Portfolio

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Zoo Day

"Hope"

White Wolf

Size: 14x11; With mat and frame: 20 x16
Medium: Colored pencil and pastel on Pastelmat
Artist Investment: 40 hours plus materials

The story behind the artwork:
She knows the pack depends on her. Not only for strength and leadership, but also for food, shelter, and, yes, courage. And, she has risen to meet the expectation and surpassed it with wisdom and instinct that only years of living can provide. Experience can be a cruel teacher, but one whose lessons never fade. There is no time to think about the loss through the years; of pups that did not survive the cruel winters and of the elders that taught her before they returned to the Creator. She must be always alert and aware of any dangers around…...and for their next meal.

Awards and recognition:
Work featured in COLOR Magazine’s 20th Annual Member Showcase, July 2019
Featured in the monthly Pencil Box Art Showcase, June 2020

The Process:
A pan pastel base was laid on Pastelmat to create the background with white areas protected by frisket. Thought was given to create a background that would give a sense of cool woods surrounding the wolf. Pastel pencils were used for the base layers on the wolf. Poychromos and Pablo colored pencils were used for final layers to capture the depth and detail. Inspired by a photo reference found on Pixabay and used with permission.

Reunited

*Original has been sold.
Prints are available.
Please contact me for more information* Created from a photo taken by Catherine Doud and used with her gracious permission.

Here’s the story behind the artwork: This mare and her colt were separated for four years due to circumstances beyond anyone's control. Finally, after 4 years, they were reunited. After a few sniffs and nuzzles, it appeared that they remembered each other and went for a joyful run together.

Precious Moment

Created from a photo taken by Elisabeth Patterson Erga of Norway and features her Fjord horse and colt.

Here’s the story behind the artwork: In the cool dewy morning, a new mother sniffs her new baby. She can hardly believe this beautiful being is hers.....and the bonding begins.

Peek-A-Boo

* Original artwork sold.
Prints are available.
Contact me for more information*
Created from a photo taken by Katie Horrocks and used with her gracious permission.

Here’s the story behind the artwork: This beautiful barn owl is named Barney and lives in the UK. Under the expert and loving care of his owner, Barney has lived for 30 years (as of 2019). He as a great deal of personality as you can see from the drawing. Barney lives at the Barn Owl Centre in the UK which is a charity that provides conservation support to farmers and landowners across the UK. They are also a Bird Sanctuary and care for owls bred in captivity and come to them because owners can no longer care for them or they are being mistreated. You can learn more about the organization here: https://www.barnowl.co.uk/

Owl Attitude

Created from a photo taken by Katie Horrocks and used with her gracious permission.

Here’s the story behind the artwork: I saw Katie's photo of this little owl and it made me smile so I knew I had to draw it. Such a big attitude for such a small owl. This breed of owl is known as the Little owl and can be found in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe. They are very territorial and remain in the same territory for life. They are approximately 8 to 9 inches in length with a 22-inch wingspan.

On Eagle's Wings

Maui Sunrise

* Original artwork sold.
Prints are available.
Contact me for more information*
Based on a photo taken by Mollie Page.
Here's the story behind the artwork:
In the quiet of the morning, I stole down to the nearby beach. The air had a bit of a chill but the wind was gentle. I couldn't believe I had managed to get up and be there before the sun rose. Was I crazy? But, then, the golden light began to creep up the horizon, deepening yellows, oranges, reds, and golds. The beauty intensified with each breath I took. Awed by the magic occurring in the sky, I could scarcely breathe.

Hummingbird

Horse Silhouette

*Original artwork sold. Prints are available. Please contact me for more information.

Everyone Likes Oranges

This artistic rendering was created by combining 10 different photo references by photographers: Pam Donovan, Steve Biggs, Kevin Wilburn, and Nancy Joiner Harmon

Here’s the story behind the artwork: One of the intriguing aspects of this artwork is that it allows the viewer to create their own story. I can imagine a story about a Mother who asks her daughter to collect fruit for the family from nearby orchards. On the way home, the tired girl decides to rest in a cool wooded area and enjoy a treat oblivious to all around her who are also interested in her tasty treat

Dinnertime

Original hand-drawn colored pencil art based on a photo taken by Nancy Gillentine Stieg and used with her gracious permission.

Here’s the story behind the artwork: A rancher was short on hands to brand his cattle. Neighboring ranchers heard about his need and left their farms to lend a helping hand. This was the front porch during the meal break. I thought this would make a great drawing as it conveyed a sense of community and neighbor-helping-neighbor. It was a reminder to me to always be on the lookout for ways to help others.

D-Day Memorial

Created from my own photo reference.

Here’s the story behind the artwork: The National D-Day Memorial commemorates on of the most pivotal battles in history and honors those who gave all in that battle. While the battle was a turning point, the loss of life was great. The community of Bedford had a large percentage of their population actively fighting in the war. Of a population of 3,200, 19 young men lost their lives by the end of the day - the largest proportional loss of any of our nation's communities. It seemed appropriate that the Memorial should be built in Bedford.

Contemplation

* Original artwork sold.
Prints are available.
Contact me for more information*

Coming At You

Original artwork based on Photo Reference taken by Katie Horrocks, UK

Here’s the story behind the artwork: The sun is setting as the day begins to cool and drift into night. The crickets begin to chirp, the frogs begin to croak, and the Great Horned Owl begins his hunt.

Come to the Garden

“When the world around is bigger than you
And all the times seem dark;
When you seek a place that is quiet and true
When you are weary and feeling blue
Follow your heart down the wooded path
To a place that is warm and bright,
Where the birds seem to sing to your soul
A place of great beauty that only nature can give
And, there, let your soul find rest."

Canoe at sunset

* Original artwork sold.
Prints are available.
Contact me for more information*

Boxer

Bluebird on Post

* Original artwork sold.
Prints are available.
Contact me for more information*

And So, It Begins

* Original artwork sold.
Prints are available.
Contact me for more information* Many thanks to Sheila Carlson for the use of her photo reference. You can see more of Sheila’s wonderful work on her FaceBook page @CowGalCreations.

Here's the story behind the artwork: Tradition…. passing the torch…. giving our children, to the best of our ability, what they need to survive and succeed in the world. This drawing depicts the start of a rite of passage through the passing of knowledge and experience; teaching and training from generation to generation.

A Light in the Storm

Created from my own photo reference.

Here’s the story behind the artwork: Lighthouses have always been a symbol of guidance and protection to me. A solid source of light that shows one the safe way home. The original drawing was created from my own photo reference taken during a trip with my daughter to California. As I created the drawing, I darkened the skies to create the sense of a passing storm. We all have storms in our lives, and I have had quite a few. But we get through them by keeping our focus on the light to guide us through them.

Homesick

He's Touching Me!