"In each painting I create, I hope to capture the animal's individuality, mystery and spirit so that I can share its beauty with others." 

A native Ohioan, Laurie Simpson has always loved art, animals, and nature. From the time she was old enough to draw, her pictures were full of animals. But instead of pursuing formal art education in high school, Laurie was steered toward what was considered a more "practical" education. She went on to The Ohio State University to receive a B. S. Degree in Zoology.

After working for the Health Department for many years, Laurie decided to return to her love of art and animals. She began painting and drawing and not surprisingly, animals and landscapes appeared as her major themes.

Laurie specializes in wildlife, working in watercolor, gouache and acrylics. While watching and photographing her subjects she tries to get a feeling for each animal's unique personality and then capture that personality in her paintings. Laurie has a special fondness for cats and as a member of ISEC (International Society of Endangered Cats, Inc.) she works actively with that organization as a volunteer helping with ISEC's ambassador cats and education programs. She is donating a portion of the proceeds of her limited edition print titled "Yeti" to ISEC.

Laurie's painting have won her acceptance into the Ohio Society of Nature Artists. She is a past president of the Dublin Area Art League and is proud to have her painting "Circle of Hope" accepted by the BioScapes committee of the Wilds. The Wilds is a 10,000 acre breeding preserve for endangered wildlife located in Muskingum County, Ohio. BioScapes is an ambitious project bringing significant environmental art to this project. The proceeds of a signed numbered limited edition print of "Circle of Hope" will be used to support continued construction of environmental art.