Animal Art and Pet portraits - Art for memories and beauty - For your home from Washington based artist.
Pet Portraits by Catherine
As a child living in the fertile farm country of Illinois, I grew up surrounded by nature and animals. My family owned a small farm where my father raised the usual farm animals, but also pursued his passion for exotic birds and beasts. Fascinated with these creatures I spent my days studying them and, because I also loved to draw, sketching any that held still long enough. Of course, the family dog was always with me and was also the most cooperative subject.
Taking a cue from my childhood I started to focus my work on these things that shaped my life. My first dog as an adult was a big Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Jake. He was so special I felt compelled to try and capture in paint his spirit and personality and the bond we shared in the field hunting or at home with him curled up with me on the couch. Many were touched by the painting and I realized that I could give something special to others by painting these animals that brought so much love and happiness to their lives.
Because I understand the bond we share with our animals every pet portrait I do is treated as if it were of my own pet and my goal is to make sure my client is happy with their painting. I enjoy spending time with the owners, sharing stories about their pets. This helps me to capture not only their physical likeness, but their personality and heart as well. Then, as I put pencil or paint to paper, I strive to tell their story.
