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.
🌟 Karen Dortschy: Professional Pet Portrait Artist & Personalized One-of-a-Kind Art
❤️ The Artist’s Vision
Karen Dortschy is a professional pet portrait artist dedicated to capturing the unique character of your companions. Serving clients in Mooresville NC, and nationwide, Karen specializes in hand-crafted fine art commissions. Unlike mass-produced prints, every piece from this studio is a one-of-a-kind work of art designed to reflect the soulful connection you share with your pet.
🌿 The Artistry Behind Your Portrait
Custom Hand-Crafted Art: Every commission is a unique collaboration between the artist and the pet parent, ensuring a result as unique as your pet.
Technical Expertise: Karen Dortschy brings years of formal artistic training to highlight textures, lighting, and expressions that standard photography misses.
Premium Studio Materials: Utilizing professional-grade paints, pencils, or digital tools to ensure your investment stands the test of time.
Personalized Service: Enjoy a direct 1-on-1 creative process with the artist, from initial concept to the final reveal in Mooresville or anywhere in North Carolina.
A Lifetime Legacy: Commissioning an artist provides a one-of-a-kind heirloom that honors your pet's life and memory with dignity and grace.
🖼️ Artist Specialty Services
Signature Portraiture: The artist’s primary style, focusing on high-detail facial expressions and life-like accuracy.
Unique Concept Art: Collaborating with Karen to place your pet in stylized backgrounds or custom settings.
Memorial Artistry: A specialized, sensitive commission process for honoring pets who have passed, providing a beautiful tribute for families in Iredell County and beyond.
🦔 On Karen Dortschy's listing page, use Send Message or Get Custom Quote to start a conversation about your one-of-a-kind commission. Karen can send you a personalized quote through the PetWorks inbox. You'll only pay when you book, and payment is handled securely on PetWorks (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, or Klarna). A 10% Care Coverage fee 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 booking issues — so you can focus on your new artwork with peace of mind.
📌 Tips for a Successful Commission
✅ Direct Communication: Use the PetWorks platform to share your pet's "story" with Karen so the artwork captures their true spirit.
✅ Quality Reference Material: High-resolution photos allow the artist to see the fine details of the fur and eyes for a more realistic portrait.
✅ Plan for Artistry: Remember that hand-crafted art takes time. Check with Karen Dortschy for current studio lead times and shipping schedules from Mooresville.
Experience the mastery of a dedicated pet portrait artist. Whether you are in Mooresville, North Carolina, or anywhere across the country, Karen Dortschy is ready to bring your vision to life. Contact Karen today to discuss your one-of-a-kind commission!
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