Just as life rarely moves in predictable straight lines, my artistic path has been one of cycles and side journeys. Having discovered my love of making art for others as a young adult, I went on to earn my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, specializing in oil painting. Afterward, I turned my attention less toward producing art and more toward a career in art education and administration.

Recently  and with delight, I’ve  found my way back to where I began: The natural instincts and style I often resisted during my formal studies have guided me back to my love of making  art for others.  My medium of choice is oils, and my passion is portraiture -- creating realistic representations of loved ones, human or animal, for my clients.

For meaningfulness, excitement, and satisfaction as an artist, painting commissioned portraits brings it all together for me. My joy is in witnessing the emotional connections  my clients feel when they see the pieces I’ve created for them. That means everything.

"Happiness is within. It has nothing to do with how much applause you get  or how many people praise you. Happiness comes when you believe you have done something truly meaningful."  --Martin Yan