40” x 50” Acrylic and Metal Leaf on Custom Gallery Birch Panel.

Jamel approached me a couple month before he and his wife Sarah’s anniversary with an idea for a surprise anniversary gift. He had a photo that is Sarah’s favorite of the two of them capturing an amazing date night they cherish deeply. Sadly, the photo was to low of a resolution to enlarge for a successful display, they had several disappointing attempts. The photo was still clear for a detailed portrait however, especially because he was wanting the emotion and mood of the picture as opposed to hyper-detail.

Sarah had shown preference to dramatic paintings with thick texture and warm inviting colors in their past visits to art galleries, so we were a perfect match to work in my signature styles.

First, to get the perfect size to be installed over their fireplace mantel, a gallery profile custom panel was constructed out of cedar and birch. Next, layers, upon layers of thick texture, copper metal leafing, sealant, grisaille underpainting, multiple glaze layers, and more sealant was then applied to create the effect and scene of illuminating, flickering candle light over thick abstract sweeps behind the couple.

The painting is appropriately and affectionately titled after the talented singer and writer’s song “We Can Always Come Back to This” - Chris Pierse whom the artist was listening to and inspired by for the duration of the painting process.

The commission was a huge success and is now my most popular piece to date, they are thrilled to have it as a part of their art collection.

30” x 40” Acrylic on Canvas Custom Portrait

Dramatic cat pet portrait in bright bold abstract blue palette.

The collector, Ella was so happy with the way this as well as the painting “Zen In Red” turned out - they were commissioned as a gift to her mother from photos of her mother’s pets. That’s why I love this job - seeing people get moved and excited about their art which then turns into a treasured family heirloom...it’s just an incredible process!

30” x 40” Acrylic on Canvas Custom Portrait

Dramatic King Charles Spaniel pet portrait in bright bold abstract red palette.

The collector, Ella was so happy with the way this as well as the painting “Lucy in Blue” turned out - they were commissioned as a gift to her mother from photos of her mother’s pets. That’s why I love this job - seeing people get moved and excited about their art which then turns into a treasured family heirloom...it’s just an incredible process!

18” x 24” Acrylic on Canvas

I challenged myself to 1) have three animals in one painting & 2) work in a yellow and green palette which is something I have struggled with in the past.

These three get along well but still are not always each other’s biggest fans! So I took three separate photos and combined them for less drama. I couldn't help but add in their expressions some accurate feelings though.