ABOUT THE ARTIST

Jen originally went to college for medical illustration, then  pursued her graduate degree from Maryland Institute College of Art. She also minored in photography.

Jen Aquia’s artistic journey began at just two years old when she proudly created her first mural on the living room wall with permanent markers. While her parents may not have immediately recognized her talent, her passion for art never faded. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and a Master of Fine Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Specializing in hyper-realistic drawings of both people and animals, Jen is best known for her signature montage and memorial portraits. These deeply personal compositions, created in pencil or pastel, go beyond capturing a likeness,they tell a story. Before beginning a piece, she takes time to connect with her clients, either in person or virtually, sharing memories and exploring old photos. This thoughtful process allows her to craft a portrait that not only reflects a person’s journey but also captures their soul.

While Jen primarily works from provided photos, she can also arrange a custom photoshoot to ensure the perfect reference. Though her expertise lies in portraits of people and pets, her artistic range is vast she can create stunning custom artwork of homes, ranches, horses, boats, cars, marine life, and more. If you can imagine it, Jen can bring it to life on paper.