Pet Portrait Artist Reflections: Fall Inspiration from the Studio
A new season of color, connection, and cherished companions
September always sneaks up on me in the best way. One day it still feels like summer, and the next I’m noticing the softer light, the earlier evenings, and all those cozy fall colors starting to show up everywhere. As an artist, this is one of my favorite times of year. The colors, textures, and little everyday moments feel extra inspiring—especially when I’m painting the pets who mean so much to their families.
Patty - Soft Pastel 11×14
A unique commission from a groom to his wife-to-be as a wedding gift!
As a caregiver, mother, and dog mom, fall also feels like a season of shifting gears. I love stopping at roadside stands for fresh corn and tomatoes to bring home for dinner, and I am very ready for the cooler air that makes walks with our dog, Deacon, feel good again instead of leaving me overheated. Around this time, I also start thinking ahead to the Christmas season, when pet portrait orders begin rolling in. I find myself planning how to best fit everyone in, keep things organized, and give each client and each beloved pet the attention they deserve.
Upcoming Events
This month, I am excited to share that I will be part of the SEABA (South End Arts & Business Association) Art Hop, happening September 11, 12, and 13. I will be open during the event and will have prints and original work available for sale, along with treats for both dogs and humans. It will be a wonderful chance to connect with fellow art lovers, pet lovers, and neighbors while celebrating the creative energy of the South End. I will also be available to talk about pet portraits, answer questions about my process, and help anyone who may be thinking about a custom portrait.
Later this month I will be attending the Green Mountain Iron Dog event in Colchester, Vermont, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. I will be setting up an 10' x 10' canopy, displaying some of my art and talking with people about my craft. This event brings together handlers and dogs for an approximately 1.5-mile course with obstacles over varied terrain, inspired by what Police K9 handlers may experience during a real-life deployment. It is open to the public to compete or observe, so it should be a fun and meaningful day for dog lovers, working-dog supporters, and anyone curious about the bond between handlers and their dogs.
Pet of the Month
Zoey With Her Plaid Blanket And Beautiful Smile
This month’s Pet of the Month is Zoey. I mentioned her 16x20 pastel portrait in last month’s newsletter, especially how challenging it was to recreate her favorite plaid blanket. Now that the portrait is finished and I can look back on the process, I realize how much I learned along the way. Each portrait gives me a chance to grow, problem-solve, and advance as an artist, and Zoey’s portrait was a beautiful reminder of that. This portrait was commissioned as a birthday gift from a client to his partner. He is so excited to give it to her that he isn’t sure he’ll be able to wait until her November birthday! Zoey meant so much to her and this portrait celebrates her lovely smile and spirit. I hope it brings her much joy in the coming years!
What’s Been Happening in the Studio
Inside the studio, I have been painting up a storm. I recently had three pet portraits with specific deadlines to meet, and I am delighted to say that all three deadlines have been met. It has been a busy, focused stretch of work, but also a really satisfying one.
Nessie
The cutest little Jack Russell Terrier who flunked out of puppy school twice! She is still the apple of her mom’s eye. This portrait was a gift from one friend to another for her 60th birthday. Pet portraits make very unique gifts for any occasion!
I have been cleaning and reframing some of my older paintings so they will be ready to display at Art Hop. It has been fun to revisit those pieces, see them with fresh eyes, and get the studio organized for a season full of artwork, events, and new conversations about my pet portraits.
I have also been grateful for the chance to use my pet doula skills in a meaningful way. Recently, I was able to hold space for a client as she spoke about the special family dog she had recently lost. This was a dog she had shared her life with since she was 16 years old and he had been there for many milestones in her life. I truly love being able to support my clients as they grieve. Not all of my pet portraits are of pets who have passed on, but many are, and learning companion animal end-of-life doula skills has been one of the best things I have done for both myself and the people I serve.
Sammy (aka - SamBone)
A special friend and companion to his entire family. His loss has been great, but his “gummy” smile and kindly spirit will live on forever.
Wishing You a Beautiful Fall
Thank you for being part of this creative community and for allowing me to share the stories of the animals who mean so much to you. Wishing you and your beloved companions a warm, gentle, and beautiful September.
-Kim
