Pencil Portraits and Custom Cards
Since 1990, I've had the joy of drawing for hundreds of old friends and new friends. The portraits I've drawn for each client are meaningful in different ways and every project has had a special story, whether the portrait has included loved ones who are no longer with us, people who can't always be together or just precious images without all the distracting background and colors that compete for attention in a photograph.
Here is some of the feedback I've received...
I hope you had a great Mothers day. My wife was absolutely surprised and amazed by the portrait of our children. It made her day even more special. Thank you for your wonderful work and talent on the portrait of Isaac and his grandfathers. We're using it on 15 special Bar Mitzvah invitations and on the invitation to Sabbath dinner at our home before services. All those people will know who the older men in the picture are. A matter of pleasure and joy and pride to us all! Wendy, thank you so much for your efforts. I will take a picture of it after Mike opens it on Christmas and once he has it framed. Connie Scott - Champaign, IL
Tom Stirparo - Wilmington, DE
Sybil Mervis - Danville, IL
I wanted to say thank you again for the amazing portrait of my father. It is very comforting to have his portrait in my home. When I go up to visit my mom in Wisconsin, he’ll stay there and keep her company. They were married almost 54 years and maybe it will ease her loss. At the Mass and the restaurant afterwards, many people paid compliments and had nice things to say about it. The use of shadows and shading, the detail, the eyes have such depth and the face exudes light. My mother was moved to tears when she first saw it. “It’s so lifelike, your father would have loved it,” she said. Thank you! You have an amazing gift that brings joy to people when they view your work.
Jeanne Valenta - Chicago, IL
Just a note to say thank-you for a beautiful portrait of our whole family. When I was looking for an artist to do a composite of all of us there were some that could do people, others were better at pets and many were rather expensive. I knew my commission would be a challenge since it involved 4 people , 5 cats and 2 dogs. You handled it really well and worked with me to get the layout and expressions on everyone that I wanted. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of ‘getting it together’ as much as everyone has admired the finished product. Not just nice work but nice value too.
Gary Kitchener - Ontario, Canada
Awesome !!!! I am soooo excited! I brought it in to work to show my co-workers. They were VERY impressed. I gave them your name and website. I know that once Mike gets it framed, he will be taking into his office. He has many people that come in and out of his office.
I just had to thank you again for the beautiful drawings you did of my three grandsons. As you know, my husband and I were very excited to give these as gifts to our daughter and daughter-in-law for Mother's Day. They both were speechless, and tears came to their eyes.....and mine. They LOVED the portraits! They were amazed, as was I, at your incredible talent and how you captured the children's faces and personalities with such perfection. I was asked to please make this a tradition with each new child that is brought into our family. You have been blessed with a special gift, which brings much happiness to so many others. You were a joy to work with, Wendy. Thank you so very much!
Jackie Hanson - Downers Grove, IL
I have to tell you how many compliments we got on our Christmas cards this year. Everybody loved it and we had more than a few people tell us it was their favorite card ever and what a unique idea. Thank you and Happy 2009!
Wendy, my wife simply loved the portrait! I quote, ”This is the best Mother’s Day gift I ever received”! Thank you again.
Andy Konopka - Addison, IL
Wendy, your artwork is truly amazing! I was overwhelmed and thrilled with the drawings you did of my three grandsons. You captured their personalities perfectly. I was moved to tears when I saw it! (And the fact that my husband who’d usually give me a card – if I was lucky – on our 44th anniversary had the foresight to think of this and found YOU to do it!!!) I will definitely pass the word around of your talent and services. And again, I thank you very much. Your talent is awesome. Bobbie Bareham - Waynesboro, Virginia
My parents loved the portrait (along with everyone else that has had the chance to see it). I think my mom was a little bit in shock when she opened it. It was something they weren't expecting and they just couldn't believe how accurate all the details were. It was just beautiful! I'm so glad I ran into your booth at the craft show, it made my search for the perfect anniversary gift very easy! I'm amazed that you were able to do such a beautiful job in such short notice. You are a truly gifted artist. PS - See my mom's email to me below...
Thanks Becky. I brought the picture to work today to show everyone. They are as blown away as we were. I can't stop looking at it and thinking about it. It is such a wonderful gift! Thanks to both you and Jason. Seeing that I have never been able to find our original framed wedding picture, this means so very much. It's even better, being an original pencil drawing and representing then and now. I can't thank you, Greg and Jason enough. I am still just blown away! - Mom
Rebecca Dickeson - Volo, IL
well wendy....WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW A MILLLLION TIMES WOW...CAN U MAKE AN ANIMATED SERIES OF US TWO!? THAT LOOKS AMAZING...ONCE AGAIN WOW WOW WOW DID I SAY WOW? WOW!!!!
Jay Zvizdic - Skokie, IL
We purchased a great frame and hung our family portrait. When our daughter Cheryl came home for a visit, she was so touched by the drawing, she cried. She was happy to get the 8 x 10 version for her own. Thank you again and look forward to seeing you at future art shows.
Mary Alice Graf - Chicago, IL
I just got the portrait. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! I can assure you my parents are going to flip when they get this for Xmas. Thank you so much for helping me give something so special to my folks. I'll be framing one of the copies for myself, so I feel like I got two gifts in one. Thanks for everything! I had a lot of fun with this project. You are a true artist.
Angie Krietz - Chicago, IL
I received the portrait and it is truly beautiful. I wanted to give it to my mom right away!! Thanks for your hard work on it. I knew for a fact that it would be my mom's favorite gift EVER b/c it has all her grandkids in it. My mom cried....knew she would!!! She also brought it to a dinner party to show all of her friends. She says it is the most special gift she has ever received!!
Genevieve Culhane - Glen Ellyn, IL
We have had an overwhelming response to the baby announcements! Everybody LOVES them and compliments us on such a unique way of showing off our boys. A number of people asked about you and said they were interested in doing something with you at some point. Thanks again for such beautiful work, attention to detail and being so darn easy to work with. We really loved your professional eye in helping to make the picture even more attractive with some enhancements, and the quick turnaround you had with the original layout, edits, and final pencil drawing. It was such a pleasant experience to work with you - we hope to do it again ourselves!
Jerri & Daryl Gapastione - Lombard, IL
Kelly Klein - Ingleside, IL
Wendy King - Greenwood Village, CO
Rhonda Jablonski - McHenry, IL
our parents on Thursday night at dinner. They cried! They loved it
so much. Thank you so much for doing such a great job. All of my
siblings were equally as happy. You really are a great artist. Once the
baby is born in October - we will send it back to you so he/she will be added.
I will be in contact soon regarding another portrait for my in-laws. Thanks again!
Brooke Collins - Deerfield, IL
Just had to let you know how much Mom and Dad loved their anniversary "then and now" portrait! They had specified "no gifts" on the invitation, but thought that the portrait was exactly the right way to commemorate the occasion! I have your brochure and will definitely recommend your portraits. It was so fun and easy to do the whole thing over the Internet - isn't technology amazing? Thanks again...
Diane Ruklic - Frankfort, IL
I just wanted you to know that Kevin gave me the portrait Thursday when I got home from work. He was so excited he couldn't wait until Mother's Day. I loved it so much I cried. We already have it at the framers too. I took it to work on Friday and showed it to almost everyone there. I gave out your cards and some people wrote down your info. Hopefully some will use you in the future. Thank you again Wendy, it's beautiful!
Tracy Mullane - Bolingbrook, IL
I have just received the lovely drawing of my puppies, it is absolutely amazing and I love it. It is exactly as I wished, conjuring up fond memories of the time we spent playing up by the tree. The grass you thought would be helpful to add just sets it off you are so right! Thank you so much Wendy I am really thrilled. I have more puppies due early September-not too many I hope and then I can get you to draw them again!!!!!!!!!!!
Alison Burgess - Sussex, England
I wanted to let you know that my magical box arrived at work and I am ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH MY PICTURES!!! The portraits are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! You definitely have some huge fans and I know of at least one of my friends who's thinking of having a portrait done. I, naturally, started to cry when I saw Shammy's picture. He looks all warm and fluffy and the framing is just gorgeous. I know my husband is going to melt like butter when he sees it. I'm so excited to give it to him for Christmas. If there's one thing that brings a tear to his eye (besides a Chicago Bears' loss) is his little buddy boy. And Kristy and Andy will be floored when they see theirs--you captured their eyes perfectly! I cannot thank you enough for doing these so quickly and so beautifully. I can't wait for everyone I know to see your work and I just know they will send business your way. I'm just thrilled to pieces and I cannot begin to express how much I think of your artistry and talent. And you are such a sweetheart too and have made this SO much fun for me! I look so forward to the day we can meet in person. I'll definitely keep my ears and eyes open regarding craft shows going on locally. Thank you again for your beautiful work Wendy! I'm just beaming since getting your emails. I cannot wait to present these for Christmas!!!
Shannon Kelley - Rockford, IL
It is fantastic!! I am so happy with the way it turned out. You are such a gifted artist.
Dawn Secketa - Antioch, IL
Wendy, being able to accomplish the drawing of my boys all via email (due to our overseas assignment) in such a short time was great and the drawing was a huge hit with the grandparents and our friends. It certainly made the world feel a bit smaller this far away from home. We are looking forward to sharing the drawing with everyone in our Christmas cards this Christmas!
E. Herring - Antwerp, Belgium
Mom and Dad are leaving tomorrow for a 10 day Hawaiian cruise. I will give them the picture soon after they get back and get settled. I can't wait to give it to them. It will be a nice finish to a wonderful celebration. Just so you know... I hope our paths will cross again. Every time I I just want to thank you again for the beautiful drawing you did for me. I love to brag about it! Most of the time I stare at it in awe, and not because of my girls, but because of your attention to detail. I am so jealous of your talent and your love for it… you make me feel like your friend rather than your client. I am looking forward to having another one done again soon. Keep up the great work and I’m looking forward to seeing you at the art shows! SHE LOVED IT! It is proudly hanging in our living room where it has become a focal point. Anyone who sees it for the first time is literally blown away by it. People immediately mention how wonderfully you captured their smiles. The children themselves often stop and admire it! Best of luck--you have a very special talent. Thank you so much for doing the portrait--it is beautiful. Oh boy, did those portraits go over real well!!! I was sooooo excited. My sisters loved the one of all four of us and, of course, my mom cried when she got it. I think she absolutely loved it. My sister-in-law cried as well when she saw the one of the two boys. My mother-in-law loved it too. My father-in-law said it was the best gift he's ever gotten. You do such awesome work. Thank you so much. My sister brought her copy of the four of us to work and so many people asked her for your email address/website. I hope this brings you more clients. I'm already planning some more portraits and I know my mom wants one done of her and my dad. Your portraits were a huge success.
see that picture of Mom and Dad, I will think of you with admiration, gratitude and friendship and how your talent has touched our lives.
May God keep you and your family always in his care.
Denise Steck - Round Lake, IL
Sandy Smith - Twin Lakes, WI
John Sroka - Illinois
I just want to say thank you for the drawing you did of Gideon. It is beautiful! I cried when Dallise gave it to us. We had a hard time trying to figure out where we wanted to hang it because it is so special but for now we decided to hang it in the nursery right over the crib. I love it there! Our little angel will be watching over all our other little ones to come as they sleep soundly. I spend much time in the nursery praying and I can't keep my eyes of the drawing it is so precious to us. Thank you so much and God bless.
Tarah Goodson
Bill Mooney - Bancroft, IA
Diane DeLuca - Grayslake, IL
Whatever you've heard so far, Joanna's mother enjoyed and appreciated your portrait a hundred times more. She had put a "family portrait" on her Christmas list last year, but no one seems to be able to make the time to get together. That includes my family because it is a 5-6 hour drive for us from Iowa to Illinois. She truly enjoyed the portrait and later in the week when the two of us were alone, she made it clear that it was a very special gift for her. One, because it was the portrait of her whole immediate family she had wanted and two, because of the thought and work that was put into it. She set it on a dresser in the hallway of her cabin and told me that she had to stop, look at it, and smile everytime she passed by it. For my part, I was amazed at how the final product turned out. Not that I had my doubts - I had visited your website and had seen your examples. I am not lying when I tell you that of the three or four other webites I visited, your examples were far and beyond the best. The amount of detail and work you put into the portrait made me feel that you truly cared about your work. Not just because it is your work, but because you understand how important these types of gifts are to the recipient. For me the proof is in how spectacular the portrait turned out. Thank you very much for all your hard work with how the portrait turned out, the timing in getting it to us before we left on vacation, and for making me a hero in my wife's and mother-in-law's eyes. Your friend, Raul Thank you for accepting the challenge from St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Barrington to do a composite for our pastor who retired this past July. It was not an easy assignment and you did fullfill our challenge with flying colors (literally by accenting the picture with color). The committee was pleased and the picture was received very warmly by every one who saw it. We have a copy of the picture hanging in the hallway by the church office. It was not easy getting all the pictures together but once that happened you completed the composite quickly. Thank you for a job well done. Words cannot even describe the portrait you created. I was absolutely speechless when I looked at it - big tears came to my eyes too - my little baby isn't a baby anymore! You captured absolutely everything about her; I wouldn't change one thing. How lucky we were to have met you that day at the craft fair. Thank you so much; you are so very talented. I just can't stop looking at her portrait - it is just incredible! Wendy created a whole family portrait as Christmas gift for my parents. Since my family is so large, and we have so many different age levels of grandkids, it has been impossible for everyone to sit down for a family picture portait. Wendy's artistic talents were put to use to make a wonderful, sentimental masterpiece. She took time with each individual family to create, from all separate photos, a portrait of each family. Then she put all of my parents' five children and their individual families portraits together to make one large portait. She has given my family a priceless gift. When my parents were surprised at Christmas with Wendy's talent, they were in shock! She captured each person's inner self in the portrait and my parents were amazed. No words can express how much that portrait means to our family! Thank you, Wendy for our personal work of art! Kenneth Kolk - McHenry, IL I think you do outstanding work. You have a wonderful gift and you gave me the most beautiful one by drawing all three of my kitties together which I didn't think was possible. The portrait of Kitty, Megan and Romeo will always remain my very favorite. You have brought joy back into my heart since Kitty passed away which I never thought would happen to me. You do very detailed work that really makes the portraits come alive. I would definitely have another portrait done in the future. You made my first anniversary very special, everyoone loved the portrait and even liked the little business cards that they were able to take with our picture on it. Thanks so much for turning it around so quickly. I think it looks great. Thank you so much for the fast turn around time. You are a lifesaver. Talk to you soon about Christmas presents. Everyone loves the portrait of Boomerang and Sasha. We are slowly adjusting to the loss of Boomerang but I know we will always keep all our pets in our hearts. They were truly loved and they truly loved us and graced our lives with joy and devotion. Our son had tears in his eyes when we gave him the portrait, and hung it right away in his office at home. Thank you. He especially mentioned how you got the eyes right. They were his girls! Thank you for your kind work for us. Good luck with your shows and the exhibit at the new art center. I'll be sure to take that in. Love and prayers for your continued success. Blessings to your family. Wendy drew a beautiful portrait of my Mother-in-law and her closest coworkers as a retirement gift that I had chosen for her. I have given many gifts over the years, but none as special as the portrait created by Wendy. My Mother-in-law was touched to receive such a personal and meaningful gift. A portrait by Wendy is truly a gift to both the giver and receiver as it just as exciting to give this unique gift as it is to receive it. Wendy is a talented artist who creates beautiful portraits. She is wonderful to work with and is very open to her client's suggestions. I would recommend Wendy to anyone with great enthusiasm. I could not be happier with my portrait. Thanks again Wendy! We just opened the Father's Day gift from our son and daughter-in-law. You had sent it priority mail so that it arrived yesterday, but we had been requested to wait for the phone call from our son before opening. What a spectacular gift! You have captured the essence of the grandkids and the drawing is perfect, right down to the tousled head of the youngest. Their personalities jump right out of the drawing. You will have our highest recommendations! Wendy, you are a top-notch, talented artist. I love how you took several photos of my kids and puppy and combined them into the most prized piece of artwork we own. The drawing captured a very true-to-life snapshot in their lives. It is just gorgeous and amazing. I appreciated that you kept in regular contact with us during the process. You were fast and punctual, not only delivering on time, but in my case - earlier! Your portraits are a treasure to pass down through the generations. Anyone I send to you will be highly satisfied.
Raul & Joanna Gloria - Ankeny, IA
Darlene Moslander, President of St. Matthew altar Guild
I have to let you know how very satisfied we were with the finished drawing. It is absolutely beautiful. You have captured everyone perfectly. Our son Vic thought it was just great! He was so glad we had that extra copy for the Funeral Home. Just think how may people are going to see your work. Thanks again for all you did the results were wonderful.
Tom & Adrienne Garry - Bancroft, IA
Lara Pensy - Naperville, IL
Gayle C. Riggins - King, North Carolina
Julie Schoenherr - Gurnee, IL
They loved the portrait. It's in the dining room already. My mom cried for an hour! It was really a perfect gift for them!
Janet Nielsen - Oak Park, IL
I cannot tell you how happy I was to see the portrait of Jacob and Jack on Fathers day. You are truely talented and you continue to amaze me with your work. I always have your work hanging in my cube and people constantly ask me where and how to get them. I have no problems telling them that it was your talent that made these happen. Please don't ever get discouraged, let me know if there is anything I can do to send you more business in your times of need. Your best FAN! Thanks again, I am truely amazed and this brought a tear to my eye.
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH! It's so beautiful. I LOVE IT!!!!!!! I would not change a thing. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about you and your talent. I have just forwarded your website to my friend. My picture is almost a year old and I still love looking at it as if I picked it up yesterday and I will cherish it Always!!!!!
Jodi Davis - Trevor, WI
Theresa Bruhmuller - Lockport, IL
Tiffany Kolar - Warrenville, IL
I just had to tell you once again, what a great job you did on the picture. My Parents LOVED it !! They were so surprised, and said it looked just like their old house! Thanks again!
Mary & Werner Schulze - Waukegan, IL
I am very impressed with your work and how easy it was, too! I just sent you 3 pictures - one for each of my sons via email and you got to work! You put the 3 images together seamlessly, as if they had posed for a group picture. I liked that you were able to send me the images for me to view as you were completing the portrait. We love our portrait. It was a gift for the grandparents, but we had to get a copy for ourselves as well. We've had so many compliments on the portrait. We can't wait to have another one done and would highly recommend your work!
Anna Clausen - Mundelein, IL
I just wanted to tell you how touched everyone was by your beautiful portrait of Grandpa. The portrait and your prayer cards were "the talk" of the funeral. Rose was especially touched. Wally said he wanted to hang it up at work cause Grandpa looked like a "Chairman of the Board". He looked so healthy and happy and alive in the picture, just as he should. Thank you.
Dawn Ries - Libertyville, IL
Just a quick note to tell you that we gave the picture to my dad tonight, and his reaction was all that we hoped for and more. It was a tremendous success. He loves it, everyone loves it. I showed the copy to some of my friends at work and they were floored. They were talking about their desire to do something like that for various occasions. I don't know if they will act on it, but I hope you get some business from them. Anyway, I will be in touch soon when I get some of our other pictures together for our own portrait. Thanks for everything.
Randi Gideon - Skokie, IL
Roy and Mary Herring
S. Seeger - Mundelein, IL
I wanted to take a few moments to send a letter of thanks to you for your beautiful portrait of Shamrock. It's been a few years since you did it, but I wanted to let you know that we lost our Shamrock at the end of December this past year. We had him for a marvelous 13 years and he truly was the light of our life. It was a very painful loss, all the more because it was sudden and within a matter of three hours he was gone. Every day we look at his portrait, which is hanging in the living room, and it has brought us both more comfort than you can imagine. Your talents can compare to none, but I have to say, that the life you bring to your work is not only magnificent, but healing as well. Every time I look at his portrait I think of you and am always wishing you well and saying a prayer of thanks to you. You captured Shamrock perfectly. I just wanted you to know what a special place you have in our home. With hugs and sincere thanks,
Shannon Kelley - Rockford, IL
Courtney received her portrait on Wednesday, she called last night and was almost speechless. They absolutely love your work, my niece said what a great artist you are, she pointed out to Courtney how to tell that when you look at the eyes. It's so nice to give a gift that is such a surprise. Thanks again for making all of us so happy. All the best to you.
Carol Lieber - Buffalo Grove, IL
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