LWL: How did you get started doing pencil portraits, Bethany?

BK: In July of 2000, my husband told me that he had a dream that I would become an artist. (A lot of people take this to mean that he literally dreamt this, but it wasn't like that....this was just something he imagined for me, and hoped that I would become). After he told me this, I made a goal to become one. The next day, he bought me a set of pencils and paper, along with an electric pencil sharpener so that I could begin. I drew and drew until I finally drew a face in October of 2000 (George Bush). After drawing my first portrait, I started using magazine pictures of celebrities as references and drew any of them I could find. Upon seeing them, people eventually began to tell me that I should start selling them. That is when I decided to start.

LWL: Do you have formal training?

BK: No, I never have. It just took a lot of practice. I did visit websites of many other pencil artists to get inspiration and ideas, though.

LWL: I have to tell you I'm awed by your command of light and shadow in your portraits. I can't believe how much you get from a pencil! Do you work with live subjects or is your work usually from photos?

BK: I really appreciate the compliment! I used to work a little from live subjects, but because of the time it takes to include so much detail, it's much easier for me to just work from a photograph. I have worked solely from photographs for about 5 years now.

LWL: When someone orders a portrait, what kind of things are important in the photo(s) they send to you? Should they send more than one?

BK: The most important thing is that the photo is clear. If the photo is not clear, it is very difficult to see details and draw a lifelike reproduction of that photograph. The second most important factor is that the picture is bright. Dark photos are very difficult to draw from. I usually ask that people send more than one, and the reason for that is that I can usually find at least one good quality photo to work from when I have several to choose from. Also, it gives me the opportunity to see the person (or animal) from different perspectives, which is very helpful when drawing the portrait.

LWL: Do you need any other information to do a portrait?

BK: Just the photo(s), the information of the buyer, and the time that they need the portrait finished by.

LWL: What is the most difficult part of doing a portrait?

BK: Hair is always my biggest challenge. If I am on a rushed schedule, it is very difficult for me to make the hair look convincing. The hair usually takes longer to draw than the face itself.

LWL: Is it easier to do babies or adults, and why?

BK: I think babies would be easier, mainly because they do not have all of the hair, details, etc that adults usually have.

LWL: Do you do portraits for different occasions, such as graduation portraits, wedding pictures, anniversary, birthday, etc?

BK: Yes.

LWL: What is your favorite subject to draw?

BK: Babies. I have always loved drawing babies, and seeing all their unique expressions.

LWL: We're now showing prints of your original artwork under Babies-Children, Calligraphy-Prints-Posters, and Father's Day. Which of your prints is the most popular to date?

BK: The print "Three Mules." A lot of people seem to like that one.

LWL: How long have you had your website?

BK: Since November 7, 2001.

LWL: How do you promote your website?

BK: By giving out business cards, leaving the link in my email signature, and posting it on my discussion board.

LWL: Do you attend trade shows or arts and crafts shows? Is this a good source of sales for you?

BK: I have never attended a trade show, but hope to one day in the future.

LWL: What is the best venue for selling your work?

BK: The Internet. I get the majority of my sales from my website.

LWL: Is your family supportive of your work?

BK: Yes, very. They have some of my artwork hanging in their homes.

LWL: Do you work outside your home and your website?

BK: No, not outside the home, but I do own a baby contest website as well as the sketch site.

LWL: What advice do you have for a person who is thinking of starting his or her own business and/or website?

BK: Action makes dreams become reality. Pursue your dreams!

LWL: Thanks very much, Bethany!