Pets have always been a part of my life, so it is natural for me to select this as the focus of my art. However, in my search for role models, I found only a handful of artists that treat this subject with a serious eye and artistic virtuosity. This is what I seek to achieve, and in doing so, elevate the subject of pets to a recognized and respected genre of fine art.

As an artist, I am fascinated by the personality of each animal and by the interaction that takes place between owners and their pets. This is what I seek to capture this in my paintings. I find my subjects by going where they hang out: pet stores, dog parks, and other pet friendly places. Sometimes I get great candid shots, but many times I ask the owner if I can take pictures. Once they understand my purpose for the photos, most people happily agree. Many times the subjects just find me. Fortunately, I keep a compact camera in my purse so I don’t miss a potential subject. And, of course, I also do commissions. In all cases, I seek to capture the emotional and temporal qualities of a passing moment: A pet watching the world around him; owner and pet walking together or stopping for a moment to drink in the sun.  

When I think about pets and their people, I am reminded of what the Monks of New Skete wrote in one of their two books on dog training:

“When we pay close attention, our dogs mirror us back to ourselves in unmistakable ways that, if we are open, foster understanding and change. Dogs are guileless and filled with spontaneity; unlike people, they don’t deceive. When we take seriously the words they speak to us about ourselves, we stand face-to-face with the truth of the matter.” * 

* Monks of New Skete, How to Be Your Dog’s Best Friend (New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2002), p.8