Photos by Melany Dawn Crouse

I was invited by Dawn Crouse for a photoshoot in Hickory, NC. It was an honor to work with her, as she is a gifted photographer! I'm sharing some of the images from our photoshoot! Her website: http://melanydawncrouse.com/

About Me

There's a lot to tell, but I will try to hit the high spots!

I am an artist. I primarily sketch and paint portraits of people and pets, but I also illustrate books, do murals, design logos, and tons of other artsy stuff! The portraits are done on commission and shipped all over the country and OVERSEAS! YAY internet!

My last place of business, Personal Artist Studio & Gallery was located at 105 East Main Street, Lincolnton, NC. It was my own creation, my very own gallery and studio. I loved it there and felt more at home in Lincolnton in the four years I loved there than probably anywhere I've ever lived. In the gallery, I created, displayed, and sold my pieces as well as those by other artists. In that time, I also grew my student body from just three young students to 50-60 students ages 4-70! In the Summer of 2011, I closed the studio and moved to Charlotte, where I hope to grow my business. I still commute to Lincolnton every Tuesday and teach at the Lincoln Cultural Center, 403 East Main Street.

My lessons are unique in that I offer students of all ages an opportunity to explore what interests THEM most, work at their own pace, at their skill level, and help them develop and celebrate their own style of art! Students purchase a package of visits (or pay per visit), come when they can, and move at their preferred pace.

In October of 2009, the first publication of Appalachian State A to Z was released! It is being printed by RR Donnelley, published by Parkway Publishing, and distributed by John F. Blair, Publisher. Anne Aldridge Webb, friend since our college days, is the author. She and I labored over this baby for over two years and are SO PROUD to have it in print! We hope you will purchase a copy for yourself or someone you love: http://www.parkwaypublishers.com/childrens.html

I welcome emails! I enjoy corresponding with other artists, gallery owners, teachers, and PARENTS of young artists who know the challenges of raising creative children! Sharing makes us stronger in all of those areas!