Pastel Pet Portrait From Photo - Custom

My story:
Hi everyone - welcome to my audacious artventure! At 44, I am a late entrant into the world of visual arts. I was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, PA, and has been living and working in the Raleigh-Durham area since 1999. I spent most of my adult life believing that my creative tendencies only lent themselves to problem solving and big picture thinking… I am a technology and business strategist by trade, and spend most of my working hours turning problems and issues into opportunities and successes.

I have played piano, clarinet, saxophone, and percussion instruments (marimba, xylophone, bells, etc.) at various points throughout my life, but it has never come naturally to me… After a recent layoff, I decided to take art lessons and see if I could stop sitting on the sidelines… I found out a few things I'd love to share:

• Creative expression is freeing and cathartic.
• Turns out anyone can draw, given a bit of basic instruction and a whole bunch of PRACTICE.

I don't know why that was such an epiphany for me - anything we strive to be good at we have to practice. Even the most amazing soccer players are still out there on the field honing their craft. Even the most gifted musician still puts time in to practicing and learning… The trick is learning how to draw what you SEE rather than what you KNOW.

• Be passionate, be curious, and be patient - life is good, and far too short to be afraid! A lifelong love of learning and a good sense of humor will carry you far
  in this world.

Let me share my love for art with you :)

My Art:

I opened this shop to share joy. I love seeing people's faces when they are presented with portraits of their pets or loved ones. I've completed 8 commissions thus far, and many other pieces of work that have been well received by their new owners.

I enjoy many types of media/art, including authoring children's stories, photography, sketching/drawing with graphite, colored pencil, and markers, as well as painting with soft/hard/oil pastels, acrylic, mixed media, digital, and watercolor. My favorite subject matter is portraiture - people, animal, or geek/fantasy - as well as abstractions.

My other motivation is to help offset my nasty art supply and book habit :). Of course, if you commission a piece from me, I'll have to go out and get some new supplies! It's an endless cycle. I'm having a blast!

Memberships and Awards:

I am an exhibiting artist member of the Durham Arts Guild, and the Visual Art Exchange (VAE) in Raleigh. I have two pieces for sale and on display in the VAE's holiday show.

I was honored to receive a third place ribbon in the amateur drawing category in the 2015 NC State Fair Art and Photography Competition.