My passion is painting pets and personalities. Custom pet portraits are my specialty.

For me, all great art tells a story. I'm descended from a long line of Southern storytellers, so I know how to tell a great story. Art is more than just replicating what you see - it's a deep form of communication. I do more than paint your pet's portrait - I help them tell their story, too! The narrative is as important as the imagery. That's what Art is all about... getting the viewer to see and understand the subject in a whole new light..

The Artist and her Airedale strike a formal pose - Leslie & CH Top Step Flash Act aka "Mako"

Art & dogs have always been a major part of my life. I have been an artist and a dog lover since the day that I was born. My life now revolves around those two passions. My "pack" currently includes Mako the Airedale and Punch the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV). They like to try and participate in the creative process! 

Painting Pets & Personalities
Portraits by Commission - from your photographs

"Jaguar of the Jungle" - Acrylic on canvas - 16" x 20" - 2003

Commission

I strive to capture the inner life of my subjects. I like to meet them whenever possible and I can take photographs of them, if necessary. I want to know their story. When I'm painting a cherished dog’s portrait, I try to capture their unique essence - their personalities, their story. I like my dogs to look like they are going to bark or maybe you can hear the cats softly purr? Hear them speak to you!

My style is contemporary so I consider it appropriate that I paint in a modern medium. I work primarily in acrylics. I like the immediateness of the medium. It enables me to convey the unique vitality of each pet. I often add metallic powders to the pigments to project that vibrant energy which is so special about our pets. They live in the moment and I want to capture that moment!

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