Portrait Story: Katie the Greyhound and the Shop She Inspired
Meet Katie — the brindle Greyhound who inspired Houndstooth, a beloved pet boutique on College Street in Burlington, VT. Read the story behind her portrait and where you can see it today.
Some pets leave a mark that outlasts them. Katie did.
The Dog Behind the Shop
Katie was the inspiration behind Houndstooth, a boutique pet store in downtown Burlington, VT. Her owner discovered my work through my Instagram page.
Katie, known for her stylish presence and never venturing outside without a perfectly tailored raincoat, was truly a fashionista. Though this brindle beauty is no longer with us, her legacy lives on, immortalized in her portrait and in the spirit of the shop she inspired.
The Portrait
Katie
an 11x14 portrait painted by Kimberly Provost in pastel.
This was an 11x14 portrait painted in pastel. Her brindled fur was challenging, but it proved to be an excellent learning opportunity for me. I enjoyed honing my abilities on such a unique dog! The last brindled pet I painted was a French Bulldog this past winter, but her pattern wasn't quite as complicated as Katie's fur. The background is a harmonious pinkish-mauve color that complements her brown fur and pink ears.
Where to See It
Katie's portrait now hangs inside Houndstooth on College Street, where it offers a daily reminder of the dog who started it all. If you're in Burlington this summer, a visit to Houndstooth is a "must do" for any dog or cat lover!
A Note on Commission Work
Every portrait I take on teaches me something. Katie's brindle pattern pushed me in ways I didn't expect, and that's one of the things I love most about this work — no two animals are the same, and no two portraits are either.
If you have a pet whose markings, personality, or story feels one-of-a-kind, I'd love to talk about bringing them to life in pastel.
