Bringing animals to life with acrylic paints on canvas is what I enjoy most. Endangered species inspire me. These creatures are so important to the earth, and they can't be forgotten. Maybe if people see those eyes, they will be aware. They will remember. For every animal I paint, I love the details of the feathers, the fur, the scales... but the animal doesn't come to life until I paint the eyes. It gives each one its personality, its essence, its soul.

I have a connection with animals. I was one of those kids who brought home "strays". I was always saving baby birds. As an adult I had a cockatiel as a hatchling. He was a voracious eater and had to be fed from a syringe. He made such a mess he had to have a bath after every meal. This is the painting I submitted of him in a little wash cloth, "Nigel after Bath." He looks like a wise old man with a secret, and I just had to capture that expression on canvas. My paintings are all about the eyes.

My online shop is one of millions, set up for selling only my original paintings. It doesn't draw a lot of traffic. With the prize money I will have prints made, making my work more affordable. I'll be able to run ads, which will help me reach so many more people. I will develop my platform to focus on the importance of animals in our world, from our beloved pets to endangered species awareness. My dining room works well as my studio, but it would be nice to have better lighting installed.