Catherine Gillespie Watercolor Pet Portraits - Nationwide

Verified Member since Mar 2024 Verified checkmark

Catherine Gillespie, a distinguished watercolor artist with over 30 years of experience, specializes in creating captivating pet portraits that beautifully capture the essence of your beloved companions. Since 2012, she has dedicated her talents primarily to painting pets, meticulously focusing on the expressions and eyes that reveal each animal's unique personality. Catherine's realistic yet loosely painted watercolors are crafted on special handmade paper, ensuring that each piece is not only a work of art but also a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable bond between humans and their pets.

Catherine's skill in portraying a wide range of animals, including birds, cats, dogs, ducks, fish, horses, and rabbits, is unmatched. Her keen eye for detail allows her to incorporate backgrounds that reflect the breed and personality of each pet, adding depth and context to her portraits. She emphasizes the importance of good, clear photos taken at eye level with natural side lighting to enhance the shadows and highlights, enabling her to translate the true character of your pet onto paper.

For pet parents seeking a one-of-a-kind keepsake that honors the spirit of their furry, feathered, or finned friend, Catherine Gillespie's watercolor portraits are the perfect choice. Her devotion to capturing the individual charm of each pet is evident in every brushstroke. Ready to immortalize your pet's unique character? Book through PetWorks today!

Pricing Packages

Starting Price
$ 350.00 Per Portrait book

Please send inquires to request a quote by email.

9x12 or 12x12
$ 350.00 Per Animal book

Watercolor of your pet from clear photos that you supply to me. Details about what you would like will be discussed by email. Paintings are done on handmade cold press watercolor paper with an ivory white mat ready for you to frame. Shipping cost will be calculated later according to your state.

14x16
$ 450.00 Per Animal book

Watercolor of your pet from clear photos that you supply to me. Details about what you would like will be discussed by email. Paintings are done on handmade cold press watercolor paper with an ivory white mat ready for you to frame. Shipping cost will be calculated later according to your state.

16x20
$ 550.00 Per Animal book

Watercolor of your pet from clear photos that you supply to me. Details about what you would like will be discussed by email. Paintings are done on handmade cold press watercolor paper with an ivory white mat ready for you to frame. Shipping cost will be calculated later according to your state.

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Custom Pet Portraits
  • Animal Portraits
  • Pet Portrait Art

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Ducks
  • Fish
  • Horses
  • Rabbits

What year did you begin serving pets?

I began painting mostly pets in 2012

How did you hone your craft?

I have been a watercolor artist for 30 years have been a watercolor artist for 30 years.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Good clear photos of your pet are very important. When taking photos to send to me, please take the photo at eye level and use natural light preferably from one side to create good light and shadow.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I paint my pets with love and try to show each animals unique character, expression and personality. I paint realistic, yet loosely.

BASED IN Edgewater, MD

Distinction

Pw without hitch

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Custom Pet Portraits
  • Animal Portraits
  • Pet Portrait Art

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Ducks
  • Fish
  • Horses
  • Rabbits

What year did you begin serving pets?

I began painting mostly pets in 2012

How did you hone your craft?

I have been a watercolor artist for 30 years have been a watercolor artist for 30 years.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Good clear photos of your pet are very important. When taking photos to send to me, please take the photo at eye level and use natural light preferably from one side to create good light and shadow.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I paint my pets with love and try to show each animals unique character, expression and personality. I paint realistic, yet loosely.

🎨 About Catherine Gillespie


Catherine Gillespie offers custom pet portraits ordered entirely online and delivered to your door anywhere in the United States. PetWorks is a nationwide pet care services marketplace where pet parents can browse and order from talented independent artists — in any style, shipped to your door. Whether you're looking for a lifelike oil painting, a vibrant watercolor, a charcoal drawing, or a stylized digital illustration, Catherine works with you to create a one-of-a-kind portrait that captures your pet's personality, spirit, and the qualities that make them yours.


Ordering with Catherine: What to Expect


Ordering a custom pet portrait with Catherine is a personal, collaborative experience from start to finish. It begins online. 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.


Catherine 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, Catherine gets to work. Most custom pet portrait 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 your door 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 Catherine before ordering, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.


Based in Edgewater, MD — Shipping Custom Pet Portraits Nationwide


Catherine Gillespie is based in Edgewater, Anne Arundel County, and accepts custom pet portrait orders from anywhere in the United States and beyond. The entire process happens online — you upload your photos, correspond through PetWorks, and receive your finished portrait by mail or digital delivery, no matter where you are.


🦔 How to Order from Catherine on PetWorks


On Catherine Gillespie's listing page, use 'Book Now' to place your order directly, or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message' to start a conversation about your portrait. Catherine will discuss your vision, preferred style, size, and medium before you commit. Because the right fit matters, and taking a few minutes to correspond before ordering 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 an order 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 Custom Pet Portrait


Getting the most out of your order starts with good reference photos. Clear, well-lit shots taken at your pet's eye level work best. Natural light is your friend — 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 Catherine 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 custom pet portrait artists welcome creative direction and will work with you to bring your vision to life.


As a general guide, custom pet portrait orders 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 Catherine's pricing packages above for specific rates.


Frequently Asked Questions


How do I order a custom pet portrait on PetWorks?
Browse the Custom Pet Portraits category on PetWorks to explore profiles, portfolios, styles, and pricing from verified artists across the country. You can filter by style and medium to find the right fit — or order directly from Catherine using the 'Book Now' or 'Get Custom Quote' button on this page.


What makes ordering from Catherine different?
Catherine is a verified PetWorks artist with a portfolio you can browse before committing. Every order is handled personally — from the initial photo review to the finished piece — with clear communication and a collaborative process throughout.


How does ordering a custom pet portrait online work?
It's simple: you share your favorite photos of your pet through PetWorks, discuss your vision and preferences with Catherine, and receive your finished portrait shipped to your door or as a digital file — no in-person meetings required. Catherine accepts orders from anywhere in the United States.


Can Catherine include multiple pets in one portrait?
Many custom pet portrait artists on PetWorks offer multi-pet compositions. Reach out to Catherine directly to discuss your specific request. Multi-pet portraits may carry additional fees depending on the number of subjects and complexity of the arrangement.


Can I order a custom pet portrait as a memorial?
Yes. Memorial portraits are one of the most meaningful orders a custom pet portrait artist can fulfill. Catherine 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.


How long does it take to receive my custom pet portrait?
Most orders are completed within 2–6 weeks, though timelines vary by medium, complexity, and the artist's current schedule. Always confirm turnaround with Catherine before ordering, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.


What if I'm not happy with the result?
PetWorks' Care Coverage gives you access to the live Concierge team and help resolving any order issues. Most custom pet portrait 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.


❤️ Order a custom pet portrait from Catherine on PetWorks. Share your favorite photo, choose your style, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.