You could say Smokey Bear started it all.  My first memory of drawing animals was as a fifth grader creating a poster for a statewide Fire Prevention Contest.  I noticed on previous posters that the major focus was Smokey Bear.  I wanted to do something different, so I decided to involve other animals instead.  That poster got me a second place.

Many years later, when my children were in elementary school, I would sketch animals on napkins and place them in their lunches.  Just trying to share a little happiness.  

Now my artwork is done for my grandkids.  The youngest ones inspired my first book, Animals A-Z.  I’m already working on the next one.