Home Is Wherever I'm With You-House Portrait

It's so hard to stomach when devastating things happening to such wonderful people. And even more heartbreaking when they are such dear Friends.

To say this family has been put through the ringer is an understatement! Very early in the morning, this past June, the Micklo Family woke up to the sound of their fire alarm and quickly rushed to safety. Thank God the fire alarm saved their lives, but sadly their beloved home in Glenn Ellyn was completely destroyed.

The fire had consumed everything. Everything. I can't even begin to imagine the overwhelming feeling of losing the big and little things, we all (especially me) too often, take for granted.

So when Annie, one of my very best girlfriends from Saint Mary's, asked me to try and paint a portrait of her sister's once beautiful home, there was no hesitation.

I will admit, however, that I was more than anxious to paint such a special gift. Not only was there the challenge of working off of a few of the remaining photographs of the house (one covered in snow! And the other showing a small portion of the front detailing), but I really really wanted and needed this to be good.

I so wanted this painting to capture the fun, bright memories of 555 for Erin, Kevin and their two children.

"Home is Wherever I'm With You"; Acrylic Paint on Canvas. 16 by 20 inches. July 2011

 Annie wanted me to add the saying, "Home is Wherever I'm With You..." to the top of this Painting.

I can't think of a better or more perfect reminder;

No matter what you have, or where you go...it's the Love and Friendship of those around you that mean the most. That make you feel Home.

Lots of Love and Hugs to Annie, Tom & Linda, Erin, Kevin, Maggie and Emmett!

Wedding Gift-Lakehouse Sunset

Last weekend, Patrick and I ventured up to Dubuque, Iowa to celebrate the Love and Marriage of our good friends, Joe and Katie!

When thinking of what to do for their Wedding present, we thought what's better than to give some original artwork of one of their most favorite places?

The Lakehouse.

The Lakehouse has been in Joe's family for forever and it is this great little slice of heaven just north of Chicago.

It is the Best place to sit and enjoy a summer Sunset.

"Sunset Lakehouse", Acrylic on Canvas. 16 by 20 inches. July 2011

  On the final product, I added the quote, "Here's to the Nights We Felt Alive..."

Congrats Katie and Joe! May you enjoy many many more beautiful sunsets and always remember the Nights you felt Alive.

Anniversary Gift-House Portrait

Commissioned House Portrait for a friend's parents 25th Wedding Anniversary!

"Ryan Home", Acrylic Paint on Canvas; 16 by 20 inches

Thanks again Angela and Congrats to your Parents!

Painting-Pilates Studio Mural

This week I embarked on another wall/mural Painting. This time it was at a Pilates Studio in the Southside of Chicago!

Inspired by the softer tones of a sunset/beach look, as well as painting the spelled out wording behind the Studio's Name- CORE (Create Overall Renewed Energy), this Large wall painting gave this small studio a beautiful new look!

Before...

During...

And the Finished product...

"CORE"; Acrylic Paint on Wall; July 2011

Floor to Ceiling painting, Done and done. :)

(Thanks to my Mom who kept me company the last couple of painting hours, as well as being responsible for the lovely action shots of the "Master" at work)

Home is Where the Heart Is-Birthday Gift Edition

Earlier this month I was commissioned to do a House Portrait to give as a Birthday gift! Contacted via Facebook, I finished this 16 by 20 inch canvas and shipped it off to the great state of Ohio, just in time for her Mom's special day!


Here are some pictures of the reveal!

 

                            Thanks again Meghan and Happy Belated to your Mom!

SMC Class of 2011-Senior House Portrait

The Senior Year College House. One of those places (at least for me) that I could never, ever forget.

A place where you lived with your very best friends. A safe haven where you weren't completely on your own yet, but had the freedom to do whatever. you. wanted.

Spontaneous Dance Party.. at 3 am.. on a school night.. dressed up in mix-matched clothing...singing screaming ridiculous lyrics...to a ridiculous song (you know the one)...

Yes. PLEASE.

Below is a commissioned, Senior House Portrait for a Saint Mary's College, Class of 2011 Graduate.

A perfect way to remember all of those Nights, with the People you will never forget.

Congrats Sara! (as well as any other 2011 Graduate!)

Sweet Home Chicago

A couple of weeks ago, dear friends of mine had a fabulous Celebration of Love!

I met these two crazy kids almost 2 years ago when they showed up one hot/humid August night, Uhaul packed to the gills, fresh out of the state of Georgia.  Ready to embark on a new adventure in a new city!

They moved to Chicago. Fell in love with this city, and even more with each-other. (if possible!) ((For a couple months later they would be engaged.))

To be considered friends of these two fabulous people is the Best (to say the least). Their Love, Respect, sense of Adventure and Fun is pure and real, and so so great.

For their Wedding, I painted our Boystown/Wrigleyville Chicago Apartment..good ole' 911 W. Newport Ave. (My old, their current).

To remember where it all Began... 
Our great Friendship and their new Adventures.

Congrats Jean and Will! Here's to many years of great Friendship, new Adventures and (of course) to...

                   Sweet Home Chicago.