I have been drawing and painting since I can remember. I won poster contests as a kid, and my earliest portraits were of my two horses and my childhood dog.
Originally from Santa Cruz, California, I now call Ormond Beach, Florida my home.
Growing up in California with the diversity in landscape and the rugged coastline as central inspiration for my early art. While attending college, I majored in Fine Art and was profoundly inspired by my Life Drawing instructor, Howard Ikemoto. During college, I had my own graphic design business in which I designed logos and related material for local businesses in the Monterey Bay area such as restaurants, chiropractors, and other small companies.
When I lost my beloved chocolate Labrador, Ziggy to cancer, I painted his portrait to channel my grief into something therapeutic and creative. This quite naturally transformed into my business and my passion, combing the two things I love - animals and art.
Living beach side in Florida has rekindled my love for painting landscapes and beach scenes. I find the use of ocean inspired colors exhilarating! There is a unique fascination watching the painting transform and come to life as each layer of paint is applied.
I find that painting different subjects keeps my mind and spirit alive and my paintings fresh and true to my style.
In the end, success for me is watching the expression on someone’s face when I deliver the finished painting. As long as my portraits evoke emotion, I’ll continue to paint.