About The Artist

My name is Tara Lynn Melton-Miller.  I discovered my artistic talent while attending college, and received my bachelor’s degree in Studio Art.  It kicked off a 40-year journey of pastels and charcoal, wall murals, mixed media, mirudais, watercolors and crafty stuff.  I have come full circle and returned to my first love—pastels and charcoal—and with them I create realistic portraits of beloved pets.

This venture started when I committed to the online “Huevember” art challenge. The challenge was to create a painting or drawing every day for the month of November, in that day’s hues. What to draw? I decided to invite people to send me pictures of their pets, and I would create a drawing of them in the hue of the day. I posted this idea on Facebook, and immediately received more than 30 pictures, so I had my inspiration in line for the entire month. That explains the interesting rainbow of critters in my gallery! As the days progressed, folks started asking if they could buy their Huevember pet portrait, so it morphed into a fundraiser. I donated all the proceeds to an animal advocacy group. But it didn’t end there. Some of those Huevember clients wanted drawings of their pets in their normal colors, and word spread, so TaraLynn Pet Portraits was born. I have been Mom to nine dogs and four cats over the years, so this venture is my heart.

In the meantime, I became interested in growing gourds. Once I proved I could indeed grow gourds, I started crafting with them. After experimenting with miniature living spaces and bowls, I’ve landed on dolls, which feature my love of drawing (their faces on the gourd), fabric (designed and hand/machine sewn outfits), weaving on my mirudai (kumihimo braid trim), and found treasures such as nuts and seashells as embellishments. Lastly, I name them, and they tell me what their pasttime is! Decorate your space with a handmade doll that will make you smile.