Blog — Portraits

I remember meeting Mija. She came around the corner and wiggled her way into the front lobby. What an adorable dog. For this blog post, I want to talk about what make's a good reference photo. The picture needs to be in focus. I prefer close-up pictures. They help me see the facial details. I recommend avoiding the harsh middle-of-the-day...

What comes to mind when you see this portrait? Do you enjoy looking at wolves? I do. They are stunning. They are fascinating creatures. Drawing this beautiful wolf captivated my attention. Notice his eyes. There's a wildness in them. We don't see that wildness in the eyes of domestic animals. I spent quality time drawing his eyes. I wanted to...

This was a special day. I don't always get the opportunity to meet my subjects. I met Piper after I drew her portrait. Piper's Mom texted me many photos. I took my time looking through them. What am I looking for? Is the lighting good? Is the expression good? Are the details that I need present? If not, I ask...

Fiona is a silver tabby. She had a rough start. It had to be very tough to survive. She was a pregnant 4-year-old stray when she was found. It took her a while to feel comfortable and safe in her new home. Her Mom shared with me that she has some bossy tendencies. Fiona pulls the arm of her shirt...

This is Tan Tan, a strikingly beautiful Bengal cat. When I met her, I was struck by her beauty. I've never seen a Bengal in person. It's a treat. Her breed is a mixture of wild and domestic characteristics. Tan Tan is talkative and friendly; she'll walk right up to you and meow. She is a loving inquisitive cat. She enjoys...