Furry faces! Friends! Family!

May and June have flown by! I have been busy with several custom pieces!

Grandma Jackie's dog, Penny made it to the sketch pad! The original piece was 9x12 but I had it cut down to 8x10 so it didn't take up too much room on her dresser. I had several pictures to pick from because this little lady has been in my life already. She is super soft and can't hold her licker. I chose this picture on the left as my inspiration and adjusted some of it due to flash and a boring background. 

        

My Grandma Jackie was thrilled and teared up a bit when she saw the finished piece!
Penny just licked my face...

My "cousin" Danielle had contacted me about her loving old horse Mo, unfortunately there were not a lot of pictures to work from. The one she had was a photo that was color edited already so it put me to the test! I also don't like to draw people but this photo is truly an amazing one of Danielle. I really wanted to capture the sense of ease he gave off. I know he loved his girl.

Here is Danielle with her 9x12 custom portrait of "Mo and His Girl"

Then there is a furry friend and his Dad that are both dear to me. Dan has been my friend for about 6 years now. I can't imagine my life without him. He adopted Bo and they come visit us for walks at the gorge. I know its tricky getting pictures of dogs, especially super active ones...

We spent an entire afternoon trying to snap a picture of him and Dan got one of him by the water. This is my interpretation. I say time and time again that my work is so much better person and anyone who has seen it in person will agree. 

We took about 10 pictures together for this blog and we have this one that actually came out-the blur may be a rain drop...or a ghost! This portrait of Bo is an 11x14 oil pastel. 

I'm going to take two seconds to brag!

 My beautiful baby sister had her Senior prom and graduated from high school!  

New beginnings for everyone here. It is the best kind of busy anyone can be! So stay tuned :)

It's Happening!

I have made some great friends over the years.

Their smiles bring me joy, and when I see them I can talk about anything. My mission right now is to be a full time artist. I believe that opportunities are everywhere and even when you don't have your eyes wide open looking for them they can sneak up on you! My hair stylist, admired local business owner, and friend, Tammy at Hair Chateau is just as excited as I am about my goals! Positive thinking is contagious and all it takes is that one person to help to give you a little push. 

I have four original pieces hanging up at Hair Chateau in Lockport! One of my favorite local businesses! Check 'em out. 

http://www.hairchateaulockport.com/

There will be more adventures with Hair Chateau in the future in form of a mural as soon as I am done preparing for the event in August. I already have ideas!!! Sketching will be a regular evening activity for me this summer.

I have not posted in a long time but I have been very busy with custom pieces squeezed in around my day job. It is good to be busy because that means it is happening, my artwork is starting to catch some attention!

I want to take a moment to thank everyone that has been so supportive of me and my work. You guys rock.