I was the one in our family who tamed the wild farm cats. I grew up with dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, Angus cattle and mice in the attic. Today I have a beautiful blue collie/ black lab dog named Sage, and four cats: Sid, Sonya, Patch and Penne.

My love of animals encouraged me to devote some time to creating affordable pet portraits that attempt to catch the unique personality of each pet. At the same time, I am creating beautiful small-scale paintings that are rich and colorful, just for the sake of painting. I don't have any formulas. Each pet seems to ask for it's own portrait solution.

1.) When I do a portrait of someone else's "best friend" I prefer to take my own reference photographs. This ensures that my viewpoint and sense of design comes through from the beginning; I also learn the most about your pet and your home from a direct meeting. As an artist, I like to be creatively in control from the beginning of the process for the best results; at the same time a great portrait comes from collaborating with the person who knows him or her best-----we look in the digital camera together and decide what images will make the best painting, and also show your pet's personality most clearly. Please review my steps for taking a great photo, just in case travel to your home is impossible.

2.) I then go home to do the painting, working with archival materials, primarily watercolor, but also colored pencil, India ink, gesso, & graphite pencil on 100% acid-free paper. The size is approximately 8" x 10" for the image, 10" x 14" over-all, for the purposes of matting and framing the image. Framing is the responsibility of the buyer.

3.) Usually a short visit of an hour or less is all that is necessary, but I am flexible with pets that need more time to get acquainted.

4.) Transportation, expenses, and photographing time are all included in the cost.

5.) I enjoy working outside of my immediate home area if enough clients are interested to justify the expense. So, persuade some of your friends to have a portrait done and I'll come to you!

6.) I retain the copyright on any image I create. (to be used for reproduction in other formats if I choose)