shellyrae1

Art has always been my first love. In school, I sat in the back of the classroom drawing in the margins of my notebook paper and on book covers. In my senior year of high school, I decided it was time to get some real training. I enrolled in a level III art class and then majored in illustration in college. Unfortunately, I only attended for a year due to financial constraints. With the exception of those two years, I am completely self taught (and learning more every day). Over the years, I have worked as a freelance artist, producing everything from portraits for friends and family to hand-painted mirror frames for a furniture refinisher.

My absolute favorite subject is people; faces in particular. An avid people-watcher, I am amazed at the subtle way that a look or body position can convey pure emotion. I strive constantly to capture this. I also love all things associated with the world of fantasy. My subjects typically consist of fairies, mermaids and elves that often steer toward pinup and horror. Images that tell a story have always attracted me. Themes are also a big part of my work. Dark vs. Light, Juxtaposition of Power and the Unexpected are typical aspects in which I enjoy delving. I especially like to create works that grab people’s attention, whether in awe and appreciation or in shock and repulsion. If I can cause a person to feel a strong emotion, I feel that I’ve done my job.

My preferred media are graphite, colored pencils and markers. These items allow me the ability to draw no matter where the urge strikes me. When I have the time and space, I enjoy dabbling in oils, acrylics and watercolor. Although I’ll occasionally create a drawing based on photos, most of my work starts out without any preconceived ideas of a finished product. I just start sketching and let my pencil go where it may. When ideas start to run dry, I’ll grab a book of art by one of my favorites or hit the internet for inspiration. All of my works are 100% original pieces straight from my imagination. My one-of-a-kind designs range from whimsical to the macabre. I retain all reproduction and copy rights to my art. All prints are limited editions, signed and numbered with a run of 750 or less.