"Other things may change us, but we start and end with family" - Anthony Brandt

I've been on a roll with the watercolor portraits, but I have to say - the joy is not only in the experimentation with the new medium, but it is mostly in the work to correctly portray those that I love. I have done portraits of family and friends - anyone who is willing to have their likeness painted on paper haha.. The feedback has been overwhelming.
I find it challenging to get someone's eyes right - because I truly feel that this is the most important aspect of the image. I will never be able to fully portray someone's soul through watercolor, and I've come to terms with that - but I will still try my hardest to get as close to that goal as possible.

The idea for creating these portraits in the first place was to just practice with watercolors; but as I've continued to get requests for paintings, I've realized that the greatest achievement is the reaction of the individuals who volunteered to be painted. The joy that they proclaim is more than I ever could have imagined, and has reminded me why I enjoy art in the first place. I don't think that I will ever try to "make it" as an artist in the world, because I can't see myself enjoying the pressures of working to sell my artwork. Instead, I love creating art that makes people happy. I strive to paint their likeness because of the happiness that it creates in return. Not to sound cheesy, but you can't put a price on that. Of course, it would be wonderful to be "recognized" as an artist in the greater community, and I'll never turn down the opportunity to show my work or create pieces for individuals around the world, but I will always do so just to support the smiles that erupt as a reaction to the work.

My family has been extremely supportive of my art from day one, and they continue to do so - even volunteering to be guinea pigs of the latest medium that I choose. But, more than just support, this has created an atmosphere of exploration and discovery - and it has shown me just how much joy you can instill in the world when you're willing to take a risk, and have a full army of loved ones that are supporting you non-stop.

Anyone who is reading this, if you would also like your portrait created by me, please feel free to contact me either through this site, or through www.elissahogan.com. I would be happy to create artwork for anyone, but would love it even more if you are commissioning my work to put a smile on someone ELSE's face as well. I'm all about spreading the love and joy in the world :)