Tracie was born in California, and raised in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana and has enjoyed drawing and painting since early childhood. She began painting at the age of 13, encouraged and supported by her grandmother, an oil painter. She continued to paint throughout high school and beyond, focusing on art while attending the University of Montana. Her early work reflected her love of animals, consisting mostly of western wildlife.In 2009, Tracie discovered the importance of working from life when she began painting en plein air. Because of changing light and weather conditions, plein air painting forces Tracie to quickly decide on her concept and design. She often uses her plein air work as the foundation for her larger studio pieces. Recently she has rediscovered her love of painting animals and birds, incorporating them into her landscapes.