How inspiring is this shot of artist Stella Ehrich's pastels laid out on her studio table?  

If you ever read this blog, you know what one item I would run in and grab if my house was on fire - my son's portrait by Stella Ehrich.  It was painted when he was four, almost five, and I can't wait until my daughter gets to that age so that I can have her portrait  done too!  I'm feeling especially sentimental about the portrait now that we are moving.  I'm so thrilled to take this image that captures JR leaning against the columns at our current home to our new home. 

I'm writing about Stella's portarit again because she is headed for a tour of the South this month and I don't want you to miss out on the chance to meet her and visit with her about commissioning a portrait of yourself or a loved one.  She will be on the road soon so please reach out to her at (802) 922-3989 or email her at sehrich@comcast.net.  Click here to visit her website.

She will be in: 

Dallas: April 10-20

New Orleans: April 21-24

Raleigh: May 8-11

Memphis: May 12-16

She just sent me this darling picture of a little girl she recently captured along with her new portrait.  Isn't it darling?  I love the way Stella gets to know the people she paints, regardless of age.  She truly becomes a friend in the process which makes the final product even more special.

Stella Ehrich is Dallas Bound!

Y'all know how much I adore my friend Stella, not only for her amazing portraits, but also because she is such a dream to be around.  I hope you will set up a time to meet her when she comes to Dallas from September 1-8th.  She can talk you through the portrait process and show you the differences between a charcoal, pastel and oil. 

Click here to read about the experience we had.  It was wonderful and I hope you will email her to set up a time to meet her yourself!  sehrich@comcast.net

Proper Portraits: The Amazing Stella Ehrich

It's spring and that means that the amazing Stella Ehrich is headed back to Dallas!  I just love it when I get the email from her that she is headed my way.  She is one of the loveliest people I have had the pleasure to meet. 

A few years ago, she painted a portrait of my son and he just fell in love with her too!  At the age of five, this was the first adult he referred to as his "friend" and it truly warmed my heart.  She captured every detail of his charming little spirit and physical traits that made me smile as well.  She even caught that his second toe on his left foot slightly crosses over the third, just like my father's does.  

But I am not the only mother who has been thrilled with Stella's work.  Here are some excerpts from some notes that mother's have sent to her after they have received the portraits:

"Honestly, there are no words to describe my endless gratitude to you for creating such a beautiful portrait of my love, Hannah.
You have created a perfect reflection of the most precious gift in my life, my daughter.
Your generous, kind spirit is so beautiful  and comforting. Thank you for all that you are. You too are a gift "

    Sandra Magsamen

"Well, I am finally over my emotional reaction to seeing Will's portrait.  (She burst into tears when she walked into the studio.)  You have done a remarkable job of capturing his essence and channeling it through his eyes and smile into your painting.  There is something very much like the Mona Lisa in his face - you have caught a spectrum of emotions in this single expression.  I could not be one iota happier.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!"

 Gayle Brindley

So, now it is your turn to meet Stella and commission a work.  She will be in Dallas April 16th - 28t and you don't want to miss this wonderful opportunity to meet with her.  You can read a bit more about the process of the portrait by clicking here.  I know you will be as happy with it as I have been.  I can't wait for my daughter to reach the age of five so that we can have her sit for Stella!

Please give her a call at 802-922-3989 or email her at sehrich@comcast.net.

Interview with: Portrait Artist, Stella Ehrich

2012 was full of some milestones for our family, including our son, JR's, fifth birthday.  We wanted to commemorate the year by having his portrait painted and artist, Stella Ehrich, was the perfect person for the job. 

The process was magical and the final portrait is even more special than we could've imagined.  What we didn't expect to get out of the process was a new friendship. Working with Stella was a dream.  She truly cares about her subjects and has a passion for portraiture.  JR adores her and often asks when she is coming over again. 

I couldn't wait to share her with you! I hope you will take a moment to read our Q&A with her below:

For more information visit Stella's website here. 

My Friday Favorites for your weekend enjoyment!

• 'Tis the season for holiday parties. Decorator Phoebe Howard shares her top 10 tips for gracious holiday style.
• Krystal recently posted some wonderful photos from her "Winter Wonderland" party to celebrate her Idlewild debut. Take a look here.
• I was recently gifted GRACE: A Memoir, and I can't put it down (even though it looks perfect as a coffee table book). It is definitely a must-read of the season.
• I am thrilled to share this week's Texas Living segment featuring the amazing, Stella Ehrich, who has just finished working on a portrait of JR. Watch it here! 
• Lastly, a big thank you to Portland Book Review for the lovely comments about my new book, Wedding Inspirations!