Recently, a mom said to me that she would like me to photograph her oldest children and then, “Make one of those.  I’m not sure what it is, but that’s what I want.”  She pointed to one of my painted portraits that hung on the wall.  I think she sums up what many people experience when seeing digital painting for the first, or perhaps the 100th, time.  Their eyes see one thing, but they can’t quite wrap their minds around the virtual creation aspect.  

Corel’s Painter program is a virtual toolbox containing all of the traditional tools artists have enjoyed for centuries.  Oils, conte, charcoal, pencil, greasy colored pencil, drippy water colors, etc.  With a click of your mouse, and no mess or smell, you can lay down a water color background, come in with pens, and then complete your painting with thick impasto oils.  Needless to say, I often go a bit crazy picking and choosing from this vast array to get just the right effect.  But I love every minute of it! 

When the painting is done, it’s like Christmas to me, waiting for the printer to send me the final product.  All of my work is professionally printed and framed.  You have chosen me to present you with a timeless beauty that will thrill you everytime you walk by.  Therefore, I chose a company that is dedicated to creating the best canvas printing and framing for the final step of the process.

This painting is quite special, as I know the family and have seen these two eldest children blossom.   The big delivery is tomorrow, and I can’t wait to see mom’s expression when presented with her framed canvas painting!

After years of sitting around in my computer, this painting finally came to be.  The wonder of life’s seemingly simple things, like a water reflection, are captured as this sweet child holds tight to her Peony.  Painted with a soft loose oil brush, printed on canvas, and framed in a beautiful silver frame. 

See tools and books I use to create here.

Despite intentions to really get some meaty articles on here, real life happens. 

I just finished a sweet memorial painting for a family that lost their infant daughter.  It was an honor to be able to create a special memory for them that will be beautiful for years to come.  Please, parents and grandparents, don’t wait until things are “just so” to get a family portrait done.  First off, you don’t have to have a photo session done, a fun and happy snapshot is great.   It captures you and your family being themselves.  Second, a good professional photographer can gently and realistically remove any flaws that may be preventing you from having your photo done.  Third, your kids or grandkids want to know that you love them just the way they are, and would love to have your photo done with them.

So, what else?  I missed the deadline for an artshow that I really want to be a part of.  It just slipped on by me.  Luckily, the deadline is extended, so I’m getting my act together and painting the ideas that have been floating in my head the past few months.  I’ll post as soon as they’re done so you can be the first to see them. 

Christmas is right around the corner, and of course that means creating fun gifts and items for sale.  I’ll have items at the Lanikai Craft sale and will post more detailed info as that gets closer.  I’ll also be posting items that can be purchased if you live locally.  I’ve brought out the old sewing machine and am on a mission to make fabric collage postcards from my “stash” of treasures.  The poor kids have given up on eating at the dining table for the next few months.  They’ve been gently redirected to the back patio with the chicken.  Which is not all bad, since it’s mutual adoration.

What are people saying about their commissioned portraits?

“I love it, love it, love it!”

“When people come to visit us, they stop and stare at our painting. They can’t believe what you were able to do with just a snapshot.”

“I love it so much I’m going to hang it at work, not home. That way I can look at it all day.”

“Wow, it doesn’t look anything like the photo. It’s so much more than I imagined, and the kids are beautiful. Thank you.”

“Oh wow, when we hang this on our wall, we’ll have real art, not just a framed poster print.”

In just a few hours Soft Impression Portrait paintings will go on sale for a whopping 50% OFF! 

Beginning Sept. 17 and ending Oct. 31, 2008, you can commission me to create a beautiful painting of your loved one for half my normal fees.  Just $100 for a one of a kind, personal painting, just for you.  What possessed me, I don’t know.  Maybe it’s because I love these classy little paintings, I just had to make sure you would have one of your very own.  

Let me assure you, I take just as much care and consideration creating these as my more expensive paintings.  What makes them different?  Well, these portraits only have one subject.  In addition, the background is a soft wash without any details.  This allows me to focus on what makes a painting so captivating.  The eyes.  For you, your loved one is the center of attention and allowed to tell their own story, so to speak. 

Your Soft Impression Portrait will be professionally printed on 11×14 luster paper and mounted for stability with a protective surface finish.  Shipping is included for all US addresses, and international orders will be charged at cost.  For more details and  information, please go here.

Oh, and don’t be selfish of such a good thing.  Let your friends and family know too!