Hello! Thank you for visiting my site. Since opening Connie Wagner Studio several years ago, my art journey has taken a few sidesteps. Although not usually easy to wait and work through things, I always feel that everything works in God's timing. 

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In the spring of 2018, we lost our beloved Boston Terrier, Archie. It hit us like a brick wall. Growing up on a farm, I became used to the circle of life with pets and farm animals. But this loss was far more painful than either my husband or I expected. 

 

That fall, to deal with my grief, I dug out a photo of Archie that just captured him. I had not created a piece of art in several years - or at least anything that I even liked. I had been following many color pencil pet portrait artists on Instagram. I used to work in color pencil a lot. So I dug out the boxes of pencils and found some paper that would work. I started in and Archie began to come to life on the page! 

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I was hooked on pencils again. I thought - well maybe I could do the pet portrait gig. I thought I would test the water and draw Archie's partner in crime, our cat Mabel. They had the love-hate relationship of brother and sister. It was a constant challenge to keep some peace. They antagonized each other pretty much all the time, unless they were asleep. It was frustrating and hilarious. So I drew Mabel with her super-large inquisitive eyes. It is really fun to have portraits of them both. Especially one of Archie. 

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I would not have taken this turn in the road without Archie. He was a handful and kept us on our toes for ten years! I now know God was saying, "hang in there - I got ya."

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For I know the plans I have for you.

Jeremiah 29:11

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