A "giclee" is a museum quality fine art print in which the original art has been scanned, digitalized, and then produced by forcefully spraying miniscule droplets of ink on to a piece of 100% rag paper that is mounted on a drum rotating at a high speed. The individual droplets of color spray on to the surface at a rate of 4 -5 million droplets per second and measure no more that 15 microns in diameter. This process produces continuous tones and color faithful to the original artwork. Giclees are currently accepted as the 'state of the art' in fine art reproduction. A "lithograph" is scanned, color separated, screened, and printed with plates and presses, using archival quality paper. This process produces the fine 'dot patterns' typical of conventional printing methods. These fine art reproductions are commonly known as "offset lithographs".

Why do you draw only cats? Will you draw mine?

Even though I used to draw everything BUT cats, they have now taken over my work and career. Each cat who has entered my life has given me ideas that could fill sketchbook after sketchbook! As subjects, I find that cats convey the very moods and feelings we all share, but do so in completely unabashed ways. I am never at a loss for what to draw - my Cats tell me in no uncertain terms: "Draw MEEE-NOW!" It will take me at least 9 lives to do all the drawings i'm already thinking about...I do draw other critters, by commission only.

ABOUT PET PORTRAITS...

I am now scheduling 2008 for pet portraits and other commissioned work. Pet portraits begin at $1500 for an image measuring roughly 9" x 13"(this will frame to 14" x 18" easily). This is for one pet in a simple setting. Price is based on time, so the larger and / or more complex the drawing is, the more it will cost. Images measuring 11" x 15" (and frame to 16" x 20") range from $2500 - $3500. And please note that my job is to capture the "pussonalites", "dogmas", "bird-onalities", etc. of your pets, in my own drawing style - it will not be a photorealistic portrait.

Here's how it works...A non-refundable deposit of $100 will get you a calendar date to start (I'm now booking for July). I will send you my standard contract. You have to give me at least 2 months to complete your drawing. This is why...

I want to create a drawing made especially for you and that captures the essence of each critter. Think of how you would like your pet(s) to be portrayed and send me photos, descriptions, and stories to work from. Using this information, I will design a sketch using your ideas. I will then send or e-mail a copy to you. At this point, 1/3 of the price is due. You and I will work on this sketch together, until you approve the sketch and say, "Yes! That's it!" You will then sign and date the sketch and send it back to me with the 2nd payment. Then I will put in the hours it takes to finish your piece. The final payment is due at delivery.

How long do your original colored pencil drawings take to complete? How much are the originals?

A medium size drawing (image 11" x 15") may take anywhere from 90 hours (no background) to 130 hours (with background). The larger an image is, or the more detail involved increases my time at the drawing board. Large pieces take me approximately 180 - 300 hours. For me, each drawing is a labor of love, a test of patience, a learning experience, and a much needed therapy session away from the "business" part of my work!
My originals average $2,500 -$4,500.

Where do you show your work?

My husband Michael and I have been exhibiting my work at juried arts and craft shows, cat shows, and collectible expositions around the country. We schedule 12 - 15 shows per year. You may want to add your name and address to our Mailing List and we'll be happy to send you an invitation when we are in your area. And now we have this website! I hope add more images every month or so until our complete catalogue of cat art is represented.

SATISFACTION ALWAYS GUARANTEED!