As Time Stands Still...

... I swear some of my work could literally take years to complete. You see it's my own creations that take all of my emotion, passion, and sometimes depression.

... working on portraits for my clients it's such a wonderful Escape. To create pieces no not they're going to enjoy for a lifetime and perhaps four generations. It's these kinds of works that move right along smoothly... with time. Holidays come and go, as do my portrait works.

... so here you have an example of one of my pieces that has been standing still since the end of last year... I'll get to you, sometime.

An Angel's Portrait, Stillborn, Still Loved ❤

When approached to do a portrait...a portrait of an angel... left speechless, and couldn't imagine what a family dealing with this extraordinary loss must be going through.

As the only memento, a photograph of their sweet little baby. Which to me speeks volumes, a tiny little body of a little girl whoes spirit is now in heaven.

With the thought of having to do this sweet angel's portrait I could transform their photograph into a living beautiful baby whose soul shines from her tiny face. A memento that her parents can look at with joy and comfort.

Words can't express the emotion that goes into one of my pieces... please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm hear to listen to your story, no matter how heartbreaking it may be.... my client's are inspiring me every day.

Custom Portraits with A Bit of Whimsy 🦋

Time has gone on... as did my passion for art. Like my drawings, looking at a blank piece of paper, I never really know what will come to life. I feel as though my career in art is parallel with my individual drawings. In that I would never have imagined that portraiture was a path meant for me.

Nor would I have imagined that my love for art could ever progress. It has grown in leaps and bounds. I can attribute that to all of the beautiful people that I have had the blessings to get to know, as well as beloved families. Complete strangers have been able to share their loved ones with me in a way that is so personal. I feel honored to be able to do what I do on a daily basis. And to know in my heart that this is what I will be doing for the rest of my life.

I've been able to help create life long keepsakes. Precious moments that are frozen in time. And at times mementos to remember a beloved one has been lost. Families heartbroken over a loss of a child...knowing that in a small way, I've been able to bring a bit  comfort to them.

Always, it's my dear clients and their stories that are a constant inspiration to me.

Drawing Every Day Learning Every Day

A few pieces that I've done recently ~

Graphite is still my go to medium. It's honestly part of me and will always be *my medium. Although colored pencils that I've experienced with much in the past simply don't seem to have the same effect... they're too soft. 6H is my graphite favorite by far. My work revolves around the delicate fine lines ... this I can achieve with the 6H going up the latter of course for layering. I simply can never get a fine enough line when it comes to colored pencils.

Once the penciling is in place, I almost always now add some watercolors. I've added to my arsenal when it comes to paints and brushes... truly falling in love with the medium more and more each day.

Long  story short, I don't think I'll ever stop learning, truly everyday that I sit down to work on a piece I feel is a learning experience. I'm often told that I am talented. I always say that I chalk it up to lots of practice and a ton of willpower. I can certainly attribute my art to my determination/passion.

Watercolor ~

I've said time and time again... "I'm not a painter".  My comfort zone has always been and will always be pencils. Watercolors happened by chance. Realizing that my pieces needed a pop of color. It's with great uncertainty to attempt to touch my drawing paintbrush with the fear that I'm going to ruin it.

I picked up my first paint brush in 2012. I've since come more comfortable with the medium. But have yet to create a piece that is entirely a "painting".

Here is my most recently play with watercolors ~

Titled "Longing to be Hidden"

It's where she belongs... never to be seen, always in the background. The comfort she feels of being invisible consumes her. The very thought of being "seen" is her worst fear.

Still Obsessed with Coffee Staining

The first piece I ever did was completely by chance. In 2012 I started exploring with color as pencil has has always been my choice medium. I always felt that adding color would "ruin" it. So, with wanting to live on the edge experimenting with watercolors, only had a few colors disposal (pink & blue if I remember correctly).The piece that I had been working on felt as though needed some earthy tones. In the back of my head I was thinking, "I know I've heard of tea staining before, why not give it a try". Low and behold, no tea bags in my house. With of course tons of coffee at my disposal, it was sort of a no brainer.

Fast forward to today... New year, new art... 

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Don't Be Afraid to Dream

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Portraits, Portraits & More Portraits...

Simply put, I have the most amazing customers. I've had the honor and privilege to see the visions of their loved ones come to life! 

For starters I was trusted with sweet "Hercules". I've never even attempted to do a pet portrait before... I kept saying to myself throughout the drawing "do I even know what I'm doing?" Nevertheless, thank goodness... he came out looking very handsome ;)

I've been entrusted with a couple of recent seniors who's senior pictures were oh so beautiful... truly an inspiration and joy to create!

Regardless of the subject... I'm always so very grateful for the opportunity to create for others.

A Fantasy Scene for a Kindred Spirit ~ Graphite Pencils and Coffee Staining

I just completed this piece for a very special customer... she is truly a kindred spirit and has the most amazing visions. I used all graphite pencils with just a touch of coffee staining to complete this magical scene. She's sort of a lost soul, searching for a purpose in life. It was hard to see this one go, I get so connected to my work.
 

Reflections of Time Gone By

I honestly feel like a broken record "where has the time gone?" 2014 for me has been the year of commissions. I have been so busy with portraits and custom artwork that I'm afraid I've only got a few original pieces to show for 2014. This has been a first for me... there is nothing more that I love than staring at a blank piece of paper and waiting to see what will come to life. I've had that luxury a few times over the course of the year. This piece although was a commission I had free reign... "A girl with sunflowers" was the only requirement... this was the outcome. This piece I finally finished last month.. she was a piece started back in the Spring of 2014.. I didn't want to rush to finish her, she needed my undivided attention. She's my favorite from the year by far.... she's called "Without Wings".

Last but not least... here is a piece I sketched recently... I wish I had more time, I could draw pieces like this all day long. So much to talk about but so little words come to mind. I wish I was better with words on paper as I was with pictures.