There’s something really special about being able to use your craft to support something bigger than yourself. I was able to do just that with my artwork to support SCIboston’s gala in March. Well, last month presented me the opportunity to do it again when my sister-in-law reached out and asked if I’d be willing to contribute some artwork for a fundraiser she was organizing in conjunction with a golf tournament.
Of course, I said yes. It’s always such a huge compliment when I receive opportunities like this. It’s very flattering when my creations are enjoyed.
I started by revisiting an older digital landscape of New Hampshire I created back in 2019. She had always liked that illustration, but it needed an overhaul. Since it had been sitting untouched for years, I decided to give it a fresh update. Going back to that piece felt like opening a time capsule to when I first started digital art, right at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown. I could clearly see how much my technical skills have improved.
I didn’t stop there. I also wanted to challenge myself and add a little humor to the raffle. So I created a digital watercolor portrait inspired by the movie Happy Gilmore. If you know the movie, you understand why it was such a fun choice for golfers after a couple of beers. It was a way to bring some unexpected comedy into the mix, and honestly, it gave me an excuse to try a medium I’ve been curious about for a while.
Watercolor, even in digital form, takes some getting used to. But there’s something really satisfying about the looseness and unpredictability of it. I had a blast working on that piece. It was rewarding to hear about the people who saw the portrait and laughed at it during the auction. I hope that it went to a good home.
The Process
Normally, for my cartoons, I start with a smudgy base layer and get it as close as I can to what I want (in this case, the reference image). Then I add the line work, starting with a sketching layer and finishing with solid lines.
Then, I duplicate the layer, and color drop the selected color palette. Then I’ll go through with a clipping mask and add shading and highlights. It’s a relatively simple process. This digital watercolor was much different. All of the layering and blending was done on a single layer, which was much different to the cartoon art.
Art has always been a powerful outlet for me. As someone living with a disability, it’s how I process experiences, express emotion, and connect with others. But this project reminded me that art can also be a way to give back. It can raise funds, create joy, and bring people together. That’s something I’ll never take for granted.
I came away from this experience feeling more inspired to try different forms of art. I want to keep creating, keep learning, and continue using my skills to support the people and causes that matter to me. Whether I’m updating a landscape or illustrating a new design, each piece carries a part of my story. I hope it adds something meaningful to the world, even if it’s just a chuckle from a golfer.
Support a Healthier Tomorrow
If you are interested in supporting community health and creating a long-term impact, consider donating to the Southern New Hampshire Health Legacy Trust. This fund helps ensure continued access to compassionate care, innovative technology, and vital health programs for future generations.