I am a mixed media artist and acrylic painter and focus primarily on animals. I love their sense of whimsy, playfulness, love, loyalty…we share so many commonalities and I try to honor that in my art. I begin each piece with a non-objective abstract under painting. This step is critical to the success of the finished painting as it creates an underlying mood, areas of interest, energy, even tension. I am often inspired by the edges or lines to paint a particular animal. Throughout the process I am seeking balance. I allow bits of the under painting to show through to reflect the synergy of the animal and its environment. Each portrait is finished with gold leaf, one of nature’s precious metals of enduring significance. It both anchors the painting and elevates it at the same time. My ultimate goal is to create order of chaos, to invite the viewer to wander deeper inside the painting, to ask questions, to seek answers and to feel something…hopefully joy.