I started drawing in 2016 as a hobby. I became enchanted and so it soon became a lifestyle.

My childhood dream had been to be an illustrator, but life took me in another direction. For most of my grownup years I did not make art of any kind. But then one day—one bright and shiny day not that long ago—I decided to chase that dream again.

I am a largely self-taught artist. The subject matter and styling of my art is influenced by a childhood growing up in a tiny, historic village in rural Virginia, surrounded by simple living, a large extended family and tons of adventures. Crumbling limestone buildings, cedar-dotted pastures, and ancient superstitions were part of my every day. I spent the bulk of my childhood outside and I rarely wore shoes in the summer. It was a sweet and simple life.

When I am making art, I strive to blend my love for history, nature and family with a dash of humor and whimsy. This recipe generates art that is quirky, fun and positive. I work with traditional materials—gouache, pencils and crayons—and I also work in Procreate. Often a combination of the two.

Today I live near Washington DC, with my husband and not nearly enough animals. When I’m not working, I am diligently researching my family history as I am the keeper of hundreds of family photographs, handed down from mother to daughter, generation to generation.

All of these things—my past and my present, are sprinkled like sugar in my artwork. They make it richer and more honest. It is still a sweet and simple life.

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Topics that interest and inspire me:
History
Nature, conservation themes and animal habitats
Cooking and baking
Gardening and foraging
Folklore, folktales, anything with the word “folk” in it.
Humor, whimsy, and just plain silly.
Animals, animals, all kinds of animals!
Animals that wear clothes and cool hats.
Touching, heartfelt stories.
Stories that make you think and wonder.
Poetry! I get a buzz when I read things that rhyme.
Everyday life and simple, tiny moments.
Superstitions and traditions

Projects that interest me:
Book illustration for children and adults.
Magazine illustration for children and adults.
Illustration for packaging.
Calendars! Oh yes!
Art for children’s toys and products.
If you have other ideas, don’t be shy, please share them with me.

Select Clients

• Prestel Publishing

• Free Spirit Publishing

• Eeboo Toys and Puzzles

• True South Puzzle

• Honest History Magazine

• Hudson Valley Seed Company

• Washington Lawyer

• The Washington Post

Member SCBWI, AOI and Art Brand Alliance