Adirondack Charcoal Artist
S H A Y D E R U S S O
Testimonials
DANA & TRACY
Dear Shay, your portrait of our William is breathtaking. You captured his sweet, patient, wistful look. It is the look he gets when he knows there are a lot more errands to do before we can go to the beach, but he doesn't care 'cuz he just wants to be together. It just makes my heart explode with love. Thank you Shay. . . you are a genius!
DONNA R.
I've known Shay DeRusso for more than a decade and consider her one of the kindest, most thoughtful humans I know. But that's not why I commissioned her to draw our handsome Bear. Quite simply, Shay's talent takes the darkness of charcoal and brings to light the best of any creature, being, or soul. Before she began creating on paper, she invested time getting to know Bear so she could meticulously capture his character. When the final drawing arrived, it quite literally took my breath away. When I gifted it to my sweetheart Jonathan, it took his breath away, too. With the touch of charcoal and her savvy expertise, not only did she bring to life Bear's velvety soft ears, she embodied his zest for life and inner most kindness. Just look! She captured Bear's essence more beautifully than my camera ever could (and added his dogtag per my request).
Shay, thank you so much for this forever treasure.
ERIN S.
I had Shay do a drawing of a clients home as a closing gift. My client lived in the house for 40 years and it was very special to her. Shay’s drawing was beautiful. She captured every detail. It brought my client to tears when she opened it and it now hangs in her new home. She also drew the most stunning portrait of my sons. Catching their smiles, eyes and hands perfectly.She is so very talented. I would highly, highly recommend her to anyone. Plus she is one of the kindest, sweetest people I’ve ever met.
KAREN H.
Shay is an amazing artist who is able to capture the spirit of the subject she draws. We have 6 portraits by Shay and treasure every one of them. She truly puts her heart and soul into her artwork. I highly recommend Art By Shay!
COURTNEY B.
I contacted shay with a personal request… to make a picture of my husbands grandfather with our three girls. Little back story, my husbands grandfather had passed away the day our oldest daughter was born, and he wasn’t able to meet any of our children. She did such an amazing job bringing the Portrait to life! You can see the love in his eyes as he finally got to hold his three great granddaughters! I’m beyond in love and it makes our home feel so complete!!! I can not recommend shay enough! She put so much time and effort into this!! Also the other amazing thing… if she drew 3 children and an adult that she had never met before… and didn’t miss a single detail! So incredibly talented!! If I could give her 10 stars I would!
JENNIFER W.
I received this drawing for Christmas from my partner and her friend and it was drawn by Shana. There really are no words to explain how beautiful this drawing is. My father passed years ago and I do not have his ashes and having this drawing is like having a piece of him with me in my house.
I really truly believe Shana brought him to me. She is the most talented artist that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Just by drawing this for me she has changed my life. Thank you Shana. Again, there are no words to explain the beauty and meaning behind this drawing.
PATTY H.
Dear Shay, First of all Merry Christmas! I wanted to let you know first that my husband and grandson were very overwhelmed with your beautiful portrait! And my son included! It was very touching to watch both their reactions! So Shay you made our Christmas! You are such a beautiful person and beautiful artist! With your insight you always capture the moment and our hearts! With love Patty
BLAKE D.
I surprised my wife for Christmas with custom painted Van Gogh Skulls by Shay. When I received them I just could not believe that she painted them freehand.
Her talent is indescribable!!!
She was blown away! She loved them so much.
Thanks so much Shay
DENISE K.
Shay did this portrait of my dad after he passed away and there is not a day that goes by that my mom doesn't feel his presence when she sees that portrait. This was something that words cannot describe. Shay has such an amazing talent with an incredible heart and soul.
I highly recommend this fabulous talent.
KATE L.
When I wanted my favorite picture of my grandchildren reproduced in charcoal as a gift for my daughter and son-in-law, Shay was my first choice. Her attention to the details was outstanding and her ability to connect with the emotion of the moment made her artwork uniquely meaningful. She captured the memory absolutely beautifully and their reactions on receiving it created a new memory. On the strictly business side, Shay completed her work before promised and presented it professionally matted, ready for framing. Working with Shay was a joy and her sweetness is only matched by her talent. Would recommend her absolutely and unreservedly.
