Drew's Beatles Painting

"The Beatles"- 3X4' Acrylic on Wood

I painted this Beatles tribute for my best friend, Katrina, to give to her boyfriend for Christmas. She wanted it to be fun and vintage looking, while still remaining true to the style and design of each individual guitar. She wanted Abbey Road in the back ground with the instruments laid about in the foreground as if the Beatles had just finished a jam session and were taking a quick break.

I decided to use lots of black and white with subtle splashes of color to bring this painting to life. This was my first musically-inspired painting, so I was a little nervous at first. But in the end it all came together and I'm actually excited about painting some more scenes like this one.

Brianna's Horses

Brianna's Horses- 3x4' Acrylic on Wood

The story behind this painting was so sweet. A friend of mine came to me and asked if I would paint something for her 11 year old daughter, Brianna, for Christmas. Brianna had grown up riding horses and there was one in particular horse that she became very close with. But as time passed, Brianna's beloved horse grew older and soon passed away. After its death, Brianna's father gave her his his own horse so she could continue to ride.

I wanted to capture the kindred bond between Brianna and these two horses. I wanted to portray the idea that even though a beloved pet has passed on that their spirit still remains with us and continues to watch over us as we journey through life.

I was so moved by this painting, that I literally began to cry as I painted the horse up on the grassy ledge, watching over Brianna and her father's horse below. :-)

The Maples' Homestead

The Maples' Homestead 2010

Graphite on paper

I drew this house as a Christmas present for the Maples family. This house has been in their family for years and it seems that everyone at some point has lived in it! This was my very first attempt at drawing a house and I think it turned it well!

Jennie's Dogs

Jennie's Dogs- 18x24" Acrylic on canvas

I painted this in December 2010 for a customer to give to her daughter for Christmas. She had given me some photographs of their two dogs and asked that I paint their portraits. She was not concerned about color or design, so I was allowed to use my imagination and create whatever I saw fit. I really tried to capture the dogs' personalities in their facial expressions, and I feel confident that I did so.

Jessie's Present

This portrait was completed in late November 2010. Thanks to "word of mouth" my business is growing and I'm gaining new clients even as the year is coming to an end!

I enjoyed drawing these two little girls, even though the angle of the baby's face posed a challenge for me. But as always, after several attempts, I was finally able to create the likeness I was striving for.

Green Acres

Acrylic on Canvas- 18x24"

This painting was finished in October 2010 for a friend of mine from college. She had sent me several photographs of her farm and asked that I compile them all into one painting. This was fun for me because I could use my imagination as far as deciding where to put the horses and cows, and creating the look of the land. I had a great time making this for her and I sincerely hope she enjoys it in her home for many years to come.

Chili Challenge Auction Piece

This portrait was completed in October 2010. My services were auctioned off at the Limestone Co. Chili Challenge last February, and this little girl in the photograph is the daughter of the lady who won the bidding.

I can definitely tell that my talents are improving. I took my time drawing this portrait and I spread it out over several sittings. I noticed that each time I sat back down to work on it, I noticed a mistake I had previously missed. Practice makes perfect!