I am a self-taught artist, beginning in childhood when I was inspired by comic books to draw. My art training consisted of many how-to books, art magazines, plus all the practice I've had over the years. I believe trial and error (many errors!) helped me learn most of all. When I was young my mother brought home crayons and coloring books from the dimestore where she worked. Of course my favorite was the box of 64 with all the colors.
Over the years I have sold my paintings to friends, relatives, in two galleries and then on eBay for over 16 years. Working in galleries was a great experience so I learned first hand what people are interested in. My art has sold throughout the US and in several other countries. I have painted race horses, ducks, snakes and hunting dogs. I painted on wood, paper, saws and canvas. I painted a lot of elephants, tigers, wolves, and many wild cats. I began painting domestic cats when I worked in a gallery.
It's not always easy to think of new ideas for paintings. I like to paint cats in unusual or different places. It's a little game I play in my mind, to try and think like a cat. My two cats inspire me the most.. Zorro is the black and white cat with the "mustache" I have painted over the years. I will always remember the very first time I saw him when he was only 6 weeks old. He looked up at me, right into my eyes and I fell in love.
~~~On November 26, 2012 my sweet Zorro went to Pet Heaven. After nearly four years of diabetes and bladder infections he is now free of pain and at peace. He will always have a special place in my heart and I will never forget the wonderful cat that he was.~~~
I am inspired to paint watching the antics of my other two cats, Jedamae and Izzy. They keep me busy so I will never run out of ideas for painting.