M.S. Hollis finds inspiration at her ranch and in European classical still lifes. Ranch animals, western history and the wide-open landscape color her wildlife, Native American and Western collections. The Italian vineyards influence Hollis' still life series. Speaking of her delightful burro paintings, Hollis says, "They capture the charm and personality of an animal that is unique to the Southwest. Each is endearing and enchanting." Hollis was inspired to create art after an encounter with Georgia O'Keefe. She earned a fine art degree and was named the university's Outstanding Art Student. She was selected four times to exhibit in the great United Nations endorsed Biennale Internazionale Dell'Arte Contemporanea in citta di Firenze (Florence), Italy. Other international awards include: Galleria Zero, Berlin, Germany, National Academy, Vienna, Richard Schmid Invitational, Faces of the Fallen - Arlington, VA Museum Exhibition, National Academy of Fine Arts, Brazil. Also, Hollis was selected to illustrate the children's book series There's Got To Be A Pony plus the images for the accompanying Broadway-like production involving horses. Colorado Senator Ben Night Horse Campbell recently presented a copy to First Lady Laura Bush and President George W. Bush.