My earliest memories of art center around animals. Dogs, cats, horses, you name it! Like any 5-year-old I was entranced by them and sought to bring them to life in my own, unique way. I found expressing this excitement with pencil, pastels, and charcoal came naturally and I had plenty of subjects on which to practice sketching as my dad owned a kennel, bred St. Bernards, and even kept animals for the Ringling Brothers. As my skills progressed, I began experimenting with pen and ink, strengthening the details in my work. For my 8th grade graduation I received a set of rapidograph pens, which I still use today.
By high school, I was supporting my art through a host of different pursuits: jewelry sales to friends, creating party invitations for stationers Paul Anderson Co and Nancy Harkins in San Antonio, logo designs for local businesses, fashion illustration ads for newspapers and magazines, scientific and medical drawings, architectural and home renderings. Furthermore, I expanded and honed my calligraphy skills to include custom alphabets.
While art was my passion, I also found that science sparked my creativity and added balance and depth to my work, so I sought degrees in both fields. Studying art under Bill Bristow and Carolyn Shelton at Trinity University, I focused my attention on details as my interest in watercolor piqued.
I then pursued graduate work in biochemistry concentrating on molecular genetics. While researching mitochondrial DNA at the UTHSC in San Antonio, I continued to expand my commercial art business. After several years I worked with Pacific Hemostasis in California doing monoclonal antibody research while also redesigning their logo and producing all of their advertising.
Today, I primarily work in watercolor and pen and ink, with emphasis on realism. I find the world fascinating and inspirational, carrying sketchbooks with me at all times, especially when traveling. Commissioned projects have taken me throughout Texas, across the states, and to many countries.
My current commercial work includes wedding stationery, birth announcements, party invitations, and more. I also create custom jewelry, polymer beads, pendants, unique bedding, and acrylics at a client's request. A treasured part of my business is working with brides and helping them realize a personal vision for their wedding. This includes personalized monograms, jewelry, announcements, invitations, notecards, gift totes, and more. Specialized items, inspired by my youngest’s destination wedding in New Orleans, include 2nd Line Umbrellas.
My goal is for my clients to feel the love and excitement embodied in each work of art.