I’ve been meaning to share this beautiful desert house portrait for quite some time. Drawing a sunset with the warm glow of the home inside was such a fun challenge. Pulling out the bright yellow and orange colored pencils felt so counter-intuitive but the boldness of the light ended up being perfect. And as icing on the cake, the purple cactus in the foreground was such a blast. Congratulations to these homeowners!
Grace's Wildflower Wreath
These days my life is full of activity and joy. In the midst of raising my sweet boy, I try to squeeze in time to draw and create. On the days when I manage to get some drawing done, it usually happens during naps or while Mikey plays next to me.
This little wreath was a gift from a long time friend to an expecting mother. She asked for wildflowers and for the new baby's name to be incorporated into a wreath for the nursery.
I used a combination of orange poppies, indian paintbrush, and hesperus, all of which are wildflowers.
Dixie in Her Coat
I love to watch my drawings take shape, sharing with you not only the finished product, but the process as well. Drawing this sweet lil' dog named Dixie was such a treat. I can tell she's very loved :)
Engagement Portrait: John Michael & Victoria
John Michael's mother commissioned this portrait of him and his new wife Victoria, as a wedding gift. I always enjoy drawing people I know well because I can really see whether or not the drawing captures their true likeness. John Michael was a great childhood friend and I am so pleased to hear he has found such a lovely person. I've been keeping this portrait under wraps for quite some time, since it was a surprise, so I'm excited to finally share the process, as well as the finished product. Congratulations old friend :)
Succulents, Big Cities, and the Search for a Printer
These succulents wrapping into a wreath have so much hard work behind them. When I look at these little beauties, the journey over the last month is continually fresh in my mind. I began this wreath in Salt Lake City, finished it at my new home in Brooklyn, and mailed it to Arizona a month later, just this weekend. In the middle of all that was relocating to the incredible city of New York, adjusting to new schedules, learning the rhythms of the city, and printing these three different times before getting them right.
I am so thrilled to finally announce that these little succulents are now featured in a florist shop in Gilbert, AZ, where prints are available for purchase. If you live in the area, stop by Everybody Loves Flowers in Barnone. Mireille, the shop owner, was truly a pleasure to work with! Her bright sunshiny face will certainly brighten your day, and her shop will inspire you. If you live faraway, like I do, prints are also available via my Etsy shop :)
The Sterka Family Portait
I had the pleasure of drawing this family portrait for David and his family to celebrate his graduation from emergency medicine. It was so fun to watch this drawing unfold as each person's features began to take shape. What a beautiful family :)
The Henry Family Portait
I have had the joy of getting to know this precious family over the last year, and what a sweet family they are!! Each of their girls has such a unique personality, and each is completely adorable. Cara, their mama, is such an inspiration to me in how she lives and loves her family. These flowers encircling their family portrait are also significant. Cara's grandmother loved them, as much as Cara does. When I think of these beautiful faces I am reminded of the grace of God in all the details of everyday life. They are completely loved.
The Upland Series, no. 4
This final little partridge is a chukar. Chukars are upland game icons, being hunted in Europe, Asia, and now North America. I think this particular bird is so striking with its red-orange and black features.
I have been learning so much about birds since beginning this project. Check our www.allaboutbirds.com for lots of fun details about all these birdies. I've had these birdies to share with you for quite some time! I'd love to hear which of the 4 birds in the Upland Series is your favorite :)