My name is Raven J Collins My company is Portraits from Ashes.........

I specialize in hand drawn portraits and am well respected in all facets of multimedia art throughout Tampa Bay and surrounding areas. My art has also been shown in a few galleries in town and in other states. I am not trying to promote myself here though. I truly feel in my heart that I should be working to utilize my abilities for the sake of others, to help them during trying times of tragedy and loss….let me explain.

In April of 2006, I lost not only one, but two babies (nephews) to a terrible house fire here in Tampa Florida. As you can imagine, there was no way to have a open casket viewing at the funeral, so I put my talents to the test and drew two memorial style portrait drawings 11x17 size. The drawings sat on an easel next to the caskets so that everyone could pay tribute, see their happy faces one last time and be remembered forever as the great little boys they were.

This inspired me to come to the conclusion that this may be a necessity to some so I now draw these portraits and use a teaspoon of they deceased ashes to draw the portrait. The ashes will be used as an art tool to be blended into the shading, on the paper, in a very detailed piece of artwork. The art will be available in various sizes drawn on 100% acid free illustration board, so will not yellow in time. It will be signed, dated and stamped for authenticity. I can send personal references if needed. I will handle each project with professionalism, love and in complete privacy in a one on one manner. Regular portrait drawings can be done without ashes as well. Prices for those are considerably cheaper. I have a layaway plan and start each artwork with only a deposit of 50% and ill even pay for shipping!!!

I am hoping that my unique outlook on this subject will open a new arena of memorial style art that will be used as a tribute much like the traditional urn. My vision is to help serve the community in a loving way using my talent. Hopefully you will be happy with the art and you can keep it in your home as a symbol of the one you love to help keep their memory alive forever!

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