Anthony's Sister's Birthday Surprise

This one was so awesome! I absolutely loved painting these beautiful kids. Thanks Anthony Collins for coming to me for the commission piece. You've got a great faimly. It's always a pleasure to paint them.

Chopper, a good old friend...

"Chopper" Rip (Sold) Mixed media; pen, acrylic, airbrush (tools) and digitally rendered. Took a little over 20 hours. I wanted to wait and share after giving it to them. There's nothing better than giving life to a furry companion. I hope they'll pass it on one day and enjoy it for years. For Donnie Thomas and his Wife.

Alex

(Mixed media) Custom brushes; acrylic, pen/ink airbrush and digital. It's been an absolute pleasure to be able to bring back a memory of this special soul. This is the second time, that I was given this opportunity. We don't know what our futures hold for us, so enjoy every little moment. Alex is an example of how fast life passes us. After a long battle with cancer, he survived. Sadly, an infection grew in his lungs and he was unable to breath. Even though he's not here with his faimly and fiance (physically), he still lives in their memories.

Kristin and Alex

Mixed media. This picture was a great memory that I got to capture. It's absolutely heartbreaking to paint such amazing people who've passed away so young! In their case Alex suffered from cancer, and beautiful Kristin never left his side. Words cannot express how meaningful this was, for me to be able to give a lasting moment that will be carried on throughout her life, now that he's gone. I can't imagine how much pain Kristin experienced throughout his fight. I feel like by being able to give this to her, I was able to connect with Alex on a personal level. I'm glad that I could convey life again through a soul that should never be forgotten.

Riding In The Stars

Riding in the Stars, is a representation of my unknown paths in life. A "faint" lit lantern is the only light to show what is in my path. The glow of the moon only casts behind her, indicating the clarity of the past. I painted the shadows on her face to conceal her thoughts, like I would myself. The horse is seen alert and knowing the journey ahead. Sometimes the mysteries of life are only learned by what's held in the past.

Airbrush/pencil/ink/sketchbook pro

Raven Night

"Raven Night" painted with airbrush, pen, in Sketchbook pro. I've been doing a lot of night paintings. I am enjoying the shadows, contrasts and glow. It's been good practice. Soothing and melodic music has been inspiring me. Katatonia "The Fall of Hearts" has been on repeat, since it has come out a week ago. Of course the cover is of a raven, which just furthers my inspiration.

Autumn Breeze

This was digitally painted on my Wacom, (details) in Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and edited in PS5. She was a fun picture. The fall is my favorite season, mostly because my birthday in October 19th. I love waiting for the peak of the leaves color, right before they fall off of the trees. There's nothing like getting lost in the Smokey Mountains hiking too - for the best inspirations. For years, I've carried my sketchbooks around during each season. Mostly to jot down idea's, and more importantly to capture the colors. Of course autumn is the most vibrant scenery, well depending on where you're from. If you haven't experienced the overwhelming sensations, from a beautiful fall - then I really recommend that you travel to the mountains in late October.

Anyway, "Autumn Breeze" has surprisingly taken off as one of my most popular pieces. I admit, she's one of my favorites as well. I spent a few hours analyzing which angle the wind should blow, and carefully took the time to paint her strands of hair in the right direction. In real life, if you notice - there's a subtle warm light that shimmers through each branch when the wind blows each leaf from it's tree. Every single gust takes at least 10 or more (depending on the size). And, that's when I timed the glow on her skin. Those tiny seconds during each breeze.