As a painter of the West, I see my role as a storyteller—dedicated to capturing the authentic spirit of ranch life and cowboy culture. My journey into this world was unconventional: I didn’t grow up on a ranch. Instead, I was introduced to the cowboy way of life through my work as a bookkeeper at the Gang Ranch in BC. There, I fell in love with the land, heritage, and traditions of cowboying. Due to a horseback riding accident that left me with chronic pain, I was unable to participate actively in ranch life. Instead, I turned to painting as a way to contribute to this world I cherish.

 

Through my art, I aim to preserve the stories, values, and resilience of those who dedicate their lives to caring for the land and livestock. My paintings depict cowboys and cowgirls in their element—working cattle from horseback amid diverse landscapes and weather conditions. To emphasize the universal nature of their work, I intentionally omit recognizable faces, focusing instead on the collective spirit shared by those who steward the land and animals. An important theme in my work is the role of family—highlighting the passing down of traditions. Throughout each piece, the land remains central, symbolizing the foundation of ranching life.

 

I primarily work in water-soluble oil paints, employing a 'loose realism' style—combining highly detailed, realistic proportions of my subjects with expressive, layered brushwork in the landscapes that evoke vitality and movement. As the wife of a working cowboy, my references are limitless; I capture images at ranches across Western Canada, often blending multiple reference photos to reflect the varied landscapes and daily realities of ranch life. Through this approach, I seek to convey authenticity and emotion, honoring the resilience and dedication of these stewards.

 

Looking ahead, I aspire to deepen my exploration of Western life—focusing on themes of family and the stories of women in ranching. My goal is to foster a renewed appreciation for the resilience, stewardship, and enduring bond between ranchers, cowboys, land, and animals. I want my art to serve as a lasting tribute—preserving the legacy of cowboy life and ranching traditions—and to inspire future generations to uphold these principles.