Creativity takes courage.
— Henry Matisse

About the Artist

I am an artist living in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. I have always loved animals, being outdoors, and having dogs. That is why I get the most joy out of creating artwork involving pets, wildlife, and landscapes. I believe that you will see how much I care for all animals when you view my art. I strive to bring the heart and soul of each animal into all of my pieces.

My favorite inspirations are Van Gogh and the artists of the Hudson River School. I am equally drawn to Impressionist and Realist artists, although I tend to get lost in tiny details, similar to Realists. What I admire most about Impressionists’ works is their use of light.

Currently, the media I work with are graphite, pastels, and colored pencils. Each media has its advantages, and using different products allows me to be more creative when rendering pieces.

Formerly I have been an environmental scientist and a teacher. I incorporate both of these fields into what I do and create. I am appreciative and curious about the natural world, which is why I studied biology in the first place. I bring science into my craft by constantly experimenting with techniques and tools to discover what will help me to shine a light on the beauty of the natural world.

As for teaching, I have always liked sharing what I know with others. I enjoy reporting what techniques and products work best with fellow artists. Visit my Blog page if you are interested in some free tips based on what I have discovered. The goal of the blog is to narrow down the overwhelming amount of information that can be found online into smaller chunks that may be immediately helpful.

If you like what you see here, I would love to create something that you will enjoy for many years to come. Typically people ask for pet portraits, but I enjoy drawing wildlife, people, and landscapes as well. Please see my Pricing page for reference, and email me any questions you may have using the contact button below. Also, visit my Gallery by Media pages to see if you find a particular style or technique that appeals to you.

Thank you for visiting my website!

Having trouble learning how to use colored pencils and pastels? Click on the image for my free tutorial!