It began earlier than I can remember, starting with the "legendary" red car that my Dad told anyone who'd listen that I'd drawn when I was 3. My journey in art began with a village of encouragement: Mom saving as much of my art as possible over several years; Dad convincing the painting teacher to let me sign up for his class even though I was too young; Papa providing a steady supply of art supplies every holiday, birthday and in between from Texas Art Supply; friends and family asking me to draw them something special.