"Gavin" in Unveiled at Christmas Party

It's always a fun time when we get the chance to "Unveil" a new painting.  Last night was an extra special occasion.  It was the annual Christmas Party of Jim and Bev Cosgrove at their beautiful home on Lake Conroe.  They are wonderful art patrons whose collection includes great pieces from the 1650's including the beautiful portrait of the mayor of Brugge over my left shoulder.  I modified my usual Venetian method to use the pigments and style of Vermeer in this painting to fit the Cosgrove's favorite period.  I was honored that they chose me to paint their grandsons Holy Communion portraits.  Previously I painted their oldest grandson "Owen".  

If you're interested in a commissioned portrait please contact me by clicking HERE!

Check out my website portraitsbyshep.com

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Shep Paints His Grandson...the "Rock Star"

Don't cha just love this kid?  This is Raine, my grandson, and this is the first time I've painted him.  I'm very proud of him at the painting.  It's a 16" x 12", and if you'd like me to paint your grandkid, this size is $300.

To see more of Shep's Art click HERE!

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"Art'Stang" is One Great Ride! by Shep

Who doesn't love the '66 Mustang?  It's one of the great cars of all time and this is my painting of Art Jansen's "Art'Stang".  This commission is the first of two I'm doing for Mr. Jansen.  The next is one of the nicest 1949 Ford "Woodies".  I hope to get it posted very soon.

If you have a classic car you's like Shep to paint, please click HERE to message Shep.

To check out Shep's Website click www.portraitsbyshep.com!

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Shep's "Drawn That Way" is Out of the Box!

I was wanting to do a portrait for the Portrait Society of America's Annual contest.  My model brought this little outfit to the photo shoot and I knew I had my "Out of the Box" moment.  So where does the title and look come from?
Please click HERE to see more of my work.
If you're interested in making "Drawn That Way" yours, please email me by clicking HERE!

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It was funny how Shep's "Date Night In" happened!

This traditional portrait came about in the most amazing way.  We took over a hundred pictures looking for the right pose to paint, and ended up throwing all the pics away to paint this photo. I snapped this pic as the model was about to leave.  No hair, no makeup, no wardrobe, no special lighting, no nothing, but I liked the look.  This portrait is not for sale, but if you're interested in a commission please email me by clicking HERE!
To see my web-site please click www.portraitsbyshep.com

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Shep's Fire Fighters Commission "War" is Presented

Thursday was one of those great days all Artists look forward to.  The commissioned portrait "War" was presented to it's new owners, Shane Smith, the subject of the commission, and Amy who commissioned the portrait as a gift for Shane.

The portrait features Shane, at the scene of a fire, warning us all to stay back.  A fire is a place for professionals only and our fire fighters are at the highest level of professionalism.  The first 3 letters of Shane's fellow fire fighter's name give us the appropriate title because each and every fire is a "War".

The presentation took place at the great Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas.

Click here for Shep's CFAI web site!

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Shep Starts a New Commission!

Once again I get the great honor to paint America's Heroes, our firemen.  This commission is a composit of a number of scenes to try and capture the danger and devastation our firemen confront all too often.  In it the fireman, whose wife commissioned the portrait, has lead his men into the fire which is now almost out.  He's warning us to stay back because it's their job to put it on the line and go where we not dare.

I will keep everyone up to date with the progress on this commission as I finish the stages.  In this photo the drawing stage is almost finished.

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Shep's "Owen" is Unveiled at Beautiful Christmas Party!

Donna and I were honored to be invited to the beautiful home of Jim and Bev Cosgrove for a Christmas Party where we unveiled the portrait of their grandson Owen.  It was a truly great time with a wonderful dinner.  The best part of the evening was the chance to spend it with a fun group of our neighbors.  Our best unveiling EVER!  Click here to visit Shep's CFAI page!

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Shep's New Commission is Finished!

This Commission has been a good one.  First I had a great subject, a handsome young man at his First Communion.  Second I had great Grandparents who were always willing to help with the painting giving advice and arranging sittings which are so important to the process.  Third I had time.  There are very few elements to this portrait, as you can see, but you can't imagine how many times I completely repainted the background including the young lady in the veil.  The final result is one I'm very proud of.  How do you all like it?   

Click Here for Shep's Web Site!

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