I feel so blessed to get to do what I love. I know many artists don’t get to say that, but for me it’s true. That’s because what I do connects with who I am as a person. For me, it’s not just about painting portraits. It’s about helping a child feel loved and valued for who they are.

That’s my mission. It comes from a place that’s deeply personal to me from my own experiences growing up. So while I enjoy painting other subjects, capturing children is my true passion and calling. Although I often get asked, I don’t do group portraits for this reason. You just can’t capture the personality and individuality of a child in a group setting.

Plus, kids are just so darn cute!

Like Grant here, who was seven when I painted his portrait. His mom Heather, told me she wanted this special time captured in her son’s life. Moms know how quickly their kids grow and change. There’s only a small window of time where they’re truly innocent and need their parents for everything. As a soon-to-be-mom, I can already feel how important and precious this time is.

I hope Heather and the moms who commission me treasure these fleeting years. I know they have their portraits to help them remember and cherish this time in their child’s life for years to come.