Born:  In New Jersey.

Current residence:  West end of Henrico County.

Family:  Husband Larry, daughter Thea, son-in-law John, son Marc, daughter-in-law Karen, four grandkids.

Pets: Husband Larry.

Horses:  None.

Occupation:  Pastel painter and teacher.

How did you happen to become an equine artist? After intensive art training in high school, I dropped art while raising a family.  Then, when the opportunity arose for me to leave my day job, I started back with my first love, painting portraits in pastels in 1987.  After a few years a client asked me to paint her daughter’s horses.  It was easy to fall in love with horses after that.

What is your “claim to fame”? My clients tell me that the animals I paint seem to come to life, and almost come off the page, with noses and hair you could touch.

Hobbies:  Painting.

Philosophy on life:  Life is what you make it.  I believe in the inherent goodness in people, and one must expect good in people and experiences.

Best horse advice ever received:  Paint what you see, and be very precise.  Horse people know when something is wrong in a painting.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?  Because of a balance problem, I can’t ride horses.

Where can people see your artwork?  Crossroads Art Center, 2016 Staples Mill Road, Richmond. The Cultural Art Center at Glen Allen, Mountain Road, Glen Allen, and my website, www.CelebrationsInPastels.com.