I no longer gallop through the Pennsylvania countryside, nor frolick by the sea. I live in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, making art and raising my two children. Yet I know my childhood connection to animals and nature informs and inspires each and every painting.

Dearest to my heart these days are two impish rescue kittens and one amazing dog. The cats, Tiger Baby and Mr. Lola, are lean and lanky, and embrace a nod to the wild side. They practice all sorts of feline mischief, and yet thrive on the warm intimacy of a lap. Our dog Ellie hails from a long line of Mexican street mutts. An Ellie "salutation" explodes with an awesome sense of joy, and makes the heart grow a size or two.

Tiger Baby, Mr. Lola, and Ellie keep our family centered. They remind us to keep life "real", and to take pleasure in simplicity. But their inspiration goes far deeper. Seemingly mere cats and dogs, they infuse my kids and me with a most wondrous thing: unconditional love.

What can compare? Despite our imperfect selves, these animals love us completely and refuse to judge us. This deceptively simple action promotes a deep richness of life, and our gratitude manifests in the love we feel for them, and perhaps in taking this lesson out into the world....on a good day!