My first "pet portrait" was one that I did for one of my closest friends. It kindof just escalated from there. I really enjoy painting the portraits. I love watching the dog's face come to life within the paint. I've painted labs, doodles, mastiffs, yorkies...you name it.

My other form of inspiration derives from my very best friend. My sister Coleman. She has always had faith in me no matter what and is always there for me in whatever I do. She has always encouraged me and given me positive thoughts with all of my ups and downs when it comes to art. I look to her for fun, laughter, comfort and most of all friendship.

I don't know what I'd do in my life without all of my animals. I never set out to have so many, they all just sortof showed up on their own terms. I have two golden retrievers: Sally and Nicholas, a beautiful horse named Robert Redford and a very silly little rabbit named General MacArthur. They make my life so fun and interesting and inspire me every day. The majority of my art revolves around horses and I feel that I have Redford to thank for that. The dog portraits evolved from my many nights watching Nicholas and Sally. I think that I will always be someone who will have a lot of animals around. They just make life so wonderful!!!