There is something about the gentle wisdom in a horse’s eye that can put even the most troubled soul at peace. Seven years ago, my childhood dream become reality when I was able to adopt a horse named Shelby. In my moments of grief, or after a tough day's work Shelby offers comfort and strength. I create layered soft pastel paintings, guided by the quiet soul of Shelby. Through the eyes of each animal, I paint stories of emotion—moments of stillness, strength, and unspoken connection. The layers of vibrant pastel build over gestural drawings capturing the emotional depth and quiet power of animals, using soft pastel on wood panel to create intimate, expressive portraits. The eyes are my focus, the lens through which I explore vulnerability, power, and everything in between. Through them, I aim to evoke a visceral response, encouraging viewers to pause and feel the emotions that so often go unnoticed in the animal world. By working with pastel on wood, I embrace texture and warmth, grounding each image in something natural and tactile. My goal is to bridge the gap between species—to show that animals, like us, are full of soul and story.