Why do I paint?

I've always felt the most peace, balance and joy while strolling through the woods, sailing on the ocean or exploring wild beaches with my three border collies.

For 30 years, I hiked off-trail through the Tongass National Forest while working my search and rescue dogs, and the scent of towering Sitka spruces, the feel of cold rain on my face and the sound of ravens and eagles calling overhead filled my heart with joy and refreshed me even during the most challenging times.

The animals, trees and even the delicate lichens and mosses of the woods speak to me and I am compelled to capture their spirits in my paintings.

I love the challenge too, of capturing the unique soul of every pet that I have captured on canvas while painting commissions for people. The joy that people express upon seeing their pet beautifully rendered is wonderful!

I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting from Oregon State University and studied for one year at Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen, Scotland.

My high school years were spent living on a sailboat with my family where the peace and wild waters of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska have inspired my art and my love of the exploring wild areas.

Every day I explore the trails here in Alaska with my dogs, and each hike gives me another opportunity to understand the spirit of all the living things around me through observing and capturing the scene with my paintbrushes.