Some form of art has always found a place in my life and animals of all sorts captured my attention. As a child, I was well known in my neighborhood for visiting all the neighbors dogs and cats and even collecting a few along the way. I just didn't realize was that I couldn't keep them!

My art development was self-directed but took a complete turnaround when I discovered Richard Schmid and The Putney Painters in VT.  After many years of invites to Putney Painters Days and numerous workshops, Richard Schmid and Nancy Guzik asked me to become an official member. This was life altering. Richard’s generous spirit inspired members to pass on their knowledge, and led to my own desire to teach. I already had decades of experience in marketing teaching, writing and nurturing employees so it was a natural transition.

Richard Schmid famously said, “Paint what you love, love what you paint”. The joy and power of that concept wasn't hard for me to grasp and incorporate in my practice. 

Having learned to paint from life, bringing live dogs and horses into her workshops was a natural step. This provides a spark of inspiration along with valuable information and maybe just a bit of chaos. Creating fresh and lively portraits are always the objective. Studying my own pack of dogs has helped in interpreting what I see and feel when painting from photographs for commissions. 

This process is captured in the best selling DVDs “The Fine Art of Painting Dog Portraits”  and “The Fine Art of Painting Horse Portraits” published by Streamline Publishing. They both changed artist’s perception of “pet painting”. No longer taking a back seat to other subject matter she drew inspiration from classic 19th century animal painters. In 2010, she was the first Contemporary Painter to promote the idea of Dog Portraits being classified as Fine Art.

Still a member of Putney Painters, I've followed in Richard’s footsteps and also established The Third Floor Studio. This group of like-minded working artists meets in an environment conducive to painting, sharing experiences and encouragement.

Along with all this, I was most fortunate to fall into the sphere of living masters, Sherrie McGraw and David Leffel. The challenges they presented pushed me towards another level of self expectation. But it’s not just about painting. As exceptional teachers they have been important role models in my development and experience as a teacher. Teaching is not technique. Teaching is about understanding.

I have been fortunate that my work has garnered accolades and is collected nationally as well as internationally. Along the way, I accumulated many awards but recognition is only a momentary thrill. It doesn't compare to the importance of building a body of work. I am always looking forward and never back, striving to bring poetry and sensitivity to everything I paint. Along with a bit of fun!

I enjoy teaching throughout the U.S. and soon, internationally; look for me on social media or my newsletter and I'll keep you posted.

Recent Awards and Exhibitions

2025  Finalist, June Plein Air Salon Competition
2025  June Bold Brush FAV15%

2025  American Impressionist Society Small Works Showcase, Honorable Mention

2025  Cover Artwork for Veterinarian Journal JAHMA, 5th Cover

2025  BoldBrush Competition Top Award, 1st Place 

2025  Salmagundi Club Juried Members Exhibition

2025  American Impressionist Society Juried Small Works Showcase 

2024  Finalist, PleinAir Salon December Competition

2024 Oil Painters of America Juried Eastern Regional Exhibition

2024  Almenara Art Prize, Honorable Mention

2024  American Impressionist Society, All Members Juried Exhibition

2024  Modern Impressionist Magazine Salon Show

2024 Portrait Society of America 4th Place Juried Members Exhibition Competition

2024  Art Renewal Center 17th Salon Competition Semi Finalist

2024  Jack Richeson Animals, Birds & Wildlife Awards Competition Finalist