As far back as I can remember I’ve loved creating realistic drawings of the world around me and drawing animals of all types. That passion was realized as a talent for me when, in my senior year of high school, my painting of a mother beluga whale and her pup won first place out of 42, 000 entries in the Robert Bateman National Wildlife Art Contest. My painting was published in the Canadian wildlife federation’s WILD magazine and the Globe and Mail and was acclaimed by Robert Bateman himself as, “clearly the most outstanding work of art entered in this year’s contest.” I was shocked and honoured by this praise from my art hero, but at that time didn’t think it was realistic to pursue a career in art. So instead, I took the practical route and went to university and spent the following decade teaching university level psychology.

Between teaching and raising my two wonderful children, my art took a back seat for many years. And then came COVID. Living through the uncertainty of the pandemic made me realize that now was the time to pursue my dreams. So, In 2021, backed by the encouragement of my friends, family, and fellow artists, I took a leap of faith and started up my art business and couldn’t be happier that I did. The pet and animal portraits that I’ve had the privilege to draw have brought me so much joy and I am excited to bring that joy to your home.