Karen Gray Shaw Fine Art - Pet Portrait Artist - Nationwide

Verified Member since Aug 2023 Verified checkmark

As an artist who has had beloved pets, I know how sweet it is to have a beautiful likeness of them. Working from photos, I create paintings of your animal friend in acrylic, pastels, or watercolor. My joy and passion is to capture your companion's personality in a special moment, so you will have that cherished memory preserved for you and your family.

I started drawing at an early age and graduated to doing murals in the early 2000's. I have exhibited at a number of art fairs including the Sacramento Arts Festival, and had the privilege of hosting and teaching at the Painted Cork.

Please do contact me with any questions, and I look forward to meeting you and your dear ones!


Pricing Packages

12" x 16" acrylic or watercolor
$ 675.00 Per Portrait book

single figure, unframed

12" x 16" pastel
$ 530.00 Per Portrait book

single figure, unframed

9" x 12" acrylic or watercolor
$ 505.00 Per Portrait book

single figure, unframed

9" x 12" pastel
$ 400.00 Per Portrait book

single figure, unframed

8" x 10" acrylic or watercolor
$ 430.00 Per Portrait book

single figure, unframed

8" x 10" pastel
$ 340.00 Per Portrait book

single figure, unframed

16" x 20" acrylic or watercolor
$ 825.00 Per Portrait book

single figure, unframed

16" x 20" pastel
$ 650.00 Per Portrait book

single figure, unframed

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

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

I adopted two gold and white rescue kitties, Poppy and Pele, in 2002. They were my babies. I just lost Poppy in January, 2023 - she was 20! Miss them somethings awful...

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karen shaw

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BASED IN Sacramento, CA

Distinction

Pw without hitch

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

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

I adopted two gold and white rescue kitties, Poppy and Pele, in 2002. They were my babies. I just lost Poppy in January, 2023 - she was 20! Miss them somethings awful...

🌟 About Karen Shaw


Karen is a pet portrait artist based in Sacramento, California, serving clients locally in Sacramento County and nationwide through PetWorks, one of the leading platforms for finding pet portrait artists across the United States. 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.


Working with Karen: What to Expect


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 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 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.


A Sacramento, CA Pet Portrait Artist - Serving Elk Grove, Roseville, Vacaville, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Davis, Woodland, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, West Sacramento and Beyond


Karen serves pet portrait clients in Sacramento, Sacramento County, and surrounding areas including Elk Grove, Roseville, Vacaville, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Davis, Woodland, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, West Sacramento, and accepts commissions from anywhere in the United States. Whether you're looking for a pet portrait artist near you or prefer to work entirely online, Karen makes the process simple, personal, and stress-free from wherever you are.


🦔 How to Book Karen on PetWorks


On Karen Shaw'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 pet portrait 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 pet portrait 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 pet portrait artists welcome creative direction and will work with you to bring your vision to life.
As a general guide, pet portrait artist 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 find a pet portrait artist on PetWorks? Browse the pet portrait artists category on PetWorks to explore profiles, portfolios, styles, and pricing from verified artists across the country. You can filter by location, medium, and specialty to find the right fit — or reach out to Karen directly using the 'Send Message' or 'Book Now' buttons on this page.


What makes Karen different from other pet portrait artists? Karen is a verified PetWorks pet portrait artist with a portfolio you can browse before committing. Every commission is handled personally — from the initial photo review to the finished piece — with clear communication and a collaborative process throughout.


How does working with a pet portrait artist online work? It's simple: you share your favorite photos of your pet through PetWorks, discuss your vision and preferences with Karen, and receive your finished portrait by mail or digital delivery — no in-person meetings required. Karen accepts commissions from anywhere in the United States.


Can Karen paint multiple pets in one portrait? Many pet portrait artists on PetWorks 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 a pet portrait artist can create. Karen works entirely from photos, so a passing doesn't prevent a beautiful, lifelike result. Many PetWorks pet portrait 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 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.


❤️ Find the right pet portrait artist for your pet on PetWorks.


Reach out to Karen today, share your favorite photo, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.