The Collaborative Project - Portraits and More!

James and I worked for hours in my studio to create three different animal paintings. James chose the animals

we would paint. These paintings were bound for Montana so we choose local animals. James learned many techniques and his skills blossomed during the process. I painted the triptych solo. I was inspired by his mom. She’s a beautiful elegant woman who is one tough cookie- like the bitter root

This portrait radiates vibrancy and fun, just like her!! The background was painted by the young artist at my studio. I snapped this wonderful genuine happy photo of her at school and painted it loosely on her background. I love that we captured the essence of her in a playful, childlike way! 

Bitter root flower grows in the Bitter Root Valley in Montana. This triptych is now hanging in their Montana home. 

“Moose” was the last one we did and James actually did most of the moose. 

James learned so much about texture and layering on this one!

When choosing the animals, this one came up and James wanted to do a squirrel and I was so excited!!! I have been blessed to watch James grow up. His second grade self I would lovingly describe as “squirrelly“ so this fit our project together well!