Haute Dauge Pet Portraits - Nationwide
As a professional artist who specializes in acrylic paintings, I've created painted portraits of dogs, cats and horses that live or have lived throughout the United States, as well as in Austria, England and Germany. No matter where they live, there are beautiful pets everywhere that I honor by painting their portraits.
My artistic goal is to create treasured heirlooms; highly detailed, heartfelt and realistic portrayals of beloved pets, including those who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
I fall in love with every pet I paint, whether they are alive or have passed. I ask numerous questions to learn all about each pet's unique personality and traits, and I connect to each one as the portrait emerges from the blank canvas.
I paint the eyes of the pet first. That's because they're the window to the soul. Once I've painted the eyes (and nose), I truly feel like the pet is communicating with me.
For those pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I can blend his or her ashes or hair into the paint to truly personalize the painting - there's no additional charge for this special service that really honors the spirit of your beloved furbaby.
I hand-draw, then hand-paint with professional-grade acrylic paint on 1-1/2" thick archival quality, gallery-wrapped canvas. I work from provided photographs and talk extensively with my clients to learn about the pet's unique personality, quirks and behavior, and translate that playful gleam in her eye or his calm and quiet demeanor into my painting.
I love adding signature accents like painting all four edges to continue to painting (and often the animal), using metallic paints, creating personalized nametags on collars and matching the background colors and patterns with clients' home or office decor.
I only paint one portrait at a time, so I can totally immerse myself in the personality and spirit of that pet.
Clients enjoy working with me during the whole process, and I so enjoy becoming friends with my clients! In fact, I've had numerous second and third commissions.
Please contact me for pricing and more information through Petworks. Thank you, Karen L. Dortschy
- Insured
Pricing Packages
How do you serve precious pets?
- Pet Portrait Art
- Custom Pet Portraits
- Animal Portraits
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Birds
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Horses
- Lizards
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
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
Do you offer mobile services?
- No
Without pet parents, Petworks wouldn't exist. What discount do you offer our dedicated members? (e.g. 20% off their first session, etc.)
10% off published price list + donation made to your local non-profit animal rescue of your choice in your name.
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Every state
What year did you begin serving pets?
2015
How did you hone your craft?
Workshops, four years of private art instruction, fine art (minor) Bachelor's degree
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
I can help you with photographing your pet so it creates a perfect target photo for me to work from!
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
I'm an animal lover and currently am the proud Mom of three dogs. I've owned dogs, cats, horses, gerbils, guinea pigs and fish my entire life.
How do you serve precious pets?
- Pet Portrait Art
- Custom Pet Portraits
- Animal Portraits
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Birds
- Cats
- Dogs
- Ferrets
- Goats
- Guinea Pigs
- Horses
- Lizards
- Parrots
- Rabbits
- Rats
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
Do you offer mobile services?
- No
Without pet parents, Petworks wouldn't exist. What discount do you offer our dedicated members? (e.g. 20% off their first session, etc.)
10% off published price list + donation made to your local non-profit animal rescue of your choice in your name.
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Every state
What year did you begin serving pets?
2015
How did you hone your craft?
Workshops, four years of private art instruction, fine art (minor) Bachelor's degree
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
I can help you with photographing your pet so it creates a perfect target photo for me to work from!
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
I'm an animal lover and currently am the proud Mom of three dogs. I've owned dogs, cats, horses, gerbils, guinea pigs and fish my entire life.
About Karen Dortschy – Pet Portrait Artist in Mooresville, North Carolina
Karen is a professional pet portrait artist based in Mooresville, North Carolina, available for bookings nationwide. With a focus on capturing each pet's individual personality, expression, and spirit, Karen creates one-of-a-kind works of art that go far beyond a standard photograph. Every portrait is handled personally — from the initial photo review through to the finished piece — ensuring the result genuinely reflects your pet and your vision.
What Karen Offers
Karen works across a range of styles and mediums, including paintings, drawings, and digital artwork, with options for single-pet and multi-pet compositions. Custom backgrounds, special themes, and size variations are available — browse the pricing packages above for full details. Every portrait is fully remote: you upload your photos through PetWorks, communicate directly with Karen throughout the process, and receive your finished portrait by mail or digital delivery.
Who Books Karen Dortschy
Karen's portraits make meaningful gifts, cherished home accents, and lasting tributes to beloved pets. Clients across the U.S. choose Karen for the personal attention each portrait receives and the ability to capture what makes their pet genuinely unique — not just their appearance, but their character.
How to Book Karen on PetWorks
Browse the portfolio and pricing packages above, select the size and style that fits your vision, and book directly through PetWorks. Once booked, you'll upload your pet photos and share any special instructions. Karen will guide you through the rest — including draft reviews where applicable — until you have a finished portrait you're proud to display.
Tips for the Best Result
Provide clear, well-lit photos taken at your pet's eye level. Natural light works best — avoid heavy flash that flattens features or creates glare. Multiple angles and expressions give Karen the most to work with and help ensure the final portrait captures your pet's personality as accurately as possible. If you have a specific style, background, or theme in mind, mention it when booking.
Book Karen Today
Based in Mooresville, North Carolina and available for bookings anywhere in the United States or abroad, Karen Dortschy is ready to create a portrait as unique as your pet. Browse the packages above and book through PetWorks today.
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