This is a charcoal portrait heightened with chalk of two very special kitties that used to share my studio with me. Happy Cat and Jumper. This was the day the snow was so high that the birds couldn’t land and despite being very large kitties, they shared a stool to watch the “bird T.V.”! A fond memory I will never regret capturing with my charcoals!!!!
Welcome to my Portrait Studio!
Welcome to my Fine Arts Studio!
I have been drawing and painting since I was just a child, and since officially establishing my studio in 1992, I have brought over 34 years of professional commission experience to my easel. I dedicate my life's work to hand-rendering fine art portraits that capture the true, lifelike spirit of dogs, cats, horses, children, and family homes.
In a world moving rapidly toward the digital, we must recognize that digital media remains fragile and fleeting. In contrast, a physical, hand-rendered painting or charcoal illustration honors your family legacy with a level of emotional sensitivity, depth, and longevity that flat photography and robotic AI filters simply cannot compete with. Whether you are looking to preserve a faded heirloom snapshot, commission a tribute to a beloved pet, book live event painting for a milestone occasion, or join me in the studio to discover the joy of custom art lessons, your journey is met with an authentic dedication to the timeless lineage of fine art.
ShawnaLee, circa 1976, painting daily and surrounded by a community of artists - from family to mentors from the early days of the Ridgefield Art Guild now known as the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.
ShawnaLee working on an oil painting of Berri at a benefit for Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center 2023. Photo credit: Viktoria Stockmal with kind permission to use.
Ask the Artist!
The first step of your journey begins here!
Have you always wanted a portrait of your family pet, or perhaps have a faded family photograph that carries a lot of meaning and you wonder if a painting can be made of it? Or perhaps you love to draw and paint and are stuck and need support to get past artistic hurdles.
Please let the artist know what you have in mind - whether it’s a question about commissioning a portrait, or inquiring about Art Instruction, we look forward to hearing from you!
We’ll be in touch shortly!
ShawnaLee