I’ve been working on this series since 2020. The initial muse had been old, worn out signs, the remains of a bygone era, juxtaposed against a dramatic sky. As I would plan each composition in the series, I began to focus more on lighting. A lit sign at dusk, a storm coming in, etc. The focus shifted to the lighting. I was letting go of concrete reference imagery in lieu of using my imagination.

As I continue to delve into this vintage series I am excited to see it evolve. For me to be intentional to push the boundaries of my comfort zone has been rewarding. This process has been one of warmth - a friendly challenge, exploring story telling, and relying on my imagination for lighting sources and tones.

As a kid, one of my favorite artists was NC Wyeth. He along with Norman Rockwell were masters at visual story telling. Part of telling a story is capturing a mood. As this vintage series has evolved from strict visual references to utilizing my imagination to capture a specific mood. It has been liberating and fun.

NC Wyeth was a master with utilizing shadows and depicting late afternoon light. Both as a part of the composition as well as an aspect in telling a story. His use of light and shadow is dramatic. It captures a specific moment in time. Being reminded of these paintings I gazed upon years ago, I began to imagine adapting Wyeth’s use of shadow into several paintings in the vintage series.

Oftentimes, Wyeth used light and shadow strategically to frame his subject. Focusing on the lighting, I wanted part of the sign to be illuminated by the setting sun. My Welcome to Jackson painting was my first attempt at this type of lighting. What I like about Wyeth’s work is that details are still visible for subjects in the shadows. It’s those details that draw you in to take a closer look.

With this latest painting, I was interested in capturing the illuminated neon light in the shadows. The old sign slowly showing signs of life and a warm welcome as the sun sets and the dusk fades to black. The golden clouds and evening sky frame the old sign along with the silhouetted cactus in the foreground. On another level, perhaps it’s a competition between sunlight and illuminated neon. The sun graciously bowing out for the day, allowing the hum of neon to stake its claim in the night.

So without further ado, I wish to present my latest painting in my Vintage Series…

Evening on the Mesa, Oil on Canvas, 24 x 30 in. Original and prints available for purchase.

I’ve been working on this vintage neon sign series since 2020. The initial muse had been old, worn out signs, the remains of a bygone era, juxtaposed against a dramatic sky. As I would plan each composition in the series, I began to focus more on lighting. A lit sign at dusk, a storm coming in, etc. The focus shifted to the lighting. I was letting go of concrete reference imagery in lieu of using my imagination.

With this painting, and my imagination running wild, I was drawn to the idea of a lit sign at sunset. I wanted to frame the sign with storm clouds with a brilliant sunset on the horizon. I wanted to capture a specific moment in time.

The sign could be a sign of hope for a bleary-eyed traveller, someone looking to escape the coming storm. A beacon of hope amid the gloom fast approaching.

So without further ado, I wish to present my latest painting in my Vintage Series…

Storm in Reno, Oil on Canvas, 18 x 24 in. Original and prints available for purchase.

Now through November 1st, receive a special bonus giveaway of a custom ornament of your pet portrait. How cool is that? I know you’ll be absolutely thrilled with your painting, and the ornament of your painting is simply the star on top of the Christmas tree. Very top shelf.

There are three options for ornament shape. Square scalloped (shown below), circular, or rectangular scalloped. The ornament is made of a sturdy metal, with a high-gloss finish. The same image is on both sides, and it’s topped off with a beautiful red ribbon.

It’s the perfect addition to your Christmas ornament collection. You better believe I am getting one this year of Steve. For those that don’t know, Steve is my Italian Greyhuahua. He is 10 years old and I painted his portrait almost a year ago. You can see it below in the 8 x 10 in. canvas size promo.

Lastly, get your order in soon. Only 10 spots available to reserve your special ornament.

Driving across the country is mesmerizing. How the landscape changes. Little towns in the middle of nowhere boarded up, evidence all around of the life that used to be there. Driving across the country, you understand how large the USA is, and can grasp the understanding that only 150 years ago, Americans were migrating west in wagons. I think this thought as we zip through Utah, on smooth paved highway, AC blasting, listening to an audio book. Road trips simply allow your mind to wander.

Below are several photos from our trip last summer.

As a kid in the late 80’s, heading into Yellowstone, everyone stopped in Jackson Hole, WY. I don’t know the history of the area, but throughout the years, this little town has served those journeying to Yellowstone. I remember traffic being so bad at the center of town, that everything was at a standstill. I also remember the elk horn arches at the center of town. I always thought the town was called Jackson Hole, to learn, upon my second visit, that it’s just Jackson.

Returning to Jackson, there were few things I remembered. The town had grown from what I recalled as a kid. I remembered the town square. It’s a great spot to get a layout of the land, and the first place we revisited. What I saw next, I did not remember, but wanted to paint it as soon as I saw it. I saw the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Sitting atop the establishment was, in my mind, an icon of vintage neon signs. It was beautiful. I knew I had to paint it.

So, when the coast was clear, I crossed the street and pulled out my iPhone. I wanted to get some reference photos for this painting as I began to layout the composition in my mind.

I’ve been working on this vintage neon sign series since 2020. The initial muse had been old, worn out signs, the remains of a bygone era, juxtaposed against a dramatic sky. As I would plan each composition in the series, I began to focus more on lighting. A lit sign at dusk, a storm coming in, etc. The focus shifted to the lighting. I was letting go of concrete reference imagery in lieu of using my imagination.

As I was creating this painting, lighting was my singular focus. I wanted dramatic, golden clouds in the background to frame the sign, and I wanted part of the sign to still be illuminated by the setting sun, and the rest to be in shadow. In my own little way, this painting pays homage to one of my favorite boyhood artists, NC Wyeth and his painting The Prospector.

So without further ado, I wish to present my latest painting in my Vintage Series…

Welcome to Jackson, Oil on Canvas, 24 x 30 in. Original and prints available for purchase.

As I was working, a text came in. I picked up my phone, nudged my glasses up and saw a number I did not know. I opened the text, and saw a photo of a woman, holding a painting I recognized immediately. It was Pringle, Emily’s dog. Her husband, Cory, had commissioned me to paint a watercolor portrait of Pringle. He wanted something whimsical and colorful. He mentioned it was for his wife. So when I saw the photo, a huge smile flickered across my face.

Emily was so touched by her painting of Pringle, she text me Christmas morning. Here’s what she said…

Receiving that text from Emily meant so much to me and warmed my heart. I was so glad she loved the colors and whimsical nature of the painting. It was such a great feeling, knowing that what I created connected at such a deep level with who it was created for. That is why I am an artist. That’s my goal with each painting I create.

Learning that Emily loved her painting so much was a Christmas surprise and gift all rolled into one. In fact, it was my favorite gift that Christmas morning.

As I sat back down to paint, sip my coffee and sing along with the jazz, a huge smile remained on my face.

As an artist, I love painting big. Meaning, I truly enjoy painting on large canvases. Why? Well, I feel unrestricted working on a large surface. Because of this natural inclination, I have been hesitant to offer smaller canvas sizes… until now. The idea came to me on Christmas day as I was working on a painting of my dog, Steve.

Steve was the one who started this whole thing. He was the first pet I painted. It was 2014. The expression on his face captured his spunk, energy and alertness. He had this adorable under bite that gleamed white in the sun, as Steve squints his eyes. That painting started all of this.

As the years have gone by, and I have increased in my skill as an artist, and have seen many clients get emotional when seeing the painting I have created for them. The painting connects in a very special way with each client. And Steve has gotten older. Slowed down a little. He’s always by my side. This new portrait reflects Steve’s age. His face is white, his teeth stained and crooked, and his expression? Well, to me, so funny. There is an undeniable connection between us and our pets that can’t be fully explained. That is why I do what I do. To express that connection in paint…

I am sitting at my easel, painting Steve, thinking of all of this, and realizing with this new portrait of Steve, it’s a new chapter into adventure just as the first painting was years ago.

So, here’s to a New Year and a new size. Now offering an 8 x 10 in. canvas size.

This new smaller size gives you more options for choosing the right size pet portrait for your home. Another benefit of this new size is that it is offered at a lower price point too. That’s a double win.

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed 2022!

Cheers,

Nathan & Steve

About five weeks ago, I began thinking of another medium to use to create my pet portraits. My preferred medium to paint with is oils. I prefer painting over drawing as well. I considered pencil drawings, I tried it, and did not like it. It was messy and the artwork smeared easily.

Then, I though, ‘I wonder if I could paint a pet using watercolor?’

I don’t like to back down from a good challenge, so I made sure I had all the supplies I needed and began to paint watercolor pet portraits. It has been a solid two decades since I’ve been proficient, so I gathered reference photos to regain my skills.

I am proud to announce the launch of Pet Portrait Watercolors with satisfied customers already. And to kick off the Holiday season, this year’s Black Friday Special starts now and runs through Cyber Monday. Receive over 50% OFF any pet portrait watercolor order.

Working on this body of work is refreshing, and a great way for me to keep painting when I am waiting for commissions to dry. These paintings allow me to fully embrace my ‘painterly realistic’ style. I always want my painting to look realistic, but never want it to look like a photo. Because of this, I try and capture great detail with the brushstrokes still visible.

I want these paintings to look different from 16 feet and 4 feet away. At 16 feet from the painting, you see crisp details. Move up to 4 feet or closer and those crisp details melt into beautiful brushstrokes. This is my very favorite way to paint.

I am proud to announce the latest in the series…

Art and canvas prints available in a variety of sizes starting at only $35. To view, click below.

This time of year ends up being my busiest and I absolutely love it. I love painting pet portraits knowing it will be a great gift for a special someone.

Now through November 13th, receive a special bonus giveaway of a custom throw pillow with each order.

Space is limited to only 12 spots. Order soon to take advantage of this limited-time giveaway.

About half of my pet portraits are memorial commissions, and I am grateful I have the opportunity to create such a special painting to honor and treasure our furry family members who are no longer with us. That’s why I do what I do.

Below is Vanessa’s story…

Working on this body of work is refreshing, and a great way for me to keep painting when I am waiting for commissions to dry. These paintings allow me to fully embrace my ‘painterly realistic’ style. I always want my painting to look realistic, but never want it to look like a photo. Because of this, I try and capture great detail with the brushstrokes still visible.

I want these paintings to look different from 16 feet and 4 feet away. At 16 feet from the painting, you see crisp details. Move up to 4 feet or closer and those crisp details melt into beautiful brushstrokes. This is my very favorite way to paint.

I am proud to announce the release of…

Original available. Prints available too in a variety of sizes starting at only $90. To view, click below.

With the holidays over and January well underway, I reached out to my client, curious about what his colleague thought of the gift. Today, I received word from my client about what his colleague said. He emailed me a screen shot of a text conversation. Here is what the recipient of the gift said:

Hearing these stories is exactly why I do what I do. I am so pleased my client’s colleague loved the painting. With each pet portrait memorial painting, my goal is to heal the hurt… even a little and to honor our furry family members who are no longer with us.

Do you know a friend or family member who has recently lost a furry family member? Now is the perfect time to order a commissioned pet portrait. To browse sizes and prices available, please click the button below.

Are you like me? A procrastinator? A last-minute shopper? Before the days of online shopping, I was notorious for last-minute shopping. As I frantically drove around town, my sense of hope quickly evaporated. I realized that shops didn’t have what I wanted, and what they had left- was no Bueno as a gift. As far as my eye could see, just a bleak desert of mediocre gifts. Standing there in the store I imagined the recipient of my negligent last-minutery unwrapping their paltry gift, it’ll be extremely obvious that I bought this item yesterday, as it was the last packet of Juicy Fruit the Mini Mart had.

Some years, the challenge of last-minute shopping made me consider gifting Taco Bell Hot Sauce packets I found in between the center console and driver’s seat in my car. I didn’t do that… But… it’s the thought that counts.

Well, that was a fun trip down memory lane.

I am reaching out to my fellow last-minute-ians. Now is the time to get your orders in for digital portraits! They by far, make the perfect and thoughtful gift for friends and family members. They're unique, custom, and totally affordable. Prices start at only $60, and they’re shipped right to your door! Order by December 11th to ensure Christmas delivery.

With every commissioned pet portrait I create, a story always unfolds. Today, I wanted to share with you a story of one of my clients who I have had the honor of painting three commissioned pet portraits. Check out the video above!

The holidays are quickly approaching, and the time to place your order for a commissioned pet portrait is now. I only have 7 priority spots left. Once the spots fill up, I can no longer guarantee Christmas delivery.

I am accepting orders for the next three days! Get your order in today to guarantee Christmas delivery!

I get a lot of questions about how exactly to order a commissioned pet portrait. In the video above, I walk you through the easy steps to place your order in less than 5 minutes. Check out the video above!

The holidays are quickly approaching, and the time to place your order for a commissioned pet portrait is quickly running out. I only have 8 priority spots left.

Starting on November 25th, I am launching open orders for three days, which is the opportunity to claim your priority spot. For orders placed within those 3 days, I will guarantee Christmas delivery.

Each commissioned pet portrait I create has a unique story. Today, I wanted to share with you a story of a recent commission that ended up bringing healing and comfort to my clients. Check out the video above!

The holidays are quickly approaching, and the time to place your order for a commissioned pet portrait is quickly running out. I only have 8 priority spots left.

Starting on November 25th, I am launching open orders for three days, which is the opportunity to claim your priority spot. For orders placed within those 3 days, I will guarantee Christmas delivery.

Each commissioned pet portrait I create tells a story. Today, I wanted to share with you a heartwarming client story. Check out the video above!

The holidays are quickly approaching, and the time to place your order for a commissioned pet portrait is quickly running out. I only have 8 priority spots left.

Starting on November 25th, I am launching open orders for three days, which is the opportunity to claim your priority spot. For orders placed within those 3 days, I will guarantee Christmas delivery.

My pricing for these commissioned paintings reflects this labor of love and hours invested in each custom painting. Over the years, I have thought hard about how to create a product that is still easy on the eyes and easy on your wallet too! Drum roll, please.

Introducing… Digital Portraits!

That’s right, I have finally entered the 21st century. And there was much rejoicing! In addition to using brushes and oil paint, I now offer digital paintings. You may be wondering, what is a digital painting? Simply put, it is manipulating a photograph digitally to look like a painting. Then, the digital painting is output on canvas and mailed to your doorstep!

To celebrate our wonderful nation’s independence, starting today through the weekend (7/3 - 7/5) receive 20% OFF any digital portrait. Simply apply promo code: MERICA at checkout.

“ Synergy - the bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously.”

I think Mark Twain is spot on in the above quote. Extra bonus points if you know Mark Twain’s actual name.

Synergy… that is a fun word to say... It means, the interaction of two or more substances to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this bonus. It’s fashionable, it’s unique, and it’s custom! From now until July 1st, each commissioned pet portrait painting purchase comes with your very own custom throw pillow, featuring your furry favorite, who is likely following you through the house with the hope of getting outdoors at least once today. A commissioned, original pet portrait, is the bee’s knees - add a bonus throw pillow? Synergy. Boom. Beautiful and harmonious. What’s not to love?

Any size purchase qualifies you for this fashionable bonus, and you’ll be able to relax and get comfy on your couch with your pillow and your furry favorite. Warning: don’t let your decorative throw pillow go to your furry favorite’s head!

Here is what Karen said…

We are so thrilled with the portrait Nathan painted of our Irish Doodle, Raleigh Rose. When my husband saw the painting he was so amazed how Nathan was able to make her eyes look so real. He also painted her fur and nose to look just like it really looks in person.
Nathan was a pleasure to work with. When he sent me a picture of his painting the background was a color that was too turquoise for the decor in our house. Nathan brought the painting to our house and agreed.  He took the painting back home and changed the background color which is softer and a perfect shade for our home.
I highly recommend Nathan and will pass the word on to all our friends who have pets. 

This video says it all, and is exactly why I do what I do. I love happy clients and was glad to see Karen loved it. Check it out!