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 then work in watercolor on 100% acid-free paper at approximately 6x 10" scale for the image, 10" x 14" over-all, for the purpose of matting and framing the image. Framing is the responsibility of the buyer.

1b.) Transportation and expenses are the responsibility of the client. Usually a short visit of an hour is all that is necessary, but I am flexible with pets that need more time to get acquainted.

2.) Although I prefer to work directly from the beginning, I will consider working long distance a.) If it is financially difficult to cover my transportation costs. In this case, I would prefer to see a variety of previously taken photos for reference, rather than just one. If I feel that I can do an excellent portrait based on those photos I will go ahead with the portrait.

2b.) If a pet is deceased, the available photos will determine my decision to go ahead or not.

3.) The photos, provided by the client, or taken by me, will be returned to the client along with the finished portrait. I retain one photo for reference if taken by me.

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