Tag Archives | Affectionate Animals

Every year I paint a new series of Affectionate Animal couples for Valentimes Day, and every year I base this series off vintage photos of homosexual and lesbian same-sex couples. It’s important to remember that “being gay” isn’t a fad or a phase… queer folk are a part of history. If my art can celebrate LGBT history in some small way, if my art can help LGBT+ people see that they have a lasting and meaningful place in this world, then I will have accomplished everything I hoped for. (more…)

Every February I add a new batch of portraits to my collection of Affectionate Animal couples. When I started this project, I felt there wasn’t enough representation of LGBT+ couples. I hoped my art would illustrate the whimsical and timeless aspects of queer connections. I pour so much of myself into these critters, and it warms my heart to see how many people from all walks of life see themselves or their loved ones in these portraits, as well. Love connects and unifies us. (more…)

I use vintage photos as the source images for my annual Affectionate Animal series. I believe the vintage photos add a bit of nostalgia that blends well with my contemporary animal characters. Here are my source images for this year’s series of characters. (more…)

I’ve been painting a new series of Affectionate Animal couples for the past few years. My goal with this series was always to portray queer couples, including 3 lesbian w/w pairings, 3 homosexual m/m pairings, and 3 heterosexual m/w pairings. (more…)

Just a couple weeks away is my first Valentine’s Day as a single mom. Holidays can be a lonely time for lots of people, I know, but divorce can amplify loneliness, especially when it’s fresh.

I keep wondering how I can show love to those around me, including those who have let me down. I don’t have all the answers, but I do believe that kindness is its own kind of bravery. (more…)

For my latest series of Affectionate Animals, I wanted my paintings to feel classic and timeless. That’s why I used vintage photographs as the source images for the paintings! Aside from the scene from I Love Lucy, which turned into the Bear Hug portrait, each of these photogrphs is from relative unknown photographers, images I simply found off the internet. (more…)