If you or someone you love is crazy about their pet, consider commissioning a personalized pet portrait! They are wonderful, unique gifts, and will bring smiles and sweet memories of time spent with a beloved pet.

How To Choose Your Pet Portrait Artist

There are many artists specializing in pets, so consider a few things before making your choice. What medium do you prefer? What size? Do you want a special background incorporated, or multiple pets, or even people with the pets? Do you like realistic or whimsical artwork? Once you’ve got an idea in mind, it will be easier to choose the artist. Look at the reviews of the artists on Petworks and check out their listing pages. There will probably be a few that seem right for you, and I hope one of them is mine!

My Story and Process

My name is Rebecca Johnson. I’m an artist based in McKinney, Texas, and part time in Charlevoix, Michigan. I have taken classes and workshops with many talented artists and completed a Pet Portrait Diploma through London Art College. Over the past 25 years or so, I’ve completed hundreds of pet portraits for clients all over the US, many for Petworks clients. These portraits have been of dogs, cats, several horses, a few cows, and even goats, birds, and foxes. The smallest size I do is 8×10 and the largest is 18X24. I’ve painted up to 5 pets in one portrait and added special backgrounds. Even people can be included with the pets if you’ve got a good, detailed photo to work with.

Every Pet is Unique

I enjoy variety! When I’m asked what my favorite portrait has been, I truly can’t choose! They all have something interesting to capture. I like the adorable ears on basset hounds, the big eyes of chihuahuas, the wrinkled folds of bulldogs….how to choose? I like the soft furry look of pastel, the shine and glow of an oil portrait, and sometimes the reference photo will lend itself better to one than the other. The most important feature of the pet is the eyes, and that’s my specialty. Once the eyes are looking back at me, the rest of the pet comes to life more easily.

The Timing

I ask for two weeks to complete a portrait once I begin, and work on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s never too early to order for Christmas! My portraits are done in oil or pastel and are very realistic. Using a photo you provide, we will come up with a plan for just what you want. I’ll ask you to tell me a bit about your pet, because I want to capture the personality and feel like I know him or her as I work.

As a Pet Parent, You’ll Be Involved All The Way

I’ll send regular updates, and you may request changes. Once the pet looks like you can reach out and touch it, my goal has been met. It’s always a pleasure to deliver the portraits, and often they are received with happy tears. Pets are such a blessing and truly become part of the family. Personalized pet portraits are a wonderful way to remember them!

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About Petworks

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.