Pet Portraits by Darlene Katz - Nationwide
I am an award-winning artist based in Southern California. My original oil paintings may be seen locally in galleries, juried shows, and internationally in private and corporate collections. I paint all subjects, and one of my specialties (and loves) is pet portraiture. I enjoy capturing your pet's unique character, memorializing that special moment in your pet's life in a painting that you will have forever. Makes a great gift!
The price starts at $240 for a 6x6 painting. All I need from you is a photo. You can email some of your favorite photos to me, and I will crop them and show you what to expect in different sizes. Once you and I decide which photo and size, I ask for a 50% deposit. You pay the remainder when you are COMPLETELY satisfied with the painting.
Shipping available - I am based in California, but have shipped my paintings all over the country.
Pricing Packages
6x6 oil painting of one animal from photo, to be decided on together by pet parent and artist.
8x10 commissioned oil painting of one animal from photo, to be decided on together by pet parent and artist. Additional animal will be additional fee of $50. Contact artist regarding larger commission information and prices.
How do you serve precious pets?
- Pet Portrait Art
- Custom Pet Portraits
- Animal Portraits
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Alpacas
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Chinchillas
- Dogs
- Ducks
- Ferrets
- Fish
- Frogs
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Horses
- Lizards
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Snakes
- Turtles
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
All States
What year did you begin serving pets?
2000
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
When you take a photo of your pet, get down to their level (or raise them to yours), so you can get a more appealing photo
How do you serve precious pets?
- Pet Portrait Art
- Custom Pet Portraits
- Animal Portraits
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Alpacas
- Birds
- Cats
- Chickens
- Chinchillas
- Dogs
- Ducks
- Ferrets
- Fish
- Frogs
- Gerbils
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Hamsters
- Hedgehogs
- Horses
- Lizards
- Mice
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
- Snakes
- Turtles
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
All States
What year did you begin serving pets?
2000
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
When you take a photo of your pet, get down to their level (or raise them to yours), so you can get a more appealing photo
🌟 About Darlene Katz
Darlene is a professional pet portrait artist based in Carlsbad, CA, serving clients locally and nationwide through PetWorks. With a passion for capturing the personality, energy, and spirit of animal companions, Darlene creates handcrafted portraits that go far beyond what a photograph can offer — each one a genuine one-of-a-kind work of art, made from your favorite photo and tailored to your exact vision. Darlene is a recognized and top-rated artist on PetWorks, trusted by pet owners across the country to deliver portraits that are cherished for a lifetime.
What to Expect When Working with Darlene
Commissioning a portrait with Darlene is a personal, collaborative experience from start to finish. It begins with a conversation — you'll share your favorite photos of your pet, discuss the style and medium that appeals to you, and talk through any specific ideas or requests you have in mind. Darlene takes the time to understand not just what your pet looks like, but who they are — their character, their quirks, and the qualities that make them yours.
From there, Darlene gets to work. Most artists on PetWorks share progress photos along the way, giving you the opportunity to provide feedback and request adjustments before the portrait is complete. Once you're happy with the result, your finished portrait is shipped directly to you or delivered as a digital file — depending on the medium and your preference. Most portraits are completed within 2–6 weeks, though timelines vary by medium, complexity, and the artist's current schedule. Always confirm turnaround with Darlene before booking, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.
🦔 How to Book Darlene on PetWorks
On Darlene Katz's listing page, use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' to start a conversation about your commission. Darlene will discuss your vision, answer any questions, and send you a personalized quote through the PetWorks inbox — because the right artist fit matters, and taking a few minutes to correspond before committing is always worth it.
When you're ready, payment is handled securely through PetWorks — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, or Klarna. Care Coverage at checkout gives you access to PetWorks' live Concierge team, full refunds if a booking is canceled through no fault of yours, and help resolving any issues along the way — so you can focus on your portrait with complete peace of mind.
Tips for a Great Portrait
Getting the most out of your commission starts with good reference photos. Clear, well-lit shots taken at your pet's eye level work best — natural light is your friend, and flash-heavy photos tend to flatten features and wash out color. Capture a few different expressions and angles if you can: a close-up of the face, a relaxed resting shot, and a playful or characteristic pose gives your artist the most to work with.
Beyond photos, the more you can share about your pet's personality the better. Is your dog goofy and energetic, or calm and dignified? Does your cat have a signature expression? The small details you share help Darlene bring genuine character to the portrait rather than simply reproducing a likeness. If you have a specific style, background, or size in mind, mention it upfront — most artists welcome creative direction and will work with you to bring your vision to life.
As a general guide, pet portrait commissions in the US typically range from $75–$200 for small portraits, $200–$500 for medium, and $500–$1,200 or more for large or multi-pet works. Browse Darlene's pricing packages above for specific rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Darlene? Use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' buttons on this page to reach out directly. Darlene will respond through the PetWorks inbox to discuss your vision, review your photos, and provide a personalized quote before you commit to booking.
Can Darlene paint multiple pets in one portrait? Many PetWorks artists offer multi-pet compositions — reach out to Darlene directly to discuss your specific request. Multi-pet portraits may carry additional fees depending on the number of subjects and complexity of the arrangement.
What if my pet has passed away? Memorial portraits are one of the most meaningful commissions you can make. Darlene works entirely from photos, so a passing doesn't prevent a beautiful, lifelike result. Many PetWorks artists have extensive experience with memorial work and approach it with particular care and sensitivity.
Does Darlene ship nationwide? Yes — all orders through PetWorks are handled entirely online. You upload your photos, correspond through the platform, and receive your finished portrait by mail or digital delivery regardless of where you are in the country.
What if I'm not happy with the result? PetWorks' Care Coverage gives you access to the live Concierge team and help resolving any booking issues. Most artists also share progress photos throughout the process so you can provide feedback and request adjustments before the portrait is finalized — the goal is always a result you love.
❤️ Your pet is one of a kind — their portrait should be too.
Reach out to Darlene on PetWorks today, share your favorite photo, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.