My work centers on capturing the emotional depth and quiet power of animals, using soft pastel on wood panel to create intimate, expressive portraits. Inspired by my personal horse, Shelby, each piece begins with a connection—an unspoken understanding that lives in the gaze of the animal. The eyes are my focus, the lens through which I explore vulnerability, strength, 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.