"Calvin and Gracie" - Acrylic - 10" x 20" - This loose acrylic was done in about an hour at Christmas time for a quick commissioned present. I consider my dogs part of the family and enjoyed the character of these two. I even dug in with finger painting. Great fun.
"Into the Future" - 11" x 14" - For Sale -This is inspired by many of the young people in the farming community coming back to run the farm with the love of their lives to start a family.
"Buster" - Dye on Silk - 20" x 16" - This is a commissioned pencil portrait of Buster, a beloved pet. His dignified personality comes through as he stares back at you.
"Ruby" - Dye on Silk - 20" x 16" - This is a commissioned portrait of Ruby, who passed away but stays in her mom's heart forever. Her shy, sweet eyes melted me as I painted her.
"Gene" Pencil - 9" x 12" - I did this portrait in loving memory of Gene Walker, a beloved community member of Power, MT where I teach. He was incredibly kind with his own family and students in the school. For years he donated his time as a ticket taker at sporting events. I will greatly miss his jovial spirit.
"Barreling Down" - 12" x 8" - Sold -This one was inspired by one of my high school students who did an awesome job balancing school, sports, and rodeo.
"Peggy" - Pencil - 9" x 12" - This is a commissioned pencil portrait of Peggy Smoot, a foundational member of the Smoot family. The piece was auctioned off at a reunion to the branch of her family. With portraits I look for character in the eyes and a strong sense of light. She drew me to her. To me she was a strong, intelligent, and determined woman. As stories emerged, I found this to be true.
"Fern" - Pencil - 9" x 12" - This is another pencil portrait for the Smoots. Fern is a sibling to Peggy and another foundational member of the Smoot family. Her portrait was also auctioned to her branch of the family at the reunion. She seemed to have a soft, kind spirit to me.
"Señora Jimenez" - Pencil - 9" x 12" - Mrs. Jimenez is very dear to me, although I never was able to meet her in person. She lived in Spain, and I in America. Her son is the link between us. One summer I received a phone call asking to host an exchange student who was already here, but had no home. I said absolutely, even though I still had two young baseball players from Venezuela living with us also. This young man became like a son to me and an integral part of our family. At November he was called home immediately. His mother was very ill. He made it home just in time to say good bye before she passed. She made him promise to return to America and finish his studies here. She was a woman of strength, class, and sacrifice. She had raised a gentleman. He did return to finish. I cherish her sharing her son with me.
"Sierra Rose" - Acrylic Portrait - 18" x 24" - This is my daughter at about 3 years. She has two older brothers who are 14 and 11 yrs older than her. She could control us with just a cute smile and tilt of the head. Here she came to the garden to beg for a treat. Yes, it worked.
"He's Gone" - Pen and Ink -10" x 16" - This is my mother in law who had come to stay with us after the death of her husband. She had cared for him, living isolated far out in the country for many years. Efficient lists of medications, appointments, and therapy littered her cork board in the kitchen. However, after he was gone, it was like her spirit let go and sunk into a chair. Depression left her there, and dementia attacked suddenly. Cycles of life can be difficult.
"Johny"- Pencil Portrait- 9x12- Johny Celis was a minor league baseball player from Venezuela who lived with us for a summer. He was and is an outstanding hitter. He went on to have a very successful career in Japan and remains in contact with us.
"Autumn Play" - Dye on Silk and Mixed Media - 20" x 16" - In learning to control dye on silk, I wanted to see how portraits would work. I found with the black gutta I would get a more graphic look, but still vibrant in color. I also learned I could utilize acrylic paint on silk on the hair, but the paint absorbed the tint of the dye and became less translucent.
"Jean" - Pencil Portrait - 9" x 12" - This portrait was another founder of the Smoot family. Jean seemed jovial, and I could see him in his cool glasses, driving a classic car.
"Noble" - Pencil Portrait - 9" x 12" - Noble was yet another brother and founder of the Smoot family. I loved the jaunt of his hair, the mirth in his eyes, and the fullness of his smile.
"The Konens" - Pencil Portrait - 8" x 10" - This was a snap shot of a happy couple just married. There smiles are so genuine.
"Warila's Pup" - Pencil Portrait - 8" x10" - At times families want to commemorate a lost pet.
"Sabrino" (Nephew) - Pencil Portrait - 9" x 12" - Some of the most difficult portraits to do are those in memorial of loved ones lost. An artist stares into the eyes of the individual so long, it seems there is a connection.
"Andy's Girl" - Pencil Portrait - 9" x 12" - Some of my favorite portraits to do are children with their nose crinkling smiles and mischievous eyes.
"Nietos" (Grandchildren) - Pencil Portrait - 9" x 12" - Many grandparents enjoy a special memory of their grandchildren.
