Kuretake ZIG Pen

Lately I have been doing a lot of illustration. I discovered the Kuretake ZIG pen while walking around in Little Osaka (Sawtelle in Los Angeles).  Spontaneously I bought a set of these tools, and here are the results:

The Postcard Paintings

I have always been partial to handmade and handwritten letters/cards. In thinking about my affinity for stationary and handwritten expression, I created The Postcard Paintings. This series was inspired by my appreciation for personal, handwritten, old-fashioned communication. 

In our modern times, as we know, it is so quick and easy to communicate and share even the most intimate thoughts via text message, email, messenger app, etc. 

Instant gratification has in many circumstances replaced the thoughtful and personal due to convenience.

The Postcard Paintings series longs to see handwriting upon paper, longs for friendship, courtship, and romance to be tangible in an era when texting, swiping, and emojis have taken precedence. 

This series asks people think about their communications...to remember the thrill and suspense of waiting for a letter or gift or finding a tangible surprise in the mail. Often, we allow our energy to drain into the abyss of constant, banal, demanding virtual ping pong.

Though these paintings were created to be framed and kept as original artworks, the inspiration behind the series was based on simply put, the postcard: a meaningful collectable, that once decorated refrigerators, inhabited mail boxes, and told of travels and adventure. 

Over the coming weeks, I will continue to explore this topic. 

 The Postcard Paintings 

[November Valentine (top) / North Star (bottom)]

2015

Watercolor and oil-based ink on Strathmore paper

4" x 6" each

The Postcard Paintings [Journey to Mars]
2015
Suite of four watercolor paintings with Micron ink on Strathmore paper
4" x 6" each

The Postcard Paintings [A View from Neptune's Shores]
2015
Pair of two watercolor paintings on Strathmore paper
4" x 6" each

Shine On [A Birthday Gift]

"Shine On" / For Christian / October 2015 / 8" x 8" / Deco Color paint pens on Ampersand Clayboard

New Website

Hello readers! I am excited to announce the launch of my new website. 

Please click here to take a peek. I hope that you enjoy!

Thank you for your continued support.

Study for Summer Seashells

This work entitled "Study for Summer Seashells" was inspired by my love for color, line work, and of course...seashells. 

As a kid, I loved to collect shells on the beach when we visited Mexico. I would comb the beach from our rented condo in Akumal all the way to La Buena Vida--the local lunch spot, surrounded by turquoise seas and white beaches. 

I was fascinated that every shell had a different pattern, texture, and color--no two seemed to be the same. As a child, these collectables were treasures to me. Today, a beautiful nostalgia accompanies this visual language of seashells. When I see them, I think of salty air, breezy sunsets, warm sun beating down on my shoulders, and the coolness of the ocean, overtaking me as I bobbed up and down in the waves of the Mayan Riviera. 

Tropical climates have always made me feel alive, and I am blessed to have these memories and now to live just a drive away from the sea in Los Angeles. 

This work is a tribute to the gorgeous colors of Mexico and to the wonderful memories that I have from family trips to Akumal with my mom, Rab, and The Lundgrens. I will be creating a series of 8 seashell studies to start, using Deco Color paint pens on Ampersand Clayboard.

I hope that you enjoy my posts. <3 Happy Friday.

Study for Summer Seashells

Study for Raspberry Seashells

Study for Tropical Dreams and Strawberries

This work entitled "Study for Tropical Dreams and Strawberries" was inspired by the amazing work of Lynn Von Kersting--designer and owner of The Ivy Restaurants and Indigo Seas. 

After looking through her most recent book, I sketched in the first layer of this composition using colored pencils. I moved loosely and quickly. Next, I incorporated Deco Color paint pens into the frame, keeping my energy free and unconfined. I wanted the essence of the work to be energizing yet relaxing, just as I perceive tropical environments to be. 

Strawberries are one of my favorite delights in this world, so any time that I get a chance to include them in my artwork, I am happy. 

I am loving the vibes of summer. 

Cake and joy for all!

Painting Flow [Songs / Playlist]

To any of you who like working with music while you paint or get creative, I would love to share my current playlist with you.

It is a floaty, rhythmic, soulful, and dreamy combo created for easing into a creative flow and is made with love for hours of painting. It will be a work in progress.

Click here to stream "Painting Flow" on Sound Cloud.

Dreamy Days [Floaty Sounds]

Here are impressions from Mid-March days in Santa Monica. I spent the weekend on the beach and in the art studio. I have been drifting through a dreamy, whimsical, soft, floaty plane soaking it all in...Listen to Nick Hakim's music, and you might float away too.

Ripple Mandala [Colored pencil and AP Micron ink on Ampersand Clayboard]

I have been on a mandala kick for a couple of months now. See this blog post if you are interested in a bit of background. 

I have only scratched the surface so far in terms understanding the art form and meaning behind these representations of the universe. But every time I design a mandala, something new is learned about the process. It is a meditative experience to create one. 

My most recent drawing "Ripple Mandala" (pictured below) was made using a compass, a ruler, Blick colored pencils, and AP Micron pens in black.

My mandalas thus far always start with two straight diagonal lines which come from each corner. This simple "x" yields a center point, from which the essential and initial circle can be created with a compass. 

The rest of the design spans out from there based on impulse. Usually the form comes together through experimentation and through using points that create themselves within the drawing, always with symmetry in mind.

Finished version of "Ripple Mandala"

Clean version of mandala without any line work

Though my works are far from perfect, the precision involved can be tedious; it takes a lot of patience which I am learning is an important part of the process.

I adore working big, free, and messy when I paint. Drawing is something totally different from painting for me. Drawing is more intellectual and mind based, whereas painting is more impulse and heart based. 

I love both mediums and look forward to exploring each more frequently in the coming months. 

I have exciting news on the horizon to share with you all soon...in the beginning of February!

Universally Speaking [AP Micron ink on Ampersand Clayboard]

I created this drawing with thoughts of the mysterious universe on my mind. I don't have much more to say, but here you will see my head, hand, and heart trying to work together. To infinity and beyond...

Lavender [Deco Color Paint Pens on Ampersand Clayboard]

Memories can be triggered by any of the senses. Smell and music seem to be the quickest gateways to memory lane for me.

Last night the scent of lavender perfumed my apartment. It triggered memories of my mom, Amy, who passed away six and a half years ago.

She spoke French fluently and spent time living in Aix en Provence as a young adult. My mom loved the romance, beauty, and charm of Europe. When she could not be in France, she enjoyed taking theater classes in French and practicing her language skills with other enthusiasts in Salt Lake.

As a child, I remember her visiting Europe on several vacations. When she returned home, she always came back with goodies in her suitcase. I especially loved the potpourri from Provence. My mom adored lavender scented lotions and fragrances and even grew the plant in her garden, to which she devoted much time.

So...With these thoughts on my mind, I doodled this simple but colorful representation of my nostalgia.

My mom's favorite nickname for me was "Doodles," so today I honor her by sharing my doodles.

Lavender

Noise [Black Deco Color Paint Marker on Clayboard]

I spent yesterday browsing photography exhibitions at Photo LA in Downtown Los Angeles.

It was an exceptional show, and I saw some truly breathtaking black and white photography.

The black and white element of yesterday must have stuck with me. As I was winding down last night, I grabbed the nearest clayboard and started doodling. Here is the end result of my exercise: "Noise".

I find that it is very helpful to keep art supplies within an arms reach because with an hour of free time, it becomes accessible and easy to create something.

I particularly like having clayboard and paint pens around; they allow me to doodle or draw something that will appear much more finished than something in a sketch book (at least I think so).

Happy Monday.

Finishing Old Business, Collaborating, Creating Something New

A great friend of mine, who is an exceptional photographer and artist, came over to my side of town yesterday. As we sat in my living room listening to music and catching up, we stared at an old painting of mine. It dawned on me that the canvas needed more work. At one point, I was happy with the painting, but looking at it last night, all I could see were areas of potential improvement. It had a better future ahead with some love and care. See [Water Marks]...the old version of the painting.

I asked Kelsey if she would be interested in adding to the painting the following day and combining our styles onto the canvas. She was up for it, so we put our minds together and decided to play a fun and silly game to get our creative energy flowing. 

The game went like this: I would say a word, then she would respond with her gut reaction of another word or thought...and so on. After our goofy rapid-fire brainstorm session, we stumbled upon the concept of Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. We didn't take the idea too seriously, but decided to roll with it.

In the morning before checking any social media or playing on our phones, we set up paints and put on a good playlist, then got moving. 

I had no attachment to the work as it was, and I was excited to see it transform into something completely different, working with her.

Sidenote: I am very interested in the idea of collaborative canvases and works of art. We are all creative beings, and I find it to be an exciting journey and experience, seeing what we can paint together.

Collaborating, especially on a single painting, is a fantastic exercise in letting go of control and surrendering. Why? Because it causes you to ditch attachment to your brushstrokes, color choices, and work in general and be receptive to what the other person(s) brings to the table. It also encourages you to be open to the energy of another and build on each other's strengths. 

Creating art is a magical experience, and I have always loved working alone, but sometimes doing it solo can feel isolating and/or block transformations and discoveries from happening. It is really good to work with another person and see what two (or more) people can come up with together. 

Once Kelsey and I started on the canvas, it took some time for us to fully let go and make bold changes to the work, but eventually we did, and at a certain point, we were finger painting! Here is the result of our two hours of painting together.

It was simply too fun!! Kelsey and I are both huge fans of bright, bold colors, so it made it even more enjoyable working together. It was also awesome working so large, because it gave us the opportunity to go wild. Every ten minutes or so, we would rotate the canvas and build on one another's work.

Here it is...

Mandala 1 [Elevate]

Hi all! Here is my first hand painted mandala entitled Elevate. For more information on my mandala exploration see the previous blogpost [here].

Stay posted for more....

Mandalas [Meditative Expressions]

Mandala coloring book (perfect for plane rides)

Painting is my favorite state of flow. It is the type of mental, physical, and spiritual space where time stands still and everything unites perfectly. Skiing sometimes is the same way (but I digress).

Sudden inspiration came to me in the vision of mandalas most recently. I don’t think that I have ever been exposed to them consciously, but images of the art form are probably stored somewhere in my subconscious. I had a strong urge several days ago to learn more about the beautiful creations.

Mandalas are gorgeous maps of the cosmos, which originated as an eastern art form around the 9^th century. With the power to evoke visceral reactions in many, mandalas are also thought to serve as elaborate representations of nirvana, the ultimate state of enlightenment and bliss.

The word mandala means circle or enclosure in Sanskrit, which is why you often find a round motif in most. The roundness and pattern is what draws me in. 

Another aspect of mandalas is that they often have symmetry incorporated within. I love the way that their symmetry creates a never ending motion. I have heard somewhere that all people you meet are your mirrors. I think that mandalas are reminders of that sentiment.

For purposes of meditation, mandalas can serve as guides for deeper self awareness and ultimate truth, whether viewing or creating. As an art form, mandalas represent both the macrocosm and microcosm of the universe, bringing individuals together with the universe. Mandalas are also thought to awaken spiritual energy within the viewer, whether consciously or subconsciously.

Whether creating or meditating on mandalas, it is all about following your intuition--getting into the flow and seeing what comes naturally to you. Surrender to whatever shapes, colors, patterns, and forms come into your mind’s eye and see where the elements elevate you.

. . . 

I took two flights on Saturday and worked on sketches during both.

When I arrived in Dallas from Salt Lake, my flight was delayed for quite some time. I took it as an opportunity to draw. I felt very inspired and was filled with love that I needed to express after a wonderful visit home. 

I put on a playlist and created these mandala-inspired drawings. Suddenly, the waiting time to get to Miami, the babies crying, the stuffy air, and the chit-chat disappeared into the background, and I made these. 

Sketches from my plane rides / delay in Texas

Close up mandala sketch 1

Close up mandala sketch 2

I hope that you like my meditations! They will serve as starting points for my next group of paintings.

View from our plane, as I began one of my mandalas

Strawberry Cake and Southern Gardens

Wayne Thiebaud is an artist whose work I have become quite fond of while working at the gallery. Thiebaud is well known for dreamy renditions of pies, cakes, sweets, landscapes, and people.

Strawberry Cake by Marsh Nelson

While browsing through artwork on Etsy, the uber popular online market place for artists and craftsmen and craftswomen, I came across (and purchased) this painting by Marsh Nelson entitled Strawberry Cake which reminded me of Thiebaud's essence. I thought I would share it with you.

Art can be acquired in all types of places: online, in galleries, at flea markets, through friends and neighbors, through street vendors, consignment stores, estate sales, artist studios, on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and more.

I love finding gems in all types of places and often look for gifts and personal collectables through small businesses and craftspeople, so as to support the arts.

I am slowly building my own collection, and excited to welcome works that bring light and happiness into my home and space. The joy of color and subject matter is not to be underestimated.

During my search for art online, I also came across the work of Susan Kelley. Her paintings are amazingly uplifting, feminine, and whimsical to me. Though abstract, each work reminds me of a mood and place. Visions of people playing on the beach, thoughts of airy landscapes in the South, reminders of white curtains blowing in the wind from the Great Gatsby come to mind when viewing her works.

I was particularly taken with Crumb Snatchers which is now part of my morning routine as it hangs sweetly in my bathroom. It takes me into a beautiful garden with lovely trees blooming flowers in the springtime. It has been a wonderful addition to my space, and its lightheartedness and beauty adds a lot to my surroundings.

As we approach the holidays, I suspect that I will be browsing Etsy and other local artisan sites for my loved ones.

Support the arts!

With love,

Jess

Crumb Snatchers by Susan Kelley

Something Colorful

From "A Guide for the Advanced Soul" -- Quote by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

Morning Exercises [Resting Point]

Today I came to a good resting point on my canvas. I even named it "Water Marks". I will leave it be for a while, live with it in my apartment and decide how to proceed after spending some time with it in the background.

Morning Painting Exercise [Three]

I am still going strong on the morning exercises. Today I woke up at 6:00am (groggy, yes, but less than I was yesterday). I showered, ate a pretty little bowl of blueberries, brewed my favorite cinnamon tea, and put on my Spotify playlist: Stratosphere [Painting Flow].

Instead of jumping right into action (which I usually do without much thought), I studied the canvas, sipping my tea. I reached for something rather different today: graphite pencils. For some reason it felt right to lay down neutral-colored, sharp yet fluid lines onto the composition. I spent a significant amount of time playing this way, bonding with my graphite, feeling as though I had made some great discovery. Even though it is the most basic of tools, there is something alluring about graphite line atop canvas and amidst paint in its undefined form.

I felt inclined to cover the orange and yellow area in the center, taken by an enveloping whim to bring out complex greys, blues, purples, and turquoises, while masking the almost-insincere oranges and yellows that seemed to be imposters this morning. In general, I rotate the composition every 15 minutes or so, to change up the look. This is both exciting and challenging for me.

One of the difficulties of abstract painting is that there are no boundaries--no guidelines and no definitive end. I think of abstraction a bit like I do life: complex, fun, open-ended, with no direction until you create it, mysterious, beautiful, thrilling, curious. 

A lot of people roll their eyes at abstract artwork saying: "my child could do that" or "a three year old could do that". Perhaps they are correct, but I don't care. Abstract painting is an expression of the soul, and no matter how it looks in the end, it is worth something. Out of all of the art forms, abstraction challenges my mind and psyche the most. Painting this way allows me to get deep into the crevices of my innermost desires, questions, and expressions. To me, abstraction is the dancing of painting.

Here is an image from my third morning of exercises. I stopped almost exactly after an hour, realizing that I had reached a good ending point for the morning. Usually, I am inclined to work in a fury until I can call something "finished." 

This painting is not yet finished. I want to take my time with it. I will know once it is done.

Day Three

Morning Painting Exercise [Two]

It was my second morning doing painting exercises. See the last blog post Soul Exercises for more information on my positive motivation. 

This morning I awoke at 5:50am. It was tough; I did it anyhow. By the time I got set up, I only had about a half hour to paint, because I had also scheduled a session at the gym to work out. Even so, that half hour was truly enjoyable and eased me into my day and my work out. 

This morning for my exercise parameter, I used only one paintbrush and one color (at first). The initial color that I reached for was yellow. After getting warmed up, I introduced the lilac tone, mixing a violet-based blue with white. I then incorporated more white and magenta tones into the mix, and finally ended up including the bright green that is visible throughout the painting.

Day two on the canvas

Even though I only had half an hour to paint, it was worth waking up for. I also came to a good stopping point for the day, and I look forward to adding to the canvas tomorrow and seeing what my dream hangover brings to the canvas.

My palette and paints

Soul Exercises

The next few blog posts will be focused on my hour-long painting exercises. I am making the time to get up in the early morning, when my mind is like a sponge after sleep--fresh, unaffected, and raw--to do one-hour canvas-to-brush sessions. The reason I say exercise is because I think that sometimes the concept of "working" on a canvas can put too much pressure on the activity and block discoveries from taking place. The less precious the work is, the more experimentation that can take place. To achieve progress, one has to be unafraid of messing up; the more fragile and perfect the work seems, the less likely one is to take the necessary risks to change it. The exercises that I am participating in are meant to be freeing, awakening, and without pressure.

My intention is to paint for an hour (giving ample time not to rush to work), to sip espresso (and not to take it like a shot), to have a breakfast, to listen to music that fills my soul, and to repeat until my canvas is finished. What beauty, emotion, or pent-up energy will come out of my mind and body after sleep--after dreams? Who or what am I thinking of during those first twenty minutes? How do I express that?

I do not believe that creating art is a mystery. All that is necessary is a blank canvas or paper, some basic paint tubes, a brush, a jug of water, and the will to let go and make mistakes. You are an innately creative being. If you are thinking of painting, maybe approach it like a little bit of exercise for your mind, body, and soul. Don't worry too much about whether or not it feels comfortable. It takes time to get in shape. Pretty soon you will be flexing your muscles and adding on an extra mile.

Below is an image of my first hour-long exercise for this canvas. More to follow this week.

The Artist Series: Luke Jervis

Marley, my Portuguese Waterdog sitting on his couch next to his portrait

Dogs: best friends of humankind. How can one put love for their animals into words? Maybe it can't be done, but perhaps it can be painted.

During my quest to find the perfect dog portraits for a special birthday present, I encountered quite a few artists. It was not easy finding the right one. One day, my coworker recommended Luke Jervis. I saw his website and immediately knew that he was the artist: charming paintings with a dash of humor.

I contacted Luke, excited to commission my first work of art (ever!) Within a day, we were emailing back and forth about how to dress the Italian Spinonis, Leo and George. What Luke delivered in the end surpassed my expectations.

I hope that you enjoy reading about the process and the biographical sketch of a talented, predominantly self-taught artist. 

Working with Luke

From the beginning of the process, Luke directed me as to what he would need from me and how we would proceed. 

Step 1: Talk about the overall vision of the portraits and give him a time-frame. 

Step 2: Gather research and email photos of the dogs.

How does one dress dogs? I knew that I wanted them to be indisputably English. I started looking at photographs of English royalty, and it was not long until I came upon some ideas. I sent the images to Luke along with photos of the dogs.

George, the Italian Spinoni from England 

Leo, the Italian Spinoni from England

The Spinoni brothers hanging out in the garden

Step 3: Discuss the proposed research. Look at Luke's ideas. 

Luke sent back his own research: images of classical paintings, to get my opinion. I loved his ideas. We chose outfits together, based on classic portraits.

Step 4: Mockups. 

Within a short amount of time, Luke created mockups and sent them to me through email, using his research and the images that I had sent him of the dogs. After this step, he started working his magic on the actual paintings. 

Step Four: Luke paints. 

Luke sent several updates while I waited for the paintings to arrive, which I thought was courteous and exciting. The following images arrived to my inbox shortly after the process began: 

Leo (in the works)

George (in the works)

Step Five: Sending and arrival of the paintings.

The paintings arrived and were beautifully packaged, as if they had come from the 1800s. I made my coworkers open them with me, so I could share my excitement with others. The gift was incredibly well received!

Below are images of the final portraits:

Finished painting of Leo, the Italian Spinoni

Finished painting of George, the Italian Spinoni

Framed and installed

The entire experience was enjoyable! I commissioned a third portrait of my own dog, Marley (who lives in Utah), for Rab's Father's Day gift. 

Marley, my Portuguese Waterdog

Please enjoy the Q & A with Luke below. I would like to say thank you to the artist for his superb work and for taking time to participate in this blog post.

Q & A With Luke Jervis

Jessica: Where and when were you born? What did you study growing up? Have you always been drawn to art?  How did you start painting?

Luke:  I was born in a tiny village in North Wales, UK. I moved away for 5 years, but now I'm back here for a while. 

I was always the kid who would draw Pokemon for people in Primary school. I used to draw comics and superheroes all the time when I was little, but in Secondary school it was between Art and Computers and since we had really limited choices, I chose computers. I didn't actually study art until I was forced to, because I got kicked out of history class when I was 18, but failed it since it was way too late into the year.

Then I went to college when I was 19 to study art properly. I got a Foundation degree and went on to Demontfort University (in England) to study Graphic Design & Illustration. I got two years into the course without actually painting at all. I was just drawing animals all the time. It was only in the final year, when were given the option to create our own project, that I picked up a paintbrush properly and painted the cover for this Beatrix Potter inspired book I made.

Jessica: What sort of training have you had as a painter? Which artistic styles are your favorite / least favorite to do?

Luke: To be honest, I've had no actual painting training. You'd think studying art for four years, I'd have been taught something, but the classes we're so big, and since it was general 'art' it was mainly life drawing if we were lucky, leaving us to get on with it. It was more about picking things up off other people in the course than being taught by a teacher. But since I started painting so late (three years ago) I've pretty much taught myself everything. I like anything traditional, and I'm really into patterns and detail, so whenever I get to do things like that I'm happy.

Jessica: Please tell us about your business?

Luke: I paint pet portraits for people, but with a bit of a unique twist. Instead of painting the pet as their naked self, I dress them up in Victorian/Vintage style clothing and paint them into a portrait, as if they we're a person back in those times, using high quality acrylic paints on canvas board.

The painting is completed by putting it in an old-style swept gold frame and packaging it in brown paper with string. I love the idea of someone receiving the package and it looking like it's come straight from the 1800s. 

Jessica: How did you come up with the idea to start your business? What was the moment that set your business into motion?

Luke: Well I mentioned that book I did for my final year University project. It all came from that. The book was set in Victorian times in Paris, and main character was a Koala bear, and for the cover, I painted him in a portrait style in a Napoleon-esque military outfit. (one of the first paintings I did).

While doing some research for the book, I somehow stumbled upon a blog called ...LoveMaegan, where I saw she was looking for Victorian style portraits of her two dogs. The post was about six months old at this point, but I emailed her anyway, saying I'd love to do the paintings for her if she liked my work. I sent her the Koala painting and probably some rough ones I did after too. At this point I didn't expect to hear back since the blog was really popular. Then a within a day or two she emailed back, saying she'd love me to do these paintings for her. It must have taken me a couple of months to paint them, since I was still really new to it. Eventually they were finished and I posted them. I quickly created a website (my old website), and she created a blog post all about the paintings with some really nice photos, and the business was born.

Jessica: How would you describe your artistic style? Do you do other types of artwork?

Luke: Definitely traditional, but with a tiny hint of style. I want the paintings to look as charming and original as possible. I love painting landscapes, but still in this traditional style. I'm also really into Watercolours and Calligraphy.

Jessica: What and/or who are your biggest artistic inspirations?

Luke: I've always loved animals, and I love that I get to paint different ones from all around the world. It's more the reaction I get from people when they see the paintings that inspires me. 

But actual artist inspiration: I didn't discover Rembrandt's work until I was about 19, but I remember being being so amazed by it, and I still am. I was lucky enough to see his work in Amsterdam earlier this year. I love any kind of old traditional art, especially paintings of big scenes about greek mythology or ones that tell religious stories in one picture.

Jessica: What is your biggest challenge to overcome as a professional artist?

Luke: Without a doubt, and I'm sure every artist will back me up on this: it's getting your work out there. It's great having social media etc, but at the same time because all other artists use these sites, it is really hard to get your work seen. I've had some success on some websites though, through posting over and over. I'm grateful for that. I guess its just finding out how to use it. It's not as simple as it looks.

Also another challenge for me is sticking to one thing at a time. I always have multiple ideas in my head and half way through a painting, I want to go and start this new idea.

Jessica: What do you hope will be the future of Jervis Pet Portraits?

Luke: I have a lot of plans for it.  I'm thinking of going through a complete rebrand at the moment. I've recently started to sell prints, but I would love to have a bigger selection of these and also T-shirts. I've been working on a number of unique paintings (one being a Racoon Musketeer). I'm going to use for a range of T-shirts and throw Cushions. It's harder because it is just me funding it.  I want the items to be really unique and fresh (even though they are Victorian style haha).

I also love the idea of creating books based on the characters I've painted for prints. It's kind of a reverse of how the business started with the koala painting.

These are all on the side of my Pet Portrait business. I will keep painting pet portraits as long as I possibly can. I love how each one is unique, and I'm always amazed by how much people love them and the compliments I get. I hope I get to carry on with it for a long time to come.

Oh and I've recently just got an order for a painting that is 20" x 24" so I'm sure that will keep me busy for a few months.

Jessica: What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of as an artist?

Luke: Just my whole Pet Portrait company really (if you could call it that, since it is just me). As I mentioned before, it started from nothing  and it makes people happy, and knowing people would like my work hanging up on their walls makes me happy. I'm also proud and love the idea of my work being all around the world in all people's houses. It's pretty crazy.

Jessica: Please add any concluding thoughts, and thank you!

Luke: I think I've gone on enough, and you'll be happy for me to finally end it haha. Thank you so much taking the time to write these questions. They kept me entertained :)

A photo of artist, Luke Jervis

More examples of Luke's work

For more information about Luke and his artwork, see his website: www.lukejervis.com or find him on Facebook 

P.S. Apparently, George is a bit of a Tumblr celebrity now! See here.