The Faces Of God Illustrations

As some of you know (and you most certainly have seen) i have been working regularly on illustrations for an upcoming book. I was asked to paint illustrations for An ABC book about the many attributes of God. This ministry bobhartley.org is having it published. So this is a very exciting development for me as an artist and a christian. I hope All of my fans, friends, and family will be able to check it out as soon as this book is completed! paintings shown are A. approachable. B blesses. C caring/close. D defender. E everlasting father. F friend. G good shepherd. H healing. I instructor. J joyful. K king of kings/kind. L loving. M mighty.

illustrations for your viewing pleasure

I love making characters come to life. And there are lots of character wondering around in my imagination waiting for a chance to express themselves. Her are a few i have done over the years. I hope you enjoy meeting them!

This is Burke McDooley, he is a very adventurous fellow or at least he has very imaginative daydreams.

Classic pen and ink wash. maiden washing clothes.

The green knight fighting for his life.

Sue Billy Baker thinking about big dreams.

Mighty Max Illustrations. Max is a very silly feline.

Pigeons preach.

King Lion

This is the "Edgy pirate" series is based off a story I wrote.

"Sam is a Fox" and what a fox he is.

These next two are illustrations done for tutorial advertisements, as well as two outfit concepts.

100+ Fan contest and giveaway!

Wow! I have such wonderful encouraging fans! Y'all make painting so very rewarding. Not only have I met some outstanding people with lovely children, but I like to think I've made some new friendships as well. So thank you!

Okay now to get down to business. The Contest. My Friend Laura Floyd owner of SewRadDesigns ( you can buy her stuff on etsy here SewRadDesigns) and I were discussing a fun way to get our fans thinking creatively while putting on a contest. After brain storming for a bit the light bulb went off. How about we have them post a photo on my wall. A photo they took of something they love. Something they would want painted. The winner will be chosen by how many likes they have generated on their post. How much fun is this!

I can't describe how excited we were to get this thing started. So here goes, To enter this contest you must do four important things.

1. You need to go here> SewRadDesigns and like this page.(if you haven't already please "like"EMM-Illustrate)

2. post a quick note of salutation on SewRad's wall. ex: " hey! Im excited about the contest, and love your flowers!"

3. Post a photograph that you took or own, on my wall EMM-Illustrate It can be of anything you'd love for me to paint. You should say if you'd like it in watercolor or acrylic.

4. Tell all your friends and family to like your picture. Whoever has the most "likes" by the end of the contest will win!

The prizes include, a handmade flower clip by SewRad designs and an 8x10 of their photo painted by me!

This is an old photograph i have of my grandfather.

This is the photo done in watercolor.

I took this picture while at the beach this summer.

I painted it here in acrylic.

How to choose the RIGHT picture for painting!

So you decided you want to have a portrait painted of someone you hold dear. However you just can't decide which photo would be best. And you certainly don't want to send loads of pictures to the artist for them to choose. Well put your worries aside, I've come up with some ways to help.

Step 1: Assuming you already know who you want painted, you should decide what age you want them drawn. Parents love pictures of their babies and toddlers. It's a fleeting time in a persons life, and let's be honest we are all much cuter as kids!

Step 2: After narrowing down your search to the right age, you should choose the mood. Here are three basic types:

~Formal: The standard shoulder to face crop, with plain background. All focus is on the subject. Think of school pictures or church directories.

~Outdoorsy: In these pictures the subject won't be up close, usually. There should be an interesting scenery; this will give it a timeless landscape feel.

~Artsy: These photos will be taken at odd angles, very candid. The subject should not be looking at the camera.

Step 3: Narrow it all down to three shots you really like, then send them to the artist. I know for me I like to see a few options to decide which photo will turn into the best painting.

TIPS! : The following are photo examples of what to, and not to do.

Ah the classic awkward posed shot. adorable yes, good for painting, not really. Also, why have a photo you have already paid for redone to then pay for it again? I'd like to also point out, not many open mouthed toothy grin shots translate to paint very well.

Another bad choice for painting; posed group shots like this probably won't look great. Plus copyright infringement is questionable.

Cute! very cute. But the silly sweet faces in the photo will probably look like mad faces in the painting. Find a less exaggerated facial expression.

Almost there! this picture is very nice, but the adorable crooked smile still might change his looks once it's drawn out.

This is more like it. This shows personality, the subtle smile gives it some sweetness. Also the angle is unique and interesting.

Beautiful! the colors are bright and soft and i can see the whole face without lines or much shadow.

This is a fun outdoorsy type photo. It has all the things you should look for; lush surroundings, lovely lighting, and a clear subject.

Completed watercolor portraits

A little bit of paint and tape.