Does art help you in other areas of your life?
    I’ve met some wonderful people. And I will never be bored.

How has your style changed over time?
    Not much, I’ve just gotten better. I’ve taken workshops from some wonderful instructors. (And of course 10,000 hours of practice!)

How do you stay inspired and motivated to create new art?
    I always have too many subjects that I want to paint. I never run out of ideas. I have taken thousands of photos, and friends have let me use theirs as reference too.

Any info you can share about your work or your inspiration is great!
    You’ve probably heard enough :)

How did you become interested in your craft/artwork style?
    All my life, it was just what I did. My mom took up painting when I was in high school, and we took classes together in the summer. Then we did art shows at the mall together. I had a 20 year career in retail advertising as an art director before I was free to quit and “just" paint.

Are you self taught or did you take classes?
    I majored in art in college, but it was a small liberal arts college with not much of an art program. I had to major in “Fine Arts” and add music to it so I had enough credits.

Do you work in multiple mediums? What is your favorite?
    I started in pencil or pen and ink, Then I moved on to colored pencils and now acrylics (as I got braver). I still do lots of graphite drawings.

How long have you been working in your craft?
    I remember copying pictures of horses from my story books. In sixth grade I got an award for a story I wrote and illustrated about bandanas hanging on a wall. A needlework I did was exhibited at the school district office. In retrospect, it was hideous, but big and flashy I guess! I remember watching a 15 minute show, every Saturday morning, "Jon Nagy learn to draw” and I would draw along. My first pet portrait was of my Grandpa’s shih tzu, Mac.

What inspires you to create?
    Animals, always animals.

Do you create every day?
    Yes 4-5 hours usually.

What is your favorite thing to create?
     Animals, always animals :)

What is your favorite part of creating?
    Finishing! I love it when I’m happy with the result, and when a pet owner cries, I know I’ve nailed it and it is very satisfying :) And selling something to someone I don’t know, that’s an extreme compliment.

When is your favorite time of day to create?
    Morning.

What motivates you to create?
    Animals, always animals! Especially something new and different. I’ve switched from African wildlife to local wildlife since I’ve moved here. So much to paint! And of course, beloved pets.