humane society of louisiana

Partnering with the Humane Society of Louisiana

I've recently embarked on a partnership with the Humane Society of Louisiana where donors are awarded a piece of my art based on how much they donate. The Humane Society focuses on fighting animal cruelty, neglect and mistreatment throughout the entire state. As you would expect, my family has known the head of the Humane Society of Louisiana, Jeff Dorson, s[...]

ADA Accessibility with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

As most of you know, I am a total concert fanatic. Other than art (which in most cases is at least 50% work), I don't have a whole lot of hobbies. Concerts give me a chance to get out of my house (where I live AND work) and to allow me to take a break from the real world. It's not only a change of scenery, but also a total and complete brain rest. Her[...]

Partying with Florida Georgia Line

My friend Christy (with whom all of my avid blog readers should know well by now) and I have been following the band Florida Georgia Line for some time. Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, along with their band, put on an absolutely amazing show. How they have not won Entertainer of the Year yet, I honestly have no idea. Although they sometimes get a bad wrap fo[...]

My Pet Portrait Process

Posted In: All | Featured | KAK Art & Designs
Today I want to give you guys a look into my process when creating a watercolor pet portrait. I started painting pet portraits when I was about twelve and had immediate access to clientele through my parents' veterinary practices. Over the years, as my style evolved and became more refined, I got more and more requests to paint people's favorite furry friend[...]

Top Five Celebrity Meet Ups

I've been fortunate to meet quite a few celebrities over the past six or eight years, and if you follow me on Facebook, you've probably already seen several of the pictures below. People always ask me how I manage to meet the stars, and the truth is, most of the time it's a matter of sheer luck. Although I've gladly paid for meet and greet opportunities, I'v[...]
barometric pressure

Barometric Pressures of Fall

It's a beautiful day here in New Orleans. 75 degrees, full sun and a nice breeze coming off the lake. Fall is quickly approaching, and it's a nice change from our 97 degree, 100% humidity summer weather. (Not to mention the cold front is keeping the hurricanes away!) Our dogs have an extra spring in their step and my Facebook feed is blowing up with people e[...]
flying with a wheelchair

The Challenges of Flying with a 400 Pound Wheelchair

My blog this week was supposed to tell you guys about the amazing art teachers I've had throughout my career, but the experiences I had with my wheelchair over the weekend flying to Maine and back inspired me to switch it up a bit. Don't worry, art teachers are soon to come. A couple of months ago, Mom and I were given a unique opportunity to plan a trip t[...]
lying down to paint

How I Paint: Perspective, Habit, & Practice

This may surprise you, but I paint lying on my right side, stabilizing my left hand on my body. This is actually the position in which I do most daily activities. Because it's hard on my back and my joints to sit up for a long time,even in my wheelchair, I've adapted to doing most things from a more comfortable lying down position. When you have constant p[...]

KAK ART Handmade Jewelry Designs

Posted In: All | Featured | KAK Art & Designs
I started making handmade jewelry when I was about fourteen. My dad had just had his double lung transplant, and in a weird series of events, reconnected with an old veterinary client of his who was into all kinds of art, including jewelry making. Ellan Vavrick is extremely talented in a number of mediums, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, st[...]
being sick osteogenesis imperfect

Being Sick and Having Osteogenesis Imperfecta

It's summertime, and you know what that means-everyone seems to be sick with that miserable upper respiratory cold that goes around without fail at this time every year. You know, the one you have tried desperately not to catch? The one where you tell yourself it's just a sore throat, and then before you know it, you're pretty sure you're dying from drow[...]