About Me

My photo
I have studied art throughout my life starting at a young age being taught by my father, a book illustrator. I then went on to study at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, The Art Institute Online of Pittsburgh, and the Academy of Art University of San Francisco. My love of nature later inspired me to complete a Liberal Studies degree with a concentration in Environmental Science. I have created art that I printed on cards and commissioned to local gift shops. In 2010 I opened a small pet care business, which I still run, and started creating pet and animal-inspired art. While out with the animals, I take lots of photos that I later use as references for my art.

Friday, September 22, 2017

Autumn Play

"Autumn Play" 12 x 16 Pastel drawing


"Autumn Play" Happy Autumn Solstice! Here's my newest pastel drawing inspired by one of my pet care client's kitties. I enjoyed the mimicking of the bark and the cat's fur pattern. It's warm this week here in Ohio, but the cooler weather is just around the corner, and I can't wait! Autumn is my favorite time of year. Not only is the food the best this time of year, but the landscape is beautiful. So get outside and catch some falling leaves, jump in a leaf pile, and then have a slice of  pumpkin bread and a mug of warmed apple cider. 🍎🍂

All of my original drawings are for sale. I am also now taking orders for custom pet portrait drawings for the holidays. Enjoy the season! 🍁

Friday, September 15, 2017

Garden Inspired

"Garden Inspired" 12 x 16 pastel drawing.
Summer is coming to a close, but the garden still has plenty to give. Our first Ohio vegetable garden gave us more than we anticipated! All those tomatoes coupled with all the kitties I pet sat for during the summer, inspired me to combine passions; gardens and my love of fur babies.

I take many photos while I am out taking care of my client's fur children. They make great reference photos for my drawings and their natural poses are genuine moods of the animals. This sweet girl was in a playful mood when I caught this pose. I knew it would be useful somewhere down the line. Once our tomatoes turned into a jungle of colors, I took photos of the garden and inspiration set in.

This drawing was so much fun, but took longer than I had hoped. Summer is a tough time for me to sit and draw as all those fur babies take up much of my time. I love every moment of it though and am grateful to be able to do what I enjoy.

One more week until Autumn, my favorite time of the year! As the colors change and the days grow shorter, I will continue to be out taking care of fur babies and finding inspiration for my art. They say to write what you know, but I think the same applies to art. 🎨🐈🍅😁 -Sandy