While my supply lasts I’m offering a mat for the 6 x 8” portraits at no extra cost. It’s a good time to consider giving one as a gift. A Mat not only protects the artwork from the glass, it enhances how it looks.
Category Archives: custom art
Using standard size paper
I like to use standard size paper because people can frame the pieces more easily then, but sometimes the photo does not fit well on the page as in the case below. I always leave a 1 inch border, but in this case, leaving an inch above, and below, left more than an inch ofContinue reading “Using standard size paper”
Backgrounds can be tricky
I don’t put them in first as many artists recommend. Here I used a paintbrush to blur the grass and walkway so my subjects would stand out. Had I drawn the background first I may not have done that, it was something that just developed.
Doodles…
I’m not talking about the kind you do with a . pencil on a pad. I’m talking, Labra, or Cocker, or Golden. For me, they are the hardest dogs to draw because of their short curly hair. I never feel like I know what I’m doing, but in the end it always somehow comes together.Continue reading “Doodles…”
Using Colored Paper
I’ve been experimenting with different colored papers and really like the results. Colors seem to really pop, especially the light ones. Not to say I don’t love a white animal on white paper though, always one of my favorites. ❤️
Pic Stitch App
When I am finished with a portrait I put it in an app called Pic Stitch. When it is side-by-side with the photo I can see if I really am finished or if it needs more work. In this case, I see I need to improve the values in the woman’s face. Her eyebrows andContinue reading “Pic Stitch App”
Judgment errors
If you’ve read the previous post you know that sometimes I am wrong. 😳😂 Above is another case in point. When I got this photo I thought… I wish the dogs eyes were open. When I finished the portrait I thought… I’m so glad I didn’t talk my client out of using this.❤️ Love howContinue reading “Judgment errors”
Selfie Supreme
When my client sent me this picture as a photo reference I was a little hesitant and suggested a composite of their three faces instead. I was wrong. (I do say this on occasion 😂) I love how it turned out, and I love how it captured a moment.
This is Andrew
He has a rare condition called 13 chromosomes depletion and was not expected to live past six months. The camera caught him at a strange angle so I faded his shoulders into the background which made the pose seem less awkward. His mother wanted to capture the joy he feels performing in Shining Stars, hisContinue reading “This is Andrew”
The Busy Holidays
I have been drawing several hours every day to complete so many commissions in time for Christmas. I can’t complain though I truly love it, and I’ve raised $500 for Feeding America. ❤️ Here are some recent ones.
J DeMaio Draws 