Light of My Life

Cowgirl

2011-10-11T07:22:00.000-07:00

Cowgirl: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

Little N's first horse-ride was captured in this painting. She now has a huge obsession with all things cowgirl. She rides her play horse, she is a horse, she gets you to play horse. All around, she is a lot of fun! I used a burnt sienna for the image color, evoking thoughts of western times.

Captain Grady

2011-09-12T16:33:00.000-07:00

Captain Grady: 24x30, acrylic on canvas, 2011

This custom piece is my largest to date. It was quite fun scouting out just the right size to make the Captain the statement art piece that L. needed for her living room. His saltwater drenched hair shows up playfully in contrasted form.

At the Light of My Life Studio

Sweet Love

2011-08-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

My oldest friend B got married this past month and I was thrilled to be a part of her wedding. As stunning as she is in her appearance, she is even more lovely as a genuine friend. After seven years of courtship, it was a tender moment witnessing the two of them dedicate their lives to each other.

Sweet Love: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

Photo by Mary Jane Photography

First Friend

2011-07-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

First Friend: 11x14, acrylic on canvas wrapped board, 2011

Not only does S. absolutely adore her little daughter A., but she she showers her pets with love as well. How appropriate, that A. loves her canine sisters without question. I love the sweet scene of animal and baby together.

Pile of Cutenesss

2011-07-09T10:50:00.000-07:00

Pile of Cuteness: 8x10, canvas wrapped board, 2011

This adorable bunch of kiddos was painted as a Father's Day treat. Kids grow up so fast. Having a precious moment captured in paint on canvas makes for a permanent memory.

E's Anniversary

2011-06-13T15:46:00.000-07:00

E's Anniversary: 8x10, acrylic on canvas wrapped board, 2011

E. commissioned me for an anniversary painting with which to surprise her husband. From the several pictures that were sent my way, I could tell that that they love each other and they love the outdoors. I adore the color combination of the light gray on white background. It comes across very soothing and light.

Furbabies

2011-06-04T16:00:00.000-07:00

Furbaby 1: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

When L. asked me to paint her two dogs as paintings for her baby's nursery, I was extra excited. Being pregnant for the first time myself, I have also spent multiple hours lately scouring the internet for nursery inspiration. I am excited to see the finished project that L. is putting together. The grey-on-grey color scheme of her adorable pups will make a fun statement on her walls, as well as be an interesting focal point for her new baby's visual development.


Furbaby 2: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

Natural Love

2011-05-19T04:23:00.000-07:00

Natural Love, 8x10, acrylic on canvas, 2011

T. contacted me to paint a custom piece of her husband and herself. Talk about a stunning couple! I had the privilege to help her decide between several photos, including a couple from their wedding. I think she made the right choice, deciding on a timeless painting that captures a sense of a natural, loving ease in their relationship.

Photo by Matthew Morgan

Long Beach Love

2011-05-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Long Beach Love:11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

Photo by Chad Cress

Weddings are always wonderful, but weddings with people you love are always even more momentous. J. has been my husband's best friend since they were kids. He is amazing and always full of live. I couldn't have chosen a better man to help shape such a huge part of my husband's life. J. finally found his other half in A. and joyously tied the knot back in January. Painting this piece made me think back to all the wonderful memories we all had together in Long Beach.

Tutu

2011-04-17T17:43:00.000-07:00


Tutu in Pink: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

T. contacted me in order to create the perfect Mother's Day gift for both her mother and mother in law. She commissioned three paintings in total, since her daughter is so adorable, she needed one for herself as well. I love that the pink color scheme was maintained, but customized to suit the individuals' home. Being my first year personally celebrating Mother's Day, I am quite sentimental to the fact that people enjoy celebrating family on this day!

Tutu in Rose: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

Twice as Nice

2011-04-01T15:50:00.000-07:00

Twice as Nice: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

Cute little boys in their matching bear hats was the subject of this cute painting. From a friend on the opposite side of the United States, this was a surprise birthday present of her two precious sons.

VF-51

2011-03-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

VF-51: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

As an upcoming birthday present S. decided to gift her father, P. with a painting that paid tribute to his noteworthy career. The colors from the Navy were used, gray and blue, with a dark red accent for the tail numbers.

Married Bliss

2011-03-16T04:03:00.000-07:00

Married Bliss: 12x12, acrylic on canvas, 2011

One of my stunning roommates from college is about to have her first baby! Even though we are now across the country from each other, I love hearing the updates of her life and visiting whenever possible. A. is honestly, the most put-together person I know. She is always so organized and thoughtful, and I learned a lot from her during our college days. As a baby gift, I decided to do a slight variation on the traditional animal themed artwork. The origins of their new little family started from their wedding day, and it will be a fun little reminder to little baby O. that his parents are still smitten with each other.

Photo by Laurie Ann Martin Photography

Shoreline Siblings

2011-02-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

Shoreline Siblings:11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

Every mothers' heart melts when they see their children love each other. This tender moment of W. and Z. has always been a favorite of their mother. Transforming her favorite photo into a painting was a joy considering that beach photos always yield the most fantastic light that lend themselves to great contrast.

Villa d'Este

2011-02-07T04:22:00.000-08:00

Villa d'Este: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

Villa d'este is a beautiful fountain covered mansion on the outskirts of Rome that was built by a former pope. I experimented with adding more color to this piece, reflecting the mood of the villa. This piece will soon be shipped off to Washington, where it is designated for a waiting room in a dental office. My art in a public place...I am so flattered.

A Family Affair

2011-02-05T05:38:00.000-08:00

A Family Affair: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

This painting was extra special for me. My father-in-law came to me with a request to create a painting of the family in order to surprise my mother-in-law. I loved adding to my family through marriage. I gained the most generous mother, wisest father, and most fun brothers that I could have ever dreamed up. I owe them all a huge thank you for creating the most wonderful man in the world(upper left hand corner), my handsome husband.

Behind the Scenes

2011-02-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

Photo via Me Oh My

I have been learning so much since starting out on my business venture that is Light of Life Studios. I am also pleased to announce that I have officially obtained my business license from the sweet little town on Suffolk that I now call home. Creating beautiful things has always been a thrill, and figuring out the packaging for my product was very important. The pink bubble wrap was a fun touch that I stocked up on when it came out in stores during the Breast Cancer Awareness Month of October.

An extremely vital aspect was the creation of my business cards. I love how their graphic design reflects the aesthetic of my paintings. Jen over at the lovely blog Made by Girl is the source of these beauties. Her shop is filled with beautiful art and cards, that would brighten anyone's day.

The Green Duck

2011-02-01T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Green Duck: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

It has been awhile since I have painted a piece for my Etsy Store. I have to admit, that I am flattered by those who have commissioned original pieces lately. I have been staying quite busy and loving every minute of it. This green-on-blue duck is quite playful, as it looks to be taking off in flight.

Young B.

2011-01-28T18:57:00.000-08:00

Young B. : 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

It was a thrill to paint a portrait for the creator behind the blog that is Elle Apparel. If you are at all interested in clothes, sewing, or all things adorable, pop on over to peruse her lovely lineup. Her son is one of the many super cute features on her blog. I love how this painting of B. looks like it could have been cut from the pages of G.Q. The combination of the leaning arm and zipper sweater is priceless.

Beach Kids

2011-01-19T19:18:00.000-08:00

Beach Kids: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2011

This painting was extra special for me to create, as it was commissioned by my sister. She is gifting it to the foster mother of my newest nephew, who recently entered our family through the sweet process of adoption. The fact that T. loved and nurtured little S. before we even met him will always make her a special part of our family. She requested a painting of her children on the beach, which always provides such beautiful lighting and contrast for me to work with. I can't wait to see what it looks like hanging in her newly remodeled basement.

The Happy Family

2011-01-03T17:42:00.000-08:00

I loved painting this little family. The best part about it is that it was commissioned by the sister of the mother, so I'm pretty sure it will be a surprise future gift! The bow-tie is such an adorable touch. I love how it centers the composition.

The Three Sisters

2010-12-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

The Three Sisters: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

Due to an unexpected snow day from work, I was able to complete another commissioned piece. The goal for this painting was to give the affect of sepia coloring. Sisters are the best, and I love how not everyone is totally happy in the painting... Such is life.

Secured and Assured

2010-12-16T03:47:00.000-08:00

Secured and Assured:8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

When L. commissioned me to paint her and her husband's boat, I was thrilled to do so. When I later found out that this boat may be on its last legs, it made the painting even more sentimental. They will now have a lovely reminder of all the fun and memories that they had with their vessel...just in time for Christmas.

A Lovely Romance

2010-12-13T04:15:00.000-08:00

A Lovely Romance: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

My parents always instilled in us the belief that the greatest gift they could give to us children, was to show that they loved each other. With all their parental quirks, I have never doubted my parents love and commitment for one another. I chose the cream on white color in hope to emulate lace, making this sweet scene timeless in appeal. It may just be my favorite painting to date.

Even though the picture quality wasn't pristine, I was still able to alter it graphically in order to find my painting inspiration.

Viking Ship

2010-12-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

Viking Ship:11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

Since marrying into a partially Scandinavian family, my appreciation for Vikings has grown. Knowing how truly small these ships were boggles my mind knowing how much time men spent aboard these vessels away from their family.

A. With a Bow

2010-12-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

A. With a Bow: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

One of the things that I am most grateful for in life are the people that are in it. I have been privileged to maintain key several key relationships from high school. My three best friends and I once predicted that I would be the first to get married, and B. would be the first to have kids. Funnily enough, that silly prediction came to fruition. Little A. is growing up too fast, and soon she will be a big sister!

Precious Little P.

2010-12-05T14:16:00.000-08:00

Precious Little P.: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

I have been fortunate enough to stumble across the design blog Me Oh My from the beginning, and it has since become one of my favorite. If you have yet to peruse her beautiful lineup of posts, you should set aside some time to be inspired. One may imagine how thrilled I was to have the opportunity to paint a portrait of Nicole's adorable little girl. Several pictures were in contention, but the inverted silhouette of her daughters profile was too cute to pass up. I look forward to wrapping it up and sending it across the country to see where it ends up in her gorgeous home.

Morning Birds

2010-11-30T19:48:00.000-08:00

Morning Birds:11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

I intentionally carry my camera with me throughout the day so that I can take pictures of moments that catch my fancy. On my drive to work one morning, I was stopped at a light, and spotted and adorable cluttering of birds. The light gray background helps the captured figures pop out in a playful shade of violet.

The Red Caboose

2010-11-23T15:55:00.000-08:00

The Red Caboose: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

Having grown up reading the Boxcar Children book series, this painting was fun to create. Even though this train car is resigned to spending the rest of its days outside a museum, It is fun to think of all the adventures it may have had.

Birds by the Bay

2010-11-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Birds by the Bay: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

This image was captured off of Southern California's coastline: a place I once called home. I have since moved to the opposite coast, but California will always bring a sparkle to my eye.

Bell Tower at Patmos

2010-11-11T15:19:00.000-08:00

Bell Tower at Patmos: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

On the small Greek island of Patmos, one of the major must-see sites is the Cave of the Revelation. This is where John saw the revelation of the end times that led him to write the last book of the Bible. In present-day Patmos, the cave has been converted into a church. Above, the church bells rise and chime to tell the villagers the passing time. I reversed the gray and blue tones in the painting in order to pay homage to the blue-domed churches that speckle the islands of Greece. I may just continue on and create a full color series on the bell towers.

Shining Light

2010-11-09T20:47:00.000-08:00

Shining Light: 11x14, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

Three extinguished candles are waiting patiently to be lit again. This is how I often feel about my artwork. Lately, when I am not painting, I find myself designing artwork in my mind, and catching myself getting giddy over the possibilities to make more beautiful things.

Ventura Cross

2010-11-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

Ventura Cross: 11x14, acrylic on canvas, 2010

This picture was taken several years ago, back when we were able to call California home. The message in this painting continues on to this day: Founding our marriage in Christ is vital to its strength, quality, and longevity.

Walk With Me Through Life

2010-11-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

Walk With Me Through Life: 16x20, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

This is my first piece of art that I created with the intention of keeping for my home. It is super personal to Ryan and me. The photograph that I used to inspire this painting was one that was taken in Jerusalem. We were in the garden of the believed tomb of Jesus. We were on our way to see where Jesus rose from the dead: the entire cornerstone of our faith. The physical site itself was not as important as the message of God's sacrifice for us. Not only do I get the profound pleasure of walking through life with my loving husband Ryan, but most importantly we are doing it together with the knowledge of Jesus Christ who saved us!

Boy With Ducks

2010-11-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Boy With Ducks: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

Deep tones of hunter green unfold to reveal an idyllic day at the park.

Fala in Blue

2010-11-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Fala in Blue: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

This is my sister-in-law's first Guide Dogs of America puppy, Fala. In a effort to stray from the traditional back and gray tones, I introduced blue to the palette.

Big Brother G.

2010-11-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

Big Brother G.: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

With a little sister on the way, I was able to gift this painting of the soon-to-be big brother to my expectant friend on the day of her baby shower.

Pretty Girl C.

2010-11-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Pretty Girl C. :8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

Candid life shots often turn into the most unique pieces of art. In the natural light, different nuances are highlighted and make for a great silhouette.

Beautiful Baby N.

2010-11-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Beautiful Baby N.: 8x10, acrylic on canvas board, 2010

As a housewarming gift, a portrait of their daughter helped turn their new house into a home!

My Nephew J.

2010-11-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

My Nephew, J. : 8x10, in acrylic on canvas board, 2010

This is my first painting that I used to develop the technique of the contrasted silhouette. I loved the way the light played across his face, and wanted to capture that in paint and canvas.