Some people grow up with a clear path ahead of them, but for me, my heart has always been pulled in two directions: a love for animals and a passion for art. Since I was little, I’ve been enchanted by animals, both great and small. I still remember the first time I laid eyes on a horse—it was as if time stood still, I was completely captivated, lost in a dream where I imagined the day they would become a permanent part of my world. That dream came true when I started volunteering at a boarding stable at the age of 13 and eventually spent over 12 years professionally caring for animals, an experience that changed me in ways I never could have imagined. It gave me an intimate understanding of every animal's unique beauty, their resilience, and their ability to connect with us in the most profound ways.
At the same time, art has always been my anchor. From the moment I could hold a crayon, I’ve been drawing. My notebooks were filled with sketches of animals, flowers, and anything that caught my eye. Art wasn’t just a hobby; it was my way of understanding the world around me. I pursued this passion at UW-Madison, where I studied art which laid the groundwork for the techniques I use today.
But for years, my art was something personal—a quiet joy I kept to myself, my therapy if you will. That all changed because of one pivotal moment. When our beloved dog Cody needed an expensive surgery we couldn’t provide, our incredible friends stepped in to help us. My husband suggested that I draw a portrait of thier two dogs for them as a thank-you gift. I was hesitant, afraid my skills wouldn’t measure up to such an important gesture. But I gave it a shot, and to my surprise, that drawing didn’t just make our friends cry—it also ignited something inside me. It was as though everything I loved about animals and art had finally come together, and I knew I’d found my purpose.
Since then, my journey as a professional artist has been filled with incredible milestones. I have had the pleasure to draw dozens and dozens of private commissions for my incredible collectors, my work has been featured in Artist Closeup magazine, and I’ve had the joy of showcasing my art at fairs and markets across the country. I was a member of the Denver Art Society from 2020 to 2023 and remain active in the art world through the Fredericksburg Art Guild in the Texas hill country. I even created an artist group, Artist Unclassified, to bring creatives together to support and inspire one another. That group is still going strong in Denver, and a new chapter will be launching soon in Texas Hill Country.
Every step of the way, I’ve been guided by my love for animals. They are my muse and my mission. I specialize in creating custom charcoal artwork that captures their unique spirit, blending realism with a touch of timeless elegance. And because giving back is a core part of who I am, 10% of every order goes directly to organizations that help animals in need.
When I look back, it’s clear that everything I’ve done—every animal I’ve cared for, every sketch I’ve drawn—has led me to this moment. Art has given me the chance to honor the beauty of life, share meaningful stories, and make a difference. Each piece I create is a labor of love, infused with the joy, resilience, and connection that animals bring to our lives.
This journey is more than just art—it’s a celebration of the bond we share with the animals who touch our hearts. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.
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