I paint stories that unfold between horses and humans.

My journey as an artist began where most of my childhood did—on horseback. Those early years studying equine movement, strength, and personality developed my artistic eye long before I knew I was learning about anatomy and form. Today, my oils on canvas focus intently on capturing the nuanced relationships between horses and their riders, particularly within the ranching traditions of the Southwest.

In my work, the figures take center stage. I deliberately keep backgrounds loose and non-descriptive, creating a visual hierarchy that draws viewers directly to the connection between horse and human. This approach allows me to explore the subtle language of communication that exists between them—the weight in a stirrup, the slight adjustment of reins, the focused attention of both parties engaged in a silent conversation.

When I paint riders, I'm not interested in idealized versions of ranch life. I'm drawn to authentic moments—the concentration in a rider's eyes, the responsive ears of a horse, the earned confidence that develops through years of partnership. These relationships fascinate me and drive my work to capture more than just physical likeness, but the essence of these connections.

Growing up showing horses gave me unique insight into this world. I understand firsthand how a thousand-pound animal and a human can move as one, anticipating each other's thoughts almost before they form. This intimate knowledge informs every brushstroke, allowing me to paint not just what these partnerships look like, but what they feel like from the inside.

As a mother and artist rooted in the desert Southwest, I find that my homebody nature allows for deep observation and reflection on the subjects that matter most to me. My faith grounds my creative practice, reminding me that my ability to capture these moments is both gift and responsibility.

Each painting is my contribution to preserving and honoring the unique bond between horses and their people—a relationship that has shaped not only my art but my understanding of communication, trust, and partnership. In focusing so intently on these figures against simplified backgrounds, I invite viewers to witness these connections without distraction and to recognize the poetry in these everyday relationships.

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