Art has always been a part of my life. I come from a creative family of painters and makers- my grandmother, a talented watercolorist, was always guiding us kids through fun art projects, snapping photos of flowers, and encouraging us to enter local art shows. That early encouragement shaped who I am today.
Painting runs through my family- my dad, sister, and uncle are all gifted artists in their own ways. It’s something we share, and something that continues to inspire me. While I appreciate all forms of art, acrylic painting is where I feel most at home. I especially love capturing pets, wildlife, and natural landscapes, often drawn from my own photos and real-life moments.
I work primarily with acrylic paints and usually start with a photo I’ve taken myself- whether it’s a beloved pet, a quiet landscape, or a wildlife encounter. Working from photos helps me capture details and create realistic yet expressive pieces.
I tend to work quickly and intuitively, building up layers of color and texture. My goal is to capture the unique personality of each subject, whether it’s the soulful eyes of a dog or the glow of sunlight in a prairie field. Each painting is personal, and I treat it that way from the first sketch to the final brushstroke.