I was born in 1957 and have always been interested in art, coming from a family of artists on both sides. I dabbled in art over the years, but waited until my daughter was grown and husband retired from the Navy top pursue my art education. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, with an emphasis in illustration. My focus in my art has always been animals, particularly birds, as I am involved in bird rescue and rehabilitation. I currently work from home completing portrait commissions and miniature art. I have been influenced my many things in life, first is my Catholic Faith and respect for all life as taught by St. Francis of Assisi, second is family, the importance of sharing our lives with one another. I enjoy watching the bond between people and animals and always wanted to share my love of animals with others. I believe we are all given talents to help one another, and art is my gift to others. I live with my husband of 31 years in rural Oklahoma where we share our home with 9 rescue birds, including a one winged Blue Jay and a sparrow that was found paralyzed and 5 dogs. I also have created a backyard sanctuary for wildlife, using native plants and terrain to create a safe haven for the local species. Medium I work primarily in acrylic and color pencil, although I first focused on graphite and ink, I find acrylic the most satisfying and versatile medium. Subject Matter I have begun to focus more and more on avian art, I have a close relationship with our animals, but birds are continually fascinating to me. They each have unique and individual personalities, and everyone is familiar with them. I seek to draw the viewer closer to him or her and to encourage appreciation for all life, and to cherish each life of each creature, applying the Golden Rule to all life whether it be human or animal.
