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

This portrait celebrates the openhearted joy and close bond between two young brothers sitting shoulder to shoulder. I used warm skin tones and lively light on their faces to capture the genuine, infectious energy behind each smile. It reflects my love for preserving real moments of childhood happiness that families will treasure for years to come.

This graphite piece captures the innocent curiosity and gentle spirit of a newborn looking out at the world. I focused on delicate, soft pencil shading to render the round cheeks and the wide, expressive eyes that reflect pure beginnings. Having raised children and welcomed so many into my home, portraits like this are a heartfelt celebration of family and new life.

This charcoal and graphite sketch focuses on the lively curiosity of infancy, capturing that wide-eyed moment when everything in the room is brand new. I used feathered pencil strokes to shape the soft curls and rounded features, keeping the expression open and full of wonder. For me, drawing babies is always about preserving that brief, precious season of life before they begin to grow up.

This graphite sketch captures a tender moment of quiet awe, turning a baby’s upward glance toward the light into a timeless memory. I used soft, layered shading across the cheek and forehead to balance the delicate texture of fine hair with the clear brightness in the eyes. Having spent decades caring for children, capturing that fleeting purity and honest curiosity is one of the greatest joys of my drawing work.

In this graphite study, I wanted to capture the soulful, gentle nature of a companion waiting patiently by your side. Delicate pencil strokes bring out the soft waves of fur and the dark, attentive eyes that look up with complete trust. It reflects my lifelong fondness for animals and the quiet loyalty they bring into a home.

This graphite portrait captures the timeless charm of childhood, inspired by classic schoolhouse portraits from simpler times. I used detailed pencil work to bring out the playful pattern of the plaid collar and the soft curls framing her face. Her gentle, knowing smile brings back memories of growing up in northern Minnesota, celebrating the enduring warmth of youthful innocence.

This graphite sketch catches the unrestrained joy of a baby’s wholehearted laugh, swaddled snugly with one tiny fist tucked close. I focused on the crinkled eyes and wide smile using textured pencil strokes to bring out that spontaneous burst of happiness. Capturing these unfiltered moments of life is always a reminder of the simple, honest warmth that binds families together.

This graphite sketch captures the playful personality of an infant with an unmistakable tuft of wild, spiky hair and large, inquisitive eyes. I used energetic pencil strokes on the hair paired with soft, rounded shading across the cheeks to emphasize that charming mix of innocence and spunk. Having cared for so many children over the decades, capturing these candid, spirited little moments is one of my greatest pleasures as an artist.

This graphite sketch captures a vintage gathering of working men sharing stories, drinks, and easy camaraderie around a small table. I used soft pencil shading and defined hatching to bring out the distinct personalities beneath their brimmed hats and heavy coats. It’s a quiet nod to the timeless bonds of fellowship and the simple moments of rest after an honest day’s work.

​This painting captures the natural warmth and easy camaraderie between two young brothers sitting close with an arm slung over a shoulder. I wanted to emphasize their joyful, bright expressions against a patterned backdrop, using rich colors to bring out their playful spirit. Having raised two boys myself, this piece speaks straight to the enduring bond of brotherhood and the lively laughter that fills a family home.

This portrait celebrates the quiet, unspoken connection between father and son side by side. I used warm skin tones and natural lighting across their faces to bring out their shared features and thoughtful expressions. It reflects the pride of watching the next generation grow up and the steady comfort found in family roots.

This portrait celebrates a seasoned, hardworking spirit, capturing the quiet dignity etched into every weathered line and his full white beard. I focused on the thoughtful gaze beneath his cap, using soft, natural tones to highlight a face shaped by decades of outdoor life and honest work. It reflects my love for painting real people whose stories and steady presence define the community around us.

​This graphite sketch celebrates the warmth and wisdom etched into a genuine, crinkled smile. I used soft, layered pencil work to capture the gentle laugh lines around the eyes and the textured waves of her hair. For me, drawing faces like this is all about honoring a life richly lived and the quiet joy that radiates from within.

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.