Fun Creating Artist Portraits At August's Glenview Art Fair, I had the privilege of photographing several featured artists in this year's show. While also participating as an artist with a booth, I did take a few little breaks, (thank you Savannah for manning the booth for me in my absence), to meet some of the artists whose work especially intrigued me. The first artist featured here is Kerri Ann Branson. Having only picked up a paint brush merely four years ago, Kerri's work demands the respect of artists many years her senior. Kerri's vivacious, hard working and makes good use of her talents.  From what I could observe, she sold several of her pieces. Featured below, is James McArthur Cole a fine art and landscape photographer. I was taken by this large piece shot in Venice in 2014. I wanted to create this portrait to give the impression that I had photographed him at this location. James is a great guy. I hope to see him in the not too distant future as a portrait client. Next in … [Read more...]

A Love Story Meet Heidi and Bryer. When they arived for their photo shoot in early summer, the deep bond between them was immediately discernible. All of us who have ever loved a dog like family, understands this connection. Heidi adopted Bryer, a Collie Shepherd mix shelter dog, when he was two. I've not seen many dogs like him... quite regal and handsome... with a gentle demeanor that was calming and attentive. Heidi spoke of times when Bryer was younger and served as a "comfort dog" visiting patients in hospitals and  rehab facilities. He had a way of intuitively sensing who needed him most, bringing joy to thousands of people of every age, by how he responded to them. Heidi has witnessed Breyer singling out special needs children in a crowd on his own and  letting them know they mattered. Heidi reflected on what her loyal companion has meant to her through the years. "For me, he has been a constant companion, sticking by me through many twists and turns in life. I have had a number … [Read more...]