artist MichelleMcAdams .  I am  a self taught artist working in a variety of mediums, specializing in  Colored Pencil.  I  grew up idolizing the well known wildlife artist Robert Bateman, and  dreamed of being able to paint as beautifully as him.  I attempted to  take art classes in college to pursue my interest but found that I hated  art classes!  Instead I studied Wildlife Biology at Colorado State  University where my love and appreciation for wildlife grew. My  professional career took another path, and years later I again yearned  to follow my dream of becoming an artist.  The internet offered so many  more opportunities to learn different mediums and through some trial and  error I found what I needed to learn on my own.

They  say that to succeed as an artist it is best to develop a style that is  recognizable.  I am still searching for that particular style as I have  many interests and love drawing just about anything.  Wildlife has  always been my first love and my first choice as a subject for my  original works.   My  commission work began with pet portraits for family and friends.  My  goal was to provide a piece of art that captured the animals  personality.  Taking a quality reference photo, I am able to isolate the  pet and often add a background that is much more pleasing  than the original photograph.  I enjoy drawing human critters as  well and offer portrait commissions as well.  I am fortunate to be commissioned by the National Collegiate  Hockey Conference to draw the winners for the annual Mark Rudolph Achievement Award and retirement portraits.   I love creating art and having people enjoy what I create!