Hometown: Appleton City, MO

My pastime began to develop into a career when I was 15 after winning the 2006 Federal Junior Duck Stamp contest with a painting of a redhead duck. I have since been involved in various conservation art competitions and programs and have realized the importance of conservation and awareness for wildlife, and the light that art can bring to the earth’s wild treasures. I learned to paint in acrylics but later moved to oils. I have spent many days in the field from Alaska to Africa photographing each subject of my art, which is a key part of knowing how to convey their character. I look forward to setting my sights on more goals surrounding wildlife, art and conservation.