JACK!

One of the coolest things about doing custom pet portraits is getting to “know” so many different pets from all over the country. While I don’t actually get to meet most of them, I usually get a little story telling me about their personality, how they ended up adopting them, or sometimes a heartbreaking story about their loss. Every once in awhile I receive an email from someone who received a portrait as a gift and it makes me so happy to hear how surprised and excited they were to see their best friend as artwork. I wanted to share this email I got yesterday from Mark, the proud dad of a little 12-year-old terrier named Jack. I absolutely love how this portrait turned out and when I found out how much Mark liked it, that was even better. I truly love how rewarding this job can be.

Kristin,

I’ve been meaning to contact you about my pet portrait that my partner Mike gave me for Christmas.  I see that it has already graced your gallery page! Second row, second picture in.  My dog JACK!  Let me just say that I was THRILLED when he gave it to me!  It was the most amazing gift anyone has ever given me.  I’ve had Jack for over 10 years and he is truly my buddy. He is the sweetest terrier mix and my true friend.  He’s always at the door to greet me when I get home from work, and sleeps curled up with me every night in bed and doesn’t budge, even on the weekends when we sleep in until I get up. We found him at the SPCA 10 years ago.  I keep telling Mike we need to stop going there because we’re up to 3 dogs now!

Just recently, our vet told us that Jack has a pretty substantial heart condition, a defective heart valve, and now is on medication for it for the rest of his life.  It was a devastating blow to me, knowing that any day I might come home and he won’t be at the door.  The picture that Mike used for the portrait has been on my desk for years.  It really represents Jack’s personality.  You did an amazing job capturing his essence and I am very thankful that you and Mike did that for me. I will always cherish that portrait!

You have an amazing talent!  Thanks again!!!

Jack on 24"x24" canvas

Christmas Cats

Here it is almost February and I’m still trying to get all my commissioned Christmas portraits added. Here are a few cat portraits printed on both canvas and as a photo print. As always, you can visit my website to view more samples.

Jefferson

A few more Christmas portraits

Molly on 14x18" canvas

Bailey and Odie

Jack

Sapper

Sapper and his portrait, taken by his owner and posted on Twitter

Dempsey

Emily on 16x16" canvas

Logan

Sam and Makai check out larger-than-life Logan printed on a 30×36″ canvas. Finishing a portrait this size made me and my husband immediately agree that we need to upgrade the portraits I did of our dogs and go bigger!

Logan on 30x36" canvas

Holiday portraits Group 1

I haven’t posted anything for quite sometime because of the holiday rush. It was so great to be so busy and I definitely didn’t mind putting in the hours I needed to get all my portraits done by Christmas. Now that all the gifts have been handed out, I feel that it’s safe to post them for all to see. This is the first batch…more will be up soon!

Wrapping canvases

One group of boxes ready for delivery

Henry on 24x30 canvas

Dexter on 9x12 canvas

Bella on 16x16 canvas

Holiday order Deadline

The last day I can accept holiday orders is this Friday, December 11. Of course, I will still be taking orders after that, I just cannot promise a Christmas delivery!

Tripp

Fritz

I love when people want to use candid or whimsical shot of their pets to turn into portraits. These are the poses that really showcase the personalities, like this Schnauzer I recently did. Fritz’s mom ordered his portrait on an 8×10″ canvas.

Pit Bull Awareness Day

I recently worked with the Virginia Beach SPCA to create the advertising poster for Bring on the Bull’s, a local Community Awareness & Adoption Event for Bull Breeds. It will be this Saturday, October 3 at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. This event is the local celebration of National Pit Bull Awareness Day, which is on October 24.

The National Pit Bull Awareness campaign is a nationwide effort to bring positive awareness to the American Pit Bull Terrier.

In early 2007, Bless the Bullys introduced the idea of a national “pit bull awareness day,” and it took off like wildfire.  Devoted pit bull advocates jumped on the opportunity to participate in the first of its kind nationwide initiative to bring about positive pit bull media attention together on one day.

Nice Weiner(s)

Three portraits I did for Maryann, the owner of a great pet store in Norfolk called Muddy Paws. Her three dogs are Hunter, Fritz and Toby and all three portraits were done on 16×16 canvas. I hope to get into the store soon and take a picture as she’ll be hanging them up to display. So if you’re in the area and want to take a look at my work in person, stop by Muddy Paws on Colley Ave.

Fritz

Hunter

Toby, who is never seen without his "baby", which Maryann asked be shown in his portrait

Dog Days of Silver Spring Event

I had a great time this past weekend at the Living Ruff Dog Days Event up in Silver Spring, MD. An entire street block was closed and the street was filled with all sorts of people and their dogs. It was a gorgeous day and the people and dog-watching was certainly entertaining. Here are a few pictures I took in between talking to people about my portraits.