Celebrating our furry companions on April 11 - National Pet Day.
Bringing comfort, joy, companionship and yes, sometimes even a bit (or a lot) of chaos, dogs and cats form strong bonds with their human families.
Loyal and energetic, dogs thrive on human interaction. They get excited at anything - whether it’s a walk, a doorbell ringing, or a potential for a treat.
Cats, on the other hand, are a lot more aloof: they watch you from afar, judging whether or not you are trustworthy. They offer affection when they find it convenient, not necessarily when you want it. Cats offer a silent presence except when they want their food at 5 am.
We celebrate National Pet Day on April 11. On this day, each year, and many other days too, we appreciate our pets' little quirky personalities and the special place they hold in our lives. We take this opportunity to play with them a little more, to give them special attention and maybe a longer walk.
We also highlight the joy of responsible pet ownership, of having a safe and loving home for our pets, and the importance of adoption when possible for dogs and cats in shelters.
A selection of commissioned pet portraits.
I include the photos sent to me by clients on the left, and on the right, the painted portrait.
Over the years, I have painted several hundred pets on canvas, paper, glass, plastic, wood and paper.
Clients have special requests - some want a caricature with special props such as a cigar and a glass of cognac. Others want a special colour in the background, sometimes to coordinate with furniture or another portrait.
Here is another set of portraits based on reference photos of sweet fur babies.
My own special pets over the years...
Rosie has been with us since 2021. I am often asked what breed she is - which usually leads to a simplified answer. She looks like a Yorkie but is actually a recognized AKC breed, a Biewer. She has most of the personality traits and quirks of a Yorkie. Rosie is not a barker although I think she may be learning to bark from her canine friends. As proof, for the longest time, our former next door neighbours did not know that we even had a dog!
Rosie is happiest when she is touching one of her favourite humans. She doesn't necessarily want to cuddle - she is happy just sleeping at our feet.
Sophie (2007-2021)
I painted two portraits of Sophie: one to keep (pink background) and one to gift to a friend.
Chico (2005-2018)
Mopsy (1991-2005)
Mopsy was with us as our children grew up and. left the nest. She was a gentle soul who could tell when a storm was on the way; she would start shaking well before we could hear any thunder.
My work as a pet portrait artist.
While most of my clients are local, I have painted portraits for clients all over Canada and the USA and in Europe (France).
Visit my entire portfolio of pet portraits and read all the testimonials left by my happy clients.
Waiting list for commissioned portraits.
At the moment, I have a waiting list for September.
Fall is a busy season with many people wanting commissions for Christmas giving. Unfortunately, because I have other commitments, I accept a limited number of commissions. Add your name to my waiting list for fall if you would like to purchase a very special gift for a pet loving friend or family member.
I am always happy to hear from past clients. And I would love to hear from my readers, whether or not you have a pet in your life.
As always, I am very grateful for the opportunity to get to know you and your precious fur babies. I thank you for that opportunity. Contact me here.
Below, top left and right, my grandchildren's dogs Chewy and Garçon, and Rosie. All are mixed media, some with collage (background in Chewy, a map of New York painted yellow), background of Rosie, lots of painted Roses and for Garçon, a splash of colour. I used markers and acrylics for the dogs themselves.
"Pets are humanizing. They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture and care for all life." James Cromwell, American actor.
