A Portrait Painting for a Friend + a Practice Speed Sketch

Yesterday I finished a portrait painting for a friend, Amber Dawn. She is so beautiful, a talented artist who radiates creativity and sincere kindness. She is one of those pure spirits who seeks to make a friend with anyone and everyone without judgement. I’m very lucky to know her. ♥

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Today I wanted to practice speed sketching and see what I can do in a very short period of time. This portrait sketch I call ‘the Hooded Girl’. Drawn traditionally with graphite on sketch paper, in around 20ish min.

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About the Artist

I’m an artist, author, and poet. My work is often shaped by lived experiences and by paying close attention to the world around me… nature, and the people who have helped shape my life.

I usually paint first, and the words come later. Painting has been the safest way I’ve found to be honest about things that are hard to say out loud, and over time I’ve noticed other people finding their own stories in the work too.

My paintings are meant to comfort, to feel like a presence rather than a statement, and to give space for each person to find their own meaning. The connection that happens there matters most to me.