This portrait captures the complexity of a man who defies simple definitions. With a weathered gaze and unfiltered honesty, he’s not afraid to tell it like it is—yet beneath the no-nonsense demeanor lies a creative soul. A musician who moves fluidly between styles, he’s drawn to sounds as raw and unconventional as his spirit. The title, Measures of a Man, speaks not only to character, but also to his lifelong relationship with music—where every measure carries weight, rhythm, and intention. This painting reflects the quiet tensions that shape a life—strength and candor, grit and integrity, individuality and depth. These are the true measures of a man.

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September 8, 2022 I started a portrait tonight of singer, songwriter, composer—
Randall Graves.

The way I met Randall was truly a miracle and an answer to prayer.

Last month I got accepted into the Regional Utah-Colorado Portrait Society Art Show. I was so excited to get into this show! Then my next feeling was one of panic hoping I could pull it off. I wanted to paint two new pieces for this show but needed a model for one of the paintings. I spent a day thinking about who I could ask, wrote down a list of people and reached out to a few but didn’t really get any positive responses. I even asked a stranger at Walmart and they were kind, but I could tell they felt a bit uncomfortable.
I was getting pretty worried and that night prayed that Heavenly Father would help me find someone to model for my painting.
The next day I decided to visit a young friend that has horses and barrel rides in rodeos. I thought for sure she might know some cowboys with lots of character.
When I got there her house was crowded and there wasn’t anywhere to park, so I pulled in front of her neighbors, because I only planned on staying a few minutes. I didn’t even make it to her when a man came out of his house asking who had parked in front of his driveway. He was perfect! It was who I wanted to paint! I introduced myself and told him that I was looking for a model for my upcoming show and would like to paint him. He was very gracious and kind and we set up a meeting time when my husband and I could come back for a photo shoot. I learned that he was a professional singer, song writer and composer and has done many photo shoots was very good at being a model and giving me good expressions! It couldn’t have been any better! He even gave us a tour of his studio and played some of his music for us. It was amazing! So that is how I met Randall Graves.
An answered prayer and a miracle.