Painter's Log, Star Date 2/6/08. It's been 12 years (gasp) since I've painted with my oils, so I thought I'd list my first and only portraits to kick start me into boldly going where I've never gone before: a second project. I'm a huge original Star Trek fan, so it was only natural I chose Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock as my fist subjects. What do you think? I bought a bunch of blank canvases of all sizes and hope to get my butt in gear this weekend... 
After a lot of prodding from friends I have finally decided to list custom portraits on Etsy. This marks the first time I've ever tried to do it professionally (OK, I admit it - I'm SCARED). Heck, I've hardly let anyone even see my art over the years. It is one of my true passions, though. I start with the eyes. They're a window to your soul - and if I can't capture someone's personality in their eyes I start over. Simple as that. Anyway, here's a few of my faves...
Miriam is a self taught mixed media artist, who hails from Puerto Rico. Although she currently resides in Orlando, Florida, she has also spent time in New York and Spain. "I love my USA and Spanish mix of cultures. They are both very rich in the Arts," she explains. Her inspiration comes from other artists and their work. "Nothing makes me happier than painting," she admits - and she's been creating her whimsical folk art since her teens. In 2007 she successfully made her art a full time job. While she hasn't reached her target sales goal yet, she still sees her career focus as becoming a better artist. "Take your best and make it better," she recommends, quoting her high school art teacher. "Strive to be a better artist with each (piece)." Please check out her shop: http://mystikart.etsy.com/
Sami is the astounding talent behind Etsy shop CanYouHearMe. She lives in Salem, Oregon with her husband Brian in what she calls "a magical cottage (a darling guest house on a beautiful piece of land complete with vineyard and orchard)." Both are in grad school - Sami studying Art Therapy Counseling and Brian finishing his PhD in Nuclear Engineering. "Artist + mad scientist = love," she jokes. "Even though we're both crazy busy with school, we're doing what we are passionate about and, to be honest, I can't think of a time in my life when I've ever felt more satisfied and happy." Her inspiration comes from her own experiences and the lives of those around her. "I’m inspired by triumph over hardship, love, and all those little subtle moments of goodness that deserve to be captured." While she mostly works with oils and collaged mix media she has recently "developed an affinity for figurative work and finds (herself) moving more and more in that direction." She enjoys taking risks in her art, which lends itself beautifully to her "fun, inventive, and somewhat precarious" style. While juggling school, Etsy is only a hobby at the moment - one that is only ten days old. "At this point, if I can get to the place where I can happily say that my shop, in my eyes, is a success then I think that will always be enough." She may be brand-spanking new to Etsy, but she has some sage advice. "I have learned that the only person you really need to please is yourself. If others love your work- great! But if they don't- that never will devalue what you do. Please check out her shop: http://canyouhearme.etsy.com/
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