About Me

portrait illustration by tracy hetzel Hey there! Thanks for checking out my blog. My name is Tracy Hetzel. I currently live and work in Baltimore, Maryland but was raised in the small town of Wellsville, NY, have you heard of it?

My day job consists of running a graphic design business, Graphic Essentials. I have always painted and loved to draw since I was a little kid, but this is the first time I’ve really put it out there for the world to see. Originally trained at Alfred University, I soon moved on and graduated from the University at Buffalo in Art History. I have also completed several courses at MICA(Maryland Institute College of Art).

I am a watercolor illustrator who tries to achieve personal expression while simultaneously creating something that brings people joy, even if it’s for a split second. I get a kick calling attention to subjects and moments that often go unnoticed. I paint things that altered my way of thinking and tug at my emotions. This consciousness begs to be painted. It has taken many years for me to find myself as an artist. I have come full circle in terms of my creativity and I am now free to embrace the philosophy of the great Isadora Duncan… my personal motto, “You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.”

Most of the illustrations I post will be available for purchase in my shop: longbluestraw.etsy.com The originals are for sale too, just ask. And while your in the shopping mood, I have two other etsy shops… check them out too… tworeasons.etsy.com & twocritters.etsy.com Thanks for looking.

All artwork and images on this website are Copyright © Tracy Hetzel and may not be copied, distributed, downloaded, modified, reused, reposited, reproduced written permission and credit. If you are interested in learning how to license one of these images please inquire.

If you have any questions, interested in purchasing something or working with me, just fill out my Contact Form and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

7 Comments

  • Reply Francesca April 25, 2013 at 4:29 am

    Hi,
    My name is Francesca. I live in Rochester, UK.
    I love your work, I think you are a genius!
    Your paintings are fabulous.
    I am graphic designer too but I can’t draw. I love vintage and clothing so your style really suits me.

    Who knows one day I might come to America and visit you and look at the original pieces, for the time being I just admire them digitally.
    Well done again.

    Francesca

    • Reply lbs_admin April 25, 2013 at 9:49 am

      Thanks for the kind words Francesca! Very nice of you! Stay tuned for more. :)

  • Reply Jim Sobek June 27, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Was just surfing the web to show my wife and her hair dresser the Pink House. I, too, grew up in Wellsville. Had two brothers, John (a.k.a. “Whiff”) and Joel.

    I graduated WHS in 1968, the same year as your brother (?) Dave.

    • Reply lbs_admin June 27, 2013 at 2:49 pm

      Jim – Hmmm… Nope, I’m a 1987 graduate of Wellsville High. My father, Richard, is a (I believe) 1962 or 63 graduate of Wellsville High. Maybe you’re thinking of him. Hope you liked my rendition of the Pink House! Cheers! – Tracy

  • Reply Ella September 24, 2014 at 1:45 pm

    Hi Francesca,a girlfriend had a pic on pinterest so I was curious. Love your style it has a certain clearity that makes me smile. So I wanted to share this with you :) Bye bye from Holland!

  • Reply Danielle September 19, 2015 at 1:43 am

    Your work is totally inspiring me, THANK YOU! You’re amazing!

  • Reply Rapha September 30, 2015 at 4:44 pm

    Hey Francesca,
    I just find your works amazing and I’m
    totally using your style for my arts exam… I would just like to
    Know if you have any displays available or something?
    Thanks for being incredibly talented and inspiring me to be as good as you!
    Rapha

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