MY ARTISTIC JOURNEY

Art has been a constant throughout my life. I began creating simply because I loved it, and over time that interest grew into both a career in art education and my own studio practice. For more than 20 years, I have taught visual art, and that experience has strongly influenced the way I approach my own work. Teaching has reinforced the importance of looking closely, understanding how things are constructed, and taking the time to really see what is in front of me.

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My connection to animals and the natural world has naturally led me toward developing a studio practice centered on pets and wildlife. I’m drawn to the details that make each one unique—the way an animal moves, looks, carries itself, or simply occupies its surroundings. Those observations continue to shape my artistic choices and how I approach each subject.

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MY ARTISTIC APPROACH

I work primarily in soft pastel because it allows me to build an image gradually, layering color and value to develop form, light, and texture. I enjoy refining a drawing over time, moving from larger shapes and structures to the smaller details that give a subject its distinctive qualities.

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I’m particularly drawn to the intelligence, humor, and quiet individuality of animals. I pay close attention to the details that reveal something about each subject—their expression, posture, gaze, and other subtle characteristics. Whether I’m creating a portrait of a beloved pet or drawing wildlife, I want the finished piece to feel thoughtful and true to the subject.

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