What’s Blooming in the Studio
"Happiness is a warm puppy." — Charles M. Schulz
Hello friends and fellow pet lovers,
May was such a full month that it seemed to pass in a blur. Between painting, planning, and the many tasks that come with the spring/summer season, I feel as though I blinked and suddenly June had arrived.
In my gardens, the azaleas and lilacs have already had their moment, while the irises and peonies are just beginning to open into the next lovely phase of the season. I’ve been feeling inspired by the scents, sounds, and quiet beauty that summer brings.
Lately, I’ve been spending a little more time in the studio, which has felt especially grounding. It has been a gift to slow down and settle into my work. The trees outside my studio are now full of leaves and I’ve been opening the window to listen to the birds singing and the hum of lawnmowers. That sense of new life has been deeply restorative. More than once, I’ve found myself painting barefoot, then pausing to simply breathe it all in. It has been calming, centering, and so good for my creative soul!
My Burlington, VT studio - Marley & Simon in progress on the table easel
What I’ve Been Working On
Over the past several weeks, I have been switching back and forth from oil to pastel and from cat to dog portraits This is truly what my creative brain loves and I thrive on mixing it up in the studio.
Here are a few of the portraits I’ve been working on:
Winnifred 10x10 Pastel
What I loved: The lovely backlighting and her soft whiskers.
This was a memorial commission gift from a husband to his wife on her birthday. What a thoughtful gift!
Jackson 8x10 Pastel
What I loved: Those beautiful green eyes! One eye was verging on blue with the lighting from above. I also loved his extremely long whiskers and the soft, wispy fur on his chest. I just want to reach out to pet him!
This is a portrait for the winner of an “Aging in Place With Pets” silent auction. Where to find them: HERE!
Featured Pet Portrait
A new monthly newsletter section highlighting a special pet and portrait.
This month’s featured pets are “Sadie & Oliver”
I’m honored to share the story of Sadie and Oliver. Their portrait holds so much love, memory, and meaning. Oliver sadly passed away a year ago after the diagnosis of cancer. His family (including Sadie) were devastated by the loss and it took time before they felt ready to commission this special piece, which makes it even more heartfelt.
Creating this portrait was a meaningful way to honor Oliver’s memory while celebrating the bond these two littermates shared. Pieces like this remind me how deeply our pets become part of our hearts and our homes, and how art can help keep those connections close.
A Wonderful Card of Thanks!
I received such a nice note from a client for the portrait of Cherokee which I painted in April. The reactions from my clients makes my journey so worthwhile and joyous! Many become special friends!
Gratitude
Thank you, as always, for following along and supporting my art. Pet portraits continue to be at the heart of my work, and I’m looking forward to creating meaningful pieces that celebrate the personality, warmth, and companionship our animals bring into our lives.
If you’ve been thinking about having your pet’s portrait painted, I’d love to hear from you. You can also place an order here!
Thinking ahead - orders for Christmas fill up amazingly fast and time will be needed for planning and painting!
Wishing you a beautiful start to summer and plenty of time to enjoy the ones you love—two-legged and four-legged alike.
With much love and gratitude,
Kim
Referrals are the heart of my small business
I hold heartfelt space for you and your loved one to speak openly about the loss of a pet with respect and positive regard. Pet portraits can help heal the wounds of pet loss as we walk through the process of creating a memorial piece of art for you and your family.
