A Lifelong Dedication to Fine Art

I have been drawing and painting since I was very young, and since officially establishing my studio in 1992, I have brought over 34 years of professional commission experience to my easel. My life's work has been dedicated to hand-rendering fine art portraits that capture the true, lifelike spirit of dogs, cats, horses, children, and family homes.

In a rapidly changing digital world, there is one medium that we already know has stood the test of time! Hand-drawn or painted portraits have been revered for hundreds of years for good reason: they last, they are recognized, and they are treasured.

Modern digital files, by comparison, are still in their infancy. They are fragile, fleeting, and dependent on technology most people cannot control. We all know how one wrong click can cause incredible frustration—and when we have thousands of files "saved" on a device, are we really looking at and enjoying them? In many ways, the digital convenience of our modern world has also become a hindrance.

By contrast, a drawing or painting can last hundreds of years with thoughtful care. Traditional fine art rendered by a trained artist honors your family legacy with a level of emotional sensitivity and visual depth that raw photography struggles with and AI filters completely miss. Sure, AI filters are flashy for a brief moment, but the longer you look, the less fulfilling they feel because they distort visual reality in a way that isn't natural.

Digital photography does offer wonderful gifts, though—especially the candid snapshots people capture of their beloved pets. When taking new reference photos, I recommend getting down to your pet's eye level near a window or single light source. Still, sometimes the only photos we have are blurry, poorly lit, or imperfect, and that is where an experienced artist makes all the difference. Having spent my entire life sketching and drawing animals from life, I have developed the trained eye needed to read subtle anatomy, lighting, and expression—gleaning vital details from client-provided photographs to bring your companion's true spirit onto the canvas.

Whether you are looking to salvage a faded heirloom family photo, commission a tribute to a beloved companion pet, or book a live event painting for a milestone occasion, your journey is met with an authentic dedication to the timeless lineage of fine art.

You are warmly invited to connect with me for all of your portraiture needs, or to discover the joy of private art instruction and group lessons. Whatever your goals, your creative journey is met with the experience that only a lifetime of dedication to the arts can provide.

Thank you for being here with me!

Painting from life in the gardens of the Glebe House Museum during their Wine, Cheese & Art Please event 2026.

Demonstrating pet portraiture of Frost and Bootsie at the Bethlehem Library. These two kitties were very bonded and were perfect for sketching!

ShawnaLee, circa 1976, painting daily surrounded by a community of artists - including mentors from the Ridgefield Guild of Artists. Photo credit: Helen E. Waterbury with kind permission to use.

ShawnaLee working on an oil painting of Berri at a Night of Caring Event for Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center 2023. Photo credit: Viktoria Stockmal with kind permission to use.