Mary Verrandeaux grew up in upstate New York in Cortland, a small country farming town. With not much to do in Cortland, Verrandeaux was introduced to a lifelong love of showing horses and taking care of animals.

Verrandeaux graduated with honors from Ringling School of Art and Design (Fla.) with a major in illustration and a minor in graphic design. She works from her home base in Ocala, Fla., and does commissioned portraits, fine art drawings and paintings.