awards include four Mystic (Seaport) Internationals. He is an artist member of the American Society of Marine Artists. His studio is located in Friday Harbor, WA.