Mandi Larkins

"Fearfully and Wonderfully Made" This 16x20 conte drawing illustrates the verse "I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14) God miraculously created each life with His divine ability. No matter much how the value of life is disregarded in the world, God cherishes each person with His indescribable love.

"Chris 'Doc' Anderson". 16x20 Graphite drawing. "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Christopher Anderson is a valiant soldier who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. The least we can do is to pray for and support our troops.

"Dramatic Flair". 9x12 Charcoal pencil. Capturing the exquisite grace of a ballerina is so enjoyable for me. This was a "just-for-fun" drawing.

"Ryley Brynn". 14x18 Pen Stipple. During one of the few moments sweet Ryley actually stayed still, I snapped a photo of her and drew it with the pen stipple technique: literally thousands of dots. After the first 20 hours on this piece, I started dreaming in dots.

"Self-Portrait" Graphite, 8x10 Doing a self portrait is especially challenging because we all have preconceived suppositions about our facial characteristics. I drew most of this upsidedown so my brain could focus on the execution and not on my subconscious assumptions.

"Ruth: my daughter, fear not". Charcoal on 14x18 Illustration board. For the Biblical portrait project, I chose to do a study of Ruth from the Bible. I've always admired her because she was so in love with God that she was willing to go anywhere for Him. [my sister Emily was the model]

"Choose Life." 12x16 White Charcoal on black mat board. Aren't you glad your mother chose life?

"Panda Love" 14x18 Charcoal. Panda bears have been my favorite animal since before I can remember. Adding the chinese symbols for "Panda" and "love" was so much fun! I will be doing more asian-style art in the future.

"Polish Immigrant" 12x16 Conte. I saw this man in a history book. The depth and emotion in his face was begging to be drawn. The struggles that he and countless of other immigrants faced is something I cannot comprehend, but can only attempt to draw.

"The Author's Nap" 6x6 Scratchboard. This was a totally new technique but I am so glad we did it! Drawing on scratchboard requires you to use the reverse thought process of your brain. On the black board, you scratch away until the right amount and texture of white board shows through. Fun!

"Lioness on the Prowl". 12x18 Graphite pencil. When I started this drawing, I was a graphic design major. By the time I turned it in, I changed my major to Studio Art. God used this project to show me my inner passion for fine art.

"49er". 12x16 Pencil crosshatch technique. How many of us have to search through rivers for our paycheck? I can't help but be impressed with the determination of the gold miners.