My Inktober 2026 Lexicon Lands journey continues with B Is for Bull Terrier! 🐶✒️ I created this illustration using traditional pencil, ink, and brush techniques, with digital touch-ups in Snapseed and Procreate. All 27 dog breeds will have individual art prints, but the originals for B through Y will be grouped on four sheets of six drawings each. A, Z, and the wildcard Valor will have standalone originals.

🐾 Explore the Bull Terrier art print

🎥 Watch the drawing process

Inktober 2026: A Is for Akita is the first of 27 drawings in my Lexicon Lands A–Z Dog Breed Challenge. I created the original using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, India ink with a dip pen, a watercolor brush for the gray tones, and acrylic paint. Snapseed and Procreate were used afterward to prepare the artwork digitally. Most of the upcoming pieces will be created six drawings to a sheet and shared through posts, with a slideshow featuring all 27 artworks planned after the collection is complete.

October at The Artistic Shepherd is all about dogs, ink, and Halloween creativity! I’m taking on Inktober 2026 with an A–Z dog breed drawing challenge, while Drawlloween brings spooky canine ideas like Werewolf Shepherd, The Headless Dog Walker, Cerberus Trick-or-Treating, Dog-O’-Lanterns, and a special Halloween-themed Artistic Shepherd logo.

I’ve also created a new set of illustrated website buttons highlighting Inktober Art, Seasonal Art, Dog Art by Breed, Religious Art, Art Challenge Art, Videos, and Barker’s of Ruin, making it easier to explore the different sides of my artwork.

No Job Too Big is a 2.5 × 3.5-inch mixed-media ACEO inspired by Chapter 5 of my great-great-grandfather Earl Dewey Fisher’s preserved life story. The artwork depicts Earl’s hardworking father and takes its title from Earl’s memory that “no job was too big or hard for him to try and do it.” Created on Bristol paper using mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, fineliner pen, and acrylic paint pen, the piece accompanies Episode 6 of The Biography of Earl Dewey Fisher: Work, Discipline, and Daily Life. The original is available through Tiny Gallery, while prints are available through The Artistic Shepherd.

🐴 Earl Meets Barney is my newest artwork for The Biography of Earl Dewey Fisher, inspired by Chapter 4 of my great-great-grandfather Earl Dewey Fisher's life history. The chapter remembers Earl learning to ride and his incredibly clever cutting horse, Barney.

🎨 The original ACEO was created using mechanical pencil, watercolor pen, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, with Da Vinci Eye assisting with the initial outline. I later edited the finished artwork using Snapseed and Procreate.

🎥 Watch the drawing process

🐴 Original ACEO on Tiny Gallery

🖼️ Fine art prints on The Artistic Shepherd

The Vigilant Wolfdog is my mixed-media portrait of a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog and the final artwork I created for Dogust 2026. I made the piece with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pen, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen before editing it with Snapseed and Procreate. The dog's alert, wolf-like expression inspired the title, and the finished artwork is now available as an open-edition print through The Artistic Shepherd.

The Watchful Tsvetnaya is a mixed-media Russian Tsvetnaya portrait I created for my Dogust 2026 art challenge. I used a mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pen, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen before editing the finished artwork in Snapseed and Procreate. The piece focuses on the breed’s distinctive appearance and alert expression, which inspired its title. The Watchful Tsvetnaya is now available as a fine art print through The Artistic Shepherd.

The Resolute AmStaff is a mixed-media American Staffordshire Terrier portrait created for my Dogust art challenge. I used a mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pen, and acrylic paint pen before editing the finished artwork with Snapseed and Procreate. The piece celebrates the AmStaff’s strength, confidence, loyalty, and affectionate nature and is now available as a fine art print through The Artistic Shepherd.

I’m starting a new long-term project for The Artistic Shepherd: creating a video for every page on my website. Beginning with my Fine Art Prints page, these videos will introduce visitors to my artwork, explain what they can discover on each page, and create a stronger connection between my website and YouTube. Over time, I hope to build an entire video library covering my dog art, breed pages, landscapes, abstracts, flowers, religious art, whimsical work, art challenges, and much more.

Paws, Petals & Possibilities is my 2026 art collage featuring nearly seven years of artwork created from October 2019 through July 2026. The individual pieces were created using Procreate, watercolor, acrylic, India ink, colored pencil, charcoal, alcohol marker, fineliner pen, and mixed media, before I assembled the final collage in GIMP.

The collection features plenty of dog and flower artwork alongside landscapes, fantasy, characters, family-history illustrations, abstract pieces, art challenges, and more. It even contains some artwork I had never previously uploaded online, primarily pieces from Dogust 2024.

I also created a YouTube slideshow showing the collage coming together, turned sections of the finished artwork into my social media banners, and created a 16-product Printify collection based on the design.

Watch the Paws, Petals & Possibilities slideshow on YouTube

Nearly seven years. Hundreds of creative moments. One collage—and plenty more possibilities ahead.

For September, I am returning to The Biography of Earl Dewey Fisher audiobook and artwork series after focusing on Dogust throughout August. I created six autumn-themed website buttons featuring Earl Dewey Fisher Art, Dog Art, Religious Art, Book Art, Barker’s of Ruin, and More Videos. Together, these buttons give The Artistic Shepherd a warm seasonal appearance while helping visitors explore the different sides of my creative work.

For my latest Dogust 2026 artwork, I created The Steadfast Drever, a mixed-media portrait inspired by the distinctive Swedish scent hound. I used mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, India ink pen, fineliner pen, watercolor pen, and acrylic paint pen before editing the finished piece in Snapseed and Procreate. I completed the artwork on August 27, 2026, and prints are now available through The Artistic Shepherd.

View The Steadfast Drever art print

Watch The Steadfast Drever YouTube Short

The Watchful Dunker is my latest mixed-media dog portrait created for Dogust 2026. I made the artwork using a mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pen, and acrylic paint pen before editing the finished piece in Snapseed and Procreate. Since I wasn't able to keep up with my original Dogust drawing schedule, I've adjusted my plans and now intend to create one sheet featuring six additional Dogust artworks.. The Watchful Dunker is now available as an open-edition print through The Artistic Shepherd.

Litter Lords is a digital Procreate illustration featuring Catrick the Cheat and one of his nine games from my original card game, Barker’s of Ruin. The mini-game combines Garbage-inspired playing-card mechanics, Catrick’s Elimino deck, teamwork between heroes, and dice-based attacks that become increasingly powerful as Catrick gets closer to winning. It’s one of eight games featured in Phase 1 of his boss battle, leading into Phase 2: Undead Tabbies.

“The Steady Jämthund” is Drawing 2 of my Dogust 2026 art challenge. I created this mixed-media dog portrait with a mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pen, fine liner pen, and acrylic paint pen, followed by editing in Snapseed and Procreate. Open-edition prints are available now, while the original 11-by-14-inch sheet will be posted after I complete the other five drawings on it.

Piper's Gentle Gaze is the first artwork in my Dogust 2026 series, created for Day 1: Mutt. This mixed-media portrait of my family's beloved dog, Piper, was created using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pen, and acrylic paint pen, then refined in Snapseed. Follow my month-long journey as I create 31 unique dog portraits and explore a growing collection of fine art prints, original artwork, and gift products inspired by each piece.

The Kansas River Flood of 1903 is my latest mixed-media illustration for Episode 4: Early Memories Near Topeka in The Biography of Earl Dewey Fisher audiobook series. Inspired by Earl's childhood memory of watching a house float down the flooded Kansas River, this artwork preserves both a remarkable family story and an important moment in Kansas history through traditional art.

The Artistic Shepherd homepage is getting a fresh new look with six custom illustrated navigation buttons! Designed in a cohesive watercolor style, these buttons make it easier to explore Dog Art, Dogust artwork, Religious Art, Art Challenge collections, Barker's of Ruin, and video content while adding even more personality to the website.

Myrtle’s Responsibility is a mixed-media illustration created for The Biography of Earl Dewey Fisher | Episode 3: Brothers and Sisters. Inspired by Earl’s memories, the artwork depicts his oldest sister, Myrtle, caring for him as a baby while their mother looks after his younger sister, Lillian. The piece honors the bonds between siblings and preserves an important chapter in the Fisher family’s history.

Columbia Windflower Miniature Study is the final artwork from my Blooming Marvelous May challenge. Created with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, then edited in Snapseed and Procreate, this miniature mixed-media piece celebrates the soft purple beauty of a woodland wildflower and brings my month-long floral series to a close.

Bluebells Miniature Study explores the quiet beauty of bluebells nestled among dense woodland foliage. Created with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, then refined in Snapseed and Procreate, this miniature artwork celebrates one of spring's most beloved flowers as part of my Miniature May series.

“Snapdragon Miniature Study” is a mixed-media botanical artwork created as part of my Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May challenges. Using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, I captured the layered petals and vibrant colors of pink snapdragons before refining the piece in Snapseed and Procreate.

Rock Rose Miniature Study celebrates the quiet beauty and resilience of the Rock Rose through a detailed mixed-media miniature illustration. Created with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, this botanical artwork is now available as an open edition fine art print.

Portrait of Samuel and Ida Fisher is the second illustration in The Biography of Earl Dewey Fisher illustrated audiobook series. Inspired by Earl's memories of his parents' journey from Iowa to Kansas, this traditional mixed-media portrait celebrates family heritage, genealogy, and the enduring importance of preserving real-life stories through art.

Daisies Miniature Study celebrates the timeless beauty of one of nature's most recognizable flowers. Created with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, this mixed media artwork captures the cheerful charm of blooming daisies and is available as a high-quality fine art print through The Artistic Shepherd.

Discover the beauty of one of the American West's most iconic wildflowers in Arrowleaf Balsamroot Miniature Study by Justyn Simon. Created with mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, this mixed media botanical artwork celebrates the resilience and vibrant color of Balsamorhiza sagittata. Learn about the inspiration behind the piece and explore available fine art prints.

The Boy and the Boxer is a mixed-media redraw of a school art project I originally created on January 7, 2007. The original pencil-and-marker drawing, made for an onomatopoeia assignment, featured a boy walking a boxer dog with a unique calico cat-inspired coat pattern. Nearly twenty years later, I revisited the concept using mechanical pencil, colored pencil, fine liner pen, India ink, and acrylic paint pen, transforming a childhood memory into a detailed illustration that celebrates artistic growth, creativity, and the journey from student artist to professional creator.

A miniature mixed-media botanical artwork featuring the delicate beauty of Spring Whitlow-Grass. Created with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen as part of my Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May projects.

A colorful mixed-media study of a bearded iris created during Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May. This artwork combines mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink, and acrylic paint pen to capture the beauty of one of spring's most iconic flowers.

A close-up mixed-media study of a Scabiosa flower, created during Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May. This artwork highlights the flower's intricate structure through colored pencil, India ink, acrylic paint pen, and digital finishing touches.

A bright yellow dandelion takes center stage in this miniature botanical artwork created for Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May. Using mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, acrylic paint pen, and digital enhancements, I explored the beauty hidden within one of nature's most familiar wildflowers.

The Earl Dewey Fisher Prologue Illustration marks the beginning of The Biography of Earl Dewey Fisher audiobook series. Inspired by Earl's own words and memories, the artwork depicts him recording the family stories and life experiences that would become a preserved historical narrative. Created with mechanical pencil, fine liner pens, India ink pens, and acrylic paint pens, the piece is available as fine art prints and a variety of print-on-demand products, including journals, mugs, bookmarks, puzzles, playing cards, stickers, and more. Readers can also watch Episode 1: Prologue of the audiobook to begin exploring Earl's remarkable life story.

A mixed-media miniature artwork featuring a blooming dogwood flower surrounded by lush green foliage. Created for Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May using colored pencil, India ink, acrylic paint pen, and digital enhancements.

A bright orange tulip and budding bloom stand against a rustic wooden fence in this mixed-media miniature artwork. Created with traditional drawing materials and enhanced digitally, Tulip Miniature Study celebrates the simple beauty and symbolism of spring flowers.

A vibrant mixed-media miniature featuring an Asiatic lily in bloom. Created for Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May using colored pencil, India ink, acrylic paint pens, and digital finishing in Snapseed and Procreate.

A closer look at the often-overlooked cinquefoil flower, this miniature mixed-media artwork explores the beauty of wildflowers through detailed botanical illustration. Created for Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May, the piece combines traditional and digital techniques to highlight the intricate textures of nature.

A colorful miniature botanical study featuring an Anemone Blanda flower. Created with mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen as part of Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May.

Strawberry Blossom Miniature Study is a miniature botanical artwork created for Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May. Featuring a delicate strawberry flower surrounded by lush greenery, the piece was created with traditional and digital techniques and is now available as a print through The Artistic Shepherd.

Explore the featured collections of The Artistic Shepherd through six navigation buttons that connect visitors to the History of Earl Dewey Fisher Art, Dog Art, Religious Art, Videos, Book Art, and Barker's of Ruin. Learn what makes each collection unique and discover the stories, creativity, and inspiration behind every section of the site.

Chinese Poppy Miniature Study is a vibrant floral artwork by Justyn Simon featuring the striking beauty of a Chinese poppy in bloom. Created using mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink, and acrylic paint pen, then refined with Snapseed and Procreate, this miniature botanical piece celebrates the bold colors and delicate textures found in nature.

Grape Hyacinth Miniature Study is a bold botanical miniature inspired by the vibrant clustered blooms of grape hyacinths. Created with mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, then refined in Snapseed and Procreate, this mixed-media artwork continues my Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May floral art series with expressive color, texture, and spring-inspired energy.

Pansy Miniature Study is a bold floral miniature artwork created using colored pencil, India ink pen, acrylic paint pen, and digital finishing in Snapseed and Procreate. Created for Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May, the piece explores dramatic floral textures, rich reds, and expressive botanical contrast.

lilac blossoms and rich green foliage. Created with mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, then refined with Snapseed and Procreate, this miniature floral piece captures the soft atmosphere of spring through expressive textures and bold contrast.

Carnation Miniature Study is a bold floral artwork created for the Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May art challenges. Featuring layered red-and-white carnation petals surrounded by rich green foliage, the piece combines expressive textures with vibrant mixed-media color. It was created using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen, then digitally enhanced using Snapseed and Procreate.

Brickwall Bloom: Daffodil Miniature Study is a vibrant spring-inspired floral artwork created by Justyn Simon for the Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May art challenges. Made with mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen — then refined in Snapseed and Procreate — this miniature daffodil piece combines rustic textures, bold outlines, and bright botanical color into a cozy handcrafted composition. Watch the YouTube Shorts process video and explore the full Art Storefronts listing through the links in the blog post.

Clover Bloom Miniature Study is a detailed botanical miniature inspired by the layered beauty of clover patches and wild garden growth. Created with colored pencil, India ink, acrylic paint pen, and digital refinements in Snapseed and Procreate, the artwork features a blooming purple clover flower surrounded by dense greenery and hidden natural details as part of my Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May art challenges.

Gardenveil Cosmos is a vibrant botanical artwork created by Justyn Simon for the Blooming Marvelous May art challenge using mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic paint pen. Inspired by blooming garden landscapes and layered floral textures, the artwork is now available as prints, home décor, accessories, wearable art, games, and lifestyle products through The Artistic Shepherd and POD collections.

Violet Miniature Study is a mixed-media botanical artwork created with mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, acrylic paint pen, and digital editing in Snapseed and Procreate. Created as part of Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May, the piece blends floral simplicity with bold contrast and textured shading.

Chrysanthemum Miniature Study is a vibrant floral mixed-media artwork created with colored pencil, India ink, acrylic paint pen, and digital finishing techniques. This expressive botanical miniature explores layered petals, bold outlines, and rich floral color as part of my Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May art challenges.

Purple Aster Miniature Study is a vibrant mixed media floral artwork featuring layered purple asters and dense greenery. Created with traditional drawing tools and digitally refined in Snapseed and Procreate, this piece is part of my ongoing Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May art projects.

A bright sunflower miniature artwork created with traditional mixed media and digitally refined in Procreate and Snapseed. This floral piece combines bold India ink outlines, textured colored pencil shading, and vibrant greens to create a lively botanical composition inspired by miniature art studies and seasonal flower challenges.

A bold blue cornflower miniature artwork created for the Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May art challenges using colored pencil, India ink pen, acrylic paint pen, Procreate, and Snapseed editing.

Blue Viola Miniature Study is a small-scale mixed media floral artwork created as part of my ongoing Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May art challenges. Featuring layered blue violas, expressive white linework, and rich botanical textures, this piece was created using mechanical pencil, colored pencil, India ink pen, and acrylic pen techniques.

Blooming Columbine: A Miniature May Floral Study is a colorful 2"x2" flower artwork created for the Blooming Marvelous May and Miniature May art challenges. The piece was traditionally created using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, India ink pens, and acrylic paint pen, then digitally refined in Snapseed and Procreate to prepare the final presentation and print-ready version.

Four dogs. One board. Endless strategy.
“The Houndmaster Edition” turns game night into a story you can hang on your wall.

This May, I’m taking on both the Blooming Marvellous May Flower Art Challenge and Miniature May Art Challenge with two new pieces—one featuring 30 small flower drawings and another focused on a single, detailed composition. It’s all about growth, variety, and pushing creativity in two very different ways.

Desertbound Guardian: The Saluki of the Final Hex is the final artwork in Justyn Simon’s custom Settlers of Catan dog hex painting series, pairing the graceful Saluki with the desert resource tile in a hand-painted collectible print.

A cheerful Corgi meets the sheep pasture hex of Settlers of Catan in this playful hand-painted artwork. Perfect for dog lovers, gamers, and collectors of whimsical wall art.

Golden Harvest Toller is a warm and cheerful Tolling Retriever artwork inspired by the wheat hex from Settlers of Catan. Hand-painted on a wood hex tile using Stuart Semple paints, POSCA pens, and finished digitally with Snapseed and Procreate, this piece blends dog art with board game creativity. Perfect for retriever lovers, gamers, and cozy rustic décor fans.

Timbertail Guardian 🪵🐕 is a Finnish Lapphund-inspired artwork set on a Settlers of Catan wood hex background. Hand-painted with Stuart Semple materials and POSCA pens, then refined in Snapseed and Procreate, this cheerful woodland-themed dog print is perfect for board game fans, Nordic breed lovers, and rustic decor collectors.

Stoneforge Malamute combines the rugged strength of the Alaskan Malamute with the stone-rich ore hex of Settlers of Catan, creating a bold fantasy-inspired dog artwork by Justyn Simon.

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier meets the clay hex from Settlers of Catan
• Symbolizes strength, structure, and loyalty
• Created with Culture Hustle materials + POSCA pens
• Digitally refined with Snapseed and Procreate
• Available now as a print on The Artistic Shepherd

• Shetland Sheepdog representing the Sheep/Pasture hex
• Part of my Custom Catan Dog Art series
• Created with Super Base, White 2.0, POSCA pens, and varnish
• Digitally enhanced with Snapseed & Procreate
• Available now as a fine art print

A Cocker Spaniel meets the wheat fields of Catan in this warm, golden hex artwork—created with acrylic, refined digitally, and designed as part of a collectible dog-themed Catan series.

A Belgian Malinois becomes the guardian of the forest in this Catan-inspired hex artwork—hand-painted with acrylics, sealed, and transformed into a print as part of my Acrylic April series.

A Siberian Husky embodies the strength and endurance of the ore resource in this Settlers of Catan–inspired mixed media artwork, blending rugged texture with bold, stylized design.

An American Bulldog becomes the spirit of the brick (clay) resource in this Settlers of Catan-inspired hex artwork—symbolizing strength, structure, and reliability through bold mixed-media techniques.

An Australian Shepherd stands as the guardian of the sheep hex, transforming the Catan pasture tile into a story of loyalty, purpose, and quiet strength.

A cheerful Labrador meets a wheat-field hex inspired by Settlers of Catan, blending board game nostalgia with textured acrylic dog art to create a warm, character-driven piece full of life and personality.

A German Shepherd stands as the guardian of the wood resource in this Catan-inspired hex art—blending acrylic textures, POSCA detailing, and digital refinement into a story of strength, loyalty, and foundation.

A Bernese Mountain Dog meets the stone resource of Catan in this bold hex tile artwork—created with acrylics, POSCA pens, and digital refinement to bring tabletop gaming and dog art together in one powerful piece.

A bold Boxer dog stands against a brick wall, symbolizing strength and structure in this mixed media artwork that blends traditional acrylic techniques with digital finishing touches.

A Border Collie stands as the Verdant Guardian of the Open Plains, representing the plains resource in this Catan-inspired hex tile. Created with acrylic paint pens and refined digitally, this piece is part of a growing dog-themed world where each landscape has its own guardian.

When the Harvest Has a Protector

Golden Guardian of the Wheat Fields is a Golden Retriever–themed wheat hex inspired by Settlers of Catan, created during Acrylic April using Culture Hustle materials and POSCA pens—part of an ongoing series pairing dog breeds with Catan resources. 🌾🐕

• Part of Acrylic April custom Catan hex series
• Forest (wood) tile featuring a Swiss Shepherd
• Originally hand-painted on a wood hex
• Now available as a print
• Watch the process + collect the full set

I refreshed my homepage for Acrylic April with bold, painterly buttons inspired by layered acrylic textures and expressive abstract color. Each button now reflects the creative energy of the season while guiding you to Dog Art, Religious Art, Originals, Art Challenge pieces, and videos. It’s a vibrant, studio-inspired update designed to make browsing feel like stepping into the creative process itself.

“Full Speed Joy” is a vibrant Pitbull artwork capturing the excitement and happiness of a dog running toward you. Now available as a print, desk mat, and pet tank top—bringing that same joyful energy into your everyday life.

“Catrick’s Gambit: Play Into His Paw” is a digital fantasy artwork representing Phase One of a two-phase boss battle in the Barker’s of Ruin system. The piece explores themes of control, deception, and the illusion of fairness through a strategic, game-inspired encounter.

A whimsical cowboy Corgi rides a caterpillar in this imaginative mixed media artwork. Combining Western themes with playful creativity, this piece is perfect for dog lovers and fans of unique, story-driven art.

You Know Unleashed! is a corgi-themed digital artwork inspired by a chaotic Phase One boss battle in Woof & Wyrm.exe, where a UNO-like card game becomes a test of survival against Catrick the Cheat.

• Mixed media artwork featuring 10 dogs in an abstract-realistic style

• Created with pencil, acrylic paint pen, and colored pencils

• Digitally refined using Snapseed & Procreate

• Took 8.5 hours over one month

• Explores the theme: “No Tail Left Untold”

• Prints available at The Artistic Shepherd

TNT Tabbies is a fantasy card game illustration from the Woof&Wyrm.exe TTRPG universe, featuring a Phase One boss encounter where Catrick the Cheat forces the heroes to play a deadly Exploding Kittens-style game using altered playing cards with explosive mechanics. Created digitally in Procreate by Justyn Simon, this artwork blends tabletop strategy with chaotic storytelling from the Savior Over Sin series.

Never Thirst Again — Living Water (John 4:14) is a faith-inspired mixed media illustration by Justyn Simon, created as part of the Savior Over Sin art series from The Artistic Shepherd. Inspired by the biblical promise found in John 4:14, this symbolic Christian artwork visually represents Christ as the giver of Living Water — offering spiritual renewal beyond physical need. Created using mechanical pencil, India ink, acrylic paint pen, and colored pencil, then digitally refined with Procreate and Snapseed, this scripture-inspired piece is available as an open edition art print for Christian home décor, devotional spaces, church offices, or faith-based gifts. Watch the full drawing process on YouTube and explore this contemporary Christian illustration for meaningful spiritual reflection.

Lexicon Lands: Claiming the Final Word is a digital Procreate illustration created as the official cover art for one of the Phase One mini-games in the Woof&Wyrm.exe TTRPG system. Used by the villain Catrick the Cheat during boss encounters in Barker’s of Ruin, this word-building strategy game challenges heroes to spell their way to victory before entering the second phase: Undead Tabbies. This blog post explores the gameplay concept behind Lexicon Lands and showcases the Procreate speedpaint used to bring the mini-game’s cover art to life.

Dream Dancer Beneath the Crescent Moon is a fantasy-inspired mixed media ballet illustration created by artist Justyn Simon as part of a real-life artistic collaboration. Originally based on a traditional pencil sketch from another artist, the piece was fully redrawn in Justyn’s personal style and completed using mechanical pencil, dip pen with pink ink, India ink pens, acrylic paint pen, and colored pencil.

This mixed media religious artwork illustrates the angel Moroni’s appearance to Joseph Smith as described in Joseph Smith—History 1:30–32, where a light filled the room until it became brighter than at noonday. Created on blue tone paper using white India ink, acrylic paint pens, multiple colored India ink pens, and colored pencil, this piece visually explores the contrast between a darkened room and divine light entering it. Watch the full speed art process to see how Moroni’s radiant presence was established before the surrounding scene was built layer by layer.

Badly Raccooned is a Procreate digital illustration inspired by Woof&Wyrm.exe, representing one of eight possible Phase One mini-games in a two-part boss battle against the villain Catrick the Cheat. The artwork draws from playing cards, Old Maid–style tension, and herd mentality mechanics, capturing a moment where luck, group instinct, and chaos collide. Available as a fine art print, this piece blends tabletop storytelling with bold, character-driven design.

Quiet Vigil in the Snow is a mixed-media German Shepherd artwork by Justyn Simon that captures a calm, watchful moment in a snowy winter setting. Created using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, acrylic paint pens, and white ink, the piece focuses on stillness, patience, and quiet strength. The artwork is available as an open edition print through The Artistic Shepherd.

Royal Flush – Wiped from the Table is a hand-drawn fantasy illustration inspired by Barker’s of Ruin, depicting a devastating Royal Flush attack that sweeps enemy cats from the battlefield. Created with mechanical pencil, watercolor pans, and an acrylic paint pen border, the piece visualizes a decisive game mechanic where fate, strategy, and timing collide—ending the battle in a single unstoppable moment.

February Sale is live!
Save on dog art, fantasy TTRPG artwork from Woof&Wyrm.exe and Barker’s of Ruin, and faith-inspired religious art.
🛒 Use code ARTWITHHEART at checkout — available for a limited time this February.

Catrick the Cheat is a dark fantasy villain from Barker’s of Ruin, depicted here in a watercolor pen illustration as rain falls around him. He controls nine escalating games, with the final phase allowing him to possess and clone fallen heroes, turning defeat into fuel. If not stopped in time, the game world risks collapsing entirely. This piece was created using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pens, and an acrylic paint pen border, capturing the tension before everything breaks.

Rainbound Sentinel is a digital Procreate illustration of a Doberman Pinscher inspired by the Barker’s of Ruin ability 10♥️ Intimidation Aura. The piece focuses on defense through presence, using posture, rain, and atmosphere to show how protection doesn’t always require movement or attack.

Dachshund in the Mud is a mixed media dog drawing featuring a determined Dachshund dragging a bone through the mud like it’s treasure. I made it using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, graphite watercolor pencils, water, and an acrylic pen outline.

Acid Rain is a fantasy weather hazard inspired by my Start of Turn d20 Table, where Environmental Hazard is #18.
During Acid Rain, everyone must make a Dexterity check each turn to find cover, or take 5 acid damage on a fail.
This piece was made with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pen, and an acrylic paint pen border, and the video process is on YouTube Shorts.

Glass Cannon Brew is a Barker’s of Ruin potion that gives you quadruple damage on your next attack, but makes you take double damage for the rest of combat. This artwork is the final potion piece in my art challenge series, created with watercolor pencils, metallic watercolor pencils, and traditional sketching tools.

This Poison Vial artwork is inspired by Barker’s of Ruin and represents a damage-over-time debuff, where enemies take 1 damage at the start of each turn. The piece was made using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pans + water, and an acrylic pen border, and it’s available as an art print in my shop.

Abstract Mirror White Awakening is an abstract dog painting inspired by a rare Barker’s of Ruin game mechanic called Mirror White—the only color in the Rock • Paper • Scissors based system that has no counter. It can only be unlocked by rolling a 1 on a d20 three times in a row, and when it activates, you can quote a Scripture verse and have it take effect on the playing field. This piece was made with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pans, water, and an acrylic pen border.

Rain Over Pawston is a stormy fantasy town sketch of Pawston—the setting of the battle against Catrick in my Woof&Wyrm.exe world. It’s a moody, grayscale environment piece made with mechanical pencil and graphite watercolor, focused on quiet tension and story-driven atmosphere.

Quicksilver Bluebolt is a fantasy potion illustration from my Barker’s of Ruin series—designed to represent explosive momentum in combat. In-game, it lets you draw 2 extra cards on the first turn and grants +1 Energy per turn for the rest of the fight. This piece was created with mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, metallic watercolor pencil, watercolor pencil, water, and an acrylic pen outline, and the art print is available in my shop.

The Iron Skin Potion of the Aegis is a defensive potion artwork inspired by Barker’s of Ruin.
💎 In-game effect: Each Diamond card grants +1 Shield during a single combat, making you tougher the more Diamonds you pull.

🎥 Watch the timelapse
🖼️ Get the print

Rage Elixir: Spadefire Tonic is a fantasy potion illustration made for Barker’s of Ruin with the effect:
♠️ All Spades cards deal +2 damage this combat.

It was created using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pans, and an acrylic pen outline, and you can watch the sped-up drawing video in the  YouTube Short. The print is available through my Art Storefronts listing.

• Cleansing Draught is a potion from Barker’s of Ruin that removes all debuffs and grants temporary immunity for one combat

• This artwork is a focused fantasy object study of the potion itself

• Created using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, watercolor pens with water, and finished with an acrylic paint pen border

• The full drawing process is available as a short time-lapse video

• Open edition prints are available through The Artistic Shepherd

Beneath the Dense Fog is an atmospheric digital painting by Justyn Simon that explores stillness, mood, and quiet presence. Using softened edges and muted tones, the piece invites reflection and calm, making it ideal for serene, contemplative spaces.

The Corgi of the Fae Mist is a digital watercolor fantasy artwork inspired by folklore where Pembroke Welsh Corgis serve as noble steeds of the fae. Bearing the Queen of Diamonds, this quiet guardian stands as a bridge between worlds—summoning fairy allies and channeling ancient magic from within the mist. Available as a museum-quality print, with a companion YouTube Short showing the artwork in motion.

• A traditional mixed-media dog artwork focused on stillness and presence

• Created with graphite watercolor pencils, water, and acrylic accents

• Features three dogs in silhouette beneath a storm-lit sky

• Watch the drawing process on YouTube

• Open edition prints available now

Against the Current is a hand-painted watercolor depicting Labradors swimming through a raging river. The piece explores motion, perseverance, and quiet strength, using watercolor’s natural flow to bring the scene to life. A sped-up painting video is available on YouTube Shorts, and fine art prints are now available.

Wading Forward is a traditional watercolor artwork featuring a Bernese Mountain Dog steadily moving through a cold stream. Created using watercolor with salt texture and finished with an acrylic paint pen border, the piece focuses on quiet endurance and persistence rather than speed or drama. A YouTube Short shows the drawing process, and the artwork is available as an open edition fine art print.

• Pulled from the Current is a narrative dog illustration inspired by Barker’s of Ruin

• It depicts a Labradoodle rescued from a raging river—a party recruitment moment

• Created with watercolor pencils and acrylic paint pen outlines

• Available as an open edition print

• Watch the drawing process on YouTube Shorts and explore the artwork via The Artistic Shepherd

Below the Surface: A Watercolor Dog Artwork from Barker’s of Ruin explores a quiet but defining moment—one where movement matters more than outcome. This watercolor piece captures a dog diving beneath the surface while holding the 2 of Spades, a symbol of choice, resolve, and commitment within the world of Barker’s of Ruin. Rather than focusing on what comes next, the artwork lingers on the act itself: the stillness of water, the certainty of motion, and the trust required once the decision has already been made.

New Year 2026 is a mixed-media Swiss Shepherd artwork created on black paper using mechanical pencil, kneaded eraser, colored pencil, and acrylic paint pen, then refined digitally in Procreate and Snapseed. The piece captures a quiet, reflective moment beneath fireworks, symbolizing steadiness, light, and hope as one year transitions into the next. Fine art prints are available through The Artistic Shepherd.

This artwork was inspired by Alma 14:29 from the Book of Mormon. I chose to visualize the verse’s vivid idiom “even as a goat fleeth with her young from two lions” literally, using animal imagery to explore motion, protection, and strength given in the moment of need. The piece reflects my love of drawing animals and my desire to express scripture through visual storytelling.

I’m getting ready for Aqua January, a water-themed art challenge created by Kick in the Creatives. This image shows how my site is being organized to support a month of calm, reflective artwork focused on flow, movement, and intentional creativity—alongside dog art, faith-inspired pieces, originals, and behind-the-scenes videos.

A cozy winter artwork featuring a Swiss Shepherd singing Silent Night beneath glowing lanterns. Watch the time-lapse, explore the print, and enjoy a peaceful seasonal moment.

Swiss Shepherd in a Christmas Snow Globe is a calm, cozy winter illustration inspired by the quiet moments of the holiday season. This blog post shares the drawing process through a short YouTube video and includes a link to the open-edition print available through The Artistic Shepherd.

A Gingerbread Christmas with Pups is a cozy holiday dog illustration featuring a Corgi, Dalmatian, two French Bulldogs, a Dachshund, and Valor the Swiss Shepherd, set in a glowing gingerbread village. Watch the time-lapse on YouTube Shorts and explore the art print on The Artistic Shepherd.

Peaceful Paws by the Fire is a cozy Christmas dog illustration capturing a quiet holiday moment—warm firelight, a sleeping pup, and the comfort of home. Available now as an open edition art print.

Where Warm Lights Meet Wagging Tails is a cozy, storybook-style holiday dog illustration created in Procreate. This blog post explores the inspiration behind the artwork, the creative process, and how small moments of kindness and togetherness capture the true spirit of the season. Fine art prints are available, and a short drawing video shows the piece coming to life.

Midnight Roll: The Corgi Hero is a whimsical mixed-media illustration of a corgi skateboarding through a neon city night. Watch the drawing process on YouTube and grab a print through The Artistic Shepherd shop.

I added new hand-painted Christmas-themed buttons across my homepage! They’re festive, cozy, and designed to make browsing easier and more fun. Each button represents a major area of the site—from Dog Art to Barkers of Ruin to Christmas collections. They’re now live on the homepage!

I created a new cartoon-style Swiss Shepherd illustration called Gentle Guardian Pup, and you can watch the full drawing process here. The artwork is warm, expressive, and perfect for dog lovers, nurseries, and uplifting décor. Prints are available on my Art Storefronts shop!

Get 30% off all print orders at The Artistic Shepherd until December 25th using the code MERRYARTMAS. This limited-time holiday sale is perfect for Christmas gifts, seasonal décor, and dog or faith-inspired artwork.

“Holiday Helpers: Trimming the Tree Together” is a warm, festive digital painting featuring four dogs decorating a Christmas tree. This joyful scene celebrates teamwork, cozy holiday memories, and the charm pets bring to the season. Perfect for dog lovers and holiday décor, the artwork brings instant Christmas cheer to any home.

“Saint Paws: Gifts on the Snowy Trail” is a heartwarming Christmas illustration featuring a Swiss Shepherd dressed as Santa, spreading cheer on a snowy night. The piece captures cozy holiday magic.

“Soaring with Style” is my newest whimsical dog painting created with acrylic paint and acrylic pens. The artwork features a joyful pup floating through the sky with colorful balloons and a cool pair of sunglasses.

This month’s logo brings in Christmas cheer with a festive Valor the Swiss Shepherd, a holiday wreath, colorful brush strokes, and gentle snowfall. It’s a fun seasonal update to The Artistic Shepherd brand and sets the tone for all the December artwork and releases.

A scripture-inspired watercolor mixed media illustration depicting a laborer pruning in the vineyard from Jacob 5—symbolizing spiritual growth, refinement, and the Lord’s patient labor in His vineyard.

Silent Sentinel: City’s Edge began as a simple experiment with Procreate’s cityscape brushes and evolved into a moody rooftop scene featuring a lone dog watching over a glowing night skyline. The piece let me explore new lighting, texture, and atmosphere techniques while capturing a quiet moment of reflection high above the city.

A new blog sharing my art updates, creative process, inspiration, and upcoming releases from The Artistic Shepherd.