My first riding lesson was at 11 years old, and that is also when I decided to try my hand at drawing horses. I began riding in 1967, got my first horse in 1969, and began doing portraits for friends in the 70’s, the rest is history! I have owned many of my own horses, and my love for the animal and the sport is very close to my heart.

Career

Over the years I have worked in a variety of equine related jobs, from mucking stalls, grooming, training and showing, to sales and now of course, equine art. I officially started my art career in 1988. After losing my horse late 2016, I began volunteering at our local therapeutic riding association, where now I am thier Equine Manager. As this job is part time, it allows me time for my artwork, and gives me lots of horse time!
I work in soft pastel and have experimented extensively to perfect the techniques that I use today. I often get questions as to how I am able to achieve the level of detail that I get with the use of pastel. Most of my works are commissioned, and while not working for my clients, I create new pieces for sale and exhibit.

Selected pieces of my artwork have appeared on the covers and on the pages of many equine publications such as Horse Sport, The Chronicle of the Horse, Equus & Polo Players Edition to name a few. My artwork and riding achievements were featured on CTV SPORTSNET during a broadcast of Woodbine Post Time in 2001. Some of my most memorable commissions were from the Ontario Equestrian Federation in 2008, for which I was commissioned to paint 5 portraits for the Canadian Olympic Show Jumping Team members, to celebrate their silver medal win at the Beijing Olympic Games. It was an honour to be asked by the O.E.F. to create this award for our Team.

In 2011, I was asked to paint a portrait of the great Northern Dancer by the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame. This was to commemorate the anniversary of his birth 50 years ago. It now hangs in the Hall of Fame at Woodbine Race Track.

I find such satisfaction in providing my clients with a portrait of their treasured animal that they can display in their homes to celebrate their special bond, and life together.

I love what I do.