Blog — Touching Hearts

Many of us have had challenges and struggles this past year, and by the grace of God we've persevered. We've helped our neighbors and friends, and they have helped us. With the new year beginning I want to encourage you to dream. What do you want to accomplish this year? Who do you want by your side? Where do you...

My Bearie Blvd. Bears® paintings begin with pencil sketches. Then I apply the paint. It's always fun to watch the characters develop. With Francine I see a sweetness and innocence; she's approachable and kind. While painting Francine my thoughts were about loving the people around me. Do I really see them? Do I take the time to know them? Am...

I'm a big pancake fan! I love to cook them, and I love to eat them. One day when I was flipping channels I came across a Hallmark movie that caught my attention. We learned that the lead character absolutely loved pancakes. I sat there and a smile crossed my face. That moment inspired me to paint my dear Wilbur,...

Why commission a portrait? We love our families and pets. Portraits celebrate them! And, it's a lot of fun. They make wonderful gifts. This portrait of Bentley was a commission I received last year. It was a Christmas gift for Bentley's owners in Florida. I work with graphite and charcoal, and I specialize in head and shoulders portraits. It's a...

I'm learning to listen. I mean really listen to what people are telling me. There's always something to learn about the person even if you've heard the story before. My Dad loved to spend time in his garden. It was one of his greatest pleasures. He knew how to grow just about anything, and he had a gift to share...