Every portrait carries a story. Before a single brushstroke, I learn what makes a home or a moment matter to the people who live it — then I weave those details into the painting.
I painted this portrait for a man who has cherished his summers at this cottage for most of his life. To capture his family’s love for the home, I included the hammock, the colorful bicycle whirligig, and a few ducks. While 10–20 ducks usually visit for corn, I kept them minimal so the message of love stayed clear.
I painted this for a military family who had just purchased this lovely home. I included the flag and pole that were already on the property, which was a detail that mattered deeply to them. The birds came from the buyers’ request to honor the feathered residents who already called the house home. Those small touches made a big impact.
I painted this portrait for very good friends of mine who have a summer “camp” on the lake. Although this is not a home portrait per se, it is a very important part of their lives. If you notice the boat in the water, that is their own personal boat and although the people on board are not recognizable due to the distance, the people on the boat know who they are! It’s about the little touches.