BTS episode 17

There are only two pixelated photos available of Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan. My job with this commissioned portrait was to convert these reference photos into a lifelike portrait that gave over the love and wisdom of the Chofetz Chaim.

I’m really happy with how the piece came out. The shadow shapes and value transitions are where I need them to be and I’m ready to pack and send off this portrait to its forever home.

If you’re interested in a print you can find available options on my website under shop- gedolim series.

BTS episode 16

Ready for another draw with me reel?

This drawing was an incredible opportunity to celebrate the life and love of this sweet couple. I wanted to create a piece that highlighted the history and depth of the couples relationship. I loved working on the piece and watching it grow.

A couples portrait is my favorite commission request because it gives me a chance to use my skills as a portrait artist to highlight and add to the love in my clients life. Through my art, I can freeze time to a place of peace and joy that is accessible every time the viewer looks at their drawing. I hope this custom portrait will make my client happy. I hope it will remind them of the positives in their spouse and the good times they shared.

If you’re interested in creating a similar piece please reach jut- I’d be happy to answer any questions.

BTS episode 15

I just finished my most detailed ambitious drawing to date.

I started off with a really clear outline for the design which helped me stay in control of the myriad of details and value transitions.

I love the feeling this drawing gives off- it has the right mix of nostalgia and life. It reminds me of lag baomer in meron, of hachnasas Sefer Torahs, of simchas Torah dancing… it reminds me of the joy and traditions studded into Jewish life.

What does this drawing mean to you? I’d love to hear in the comments. Please also let me know whether you prefer process videos or close up pictures like this.

16” by 16” graphite on paper
Available

BTS episode 14

How much do you know about Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler?

Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler (1892–1953) was a Jewish philosopher of the 20th century. His teachings have been organised posthumously in the six-volume book- Michtav m’Eliyahu (later translated into English and published as "Strive for Truth").

Perhaps one of his most influential ideas, discussed throughout his works but especially in the first volume of Michtav me-Eliyahu is the "Jewish philosophy of love." He observes that the perfect love from the point of view of Jewish philosophy is not "give and take" but focuses exclusively on giving.

I’m marriage this is especially true. When both sides are focused on what they can do for the other there is sure to be peace between them.

It was a privilege to work on this portrait for my client’s anniversary present. I hope this gift will help inspire them both and add Rabbi Dessler’s ideal of love into their home.

BTS episode 13

Have you ever heard of a Areinfirinish?

In Chassidish tradition, the day a child turns three is an extra special birthday. The father wraps his child up in a tallit to protect his son from seeing anything impure and brings him to cheder (school) for his introduction to formal learning.

All the children are given pekeles (candy parcels) as they celebrate with the family.

The father then sits his son on his lap and starts to teach him the aleph beit. The letters are coated in honey to teach the birthday boy about the sweetness of the Torah and the Jewish alphabet which the Torah is written in.

The boy licks the honey off the letters as his father teaches them to him.

This drawing captures part of this beautiful tradition. I loved working on this detailed piece and slowly brining it to life. It’s the first non-commissioned artwork I’ve made in months so it has a special place in my heart.

SOLD

BTS episode 12

3 days of drawing in under 1 minute.

I think of my business as a way for me to help others connect to the people who mean the most in their life. My goal is that when my clients look at my drawings they will experience the full love for the people in the piece that might have been buried by the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

If you’re interested in a similar piece please reach out- I’d be happy to help create a custom piece for you.

BTS episode 11

“What do you do?”

We all get this question- if not once a day then probably around once a week.

I’ve always enjoyed the look on people’s faces when I respond “I’m a commission based portrait artist.” And of course, the different reactions I get from my answer.

But my job is much more than just a portrait artist.

It’s a responsibility to faithfully capture emotion and likeness.

It’s a series of problem solving games that occurs throughout the entire creation process.

It’s my personal expression and my way of using my talents to help others.

It’s my childhood dream turned to reality.

I am so sincerely grateful for all of you who have trusted me with their commissions and who have supported my work.

Hope you enjoy the video. If there is someone special in your life that you’d like to celebrate with a custom art piece please reach out. I’d be happy to help :)

BTS episode 10

I’ve just come back from visiting my in-laws in England. While in Europe my husband and I toured the South of France for two weeks in a camper van and got to see some amazing places.

Before I left for England I decided to surprise my mother in law with a portrait from my wedding. I didn’t have a lot of time and just a few hours before my flight I was varnishing and wrapping this gift. I’m really happy with how it turned out though. I’m even happier that it was so appreciated ❤️🥰

Do you have an event you’d like to commemorate with a custom drawing? Click here to find out more about my prices and process.

BTS EPisode 9

Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon was one of the towering figures in history. Among the Jewish people, he is known as the Rambam, while universally - for his fame and influence reached far beyond the confines of his own people - he is called Maimonides.

The Rambam (1135-1205) was born in Cordoba, Spain but was expelled in 1148 when the Almohads (a fanatical Muslim group originating from northern Africa) conquered Spain and forced their religion on to the country.

The Rambam was forced to wander with his family for 17 years until they settled in Cairo, Egypt. There, the Rambam became a court physician to the sultan while continuing to write commentary on the Torah. When he was 23 and still fleeing from Spain he started the first of three monumental works- Sefer HaMaor- which he finished 10 years later. His clear, methodical and analytical mind and his remarkable ability to arrange the material systematically is already evident in this early work.

Had the Rambam written no other work but the Sefer HaMaor, it would have been sufficient to immortalize him among the Jewish people. But he had no sooner completed this work than he embarked on his next and even more ambitious project, the codification of Jewish law. This Sefer- Sefer Hamitzvos- systemically organized the 613 Torah commandments.

While working full time as a physician and Jewish leader, the Rambam embarked on his magnum opus- The Mishneh Torah. Mishneh Torah is a collection of fourteen books that details all of Jewish observance.

While the Rambam lived in Cairo every minute of his day was occupied. He would serve the Sultan until afternoon when he would make the mile and a half journey home. There he would eat his first and only meal of the day before treating the locals while lying down from sheer exhaustion. Visitors would come to see him till after nightfall. And still he was able to accomplish so much in the literary world and produce such priceless works.

Maimonides passed away when he was 70 years old. He was buried in Tiveria where to this day thousands of Jews come to pray. The Rambam was truly a polymath, who’s wisdom, philosophy, and teachings have effected the lives of millions across different spectrums of religion and time.

“From Moshe to Moshe, there arose none like Moshe."

BTS Episode 8

Ever wondered what an artist thinks about when she’s drawing?

This is my process video for my drawing of Rabbi Perr along with some of my thoughts while drawing the piece.

Rabbi Yechiel Yitzchak Perr is an American-born rabbi and the founder and rosh yeshiva of the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway.

Perr married Shoshana Nekritz, the great-granddaughter of the Alter of Novardok, Rabbi Yosef Yozel Horwitz. It was after his marriage that Perr came into contact with the Novardok tradition. His teachings reflect this influence and revolve around the Alter’s work.

Rabbi Perr (and his students) had a huge influence on my life. This drawing will be added to my personal collection.

BTS Epoisode 7

“Can you draw an anniversary present for my wife?”

That is my favourite commission request.

And it’s not only that the reference picture is from a professional photographer, and therefor excellent quality- there’s so much more to it.

I love capturing the magic of two people bursting with happiness and gratitude. I love celebrating the commitment and beauty of this special day. I love knowing that when my client looks at my art they’ll be transported back to the feelings they had on their wedding day and how much they appreciate their spouse. Using my talents in this way is the most rewarding part of being an artist.

If you have someone in your life that you like to create a portrait of, please reach out- I’d be happy to help :)

BTS episode 6

Come draw a commission with me.

This double portrait is of a great-granddaughter and her namesake- Shlulamis. The Hebrew text above the piece reads “Come back come back, Shulamis”- a verse from The Song of Songs (7:1).

I love the way this drawing links together so many generations. I’m so grateful I was able to help make this family happy through my work 🥰🥰

bts episode 5

BTS #5

I got my favorite request last week- “Can you make an anniversary present for my wife?” This piece was a pleasure to create- not only because of the meditative calm I feel while drawing, but because I knew I was adding to the love of another couple. Slowly building up a drawing is sort of like building a relationship. You need a solid foundation, time and patience.

bts episode 4

BTS #4

Getting a request to create a special piece for the people in my clients life who mean the most to them is my favourite part about being an artist.

I love that I can use my talents to help others connect to each other.

I love the process of getting to know the story behind my commission requests.

I love that my hobby is also my job.

bts episode 3

BTS #3

I made this portrait for a newly married couple who’s love keeps growing a little more every day.

The most beautiful part about being an artist is getting to spend my day celebrating the love in peoples lives through my portraits. It makes me feel so good to be using my skills to make others happier 🥰

BTS episode 2

BTS #2

One of my favorite presents I got from my wedding was this sterling silver frame. I knew I had to do something special with it. This pencil portrait has special significance to me. I love how it captures the safe, happy feeling I have when I’m with my husband

In general working on this piece was a real pleasure. I’m so happy to have this drawing to help me remember my special day ❤️❤️

BTS episode 1

BTS #1

A portrait commission is always fun- but a portrait of a newly wed couple is a pleasure that extends beyond the actual drawing. It is a pleasure of adding love into the lives of those around me. It is the thrill of capturing a special moment forever. It is the happiness of using my talents to connect other people to each other.