ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- "I've done everything from sales to marketing, accounting," said Emily Griffith. But one day nine years ago, long after most people have chosen their life's path, Griffith found a new one.

"I was early in my 40's, and I had no idea I knew how to paint," she said.

Turns out Griffith was a natural, and even though she calls a first painting of her dog primitive, it's still better than most people could ever do.

"The more you paint, the more your eye gets trained," she said humbly.

Almost 1,000 paintings later, Griffith is a renowned painter -- of pets.

"That's what I'm known for is capturing the dog's personality," she said.

Especially when that dog is the dawg -- Ugga. Griffith has painted Uggas 7, 8 and 9.

She also painted actress Tori Spelling's dog, who died.

And she's painted hundreds of not so famous pets, no less adored by their owners.

The video for “Celebrate” – from the motion picture SPARKLE featuring Jordin Sparks

BUFORD, Ga. -- The first annual North Georgia High School Art Show will be held later this month at Tannery Row Artist Colony.

This event, which is free for schools to participate in, features an exhibit and sale of work from some of northeast Georgia's most talented students. It will open on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Participating schools include:

* Buford High
* Collins Hill High, Suwanee
* Dacula High
* Duluth High
* Flowery Branch High
* Greater Atlanta Christian, Norcross
* Lanier High, Sugar Hill
* Meadowcreek High, Norcross
* Mill Creek High, Hoschton
* Mountain View High, Lawrenceville
* North Gwinnett High, Suwanee
* Peachtree Ridge High, Suwanee
* West Hall High, Oakwood

For more information, contact Janet with Tannery Row at 404-376-6382.