Justus Portraits a Pencil Artist

Happy Birthday Tommy

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 18:17:00 +0000

My oldest child just turned 12 years old. I had to capture his age with a pencil drawing. I quickly took a picture of him with my iPhone. Printed the picture using my HP wireless connection app. I just love technology. Useing this picture as a reference for my drawing, I got started right away. Now I used my iPhone to take a picture of drawing, upload it to blogger and post my blog.

My son was planning a sledding/sleepover for 8 other boys. Yes, I am crazy, but it was not as bad as I thought it would be. They stayed up all night sledding, playing video games, and drinking multiple caffeinated beverages. With all that, they were all polite, no damage was done, and no one argued. Great group of young men. Look forward to watching them all grow.

Happy Birthday Tommy. We love you

If anyone is interested in a pencil portrait of someone they love. Let me know. I would love to capture a charished memory for you.

Easy Pencil Portrait Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 23:09:00 +0000

Are you looking for a gift idea? A $40 5"X7" pencil portrait is quick and easy.

1. Choose or take a clear, close up photo of someones beautiful face you would love to have captured in pencil.
(Technology has helped a lot. Most smart phones take nice pictures that can be emailed right from your phone)

2. Email me the photo, at justusportraits@hotmail.com

3. Pay 50% of 5" X 7" price. ($20) by clicking on my sites PayPal button or using my email to send money on PayPal website. www.paypal.com

4. I will email you a reply and get started. In a short time, I will email you a photocopy of your portrait for approval.

5. If you are happy, pay the remaining $20. And email me a mailing address.

6. Your portrait is mailed out promptly.

Easy and quick. Most portraits are in your hands in about a week.

Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing the portraits I can create for you that you will cherished for a life time.

Great Christmas Gift / Pencil Portriats

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:40:00 +0000

Looking for a great Christmas Gift. How about a personalize portrait. I have many sizes to choose from, and I accept credit cards through PayPal.

FAMILY PORTRAIT GIFT / FINE ART PENCIL PORTRAIT ARTIST

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Sun, 09 May 2010 16:39:00 +0000

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY

Hello my readers,

Happy Mothers Day! I am wishing you a wonderful Mothers Day and pray that it fills you with blessed memories or at least a gift or two. If you are like me, I like the gift of hugs, kisses, and I love you’s. Maybe a little time to reflect on my life as a mother. I would love to hear from you about what Mothers Day means to you. Just post a comment or two and share.

It has been some time since my last post. Life keeps going and my priorities changed a little over the last few months and time slipped away. Now that I am back on track, I would like to share a portrait I drew for a mother of three. Enjoy.

Johnny Cash sketch / Pencil Portrait Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:14:00 +0000

A little while ago on Facebook I asked if anyone had any good ideas on
celebrities to draw. Johnny Cash was the one celebrity that stuck with
me. Below is just the first step. I will up date each step as I go. I
would love the feedback here, Facebook, or Twitter. Thank you for
viewing.

Three / Pencil Portrait Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:09:00 +0000

My first attempt at blogging through my new Iphone.

Drawing is about done. It took way to long to finish. It sat
unfinished for at least 2 weeks. Usually when I do this the final
product in not satisfactory. If I was drawing for a commission, I
would have not procrastinated and would have started over. Maybe
someday I will do this one over. It must be all this cold weather and
snow.

Valentine’s Pencil Portrait / Fine Art Wedding Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 01:25:00 +0000

A friend of mine recently got married to a wonderful man, and I wanted to do something special for them. She had asked if my children would be in their wedding, and what a joy it was to see my two kids all dressed up and being their best. I decided to draw a portrait that was truly them. Not a fancy posed picture, but one where they were having fun and being themselves. They both don’t seem like the fancy type. After a lot of searching, I found this on her Facebook album and new that it would be a great one.

Now that Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, I have found that a portrait is a great gift to someone you love. I have drawn portraits for Christmas, anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, and even funerals.

It is so easy to commission a portrait from me. First step is to pick out a photo that captures your subjects well, or if I live close I would love to snap some shots to use for reference. Second step is email me the digital photo or mail it. Then the rest is all up to me. You just sit back and relax, knowing that you will be given a unique gift to someone. Or just yourself.

justusportraits@hotmail.com

Rough Draft of Pencil Portrait #3 / Kansas Pencil Portrait Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:38:00 +0000

I am starting to draw my Mom. Not done yet, still am working on shadowing. Her mouth is not quite right and I will need to step back and see what needs adjusting.

Oh how I love my Mom. She still is beautiful after all these years. I have on many occasions told her that she glows. It might be because of all the healthy foods she eats. Growing up, I don’t think store bought possessed foods were allowed in our house. Maybe every once in awhile, but for the most part green veggies, fresh eggs & milk, home baked bread, and many other whole foods. Now, every time I visit Dad and Mom’s farm I go away feeling healthy. You can not leave that place without being well fed and your soul at peace.

Rough Draft of Pencil Portrait #2 / Kansas Pencil Portrait Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 21:45:00 +0000

Did I have to start with my portrait first? Well yes, it is because I am right handed and to keep from smudging what I have already finish, you start top left corner. Oh, but I still smudge at times. My redoing and erasing what I thought I was done with seems to get the best of me sometimes.That is why I am in love with my erasers. I have 3 kinds. Kneading eraser, professional stick eraser, and a sharp sliver I cut from the stick eraser. Going over and over. Turning the drawing upside down, setting it up to look at it at a distance. Stepping away when not getting it right is the best. You come back with new eyes.

Right now, looking at my portrait, I will need to still shade a little more and I am not quite happy with the eyes, yet. I always remind myself that I will never be perfect, but will always strive to grow and learn.

Rough Draft of Pencil Portrait #1

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:21:00 +0000

Ok,

It has been a real tough week. Tax season, if that explains it. Well, I will trust in God that everything will work out. After sulking for a few days I decided I better get drawing again.

Here is the first rough sketch of my newest portrait. This will be for my Mom. Love ya mom. She is awesome! Her and my Dad moved to Kansas and bought a farm and are truly living their dream. Cows, chickens, goats, hay, and a garden. They even have a country store that locals can come and get some fresh products on an honor system. Mom makes and sells cheese, milk, butter, and her fabulous all natural soap. She is also in the process of putting together her facial cream, toner, and body lotion to go with her moisturizing facial soap. I can’t wait. You can visit http://www.carolynsnaturalsoap.com to see more.

Enough of my parents and their farm. My mom is in the middle. Can you guess where I am? …………….Give up…………I’m the brunette. The oldest of 4. Two brothers and a beautiful sister. She’s the one with the blondness.

Mom, I hope you love your portrait. After I am done with this one I plan on drawing one of Dad and my brothers. I know just where you can hang them. LOL

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT ME

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:44:00 +0000

Hi, I am married to a wonderful man for almost 18 years and have two beautiful children. A young boy, 11 and a daughter, 6. I grew up in California to a very musically talented family. My sister sings, both brothers sing and play guitar, with my youngest brother playing the drums. My parents sing and play instruments also. I can sing and play a little piano and guitar.When I was young my family lead worship service at Church for many years and also had home worship time on Fridays. My family still gets together and sing as often as we can.

MY BROTHERS PLAYING A FEW SONGS THEY WROTE

I am an active community & arts and crafts leader in our 4H Club that I love so much. My son and daughter are members and we are kept quite busy. 4H is one of those clubs that I was never interested in as a child and thought that you had to have animals to join. I was so wrong. 4H is more that animals. It’s about community leadership, public speaking, learning how to lead a meeting, and growing as an individual. My son is in Geology project & Entomology project. No animals this year. We travel all over this great state of Kansas in search of rocks, fossils, minerals and bugs. My daughter is very creative and is a part of the arts & crafts project. She currently is not old enough for 4H, you have to be 7, so she has joined Cloverbuds. We had no leader to head this so I volunteered to lead these young future 4Hers. So far we are having fun.

On the Kansas State Wide 4H Geology Trip

There are around 200 people and 70 cars driving all over the state of Kansas until we come across and area to dig for rocks, fossils, and minerals.

My son Tommy at Castle Rock, Kansas

Here I am helping some young 4Hers with rock identification.

Last but not least, I work part time for the USPS as a Rural Mail Associate. I deliver mail all over the back country roads and actually love doing it.

I want to thank God for my wonderful life.

Vintage Challenge Portrait / Vintage Pencil Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:34:00 +0000

Flickr Tags: Vintage Photo,Pencil Portrat,Portrait Children,Pencil Artist

What a fun project. As you can see in the original photo the young girls nose was digitally given quite a large nose for a small face. I believe I did fix the young girls appearance and created a portrait to cherish.

The drawing on this blog looks a little bright compared to the actual 5” x 7” portrait. I still have not figured out how to get a good match. Cameras, scanners, and editing tools are not able to get it right. I might be doing something wrong, but I will continue to practice.

COUPLE OF VALENTINES / PENCIL PORTRAIT

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:40:00 +0000

With Valentine’s Day approaching I wanted to share a portrait I drew a few months ago. I was asked by this young man if I could draw a portrait for his girlfriend. It was to be a gift for their 2nd anniversary of being together. She loved it!

Vintage Photo Challenge 2 / Kansas Pencil Portrait Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 22:03:00 +0000

Rough drawing on sketch paper

Here is my rough draft of the vintage photo that I am fixing for a client. I started with drawing from a few reference photos on sketch paper. I did this to see if I could reconstruct the nose of this young girl and get all proportions right. The young girl is looking up slightly so her cheeks are going to be lower. Her chin will be narrower and closer to lower lips. Eyes will be slightly looking up with shadows under eyes, nose and chin.

Tomorrow I am going to work on the babies feet. The photo I have is not clear with the feet blurred. What I could see, is what I drew above. Just not sure yet on where the toes land. I think after I get the girls face and the babies feet down, I will be ready to start on smooth heavy weight paper. The client is wanting a 5” x 7” portrait, so it should not take to long once I get going.

Vintage Photo Challenge / Pencil Portraits Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:43:00 +0000

Today I start a challenging project. Above is a photo that a customer would like drawn of her mother and aunt. It was damaged, due to age, and had been digitally fixed some years ago. Her aunt is the young girl and if you look closely, you can see that her nose was missing at one time. The digital correction tried to fix it but did not get it right. I was ask if I could draw this photo and help fix her aunts appearance.

As you can see, it will be a challenge. One because this photo is hard to see, and two the girl’s nose is not hers. I asked the client if she had another photo of her aunt. She said that she did, but that it is of her when she is older. I replied by saying that the nose does not change much as we age, and that it could help. Below is the aunt a bit older.

I plan on updating my blog with the progress of this drawing. I feel a strong connection with restoring history. There are a few other vintage photos that I would love to put pencil too. Some of these photos are very small , but carry so much weight on the memory.

If any of you who are reading this have an older photo that is in need, let me know and I will see what I can do.

CHRISTMAS GIFT / Kansas Pencil Portrait Artist/ Child Portriat

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:37:00 +0000

Hi,

Sorry it has been some time between my last post. December was a busy month with work, drawing, and vacationing to my home state of California. I work for the USPS as a rural carrier associate (RCA), and because of the mass volume of parcels and letters, I worked many days with long hours. Then we traveled to California to visit family and friends for Christmas and New Years. Before we left, I filled any remaining time taking care of my own family and drawing a few commissioned portraits.

For one of my commissioned portrait, I was asked to draw a 5" x 7" portrait of a young boy for a Christmas gift. The original photo was small, and did not show the detail that help capture the true character of a person. I knew I could still produce a well drawn portrait and I believe I did. What a cute kid.

The new year is here and life will gradually get back to normal. I have already finished my first pencil portrait and working on my second. These portraits I will blog about later, for if I share everything on one blog I will not have anything else to blog.

My last blog was about drawing another nature object, and this has been put on the shelf, literally, to draw another time. I believe I got ahead of myself when I had time on my hands. Thank you to those who kept me busy. I would rather draw a meaningful commissioned portrait than draw a rock for myself.

Thought of a Drawing Project

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:56:00 +0000

I currently have one nature drawing and found it rewarding to capture it in pencil. Nature is full of detail if we stop to look. Even the smallest things can produce wonder.

Most of you remember this drawing.

I took a long walk/jog yesterday and saw a simple gravel rock on the road. I drive on many gravel roads here in Kansas and it struck me to ponder where these simple inorganic materials come from. That the gravel must be older than mankind. I looked closer to the detail and decided that I could draw this object and show the world the character of a modest over used item. I placed it in my hand and noticed that my moist supple hand was new and fragile and this rock was ancient and forever. Now should I draw a rock or a rock in a hand? A rock in itself would be interesting, but to show the contrast between organic and inorganic. Not sure? Took some pictures, and will decide when I have more time.

Now I know some might think that a simple rock would not make a good subject for a pencil drawing, but just wait. Maybe I can prove you wrong.

Ladies A Shopping / Vintage Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:52:00 +0000

As you can tell from past posts I am full of emotions when it comes to the past and the stories that are lost. What were these ladys shopping for, and most important, what were their names. I found this photo in an old family photo album of my Grandmothers. I love the hats. Each one is so different.

As an pencil artist I would love to bring this photo to life with a portriat, but I am short on time at this moment and this one would be a challange.

I am new to Postcard Friendship Friday idea, and am excited on hearing from you and what you are talking about. I have been using this blog to share my Pencil Portraits and future drawing ideas. I don't post as often as I would like, but will try more often with more subjects.

Goofy Girls From the 1920's / Mid West Pencil Portrait Artist / Vintage 1920's

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:53:00 +0000

ORIGINAL PHOTO 5" X 3"

Just finished my 14" x 17" "Goofy Girls from the 20's" Portrait. This one took some time because of all the wrinkles in their clothing. Some of the details are hard to see in the original photo, so I had to spend a lot of time looking closely and guessing sometimes.

What a cute trio! A time when fun was simple and life was not as full of distractions. No TV, cell phone, internet, and video games. Just lots of outdoor fun with friends and family. I am sure, they had their chores done when this photo was taken. Fun was always after work. Right? Today most don't know what it was like to wake up in the morning and have to stoke a fire to start your coffee, or walk outside to use the bathroom. We call that camping, not life. They don't seem to be bothered by their life, do they. We sure have come a long way. Simple times were harder, but people may have been happier. Just a thought.

Fall Leaf / Pencil Portrait Drawing / Mid-West Pencil Portrait Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 23:36:00 +0000

FALL

It has been raining all day and I feel the fall season has truly arrived. I collected this leaf a few weeks ago and to celebrate the season I decided to draw it today.

I purchased a new digital camera that I just love. I have enjoyed taking pictures of leaves, bugs, trees, and my kids this wonderful season. Though it has rained all day today, I do believe Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. It is absolutely beautiful.

I am still working to the "Goofy Girls" Portrait. It has been very slow going. Lot of details in their dresses that are taking my time. Although, I have not worked on it everyday. The first few weeks in October have been busy. Now I have at least one more week of free time to get it done.

Goofy Girls From The Past / Kansas Pencil Portrait Artist / 1920's Old Photo

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:05:00 +0000

My blog has been sitting just waiting for me to add something. So I just had to share my portrait in progress. I have been working on this for 2 weeks and still have some time to go. Can't wait until I am done.

I just love these old photos. My passion is to capture these moments in time through my art. Something I can frame and share with the world. The drawing is 14" x 17" and easier to see than the small 2" x 3" old photo. If you have any photos that are sitting in your closet photo box that you would just love to share. Let me draw a portrait you can frame and display for all to see. A portrait with a wonderful story to tell. Names forgotten, faces not recognized, and time not remembered can now be brought to light.

I have so many other pictures that I someday would love to draw for my own family to Cherish. Decorate my home with stories from the past. What a wonderful gift to give to the ones you love.

Until finished

Julie Justus

Child Portrait / Kansas Pencil Portrait Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:56:00 +0000

"Marek"

This portrait was drawn on an 8" x 10" 300lb acid free drawing paper for easy framing. I don't currently have pricing for this size but will in the near future. I am considering having my portraits categorized for easy pricing.

Category's
JUST LITTLE ME (5" X 7" single subject)
JUST FOR ME (8" X 10" 1 or 2 subjects)
JUST ME (11" x 14"single subject)
JUST US (14" x 17" multiple subjects)
JUST BECAUSE (Special requested portraits)
JUST REMEMBER (Drawings from old photos)

I am struggling to get my website up and running. I did not realize how much work it would be. Slowly moving forward, and will get it done soon.

Feel free to share this sight or my FaceBook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=12545&id=1147481665&saved#/justusportraits?ref=ts

Now to work on the Goofy Girl Portrait.

Judy Garland/ The Wizard of Oz/ Kansas pencil portrait artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 00:34:00 +0000

Judy Garland

Well, here she is. My way of celebrating the release of "The Wizard of Oz".

Today I had many hours to devote to drawing. My laundry is done, the house is clean, and my kids are at school. Back to my real job tomorrow.

Until next time..........

Tommy / Kansas Children Pencil Portrait

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:52:00 +0000

Tommy

This pencil portrait was drawn in 2001.

I like this drawing, but it is not one of my best. Thought I would share some drawings from my past.

I am currently contemplating drawing a portrait of Judy Garland. The new release of "Wizard of Oz" is hitting the shelves soon, and I have always been a fan of her movies. One of my favorites is "Meet Me in St. Louis" If you have not see that old musical, you should. I am such a romantic some times.

I also have in the works a pencil portrait of my Grandmother, again. This time she and 2 other friends are acting goofy for the camera. They are wearing there 20's style dresses and smiling with silly grins.

I am looking for other candid old photos to draw. If anyone else out there has a photo from the past, I would love to draw it. I have not come up with a fee for old photo's yet, but for now just doing it for my own library and to share with everyone.

GIRL & HER HORSE / Kansas Pencil Portrait Artist/ Horse Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Julie Justus) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:26:00 +0000

A "JUST ME" Portrait
17" X 14"

Original Photo

I just had to draw this girl. Emma has a beautiful face. She is daughter of a friend of mine, and I would love to draw her again in the future.

The main reason I chose this portrait is the horse. I have not drawn a horse in a very long time and needed the practice. This could be the start of something. I will challenge myself and draw a complete horse in the future.

This drawing was a little challenging, not only because I had not drawn a horse in a while, but because I added the nose and some mane that is not in the original photo. If you look closely, the photo does not show any body of the animal. I thought it looked funny as a drawing. So I added a few extras. I hope I got it right.

Below is the original photo I took of my drawing before I edited it. As you can see the drawing is not as dark. I might need a new camera.