A one of a kind, framed, original artwork by artist, Dawne Raulet. Mixed media measures 14 x 14. Value: $1200

Stockbroker turned artist Dawne Raulet stumbled into painting when she least expected it. Frazzled by a fulltime financial career and two small infants at home and in desperate need of a quick weekend break, Dawne atteneded a watercolor workshop. "I realized afterwards that for an entire two-hour period, I had been completely focused on that peaceful watercolor we were painting. It was then that art became my sanctuary and I've been obsessed with painting ever since."

Her graceful treatment of horses, sheep, birds and cows elevates these humble creatures to elegant and mesmerizing heights. And, it's not just animals that fall under her spell: she's done landscapes, flora and fauna and even flirty, stylized dresses.

Dawne's current body of work is made up of mixed media, wax and photography all harmonizing beautifully on the canvas and panels she paints on. She won't tell us all her little secrets, but she did say that she photographs her four-legged subjects herself and then transforms them with acrylic, wax and other unnamed materials.

"I suppose I'm what you'd call a self-taught artist mainly because I have yet to commit the time to formal art classes or training," Dawne says. "I began with watercolors and from there moved to acrylics and oils. By experimenting in each medium, I have developed my personal style and techniques."

www.dawneraulet.com