My art journey began when I was about six years old. Armed with crayons and construction paper, I created dozens of drawings of our family's beloved terrier-mix dog we called Torky. The process of drawing simply enchanted me, and I was encouraged by the adults in my life to be an artist. As I grew up, I never stopped drawing and painting animals, using pencils, charcoal, colored pencils, acrylics, watercolors and pastels.
Studies with a number of nationally-known artists working in pastels have enabled me to improve my animal portraiture to the point that I have had numerous paintings accepted into national and international art competitions.
In addition to pastels, I have found acrylics to be the wonderful medium for pet portraiture, as they allow me to work quickly, yet still use vivid colors to express each pet's unique qualities.
As I paint, I know each piece I create will be cherished by its recipient for years to come. Just like the crayon portrait of my Torky that I treasure to this day. My work can be found in private collections throughout the United States, and I'd love to add a painting to yours!
Learn about how easy it is to order your keepsake custom pet portrait.
My recognition in regional and national shows include the Art du Pastel en France Award in the Pastel Society of America's annual national exhibition in New York City in 2017. My painting of a Weimaraner earned a First Place award at the Pastel National 2016 at Wichita, Kansas. In March, 2010, my painting of a Shetland Sheepdog won Best in Show in the national juried Art Show At The Dog Show in Wichita, Kansas. My winning entry was purchased by Purina and was subsequently donated to the permanent collection of the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in New York, NY. I am a signature member of the Pastel Society of America (New York), and a member of Gateway Pastel Artists (St. Louis) and the International Association of Pastel Societies.
Here's a link to a news story posted by my local NBC affiliate TV station, after I was interviewed about my Pastel National award in 2016!
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