Canadian Beatrice Northrup was born in Montreal, but fondly remembers visiting her paternal grandparents, who lived near Saint John, New Brunswick as a child.

Although, she had no formal training as a painter, as a child she starting drawing little scenes for her father, an accomplished amateur artist, who encouraged her to sketch "en plein air". It was not until her late husband, Norman Wilson-Smith retired, that she was able to return to painting, in the 1980's.

She married Stuart Northrup, a native New Brunswicker, about 4 years ago and now lives and paints with her husband and 15-year-old Jack Russell, Murphy, in beautiful Rothesay, New Brunswick.

It is with a heavy heart that I update this page. Beatrice's sweet girl Murphy took flight on March 21st. Art For Paws can now be a tribute to Murphy and her wonderful life with Bea. May her angel wings give her freedom and peace.

Beyond The Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

~Author Unknown