Peter Ho Davies for the Seattle Review of Books

Robert Lashley for Seattle Review of Books

Dogs of Shadow Beach

Alternate title: Message to the Squirrels

Family Portrait in Seattle

I am frequently commissioned to paint portraits and I love these opportunities to create meaningful pieces that will hang in people's homes for years.

The internet makes it so easy to work with people far and wide, so I was especially amused when I was contacted by a woman who had researched my work and decided that it would be perfect for her family. Turns out she was a fellow parent at my kid's elementary school, and she had no idea it was "me," nor that I was an illustrator. After a few hilarious emails and texts, we decided on a custom-sized illustration that would be incorporated into an existing mirror as a birthday surprise for her husband.

This painting is a little larger than I normally do-- it required some modification to my work area to accomodate the width as well as a slight change in my work angle. As a result, I gained some new "tricks" for future pieces.

I'm pleased to share the portrait of this lovely family with you. It is gouache on watercolor paper, roughly 34"x12".

Harriet and Hagbard

These images are from a work-in-progress. The first image, "A View of the Harbor," is currently hanging as part of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' (SCBWI) "Super Duper Summer Show" at the Washington State Convention Center in downtown Seattle, Level 2 South Galleria from July 1 - September 30, 2016. The exhibit features the work of 73 illustrators from the Western Washington and Inland Northwest chapters. I'm pleased to be a part of this wonderful exhibit which features a very fun and wide variety of styles and mediums. See the show in person the next time you're downtown!

Claudia Castro Luna for Seattle Review of Books

Claudia Castro Luna is Seattle's first Civic Poet. Illustration for The Seattle Review of Books.

Carla Hayden for the Seattle Review of Books

Carla Hayden is our new Librarian of Congress. Hooray! For The Seattle Review of Books.

Natasha Marin for Seattle Review of Books

An illustrated portrait of Seattle poet and artist Natasha Marin.

Ursula K. LeGuin for Seattle Review of Books

An illustrated portrait of the author for Seattle Review of Books.

Octavia Butler for Seattle Review of Books

An illustrated portrait of Octavia Butler for this week's Portrait Gallery.