HAPPY CLIENTS!

"Leila's artwork is just breathtaking!!  The portrait of my two granddaughters (ages 3 and 4) was done based on two different photographs.  Everyone I have showed the painting to falls in love with it.  In fact, my interior decorator wants to market Leila's work to other clients. My two little fairies are so proud!”
Dr. Linda Recio
President
Evergreen Solutions, LLC

The first time I saw the huge portrait, "I'm Watching You", the closeup of a cat's face, was when Leila hauled it into a restaurant after picking it up from her framers.  I had to have it right then and there...and I'm not even a cat person!  It is one of the most compelling pieces, with the watchful green eyes, that I have ever seen.  It now hangs over my sofa and every one coming into my house comments on the piece.  It is so striking!
Dr. Ronda White
Tallahassee, FL

“Awe!!!! Soooo sweet!!!! You are amazing. I can't wait to see it (portrait of grandson, Blake at birth) in person!!!”
Kay Shaw
Macon, GA

*I recently had a pencil portrait made from one of Cosmo's photos...the artist (Leila Shuffler) did a wonderful job! This was finished a few weeks ago but I just realized it's included on her website, so I thought I'd share it with those of you who haven't seen the real thing. This was made from a photo my Dad took of Cosmo sitting with my Mom about a month or so after I left for my year in Australia, I think.  It captures Cosmo's spirit beautifully...you can see his contentment (oh how he loved his Grandmommy and Grandaddy!!), but I think I can make out just a bit of 'missing his mommy' in his eyes (grin).  Leila is a local here in Tallahassee and her contact information is on the site... you can see the other types of portraits she's done here as well. www. PortraitsByLeila.com.
-Deanna Hudson
Tallahassee, FL

*Leila, I was compelled to write a letter of appreciation to you for the portrait you did of my two sons. I gave it to my wife for her birthday on March third and she absolutely loved it.
It literally brought her to tears. It was the most dramatic reaction she's ever had to a gift from me. She immediately placed it above our fire-place in the center of our living room. Thanks again!
Charles Billings
-Dr. Charles Billings
Tallahassee, FL

*You never cease to amaze - and I've been 'watching' you for many years now. Love the young couple on the beach..."
-Frances Ann Cook
Tallahassee, FL

*Dear Leila:
I am writing to thank you for the wonderful portrait that you sketched of my two children with my father. As you know, when I first saw your art work it brought tears to my eyes. I am amazed at how you can look at a photograph and magically transfer not only the image, but also the subject's personality to the sketchpad. The first thing I noticed in the portrait was how you captured the sparkle in their eyes, and how you memorialized such a special time between a grandfather and his grandchildren.

I matted and framed the finished portrait and sent it to my father for Christmas. Since he lives in Michigan, I couldn't be there when he opened this special gift, but my sister told me just how touched he was. My Dad is not one to show emotion, but my sister said he was very impressed with this artwork. He later told me during a telephone call, "The artist made me look handsome!" When I explained that you sketched the portrait from a photograph and that it was an accurate depiction of just how handsome he is, he simply protested, "Oh no, that artist made me look good!" I could hear the joy in his voice, and I knew that he was beaming.

Thank you again for sharing your wonderful talent with my family. The portrait sketch will surely become a treasured family heirloom for generations to come. I have already recommended you to many friends and family members, and I would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone who may inquire about your artistry.
Sincerely,
Lisa
-Lisa Duchene
Tallahassee, FL

*I am overwhelmed by the portrait you did of our beloved Doxie, Lula.  You truly captured her sweet, loving look.  We'll always miss her, but now she is with us always.  
Love,
Penny
-Penny Lacayo
Tallahassee, FL

*I recently received my print from Leila. It is a spectacular drawing of a cat. Leila has captured the very nature of this animal's expression-filled face and eyes...every freckle, every whisker... superb!!! Thanks, Leila!
-Austin
Tallahassee, Fla

*Hi Leila.
I got the collage of mom's rescues yesterday. Perfect! Thank you! ...although, mom already know who each one (dog) was. Lol.  She LOVED both pictures! She, as I expected, prefers the color picture, but also loves the original because she is really impressed with the detail. She is amazed with your awesome drawing skills!
Attached are some pictures of her and Bones and me and the pictures. She cried when she first opened the package, so her eyes are red in the ones where she's holding both pictures.
-Danielle Ford (and Paulette Ford)
Merritt Island, FL

*Hi Leila. I just wanted to let you know that the (oil pastel) portrait of Kaylee and Aimee could not have been a bigger hit with Julie!!! She was completely overwhelmed when she opened the gift. The portrait is now hanging over our fireplace!!! Thanks so much; you created exactly what Julie had envisioned. Thanks, Mitch.
-Mitch Stephens
ATLANTA, GA

*To Whom This May Concen:
It is a pleasure to write this letter of recommendation on behalf of a most talented portrait artist, Ms. Leila Shuffler. My acquaintance with Leila is as a result of my tenure since 2002 as Curator of the Florida Governor's Mansion, where Leila has faithfully served for many years as both a volunteer in our Governor's Mansion Docent Program, and as the former Mansion Manager during the administration of Governor and Mrs. Bob Martinez. Everything which Leila does, she does with great commitment, focus and a particularly painstaking attention to detail, which serves her very well in her special approach to drawing.
When I discovered that Leila was such an impressive artist, I commissioned her to create a drawing from my very favorite
photograph ever taken of our two daughters when they were much younger. What she created is nothing short of a cherished, family treasure! Her draftsmanship and sensitivity to form, line, color and texture are truly amazing. I couldn't have been more pleased with the result, as is my family.
I wish Leila only the best as she pursues her love of drawing and painting as a full-time venture in the near future. She will, no doubt, bring the same level of energy and talent to "retirement" as she has to all of her Life's work, thus far!
-CAROL-GRAHAM-BECK
Florida Governor’s Mansion Manager and Art Curator
Tallahassee, FL

*Wow! This is beautiful!
Teresa
-Teresa MacBain
Tallahassee, FL

*Very Nice!
Keep up the great work.
Suzanna
-Suzanna Winton, watercolor portrait artist
Thomasville, GA

*You're amazing!
Terri
-Terri Avery
PHENIX CITY, AL

*Leila, your talent is amazing!"
Lisa
-Lisa Duchene
Tallahassee, FL