b"My studio consists of a drawing table and an easel. day, walking up those steps guarded by those proud lions givesOn the walls are paintings from flea markets or thrift stores that me goosebumps. I gravitated to paintings with horses, dreamingmake me smile because I believe whoever was painting them at that one day I might be able to paint horses as well as thosethe time was having fun. They remind me not to get frustrated famous artists. I remember the first time I saw Toulouse-Lautrecswhen making art. Its all about the joy in creating. I listen to painting Equestrienne at the Cirque Fernando, because itmusic when working, usually a Pandora station, but am currently featured a girl on a horse. You cant see her whole face, butobsessed with the soundtrack from the movie Hamilton. I knew she was smiling. My paintings with people in them,are done using vintage snapshots for inspiration, and a womanwith bright orange hair in homage to Toulouse. I get my current puppy fix visiting my grandpuppyElvira, my daughters seven-year-old Pomeranian, whomI spoil rotten. Unfortunately, the apartment Im now livingin doesnt allow pets.My daughter had a horse and I started doing horseportraits for some of the kids at the stables. A dear friendof mine had her beloved Irish Setter pass over the rainbowbridge, and she asked if I could do a portrait for her. She wasso pleased with it she showed it to her friends with dogs andI started getting a few commissions.Reading helps me unwind. I go to the library once a monthA new X-acto electric pencil sharpener and my Ott-Lite and take home six or seven books. I love biographies, mysteries,are items I couldnt work without. Taped to my table is an old and, I am hesitant to admit, a good romance novel too. Ren and Stimpy cartoon Valentine given to me by my son.What my friends might be surprised to know about me:My inspiration comes from meeting new clients and their pets. My own children, who get their love of hockey from me, willI feel delighted in being able to be a part of the special bond not watch Lightning games with me because of how much I yellpeople have with their fur babies, as my daughter and scream at the TV. Perhaps one day the players will hear mecalls them.and shoot the puck for crying out loud. UOriginally from Lake Forest Illinois, a suburb north of Contact information for Kathleen W. AraujoChicago, my family moved to Clearwater in 1973, so I'm almosta native. Cell: 727-410-4411 - email: johnjr.krj@tampabay.rr.comwebsite: www.kathyspetportraits.com On my birthday each year my Mom and I would take the Facebook: kathyspetportraitsdunedinfloridatrain into Chicago and spend the day at The Art Institute. To this50 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com"