Paintings

I have loved animals and art 

all of my life.

 

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I managed to combine those loves early on when I drew horses incessantly (often to the frustration of my teachers). I drew and painted animals every chance I got - painting wall murals, illustrating the cover of my school's telephone directory, painting on clothing and even on the exchangeable covers of my "cool" friends' Pappagallo purses (Google it if you're under 40). Eventually I expanded my subject matter but never lost my love of animals.

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After I finished college with concentrations in political science and fine art, I got my feet wet in the business side of art, working at frame shops and small art galleries in Richmond and Virginia Beach. While I dealt in the works of other artists, I had little time for my own.

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Life changed dramatically in 1998 when I had my first child and soon after moved to Falls Church, VA. I had a long hiatus while I raised my two sons and worked part time as a group fitness instructor. 

 

In the blink of an eye, I found myself facing an empty nest and wondering what my next chapter would be. On a whim, I painted a friend's beloved, departed canine companion, and I was thrilled that she liked the gift. A couple of other friends asked if I could paint portraits of their dogs, and well . . . that's how it all started. 

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While I still teach group fitness and live in Northern Virginia with my fantastic family, I now get the privilege of looking into the eyes of beautiful and cherished pets and doing my very best to represent not just their outward appearance but the real essence of their spirit and personality in the hope of giving joy, peace, and happiness to the humans who love them.

 

 

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