NEW Project!!!!!

It's 2014! and already we are in full swing! I have given myself a new challenge for the year! I'm going to capture a soulful character each month and hopefully sum up the character of that person in one word.

I'm working on the first character _ Nelson Mandela.

Keep checking back for updates on this piece, as I will soon be adding color. At the end of the year, my hope is to have a nice collection of soulful characters that can be used within a larger project I have in mind! Enjoy All!

Twoodle FUN

I love to experiment with Twoodles! This week I chose the word Pee Wee Herman, Robin, Balloons

If you would like to join us check out #twoodle on twitter.com. I think I will also use this for this weeks Illustration Friday word challenge- Tail. 

Layering Watercolors

It takes several layers to create that just right portrait. The process alone may seem a bit tedious. But for me it is soothes my soul! I love how a thought evolves through research and then finally begins to emerge through a pencil sketch. I started this Kerry Washington illustration thinking about this weeks Illustration Friday's challenge word - SECRET. I knew that Kerry had some secrets she kept hidden. And, since I'm such a Scandal fan I thought it would be a great illustration to work on.

Here is the FINAL ___ Still a work in progress for me

I usually research several images of a subject before I choose the image 

I would like to work on.

After the initial sketch is complete ...- Then the FUN begins! 

The layering begins with watercolor.

Once I've blocked all of my colors in, it's time for a digital layer.

Capturing the TRUE Soul of your Home

I'm working on a portrait of a mother and son. About a year ago I was commissioned to do this portrait of the father of this lovely family. Now, I'm working on Mom and Son. Portrait Sketches are great ways to add character to any home. For me, it's as if you have captured the soul of your home with your loved ones on the wall.

I love to stop in the midst of an out line and shading just to capture the process.

Here's the final. Now I'm working on the son. I'll post those pictures shortly.
Stay tuned...

The Little Reindeers Spell

Today is my youngest son's birthday! And for a month the family has been instructed that this day is coming! Now that it is March 7th, the little reindeer has cast a spell to make sure that all his loyal subjects keep him smiling! I love it! I enjoy creating portrait caricatures of children; especially this little face. Enjoy!