The Journey of a Dog Lover: How I Became a Pet Portrait Artist

When I think about how I became a pet portrait artist, it all comes down to one simple truth: you should always draw what interests you. For me, that interest has always been faces. Ever since my school days, I’ve been fascinated by the endless variety of expressions, emotions, and stories that a face can tell. Back then, I spent countless hours sketching portraits of pop stars—my teenage heroes—trying to capture their charisma on paper. As life went on, my focus shifted to more familiar faces: my children. There's something magical about capturing the innocence and mischief in a child’s smile.

But then, life took a furry turn.

My journey into the world of dog portraits started when I became more involved in dog rescue as a volunteer. Seeing so many dogs in need tugged at my heartstrings, and before I knew it, I was spending more and more time around these incredible creatures. Having my own dogs at home allowed me to truly appreciate their unique personalities. They’re such simple beings at their core—just looking for food, a comfy spot to nap, and the love of a family. How could I not be inspired by that?

So, I picked up my sketchpad and started drawing dogs. Let me tell you, it was an emotional pull that I couldn’t resist. It just felt right. But it wasn’t without its challenges. After all, dogs have a lot more hair on their faces than pop stars or toddlers! Capturing the texture and flow of fur was a whole new ball game, but it was a challenge that I embraced with enthusiasm. Although I had been drawing for years, it wasn’t until much later—well into my 50s, in fact—that I started doing portraits professionally. Art became more than just a hobby; it became a therapy. Life has a way of throwing us curveballs, and in those times, picking up a brush or a pencil became my way of finding peace. There’s something incredibly therapeutic about losing yourself in the details of a portrait, whether it’s capturing the soulful eyes of a beloved dog or the wisps of fur that make each one unique.

As I drew more and more dogs, I found that each portrait was not just a piece of art but a celebration of a life—a tribute to a loyal companion who asked for nothing more than love and a place to call home. And in that, I discovered a deeper passion than I ever could have imagined.

So, here I am, a pet portrait artist who started with pop stars and ended up painting the true stars of our lives—our dogs. It's been an incredible journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. After all, when you follow your heart and draw what you love, you’re bound to create something special.