Pepper Portraits LLC

05/26/2026

Hickory Tussock Moth, 5x7" Prisma and Luminance pencils on cold pressed cotton paper, my references.

05/22/2026

Well now, isn't this cool! The Northern cinnabar polypore (Pycnoporus cinnabarinus Fungus)

05/20/2026

darling!

05/20/2026

Nancy Meyer , Yep that's us!

05/13/2026

I'm calling this finished (unless I find something else to tweak.) This is a commission for two serious naturalists enjoying life together. It was supposed to be 20x24", but grew a few more inches in both directions.The references provided by the clients were very low resolution and required experience to maneuver. It was a painstaking endeavor, using oil based colored pencils- mostly Polychromos and some Holbeins on 300lb hot pressed Fabriano Artistico paper. The oil pencils are tough to layer, but lift well for the bright whites. They lend a diffuse texture which softens the overall impression.

05/12/2026

05/10/2026

I'm sad because for the second year in a row I did not get into CPSA's annual International Exhibition. Here are two of my submissions:
"DoTell," 17x28" Colored pencils using my photo references except for the bats which were generously given to me by Steve Maslowski. This is a portrait of me gossiping with my muses

" Don't Worry, Be Happy" Colored pencils using my references. This is my neighbor with her Jack Russel " Bama" on her tractor.

Both of these pieces were big, involved and challenging.

04/10/2026

-a very challenging commission using low rez photo ref provided by the client. (I don't always have the luxury of photographing my clients.) The faces are in. I've started the background to help with values. Notice how the skin tone palettes differ. Hopefully it will all come together in the end. It's like working on a puzzle.

I chose to use oil based colored pencils (Polychromos and Holbein) on 300lb weight cotton paper to create a diffused softness. The end size will be roughly 20 x 24".

02/20/2026

Always nice to be recognized!

02/18/2026

This original colored pencil on 4ply rag was created for a colored pencil class I ran a few years ago. Both the original and prints are available. Go to my website to see all available giclee prints. (See comments below)