This portrait was created as a tribute to Craig Empey, a beloved member of the Idaho Falls community who embodied the spirit of Santa through his kindness and warmth.
After his passing, I wanted to honor his legacy by capturing his presence in a hand‑painted portrait, planned through a mix of reference gathering, digital studies, and traditional techniques inspired by artists like Drew Struzan and J.C. Leyendecker. The piece reflects my focus on storytelling through portraiture and my commitment to creating meaningful, emotionally grounded artwork.
