My dream of being a `Real' artist started with my husband when he asked me what I most wanted to do, then opened the door wide and said "Go get 'em Baby!". That was over 25 years ago and since then I have traveled to many art shows and enjoyed receiving many awards for my original paintings. Though I've had no formal training I definitely didn't get where I am without a lot of help! God not only blessed me with a driving desire to paint, He also put certain people in my path to teach me art wisdom or steer me to an open door. My main mentor is Western Artist Bob Tommey who took me under his wing from the beginning of my career and didn't let me get away with any bad habits! I paint the way I do because of Bob. I also thank all my artist friends and the art patrons who've made being an artist such a joy!

With a dream of reaching even more wildlife art collectors I started my Etsy shop with just half a dozen Wildlife Note Cards and to date I now have a variety of 43. I've also added Giclee prints, and ACEO Cards to the mix. I look forward to having several hundred different prints for my patrons to choose from. Filling up my Etsy Gallery with a variety of Wildlife Art is a journey I truly look forward to!

All of my Giclee prints, Note Cards and ACEO Cards are printed by me using an Epson printer, archival pigment inks and premium grade art papers. I could hire it done but I care so deeply about high quality and prints that look as close to the originals as possible so I learned how to do it all myself. I spent several months learning professional quality printing methods and after acquiring the right tools I practiced till my Wildlife Prints and Note Cards suited me. For now it is working very well, but keeps me busy keeping up with print orders. My husband is my packer (I'm an excellent cook so I can talk him into any help needed), and he is also my frame designer or art booth builder. He is game for any trips to gather reference materials, attend shows or "just see what's on the other side of that mountain". We are an excellent team that keep each other laughing and dreaming up new projects for Swiftwings Studio.

God has truly blessed the work of my hands with collectors of my Wildlife Paintings nationally and internationally. My artwork has received many, many 1st Place, Best of Show, Awards of Excellence, 2nd Place for NOAPS Best of America, Sponsor Awards, Purchase Awards, etc. of which I am so pleased to receive. But to date the highest award I received was a patron who contacted me and said they still loved the piece they purchased from me 20+ years ago! That's what keeps me fired up...well that and all those gorgeous furry, feathered, slimy creatures that keep inspiring me!