Faith in God, love of family & country plus a desire to produce excellent work gives me my "why".
With heroes such as Emerson, Thoreau, Socrates and the writings of C.S. Lewis,
​I learned to protect and harness the inner voice that urges one to follow their own path.

About me

Obsessed with art from the age of 4, I remember picking up a crayon with my left hand and loving the process of coloring the world as I saw fit. 
The 8th of 10 children born to Irish Catholic, hard working parents, I began my life in San Francisco California.
My father, a navy veteran with an entrepreneurial spirit, moved the family often, 11 schools in 12 years allowed me to live coast to coast and multiple places in between! 
Settling down in Kansas City after traversing the United States in the late 80’s, marriage and soon after the birth of my beloved daughter took place.
After 9/11 I felt an urgency to honor the fallen and our American heroes with portraits. In an illustrative style I began developing my craft through art classes, while working full time and raising my daughter.
With heroes such as Emerson, Thoreau, Socrates and the writings of C.S. Lewis, I began to protect and harness the inner voice that urged the following of one’s own path. Despite the very difficult calling of an artist,  I proceeded nonetheless.  I began more portrait art to honor extraordinary lives through my work.

Years of study in art history combined with art training has produced numerous portraits that honor the stories behind the individuals I paint.
Below are some of my creative accomplishments.

• Winning first place for a portrait of my mother Janet, “Women of Excellence” (2002)
• Alice Cooper's national radio program honored and recognized portraits of Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley (2006)
• Gracing the cover of The Commander (National American Legion Press Association) on flag day with a portrait of a soldier (2008)
• Winning first place for a portrait of Anthony Bourdain, (on permanent display in the student center of Maple Woods Community College) Kansas City (2009)
• Graduating Phi Beta Kappa with Associates of Arts refined my tenacity. (2012)
• Honored with "Excellence in the Pursuit of Fine Art" by the Art department from Park University, Missouri (2013)
• Large scale hockey mural  at the Blue Line restaurant, Kansas City (2015)
• Corporate art installation of "Missouri Greats" including custom  vintage maps, biographies and paintings of Disney, Truman, Cronkite and Twain. (2016)
• The NEW Rosie the Riveter, sold for top amount collected in Kansas City art auction funding college education for young women (2017)
• Ongoing collection of the Jazz Greats- large scale paintings honoring jazz greats of the 30's, 40's 50's (2017-2018)
• Illustrating the American Presidents (2020)
  
• Tenacity, honor and excellence, are the core values I infuse into every project I undertake.

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Testimonials

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​March 30, 2018
Jackie did an absolutely incredible job on our son’s mural! She worked tirelessly to capture exactly what our vision was, continued to rework the image over and over until it was perfect! It was clear that her main goal was ensuring that we absolutely loved the final result. I would highly recommend her without hesitation!
Asheley A.

January 20, 2018 5 stars
Jackie painted an amazing canvas of the patron of our school and did an AMAZING job! Her work is proudly displayed to all as they enter the school! Thank you, Jackie! Your work is so beautiful!
Kim M.
 
January 19, 2018 5 stars
Jackie’s work is exquisite.
Chad H.

October 29, 2016 4 stars
Jackie is an instructor who is honest and hands on reserving compliments only when the student deserves one, therefore motivating them to always aim higher and do their best.  She introduces the novice student to many different mediums familiarizing them with the many choices that artists' have to choose from to express themselves. She believes and teaches you to have a good work ethic so you can improve your skills and be the best that you can be.
Leslie S.

September 2016 5 stars
The absolute finest quality!  Jackie has truly unique and spiritual gift for art.  Jackie is a one of a kind like her work.  I have the honor or having  a one of a kind Jackie Grawe portrait of St. Padre Pio in my office everyday, reminding everyone who enters to "Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry".
Joseph R.
 
October 28, 2016 5 stars
Jackie's creativity and attention to detail made my experience with this art project so memorable and sets a new bar of expectations for my next mural project.  I highly recommend her for this and other project management services.
Michael S.

June 3, 2016 5 stars
In 2014 I commissioned Jackie to sketch a drawing of a picture of my sons.  It was intended to be a gift to our older son in remembrance of his younger brother who had passed away a few years prior. We only had a 4 x 6 picture that we could give to Jackie to work from, but I was very impressed by the amount of detail in the sketch.  She brought the picture to life and gave us back a wonderful memory.  She was very thoughtful and considerate in wanting some additional info on our boys so that she could understand their personalities and their close relationship.  Her drawing will be a treasure for us forever.  I would recommend her work to everyone

May 24, 2016
Jackie painted a mural on the outside of my business. She was a pleasure to deal with (just a very nice lady), but also extremely professional (on time, high quality work, ready and willing to touch up if needed). A+ for Jackie, thank you from me and my team,
-Jordan W
-Celltronix
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May 24, 2016
Jackie did a wonderful mural for us at The Blue Line. She would come in at lunch time and paint while our customers were eating. What a great conversational idea. She was very professional, and her art is fantastic! Would highly recommend her.
Shirley S.