https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog.atomTrae Mundt Fine Art - Blog2025-12-05T17:30:05-08:00Trae Mundt Fine Arthttps://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/why-purchase-original-art2025-12-05T17:30:05-08:002025-12-05T17:30:05-08:00Why Purchase Original Art?Trae Mundt
Why purchase original art?
There are wonderful benefits to owning original art. There's a sense of satisfaction that comes from displaying art that speaks to your soul. You're purchasing art that is made by hand. There's only one original. You become a collector. You support artisans who love to create what you love to see and experience. And, owning an original drawing is affordable.
I encourage you to surround yourself with artwork that moves your soul and lifts your spirit. Take time to slow down and take in the good stuff.
Cindy and I were at the animal shelter looking for our lost cat. It was the end of a long, fruitless search. We had looked at each and every cat in the shelter. Then we came upon Twix. As Twix and I locked eyes, he gave a chortle of a purr. His shelter description indicated he was a surrender animal. Cindy and I decided to take him home, and he was adopted.
Once home, he proved scarce and difficult to find. After some searching, we discovered he was able to climb into our dresser drawers! It became one of his favorite hiding places.
Twix was the nicest being one could ever meet. He never made an aggressive move towards a person or other pet. He loved to be held, especially upside-down. He often would burrow under the covers and sleep alongside.
Twix lived to the ripe-old-age of nineteen. He was our beloved friend and will be missed and fondly remembered.
It was so much fun to draw Audrey Flora's portrait. She has the most beautiful eyes. Her smile makes me smile. And the bow... I love the bow.
This little sweetheart loves watermelon, strawberries, and blueberries. She enjoys watching Ms. Rachel. Her dog Archer makes her laugh and smile. And her Oma (Grandma) loves bows, so she will wear one each time her outfit calls for one. 🎀☺️
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/he-did-not-know2025-09-19T14:17:17-07:002025-09-19T14:17:21-07:00He Did Not KnowTrae Mundt
Spikey's story is quite moving.
Years ago while visiting my Dad, I decided to go on a short walk around his community. As I was passing by the dumpster, I heard a very faint whimper. I stopped and went over to the dumpster and noticed a sealed box. I knew I needed to open the box. What I found inside was heartbreaking. There he was... a mini pinscher. He was bound and gagged. It was a miracle that I found him. A young girl came up to me to see what was happening. Her Mom followed closely behind. The girl said, "We need to find the owner." I said "No, we do not." I called my dear friend Cindy. Her mother-in-law was looking for a small dog. She told me to bring him home.
He was very scared. I could not drive with him loose in the car. I borrowed a dog carrier from my Dad's neighbor. I tried to put Spikey in the carrier, and he screamed and screamed.
We got him in the carrier. He was so distressed. He cried and screamed. As Spikey and I drove home, I talked to him in a very gentle voice. I put my hand where he could see it. He kept screaming.
On that drive home, our Lord gave me a beautiful awareness that I cherish to this day. We sometimes have to endure horrible hardships. We cry and scream like Spikey. Spikey had no idea that I was taking him to a family who would cherish him and love him. For him to be with his new family, he had to endure the ride home. Spikey did not know he was being rescued.
In our most trying times when we can't see anything good or anything worth living for, we need to remember God is at work behind the scenes. He sees us. He hears us. He knows us. He provides for us. He loves us. He saves us.
I asked Steve to share a story. This is what he wrote.
Steve and Linda have known each other for over 60 years, but have only celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary this year. They were high school sweethearts until Linda dumped Steve, claiming that Steve was dating another girl at the same time. Steve eventually married that girl, but she passed away a few years later. Steve went back to Linda, but she was engaged and told Steve to “hit the bricks” – she dumped Steve a second time! Linda married Bucky and was married 38 years until he passed away. Steve met another lady and was married to Sandy for 40 years until she passed away. Steve reached out to Linda a third time (relying on the “three strikes and you’re out,” or “third time’s the charm”) to Linda on the classmates website and reestablished a relationship that ended up in a strong marriage.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/his-father-her-father2025-06-25T22:52:29-07:002025-06-25T22:52:32-07:00His Father, Her FatherTrae Mundt
Ray passed away a few years ago.
It's so difficult when we lose our loved ones. We grieve differently. Some of us need companionship and hugs, others need time alone.
When Tim approached me with the idea of drawing a portrait of his father for his sister, I knew he wanted to help his sister. She misses her father so much.
Tim wrote a testimonial about his experience commissioning a portrait from me. Here's what he said...
Three years ago my father passed away. My sister spent every day with him and has been really struggling with missing him. I decided to have a portrait done for her of him (my wife loved the one Trae did of our dog). As always, she is wonderful to work with, and I always know she will do an amazing job. My sister was very surprised and was awe struck by the drawing. Once again Trae did a wonderful job, creating a very realistic and accurate portrait. I highly recommend her for anyone looking to have work done. (Tim, Rochester, NY)
It touched my heart to hear that Tim's sister enjoys her new portrait.
Tootsie was a Queensland Heeler, a breed from Australia. These dogs are known to be loyal, intelligent, and very energetic herding dogs.
Tootsie's life was a story of second chances, love, and adventure. At two months old, she was found in a box with her siblings in the hills of Perris, CA.
She was rescued that day by her new owner, Jim!
She loved going to the desert. She would go to each bush and put her paw in it a few times trying to rustle up something to chase. 🐾
Here's a picture of Jim and Tootsie riding in his ATV in Ocotillo Wells, California.
Have you watched the movie The Blind Side? I love this movie. I've watched it many times. 😊
While watching the story unfold, I was inspired to draw Kathy Bates's portrait with my ballpoint pen. I like to call this style of portraiture a Minimalist Drawing.
How do you like it?
These portraits take less time to draw, but they require the same amount of focus.
I drew this portrait a few years ago. I love the timelessness of portraiture. Each piece is beautiful.
I've chosen the finest archival art paper. The pigment inks capture the subtle details of the original drawing. The 8"x10" print size is very easy to frame. Shipping is FREE for orders in the continental United States.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/she-needed-a-home2025-04-18T06:00:06-07:002025-04-18T06:00:06-07:00She Needed a HomeTrae Mundt
As a little kitten, Asuna was abandoned at the back door of a veterinarian’s office. She was very small and needed a home.
One of the workers at the veterinarian’s office decided to adopt her. It was the beginning of ten wonderful years together for Steve and Asuna.
She enjoyed resting on his tummy.
She loved eating! She had a sense of urgency with her food. (I can relate! ☺️) One day when she was hungry, she got close to Steve’s face while he was sleeping and waited for him to wake up. She obviously got too hungry while staring at him. What did she do? She slapped him in the face with her paw. ☺️ It was a gentle slap.
Asuna passed away recently. This portrait celebrates her memory.
Do you like going through photo albums? I appreciate the ease of our digital age with the ability to easily store thousands of pictures. I also love to spend time sipping a cup of tea while turning the pages of cherished family photo albums.
I came across Lindsey's photo while looking through my Mom's photo albums. Little Lindsey was adopted by my Mom and her husband after I moved out on my own. She was a beautiful kitten full of energy and cuteness. She was an adorable fluffball! This portrait captures Lindsey as a tiny kitten with very pretty, gray, wispy fur.
She had delicate features. I used my graphite pencils for most of this drawing. Graphite is a great medium for light delicate drawings. I added charcoal to create depth and accentuate her beautiful eyes, ears, and nose.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/surround-yourself-with-things-that-make-you-smile2025-04-04T08:00:02-07:002025-04-04T08:00:02-07:00Surround Yourself with Things that Make You SmileTrae Mundt
Theodore is my teddy bear. He was a gift from my Mom. He has a special ear that enables him to carefully listen to me.
He's soft and cuddly. I love him!
As I was drawing his portrait, I remembered a comment my Mom shared with me years ago. She encouraged me to surround myself with things that make me smile, and to toss or give away items that bring to memory difficult times and heartache.
I think this is very wise.
One of my favorite Pastor's is the late Dr. Charles Stanley. He encouraged his listeners to not drag the ball and chain of yesterday into today. What happens when we do this? Our todays become marred by hurts and disappointments.
Back to Theodore 😊
After I finished his portrait I wrote "Drawing Theodore - Pure Happiness" in my gratitude journal. Theodore brings a smile to my face. I hope he brings a smile to your face too.
Would you like me to draw a portrait of your favorite teddy bear? Commissions are welcome. 😊 Send me a message here.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/sharing-her-experience2025-03-26T19:05:04-07:002025-03-26T19:08:14-07:00Sharing Her ExperienceTrae Mundt
This is Neva, a very good friend of mine. For years, we've talked about her commissioning a portrait. A few weeks ago during our girl lunch, we decided the time is now.
I interviewed her after she took her portrait home. I asked Neva to share her experience with me, so I could share it with you.
I asked her to comment about the photo shoot:"It was fun. We took a lot of pictures. You are really good at finding the perfect pose for the portrait."
What was her reaction when she saw her portrait for the first time?"I screamed at first. Then I ran into my daughter's room. I showed my granddaughters and my son-in-law too. I was totally elated."
I asked her if I captured her likeness."You caught my very essence, my curls and my girls. You got everything. It's just beautiful. It looks exactly like me."
When I asked her if she would recommend this experience to a friend, Neva replied, "Oh yes. Definitely. I've shown everyone at work. They are all amazed at your work."
Her closing comment,"This portrait will be the perfect heirloom for my children and grandchildren."
It's a privilege to draw portraits.
~Trae
Leave your comments below. I love hearing from you! =)
It always amazes me how portraits come to life. I start with a blank piece of very nice paper and my graphite pencils. I usually place the eyes first, then the rest of the face, ears, neck, and hair.
Something happened while I was drawing Quentin's portrait. It was so special. At times, I saw his mother's eyes. I was overwhelmed with so much joy. Is this how our Father in Heaven looks at us? Did I get a glimpse of his love for us? I think I did. What comes to my mind is Psalm 139, verses 13-16.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
I remember meeting Mija. She came around the corner and wiggled her way into the front lobby. What an adorable dog.
For this blog post, I want to talk about what make's a good reference photo. The picture needs to be in focus. I prefer close-up pictures. They help me see the facial details. I recommend avoiding the harsh middle-of-the-day sunlight. Mornings and afternoons are better. I like gentle shadows that partially cover the face. These shadows help me draw realistic portraits. Get down on the subject's level. Avoid taking pictures from overhead.
If you would prefer that I take the pictures, we can schedule a model shoot. This events make for a fun time especially when the subject keeps moving. ☺️ With patience, we can get good reference photos.
Commissions are welcome. See the links below. I love reading your comments.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/drawing-a-wolfs-portrait2025-03-05T14:55:16-08:002025-03-05T14:57:06-08:00Drawing a Wolf's PortraitTrae Mundt
What comes to mind when you see this portrait? Do you enjoy looking at wolves? I do. They are stunning. They are fascinating creatures.
Drawing this beautiful wolf captivated my attention.
Notice his eyes. There's a wildness in them. We don't see that wildness in the eyes of domestic animals. I spent quality time drawing his eyes. I wanted to share that subtle difference with you.
The thickness of his fur was created slowly. To get this effect, I added volume by applying charcoal, taking off charcoal, and repeating this process until I saw fluffy thickness.
Click the link below to see Carni's portrait come to life. ✍️
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/trae-piper2025-02-26T14:08:20-08:002025-02-26T14:23:57-08:00Trae and PiperTrae Mundt
This was a special day. I don't always get the opportunity to meet my subjects.
I met Piper after I drew her portrait.
Piper's Mom texted me many photos. I took my time looking through them. What am I looking for? Is the lighting good? Is the expression good? Are the details that I need present? If not, I ask for more photos.
I loved seeing her in person. While I was drawing, I spent a lot of time looking at her. (Of course!😊) When I finally met her, I felt like I already knew her! In many ways, I did.
Fiona is a silver tabby. She had a rough start. It had to be very tough to survive. She was a pregnant 4-year-old stray when she was found. It took her a while to feel comfortable and safe in her new home.
Her Mom shared with me that she has some bossy tendencies. Fiona pulls the arm of her shirt with her teeth while her breakfast is being prepared. She loves to decorate the bathroom every morning and most nights by unrolling the toilet paper with her teeth. She helps her Mom tend her catnip and cat grass along with the other houseplants. 🪴
When I was drawing her fur, I slowly applied more and more charcoal. It took some time to complete her portrait. I never get in a rush. I don't time myself. I keep drawing until I like what I see. I love her big adorable eyes. She's a beauty.
Click the link below to see my WIP (work in progress) portrait come to life.
I love hearing from you. Leave your comments below.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/tan-tan-a-very-beautiful-bengal-cat2025-02-08T23:30:07-08:002025-02-08T23:30:07-08:00Tan Tan, A Very Beautiful Bengal CatTrae Mundt
This is Tan Tan, a strikingly beautiful Bengal cat. When I met her, I was struck by her beauty. I've never seen a Bengal in person. It's a treat. Her breed is a mixture of wild and domestic characteristics.
Tan Tan is talkative and friendly; she'll walk right up to you and meow. She is a loving inquisitive cat. She enjoys being the center of attention and loves spending time with her family. Her family loves to spend time with her too.
I took two time-lapse videos as I was drawing Tan Tan's portrait. Click the links below.
May your days be full of God's incredible love and grace. I marvel at His creation. Look at the details in Tan Tan's fur. Gorgeous!
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/poptart-the-penguin2025-02-05T23:46:34-08:002025-02-08T15:02:13-08:00PopTart the PenguinTrae Mundt
It was a very special day. I was looking forward to spending quality time with the Penguins at SeaWorld® San Diego.
While at the Penguin Habitat, I learned that they had a behind-the-scenes Penguin Encounter Up-Close Tour for people who wanted to be closer to the penguins.
As you can see we bought the tickets. It was so much fun!!! This picture is of me and little PopTart, a Macaroni penguin. Jack, our tour guide, is seen in the background.
PopTart was so friendly!! I love him!
PopTart's head position in the picture above is an example of a side profile pose. My portrait drawing is closer to a 3/4 view pose. With 3/4 view poses, noses and penguin bills appear smaller. 😊
After we each took turns getting close to PopTart, we walked up the stairs and entered the back of the penguin habitat.
Macaroni penguins came up to visit us! We saw Emperor, King, Adelie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins too.
At the end of our tour I asked Clementine, PopTart's aviculturist, if she would take a picture with me. She was so gracious! She took the time to answer all my questions. It was a very special time for me.
Leave a comment below. I enjoy hearing from you. 🐧
Drawing Adaline's portrait was a joy! She so adorable! She's the great-granddaughter of a dear friend of mine.
I started this portrait with a line drawing. At this beginning stage, I used my graphite pencil. Over the years my process has changed. I now spend a good amount of time at the beginning of the drawing to make sure my measurements are accurate. This works for me.
Then I began to add charcoal. I like General's charcoal pencils and Winsor and Newton's vine and willow charcoal sticks. The pencils help me to make detailed marks. I used the sticks for placing shapes, filling in shapes, and adding shading.
With this portrait, it's all about her cuteness. Look at her bow! I love it.
Steven has a very expressive face. It was a joy to draw his portrait.
I learned years ago that waiting to draw the eyes near the end of my drawing was incredibly stressful. It does not matter what face I'm drawing, I like to start by drawing the eyes of my subjects.
When I'm happy with where the eyes are placed, I begin to add other features.I drew his glasses. Then I focused on his forehead, nose, hair, and incredible beard.
I've disciplined myself not to get excited and start drawing details before I get my beginning line drawing completed. This is really important. I prefer to be slow and steady with each deliberate mark. When I'm happy with the line drawing, I begin to add charcoal.
I hope you enjoy this video. Please leave your comments below. I love hearing from you.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/celebrating-jason-and-dawn2025-01-27T22:27:26-08:002025-01-27T23:07:07-08:00Celebrating Jason and DawnTrae Mundt
A dear friend commissioned me to draw this portrait of her daughter and son-in-law.
She supplied reference photos. She chose the paper color. To make sure we understood the details, I emailed a Commission Agreement. Once that was signed, the drawing began. It's that easy! And, it's a very fun process.
This portrait took some time to complete. I never rush myself. It's the quality that I focus on, not the hours it took to complete my drawing.
I took six time-lapse videos capturing the drawing from beginning to end. These videos can be watched at my YouTube channel. Click the link below to see the first video.
Do you have an idea why I began with Jason's portrait? I'm right-handed. If I had started with Dawn's portrait, I would have smudged my work. The charcoal sticks make marks that quickly disappear if disturbed in any way. Graphite can survive a smudge or two.
Please leave a comment or question below. I'll be sure to respond.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/the-beginning-the-bearie-blvd-bears%C2%AE2025-01-16T23:18:00-08:002025-01-16T23:21:27-08:00The Beginning... the Bearie Blvd. Bears®Trae Mundt
As a young girl I looked forward to anything that had to do with ballet. Oh, the costumes were so much fun. I loved my tutu, ballet slippers and leotards. I loved to dance. I felt free. It was a special day when my dance instructor said I was ready for toe shoes!
When I embarked on this journey to create my first Bearie Blvd. Bear® painting it was time to look at the bear drawings I sketched years ago. It was the ballet bear that caught my eye. She was the one. As you can see from my drawing the final design changed a bit. I wanted Sveta to be on stage holding a bouquet of red roses wearing her adorable pink tutu with matching headdress. Her toe shoes had to be pink... just like mine!
The joys of childhood never leave us when we take the time to appreciate the memories that make our hearts stir. To my fellow ballerinas of all ages... twirl!
Does this post make you think of something you want to share?
I drew his portrait a few weeks ago while visiting family in California. I wanted to give Melanie, my brother's better half, a very fun surprise birthday gift. Melanie LOVES Pi-Rat.
My brother and Mel enjoy sharing stories about him. He spends a good deal of time trying to get in their house. He loves to play on my brother's 1996 suburban. He thinks it a Jungle Gym®. He jumps and clings to the tires.
For a little guy, he has quite the personality. He has become a beloved family member.
Portraits make wonderful gifts. I always encourage people to surround themselves with artwork that makes their hearts sing. Little Pi-Rat makes our hearts sing.
I love hearing from you. Please leave your comments below.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/drawing-a-donkey2024-10-24T18:02:26-07:002025-01-16T23:11:54-08:00Drawing a DonkeyTrae Mundt
Dinky is a very special donkey. The more I learn about him, the more I love him.
He lives at a donkey rescue in Texas.
Before living at the rescue, he lived on a ranch with 5 goats: Bob, Todd, Winnefred, Miss Kitty, and Victoria. I was told he was an excellent guard donkey. He made sure the goats were kept safe. He also liked to pick on the goats.
He was very curious. When his owners used to have big bonfires down at the bottom of their pasture, he would come down and hang out and watch the fire burn.
Dinky is my first donkey portrait. I would love to draw more donkeys.
I've known Jocelyn for years. She's my neighbor. I absolutely love her. I've seen her grow into a beautiful young woman. She'll be graduating from high school soon. Her whole life is before her.
Jocelyn's stepmom is a wonderful friend. She is smart, beautiful, courageous, and determined to enjoy every day. I've learned a lot from her. I see her love of life. With so much going on and all the stress that bubbles up each day, it's easy to lose sight of the beauty around us and the One who created this beauty!
I asked Lora, Jocelyn's stepmom, to text me a few pictures of Jocelyn. She sent a lot of pics! That's always helpful. It helps me see the details I need to see in order to capture a likeness.
I got my drawing area ready to go. I set up my easel and camera, took a deep breath, whispered a quick prayer, pushed the start button, and began drawing.
It looks like I'm fast. I'm not. What you see in 20-30 seconds takes a few hours, sometimes more. I'm deliberate with my marks.
My process involves adding charcoal and taking off charcoal. I've found that this helps me create a realistic face. In a few seconds, the portrait comes to life. I love watching this process.Do you?
When I'm all done. I stand up and walk away from the drawing for a few minutes. Then I walk back in the room with fresh eyes. This is the time for me to make any adjustments.
I love drawing faces.
Giving the gift of a portrait is a very thoughtful gift. It's a gift that is deeply treasured.
Click the link below to watch the video of Jocelyn's portrait. Share your thoughts and comments. I love hearing from you.
The story behind the creation of Evan, my ice hockey bear, is a special one.
It began with me meeting my physical therapist who is also named Evan. Yes, my physical therapist inspired this bear. He loves playing ice hockey.
I've known Evan for years. He has helped me through some very tough times. When I broke my arms in 2021, he cared for me and helped me regain my strength and range of motion. It was a valley time for me. I needed 24/7 care. My husband and two special friends, Cindy and Kathie, cared for me during this time.
What did I learn? God gave me a faithful physical therapist and incredible friends who encouraged me. (They still do!) They took breaks from their lives to pour love into my life.Evan even made house visits. I will be forever grateful. Their positive impact helped me see beyond my limitations. I learned that being dependent on others is alright. It's safe. I allowed God to care for me.
During our therapy sessions, Evan shared stories about his hockey adventures. He still does. I love hearing his stories! One day I sat down and drew a pencil sketch for this painting. That sketch was transferred to my art panel. The painting began. Evan is on the ice playing his favorite game. The scene shows him doing what he loves to do. He's fashionable too. Notice his blue, green, and black uniform, black helmet, and black skates. He's being supported and encouraged by his bear fans.
We need each other. May our Lord bless you and show you His kindness and faithfulness.
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https://traemundt.com/blogs/blog/sharing-videos-of-work-in-progress-portrait-drawings2024-06-29T13:32:42-07:002024-06-29T13:37:55-07:00Sharing Videos of Work in Progress Portrait DrawingsTrae Mundt
These past few months have been very enjoyable for me. I started making time-lapse videos of my work in progress (WIP) drawings and sharing these videos on YouTube.
I love connecting with people and reading their comments. As you know, YouTube is a huge platform. I'm grateful that people have been able to find me.
If you're considering taking time-lapse videos, I want to suggest a few artist must-haves. I love my new easel. I purchased it at Amazon. Click this link to see the easel. It's very lightweight. It's sturdy enough for me to draw for hours as the video keeps on recording. My first tripod for cell phones was not very good. It only had a few positions for my phone. I tried this 64" Tripod. It's great. I can rotate my cell phone. This has helped me capture good-looking videos.
I really love sharing with you. Let's keep in touch. Follow me on YouTube and sign up for my art newsletter. Would you like to share what comes to your mind? Please leave your comments below.
