I enjoy drawing pets because I illustrate the people, places and things that are important to my clients.

People have strong emotions about their pets, and lots of fond memories.  My drawings serve as a way to honor the relationship my clients have with their pets and to communicate and perserve these memories for the pet owner, in an emotionally powerful way.  The on-line shopping cart allows the pet owner and their friends dozens of  optional ways to honor the charished pet, other than the original drawing, for example, pet feeding bowls, pillows,    T-shirts, greeting cards, mouse pads and tote bags with the pet's image on them.  The beauty of this shopping cart is that there are tons of affordable choices on functional products, conveniently available from anywhere in the world.  Now friends and loved ones from afar can purchase and ship these unique items for any occassion, right to the pet owner's  door!  Check out Toni's new online store!

Why I draw people.

At the end of our lives, what matters is how much we were loved, how much we loved others and what legacy we leave behind. My purpose as an artist is to use my talent to assist people in creating a visual expression of their love and appreciation. To me, portraiture is the hightest art form. The most difficult, the most emotionally powerful and lasting expression of appreciation and love... My goal is not to just duplicate a photo, but to create a flattering likeness and bring my subjects to life.....

"Portraiture is a visual expression of love..."

"Paintings are visual reminders of pleasant memories and experiences..."

Why I paint watercolor landscapes.

I enjoy nature. Whether I am snow skiing, fishing, hiking, rafting the Boise River or riding my bike on the greenbelt, I feel at peace with the life and beauty around me.

The act of painting these scenes gives me pleasure. Watercolor, like nature, is beautiful, spontaneous, unpredictable and challenging. The end product serves as a visual reminder of pleasant memories and experiences. When I am unable to commune with nature, I can bring it into my home and yours through my paintings.