Hi there
 

Hello. I'm a full-time tattoo artist, but I hope to have a career in fine art. Time, although shouldn't be an excuse, is my biggest problem. I do pastel portraits in my free time, which I would like to do more of on a regular basis. I used to airbrush for about fifteen years, but eventually turned to pastels which I enjoy greatly. The tattoo thing is a way to pay the bills, it's art related, and on occasion, the client will allow me artistic freedom. I admire the work of Klimt, Odd Nerdrum, Pre-Raphaelites, Impressionists, American portrait artists and others. Looking foward to contributing to the forum. http://www.jgarroyo.com

Greetings from the Jersey Shore
 

Jimmie,

Hey there! Just wanted to say that I LOVE the portrait you included here. Who's the cutie?? It's always exciting to find someone else from "Joizee" who has an interest in portraits, and pastels too!

I use pastels for most of my work. It's funny you mentioned being a tattoo artist. I've had it suggested to ME that I should be one, but I don't think I could inflict the pain. Welcome aboard! I look forward to seeing more of your work!

It is funny how many of us don't follow any "direct path" into portraiture. I'm a former sign painter and one of my last jobs in that business was to paint a 7 foot high cup of coffee and a gigantic corned beef sandwich on the side of a "Roach Wagon."

Welcome. I hope to see much more of your work soon!