Beloved Grandmother - I had the honor of creating this portrait for a very dear friend. This beautiful lady is his most treasured Grandmother. He brought me his only image of her, a black & white photograph, and asked if I could bring her to life with color. I was up for the challenge. Before I began he shared with me details and stories of her most remarkable life. Her name was Iva and this portrait represents her image from the late 1890's.
Michelle Obama - I admire so many aspects of Michelle Obama. After reading her book, 'Becoming', I better understood so many components of her life. She has endured challenges and has become an inspiration. I enjoyed drawing this portrait and tried to incorporate fabrics behind her that encompass both American and African heritage. I loved surrounding her with a colorful background which, to me, shows the complexity of her life.
Barack Obama - I cannot explain why it is that I love to draw. It is totally impossible for me not to draw each day... it is like breathing. I have wanted to create an image of President Obama for quite some time... and finally I have this portrait of him. I loved doing his skin tones... there are so many colors that I included... brown, tan, copper, rose, white, olive, bisque, black, peach and gray. I may go back and work on this a bit more... sometimes I never feel like I am finished.
This young man's name is Andy. He was incredibly helpful to me as I illustrated a book. Andy was willing to model for one of the characters and spent so much time getting the scenes perfect!
This is Charlie. He is Andy's older brother and was also involved in the illustration of his Grandmother's book. Charlie was also wonderful and had patience as we worked through the process of all the illustrations we would need.
'Truly Beautiful Betty' - It was a very sad moment when we all learned of the loss of Betty White. She was an amazing individual. I loved when she hosted Saturday Night Live... she was totally entertaining, on her mark, so funny, so classic. This is my tribute to her. I began this portrait on her Birthday. See if you can find the Bunny, Butterfly, Bald Eagle and Bear in this picture... Betty loved all animals!!
'Henry & Lisa' - This portrait certainly illustrates the love that Lisa has for her beloved Henry. Also incorporated into this artwork are Lisa's favorite flower and a reference to her home state.
'AJ' - This is a portrait of my Dad. I have never drawn him before and this is particularly sensitive to me because he is no longer with us. It made trying to capture him all the more critical. I hope he is viewing this from above and loving the end result. He always supported my Art endeavors and I will always be eternally grateful.
Our beloved Ruth... Ruth Bader Ginsburg - A most inspiring person that stands out in our lifetimes. I have long wanted to draw her. I began this portrait on the morning of her death... so I was incredibly surprised when I learned of her passing that evening. Everything I watch about her legacy brings me to tears. Let's all celebrate her by learning from her example... to treat everyone as equals... to respectfully debate with others, respecting them as we contemplate our differences. Most importantly, when we have the opportunity, to lift others up and make the world fair and equitable.
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Introducing Olivia. She is a beloved little girl. In this portrait I have tried to capture the lightness and hopefulness of her innocent face. I miss seeing her drawing in my Studio... I have come to love the almost ethereal nature and sweetness of her expression. She has come from Heaven above. |
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Meet Audrey & Nolan... brother and sister captured in a most loving moment. I simply get lost in the sweetness that is reflected in Audrey's face and how much she obviously cares about her little brother. Nolan is innocently captivated by something in the foreground and is happy to be snuggling close to Audrey. These are the most precious images... as their relationship grows and changes... I hope they will always be able to look back on this picture and remember when things were so simple and sweet.
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Carl - This is the most genuine, honest, caring, thoughtful, joyful Carl. The beloved brother of my very dear friend. The world lost Carl last year. For my friend, and for his Memorial, I wanted to do this drawing of him, captured in a photograph that my friend treasured. Carl was kind to everyone he met... and everyone loved him and his spirit. He loved all things that flew... the paper airplane is a tribute to his high-flying spirit. Carl, you are missed by all who knew you!
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A Team - These are two portraits that I had the privilege to draw of Husband & Wife, Ron & Jane. They were a most incredible couple... devoted to each other and constantly helping each other follow their dreams. Ron was a collector of all things related to Fire Antiques and Memorabilia. Jane was in the healthcare industry, always helping others. Not too long ago the world lost Ron and I am so happy that I was able to do these portraits while he was here so that he could enjoy this art. Now Jane has these two illustrations to remind her of their happy years together.
At last... I want to share with you a portrait of Lebron James. I was not commissioned to do this artwork; however, I felt it was important to include my representation of someone who is famous and my ability to capture the essence of him.
DETAILS
NOTE: If you are interested in commissioning a portrait, simply email me an image that you are considering and we can discuss the details. [barbara@emeraldandvioletstudio.com]
SIZE: The size that I work in is in the range of 12" x 14" to be able to capture the detail that is so necessary. Of course, I can go larger or smaller... this just seems to be the average size of most of my portraits. Most portraits are best suited to a 16" x 20" Finished Frame.
COST: Currently the cost of a single portrait is $500 for one individual. I like to focus on subjects like those above that capture the face. In the future I'd like to incorporate additional details that will begin to tell a story of the person's life. I'll include examples on this site in the future. It is my endeavor to create unique works of art for you that will become treasured family heirlooms. I look forward to helping capture the essence of your loved one for a Birthday celebration, Anniversary gift, Retirement event or for the Holidays!
SIZE: The size that I work in is in the range of 12" x 14" to be able to capture the detail that is so necessary. Of course, I can go larger or smaller... this just seems to be the average size of most of my portraits. Most portraits are best suited to a 16" x 20" Finished Frame.
COST: Currently the cost of a single portrait is $500 for one individual. I like to focus on subjects like those above that capture the face. In the future I'd like to incorporate additional details that will begin to tell a story of the person's life. I'll include examples on this site in the future. It is my endeavor to create unique works of art for you that will become treasured family heirlooms. I look forward to helping capture the essence of your loved one for a Birthday celebration, Anniversary gift, Retirement event or for the Holidays!