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
Karen is a professional pet portrait artist based in Mooresville, NC, serving clients locally and nationwide through PetWorks. With a passion for capturing the personality, energy, and spirit of animal companions, Karen 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. Karen 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 Karen
Commissioning a portrait with Karen 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. Karen 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, Karen 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 Karen before booking, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.
🦔 How to Book Karen on PetWorks
On Karen Dortschy's listing page, use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' to start a conversation about your commission. Karen 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 Karen 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 Karen's pricing packages above for specific rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Karen? Use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' buttons on this page to reach out directly. Karen will respond through the PetWorks inbox to discuss your vision, review your photos, and provide a personalized quote before you commit to booking.
Can Karen paint multiple pets in one portrait? Many PetWorks artists offer multi-pet compositions — reach out to Karen 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. Karen 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 Karen 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 Karen on PetWorks today, share your favorite photo, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.
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