While growing up in a small Kentucky town, we were exposed to my mother's painting, sewing and gardening, among many other artistic and creative endeavors. Color, perspective and lighting were all second nature to me. The rhythm of the seasons was ingrained in me from helping in her gardens.

Our father took us fishing, boating and catching butterflies. He would tease and test us with information on birds, deer, fish and directions home from five miles down the lake.

So I guess it can be no surprise that I have a true love and respect for animals and the great outdoors. My family never lacked for pets, either. We had dogs always, with cats, birds, goldfish and horses thrown in the mix as well.

My early exposure and training in artistic areas ignited a never-ending quest for more ways to express my artistic genes. So I went to college at Western Kentucky University and earned my Bachelor of Fine Art Degree with a Commercial Art Option.

In the early 80's, I did a double pet portrait for my Veterinarian as a sincere gesture of my undying gratitude for his help and care of my two dogs. Unknown to me then, but as gifts from the heart are prone to do, my career of painting pet portraits began. He gave my information to his clients and my lifelong connection to animals had blossomed into commissioned artwork. The pet portraits led to doing house portraits and then to decorative painting for my clients.

My husband and I moved to the top of a mountain in Tennessee on the Cumberland Plateau. Two adorable dogs and a neighbor's cat have adopted us. Inspiration oozes in from every direction.

Now I have taken my love of animals and nature and my thirst for so many different expressions of art and melted them into very personal works for others. I've come full circle. I am back to a slower pace of life, with animals and beauty surrounding me. I am still always trying to capture that sparkle of a pet's eyes, or the moods and beauty of Mother Earth.