Thats me and my dog Mario! I have loved animals since I was a little girl! My interest in both animals and art began when I was just 7 years old. I had a little ‘Scottie’ dog and used to draw and paint pictures of her! I never had any formal training except for High School Drawing and Painting classes. That’s when I started to develop some of my skills as an artist. I loved to draw animals that I saw in photo books using colored pencils and I was only interested in drawing realistic pictures. When I grew up I became a pretty good sign painter, for years I painted very primitive paintings of Cats and other animals on wood. My love of animals has always been the focus of my artwork but now I can see how much my paintings have evolved and become more realistic. I have been painting for many years and through out the years I’ve had many animals. Each one was special to me but unfortunately as I got older so did my pets. I had a difficult time loosing them and realized that I needed to paint each one of them to keep their memory alive. I love and appreciate animals so much because they bring so much joy to our lives! Having a special bond with animals has helped me paint them. Even if I haven't met the pet somehow through their photograph I am able to capture their true personality. I guess it's a gift because sometimes there are paintings that even I can’t believe I’ve painted. They look just like the pet! Of course the photo that I use is a big contributor. I can paint a realistic painting as long as I have a detailed photo of the pet! Many times when I deliver a painting the owners cry when they see it! That tells me that I've done a good job! My portraits are painted in Acrylic on Canvas.

I’ve recently designed a line of Pet Angels and Pet Memorials because I realize the need to pay tribute to your pet even after they're gone. As a dedicated animal lover and artist and I’m committed to designing and painting animal art as long as I’m on this earth.

I'm inspired by spending time with animals so I have been involved with animal rescue and welfare groups. I volunteer for Our Companions Domestic Animal Sanctuary, and donate 10% of the proceeds of my portraits to Our Companions. They also receive proceeds from my 'Rescued Pet Collection' notecards. Currently I'm illustrating a book with writer Teresa Pelham; 'Roxy's Forever Home' about a homeless dog who was rescued.

I live with my husband, Mike, my stepdaughter, Kara and our two labs; Mario, and Dalton, who were both rescued from shelters and a Siamese cat, Cocoa. Even Mario has volunteered and recently retired from Delta Society for Pet Therapy. We would visit hospice patients and a childrens hospital. Mario is enjoying his senior years.

I've grown very close to my dogs over the years. They are special beings and I know they are here for a reason!

One of my favorite quotes is:

'Dogs are not our whole life...but they make our LIVES WHOLE! by Roger Caras