Lara has a story

My first life size person! I heard this little girl’s story and had to paint her. She was a blast to paint! 

2 feet by 4 feet in oil

 

This painting is my effort to capture the essence of Lara.

Lara was the smallest kindergartener in her class and had recently moved from Pakistan. 

Even though she was a hard worker, she was starting school far behind her peers. 

With just six weeks of help and love from my uncle her teacher, 

she was able to be at standard grade level of reading. 

Having also struggled in grade school because of dyslexia, I fell in love with her example.
Lara is not the only one with a story. We all have struggles and challenges in our life that we can overcome. 

Just like Lara. 

 

 

Rainforest Mural

I had so much fun doing this rainforest mural for my awesome brother!

Jaguar

Adding depth and detail!

Step inside the jungle!

I love when clients want me to paint the plug and light switch plates!

This beetle is my nephew's favorite. He has to point it out every time he visits!

Plant detail

Toucan

Chameleon

Painting the night sky with glow in the dark paint.

The night sky!

Sketch Book Samples

A few years ago Dr. Vern G. Swanson, recently retired director of the Springville Museum of Art advised me to carry my sketchbook everywhere.
I took his advice to heart and it has been my best tool for progress!
I will always be grateful for his generosity and the many hours of personal mentoring with him at  the Springville Museum of Art.

Experiment with light and shadow

Practice with human expression

Architecture exercise

Study of a Gian Lorenzo Bernini sculpture

Members of a church orchestra performance at a Christmas program.

Study of James Gurney's work.

Experiment with reflection and mood in watercolor

Shape, Color and Line

Steam Engine in Watercolor

Pen and ink

Wildlife study

Violin on silk

In order to pull the colors of the violin into the background I used linseed oil.
This also helps to create the shine on the violin.

Lion

I loved doing this bigger than life lion commission! 4ft x 5ft in oil

Underpainting

This commission is for my clients master bedroom!