PORTFOLIO

There’s something irresistible about a cat who looks at you with eyes this full of curiosity and quiet confidence. “Willow” captures that blend of sweetness and spirit that makes cats so captivating. Her bright yellow-green eyes were the heart of this piece — they practically glow against her soft pastel fur. I loved working in the subtle shifts of color in her coat and that tiny blue bowtie that adds so much personality. This portrait was created in pastel, layering fine details to bring out both texture and tenderness — because every pet has their own story to tell through their gaze.

This Indian Eagle Owl portrait, which I've titled 'Nocturnal Majesty,' was a real labor of love. I spent a lot of time on the fine details of the feathers, trying to get all those subtle browns, grays, and whites just right. But for me, the real heart of the painting is that eye—it feels like it's looking right through you. Working on a dark background like this really let the light and the intricate details of the owl's plumage shine through.

This is Cyrus—our little pug with a big personality! I wanted to focus closely on the face to capture his classic pug charm: the oversized eyes, velvety fur, and those wonderfully expressive features. It’s the kind of portrait that draws you in and makes you feel like he’s about to jump off the paper and into your lap. Pastel was the perfect medium to bring out the softness and depth in his dark coat, and I loved every minute of working on this one.

You know that feeling when the light is just right and the world fades away? That's what I was hoping to capture here. This portrait puts you right behind the fisherman, watching that perfect, rhythmic loop of the line against a moody sky. The photo I used to create this was just as dramatic. The title says it all—it's a little homage to the sheer, beautiful obsession that is fly-fishing. It's about being present, rain or shine.

This Brooke Trout portrait was a really fun challenge. I tried to capture that specific flash of color you see when one of these fish turns in the water. I spent a lot of time on those tiny details—the yellow spots, the white lines on its fins—and tried to make the water feel clear and fresh. It was also my first attempt at a fish. It really felt like I was painting the whole scene, not just the fish, to tell a small story about this little guy in his home. If I had the chance to revisit this piece, I would completely redo the blurred autumn trees. At the time, I didn't have a true technique.

Moose has one of those faces that stays with you—earnest, watchful, full of quiet loyalty. I wanted to bring all of that forward in this portrait. The details in his eyes and the texture of his fur were key to capturing who he was. Moose was the sweetest boy with a personality to match. This piece was all about honoring his gentle presence and making it last forever on the page.

This portrait captures one of Bennett Spring Park’s most recognizable and beloved landmarks—the historic stone pump house standing right at the water’s edge. I’ve always been drawn to the character in its hand-laid stones, each one a little different, each one holding a bit of the park’s long story. Surrounded by lush summer greens and reflected in the clear spring water below, the building has a quiet, timeless presence that makes it feel almost alive.

In this piece, I wanted to showcase not only the structure itself but also the peaceful atmosphere that makes Bennett Spring such a special place. If you’ve ever visited, you might recognize that calm, steady feeling the moment you step near the water. If you haven’t, I hope this artwork gives you a glimpse of the history, beauty, and serenity tucked away in this little corner of Missouri.

I spent a lot of time on the feathers, trying to get that perfect sense of texture and depth. I almost gave up on this piece. I learned that fine details in feathers are extremely difficult to replicate with pastel. I plan on attempting this guy again with regular colored pencils. I was aiming for that moment where the bird is just sitting there, calm and observant, with that incredible red plumage standing out. It's one of those birds that always feels so special to see, and I hope I was able to capture a bit of that feeling here.

There’s something magical about the way light dances off a rainbow trout just beneath the surface—and that’s exactly what I set out to capture in this portrait. I was drawn to the vibrant blend of pinks, purples, and greens along its flank, the iridescent shimmer that shifts with every subtle movement, and the quiet strength behind that golden-ringed eye. Working in pastel allowed me to build up the rich textures and watery glow that make trout so captivating in their native streams. Whether you’re an angler, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates the wild beauty of aquatic life, I hope this piece pulls you into that peaceful underwater moment.

Kilo’s portrait was a joy to create—his easygoing nature shines through in every curl and whisker. I wanted the texture of his fur to feel touchable and soft, while the clover-patterned bandana adds just the right bit of fun and personality. Although, I wish I would have spent more time on the values in his bandana. This kind of piece reminds me why I love pet portraiture so much—it’s about honoring that deep connection and turning it into lasting art. Sadly Kilo crossed the Rainbow Bridge while I was creating this portriat.

This pastel portrait was my very first experience and attempt with my pencils I got for Christmas. This portriat captures the intense, elusive beauty of the critically endangered Amur Leopard. With piercing grey-blue eyes and a richly detailed coat, this piece was meticulously crafted to reflect both the majesty and fragility of one of the rarest big cats on earth.