My name is Darlene Howell I have been an artist all my life. I was brought up around a family full of very creative people. From my Grandmother down to my nieces and nephews and my own children. My family was always doing some sort of art or craft. I say I am self taught because I never had any form of formal training but my mother and grandmother had alot of influence in my creativity.

I started fabric painting as a small child. As an adult I started painting Dogs on clothing as a way to try to get some different things to show at dog shows that I attended quite frequently. My mother started painting with me and she started selling her items on ebay. She suggested I sell my items on ebay so here I am. I have since found ACEOs and have fallen in love with them they are so much fun to create and collect.

I have also been an animal lover my whole life. I have wanted to help animals for my whole life but living in the city with limited income and 4 children the closest I was able to come was bringing a couple of animals home from a shelter or helping people find homes for animals, until I found Art for Critters I feel now I can try to make a difference with my art.