My career began with exhibiting oil paintings in galleries. During college, I studied abroad to study art, and those experiences sparked a deep love for storytelling through symbolism. I began to find my artistic voice through large-scale paintings inspired by the old masters, infused with a surreal, imaginative edge. Since then, exhibiting in galleries has remained an important outlet for unrestrained creativity and experimentation across a range of media. I continue to actively participate in shows throughout the Denver area.

The whimsical narratives in my paintings eventually led me into the children’s book industry, where I illustrated books and magazines. After several years working in publishing and refining my craft, I began writing and illustrating my own stories and am currently developing a middle grade fantasy series.

No matter the medium or context, themes from the natural world are always present in my work. My love for the outdoors—especially hiking and birdwatching—has led me into interpretive illustration for museums, nature centers, and parks. In these projects, I’ve partnered with interpretive designers to help educate the public about natural history, stewardship, and conservation. Often, the research from this work cross-pollinates with ideas for my books and gallery paintings.

Alongside my work as a professional illustrator and fine artist, I’ve taught at the college level for over fifteen years. I served as a full-time Professor of Illustration at Ringling College of Art + Design, where I was also Interim Co-Chair and had the opportunity to teach abroad in Italy. I later served as Head of Illustration at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design in Colorado. I stepped away from the administrative world of academia to devote myself fully to creative teaching, coaching, writing, and artmaking. Today, I run my studio full time in Denver, Colorado.