Portraits

In 'Playful Memories,' I captured a joyful moment of two children immersed in play. Set against the backdrop of a sunlit park, their laughter and carefree spirit are embodied in every brushstroke. The scene celebrates the innocence and boundless energy of youth, inviting viewers to reminisce about their own cherished childhood moments

An expressive oil portrait depicting two farmers standing proudly in front of a vintage orange Allis-Chalmers tractor. Echoing Mari's own roots, this heartfelt piece beautifully honors the enduring spirit of hard work, family, and a lifelong connection to the land

In my graphite portraits, I strive to find the spark of personality that makes a person truly unique. This drawing focuses on the softness of the hair and the warmth in the eyes to capture a gentle, inviting expression. There is a special kind of intimacy in pencil work that allows me to celebrate the simple beauty of a happy moment.

With this portrait, I wanted to capture a sense of quiet confidence and grace through the interplay of light and shadow on the fabric. Using pencil allows me to focus on the fine details of the curls and the gentle strength in the subject's stance. It’s a celebration of the natural dignity found in a single, still pose.

This portrait is all about the light and the kind, welcoming smile that lights up the subject’s face. I kept the lines soft and the shading subtle to let her personality shine through without distraction. It’s wonderful how a simple sketch can capture the essence of a person’s spirit and the joy they carry.

In this graphite portrait, I wanted to capture the warmth of a genuine smile through subtle shading and fine pencil detail. By focusing on the soft play of light across the face, I’ve aimed to preserve the kind and vibrant energy of the subject’s spirit. It’s a testament to how even a simple sketch in lead and paper can catch the essence of a joyful moment forever.

In this heartwarming painting, an older man sits comfortably, his gentle smile reflecting a lifetime of stories. A fluffy cat, nestled in his lap, gazes up at him with an expression of contentment. The warm hues of the room create an inviting atmosphere, emphasizing the bond between the man and his feline companion. This artwork beautifully captures a moment of quiet companionship and the simple joys of life.

I wanted to capture that alert, happy expression that only a dog like this can manage. The contrast between the dark markings and the pale blue eyes made for an interesting study in color and focus. Painting this was a nice way to spend an afternoon working on getting the texture of the fur and the brightness of the gaze just right.

I focused on capturing a sense of steady wisdom and warmth in this portrait, paying close attention to the light reflecting off the glasses. The soft texture of the silver hair and the bright yellow of the blouse provided a lovely contrast against the deep, mottled blue of the background. It was important to me to convey a lifetime of strength through a gentle, familiar expression.

I used charcoal to bring out the deeper lines and character of this profile, as the medium allows for a certain grit and texture that suits the subject. My focus was on the structure of the brow and the set of the jaw, trying to imply a lifetime of experience through simple, bold strokes. It felt right to keep the background stark, letting the heavy shading do the work of telling the

story.

In 'Morning Companions,' the warmth of a quiet moment is captured as a person holds their beloved dog. The soft lighting accentuates their bond, reflecting the simplicity and joy found in everyday companionship. It's a celebration of love and togetherness, painted with heartfelt warmth.

In 'Artist's Reflection,' the creator turns the brush upon herself, capturing a moment of introspective grace. The gentle smile, framed by soft curls, invites viewers into the artist's world—a place of warmth, creativity, and timeless beauty. This self-portrait is a testament to her artistic journey and passion

In 'Morgan's Glance,' the iconic actor is captured with a natural, thoughtful expression. A real earring dangles from his ear, adding depth and texture to the piece, symbolizing his unique blend of wisdom and style. It’s a tribute to a man whose presence is as compelling in silence as it is in speech.

In 'Earthly Grace,' the woman is depicted in everyday attire, exuding warmth and elegance. Her gaze invites us into her world, a blend of strength and gentle beauty, capturing the essence of the everyday divine.

I focused on the soft play of light and shadow in this pencil sketch to bring out the roundness of the face and the directness of the gaze. There is a simple, steady beauty in a child’s expression that doesn't need much more than some careful shading to convey. This piece was a pleasant exercise in capturing a single, calm moment before it changed.

In ‘Radiant Smile,’ the subject's joy is beautifully captured, radiating warmth and approachability. The artist's attention to detail and the delicate use of color bring the portrait to life, showcasing the vibrancy of the woman's character.

​I used charcoal to capture the genuine, lived-in warmth of a smile and the kind crinkle around the eyes. The loose, smudged strokes help convey a sense of character and approachable personality without getting bogged down in too much formal detail. It was a joy to sketch a face that seems to hold so many good stories and a natural sense of humor.

​I chose a fine pencil for this portrait to emphasize the steady, observant nature of the subject and the familiar pattern of his collar. The light touch on the hair and the careful detail in the glasses were meant to reflect a quiet dignity and a lifetime of hard work. It is a companion piece to my other portraits, intended to catch that specific look of calm reliability I've known so well.