PORTFOLIO

Some pet portraits are about capturing a beloved companion exactly as they looked. Others are about something deeper—the love, memories, and emotions that remain long after they are gone. Copper was one of those portraits.

Although I never had the opportunity to meet Copper, I was honored to create this memorial portrait for his family. From the reference photographs, I tried to capture the sweet, gentle personality that clearly made him so special. His warm eyes, happy expression, and soft golden coat tell the story of a dog who brought a lot of love and happiness into the lives of the people who knew him.

I especially loved working with the beautiful golden tones in Copper's coat and the soft, sunlit background. The warm greens and glowing light help create a peaceful setting while keeping the focus where it belongs—on Copper and that unmistakable expression of happiness.

Creating memorial portraits is one of the most meaningful parts of what I do as an artist. I may not have known Copper personally, but through his photographs and the stories shared by his family, I was given a small glimpse into the life of a very special dog. My hope is that this portrait gives his family something tangible to hold onto—a reminder of the joy he brought into their lives and the love that will always remain.

There’s something unforgettable about the moment you land a beautiful brown trout. The anticipation, the rush of excitement, and the brief pause to admire its incredible markings before it slips back into the water. I wanted this drawing to capture that exact feeling.

Created entirely in pen and ink, this piece celebrates the remarkable detail that makes brown trout so admired by anglers. Every spot, scale, fin, and contour was carefully rendered using thousands of individual ink marks, allowing the texture and character of the fish to emerge one line at a time. The hand beneath the trout adds a personal element, reminding us that some of our greatest outdoor memories are measured not by the size of the catch, but by the experience itself.

As an artist, I enjoy finding beauty in the details, and pen and ink is the perfect medium for highlighting the intricate patterns and timeless elegance of this iconic fish. The simplicity of black and white keeps the focus where it belongs—on the craftsmanship of the drawing and the natural beauty of the trout.

These hydrangeas meant a lot to me. They belonged to my Aunt Vicky, who recently passed away after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was incredibly proud of her flowers—especially her hydrangeas.

I created this pastel piece to honor her—capturing those soft shifts from pink to lavender to blue, the fullness of each bloom, and the strength in something that appears so delicate. That was her. Gentle, but strong. Quietly resilient. Beautiful in a way that didn’t demand attention but always drew you in. This is my way of making sure they—and she—continue to bloom.

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 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.

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.

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.

This pastel piece was inspired by the peaceful landscape where moss-draped trees, soft coastal light, and the natural beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry come together at Anson Point at Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina.

The contrast between the brilliant sunlight and the deep shadows beneath the trees was one of my favorite parts of creating this piece. Pastel allowed me to build up those rich greens, warm golden light, and subtle layers of atmosphere while keeping the scene feeling soft and natural.

More than simply a painting of a beautiful golf course, Anson Point is about the experience of being there—the quiet, the light, and that fleeting moment when everything seems to slow down. It’s a little piece of the South Carolina Lowcountry captured in pastel.

There’s something special about standing beneath the old stone bridge at Bennett Spring. Instead of viewing this iconic landmark from above, I wanted to capture the experience from the water’s edge—the place where the gentle current, the reflections, and the timeless stonework all come together.

The sweeping reflections create a natural symmetry, while the ripples in the foreground invite your eye to follow the current through the arch toward the peaceful dam and mill beyond. It's a perspective that many visitors may overlook, but one that perfectly captures the quiet beauty and tranquility that make Bennett Spring so memorable.

This piece captures one of those perfect autumn days at Bennett Springs Park, when the world feels crisp, colorful, and almost a little magical. The pastel medium let me blend those rich fall colors into a warm tapestry that surrounds the bridge like a natural frame. It’s a quiet, peaceful moment—just nature showing off at the park. The old stone bridge arches gently over the water, its textured blocks catching the light in a way that feels both sturdy and timeless. Beneath it, the water is so clear you can see the rocks and greens below the surface, all reflecting back the fiery reds, golds, and oranges of the trees above.

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 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.

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.

Every dog has a personality that shines through their eyes, and that was the heart of this portrait. From the moment I began drawing Drake, I wanted to capture more than his remarkable appearance—I wanted to preserve the quiet confidence, loyalty, and gentle spirit that make him so special.

Created entirely with pastel pencils, this portrait was built layer by layer using thousands of fine strokes to recreate the softness of his coat and the subtle details that make him unique. The warm, earthy background was intentionally kept soft and slightly out of focus, allowing Drake to remain the unmistakable focal point while creating the feeling of an afternoon walk through a familiar trail.

Whether you see your own beloved companion reflected in Drake's calm gaze or simply appreciate the beauty and character of dogs, I hope this piece reminds you of the unconditional love, unwavering companionship, and unforgettable memories that our pets bring into our lives. After all, they may only be part of our story, but to them, we are their entire world.

From the moment I saw this photo, I knew it was all about her personality. That little underbite, those tiny teeth showing, the way her ears stand at attention—it’s not just a look, it’s an attitude. Stella has that “I run this house” expression, and I was determined to capture every bit of it.

Hopefully, you can see how much of the focus went into honoring the details while still bringing warmth and life into the portrait. That’s always my goal: not just to recreate a photo, but to capture the spirit of the dog their family knows and loves.

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.

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 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.