Sandy Bergstrom MesmerMy mother took me to my first dog show when I was eight. This fascinated me, and I immediately wanted to show our Standard Poodle. Mom explained the many reasons why this wasn't possible, and I understood but there was a little voice in my head that aid, "Someday you're going to do that." Of course, being eight, the next week I was telling everyone that I wanted to be a jockey. I have always loved to draw and filled sketchbooks with an attempt at professionalism. My older sister Lucy was much better than me, so one day in frustration I asked her, "How do you get to be so good?" "Draw what you see," she replied. It's the best art advice I've ever received. Following that tip, I have always created works that just seemed right to me - realistic, accurate but with a twinkle within that no photograph could capture. While living in Germany I was accepted as an art student by the Munich Academy. I attended one day of classes where I was told bluntly that I was doing everything wrong, that I needed to fix all my techniques and procedures. Hmm, I thought. Maybe I'll do just fine on my own. Never went back. As a young mom, I started breeding and showing Silky Terriers. I loved it - it was the fulfillment of a dream. Fast forward almost 40 years and Tessier Silky Terriers has just completed its 121st AKC champion and we have had many top winners, including two World Champions. For more information about our dogs, you can visit www.tessier-silky-terriers.com. Several years ago, it occurred to me that it would be fun to take up drawing again, this time specializing in canine art. As well as custom work, I have an ever-expanding line of greeting and special occasion cards, available at https: //sandy-bergstrom-mesmer-designs.myshopify.com. I also have a line of over 148 pen and ink limited edition prints. In 2012 I won a Maxwell for my German Shepherd "Headshot" print. And now a series of coloring books. Best, Sandy Bergstrom Mesmer 2019 Sandy Bergstrom Mesmer Designs https: //www.facebook.com/SandyBergstromMesmer/ https: //sandy-bergstrom-mesmer-designs.myshopify.com https: //tessier-silky-terriers.com Read More Read Less