Tell Me About the Sea (Self Portrait with Dream Animals) Painting

I've been an artist in Kankakee County Illinois (not far from Chicago), for the past 12 years where I live with my son, husband, and an assortment of animal friends. I enjoy acrylic painting and have exhibited work in numerous festivals and galleries throughout the region. I have a penchant for painting en plein air and for drawing miniatures sized under 1 inch, but I'm best known for my animal portraits in acrylic and for encouraging other artists in my community to follow their passion. I organize and endorse an annual juried art exhibit for regional high school students that's been running for over 10 years. I'm also a writer; my first book is a sci-fi novel in verse that was published in 2019, and in 2021 I won 3rd place in a playwriting competition. These passion projects fuel my creative muses and keep me returning to my painting easel with vigor and joy. I love making art and know that my best work is always in front of me.