2 Reasons Why Pet Portraits Make the Ultimate Holiday Gift
Let’s face it. Holiday shopping can be extremely stressful. Especially when you have that person in your life who seems to have everything. You search high and low for something that's unique, but ideas seem to be void. You desperately want to get them something meaningful but usually come up short, usually grabbing something off the shelf.
Let’s face it. Holiday shopping can be extremely stressful. Especially when you have that person in your life who seems to have everything. You search high and low for something that's unique, but ideas seem to be void. You desperately want to get them something meaningful but usually come up short, usually grabbing something off the shelf.
What if there was a way to get someone a truly unique, one-of-a-kind gift that moves them instantly?
If that person happens to be a pet lover, a pet portrait can be just thing that brings a big smile for the holidays and beyond. It’s something they will treasure way past January, and you’ll be the gift hero you long to be. (Watch out Santa!)
Here’s two reasons why a pet portrait makes the ultimate holiday gift:
1. Pet portraits are personal.
There’s nothing like a gift that is customized for the recipient. It speaks volumes of how much thought and attention you gave to finding the perfect gift for the person you love. And even if you aren’t the pet lover, chances are you love that pet owner. What better way to acknowledge someone than to recognize what’s important to them. And when it comes to a person’s relationship with their pet, it’s a personal relationship like few others.
2. Pet portraits celebrate special relationships.
Pet portrait’s helps us celebrate important relationships in our lives. The portrait becomes a way to help us celebrate that pet and the special moments we shared with them over the years. It’s an especially moving gift when the pet has passed on. We remember what we celebrate. Pet portraits help us celebrate often.
If you’re interested in having a one-of-a-kind, custom pet portrait created for that special person in your life, visit my page detailing the process and info.
Act fast though, as time is short and spots are few. You don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to have this unique gift created for your loved one this holiday.
Inside Look: Uniform Pets Doctor Labrador Retriever
For this post I’m sharing about the inspiration behind the Doctor Labrador Retriever.
I've thankfully had a pretty uneventful medical history so far. I've never stayed in a hospital overnight, never had to have major surgery, but i've been around loved ones who have. Because of my lack if interaction with doctors and medical staff aside from the routine check ups and hospital visits, I tend to get an uneasy feeling around them. And I get the heebie-jeebies as soon as I small rubbing alcohol.
A quick catch up if you’re just joining in: for the next several posts, I’m going to be giving you an inside look into my new series “Uniform Pets”. I’ll be sharing the insights and inspiration behind each piece. You can see my previous post for my inspiration on the Police German Shepherd, the Girl Scout - Chihuahua, and Firefighter Aussie Shepherd.
The series as a whole came about as I was thinking about how we identify and categorize, specifically, dress code pertaining to jobs/organizations, as well as breeds of pets. We know a police officer in a crowd of people because we’ve identified their uniform.
Most of the time, we don’t think about these connections. They are part of the operating system that runs below the surface. In this series, I hope to make viewers stop and think more about these connections and assumptions.
For this post I’m sharing about the inspiration behind the Doctor Labrador Retriever.
I've thankfully had a pretty uneventful medical history so far. I've never stayed in a hospital overnight, never had to have major surgery, but i've been around loved ones who have. Because of my lack if interaction with doctors and medical staff aside from the routine check ups and hospital visits, I tend to get an uneasy feeling around them. And I get the heebie-jeebies as soon as I small rubbing alcohol.
Somewhere in my mind I always associated Doctors with problems. As in, if you have an health related issue, you need to go see a doctor. It was never preventative really, only reactionary. So I guess it made sense that my uneasiness surfaced. Couple that with the typical doctor jargon and often poor bedside manner, rising health care costs, and that's been a recipe for avoidance.
I suppose that's why I chose to pair this profession with the Labrador Retriever breed. A Lab (besides the punny connection of "lab" and a doctor's office) is my way of tearing down the insecurities and fear surrounding this profession a bit. Because a Lab is a family friendly, loyal, faithful and lovable companion. (When was the last time you used those words to describe your doctor?) The doctors that I have had who I did seem drawn to have been those who would tell it to you straight but were approachable and human. A Lab seems to fit the bill of a Patch Adams type. And I'm more than fine with that! Now take two of these and call me in the morning.
This piece was digitally painted using my iPad Pro, and app called Procreate and Photoshop on my Macbook Pro.
It's available in 3 options:
Do you know someone who would love this? Share it with them. Or better yet, why not get one as a gift to show your appreciation!
Inside Look: Uniform Pets - Firefighter Aussie Australian Shepherd
For this post I’m sharing about the inspiration behind the Firefighter Aussie Australian Shepherd.
I wasn’t one of those kids who said he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. I think I always knew on some level that I wanted to be an artist. But coming from a long line of family in public service (police mostly), I understood the importance and sacrifice associated with this position. Firefighters are called to be courageous, self sacrificing servants for the safety and good of the public. I will never know such a burden or call myself, but I readily acknowledge that they are to be thanked and praised for their selfless, and often dangerous work.
A quick catch up if you’re just joining in: for the next several posts, I’m going to be giving you an inside look into my new series “Uniform Pets”. I’ll be sharing the insights and inspiration behind each piece. You can see my previous post for my inspiration on the Police German Shepherd and the Girl Scout - Chihuahua.
The series as a whole came about as I was thinking about how we identify and categorize, specifically, dress code pertaining to jobs/organizations, as well as breeds of pets. We know a police officer in a crowd of people because we’ve identified their uniform. We’ve come to expect a certain dress code associated with our doctor’s visits. If he or she were dressed in a tie dyed t-shirt and shorts, we would question their abilities and professionalism. Yet, this same doctor might be dressed that way on their “off hours”. We don’t have the same feelings towards a Chihuahua and a Pit bull. One has become an icon of the Hollywood elite and the other has been mired in PR issues with news reports spreading incidents of their aggressiveness.
Most of the time, we don’t think about these connections. They are part of the operating system that runs below the surface. In this series, I hope to make viewers stop and think more about these connections and assumptions.
For this post I’m sharing about the inspiration behind the Firefighter Aussie Australian Shepherd.
I wasn’t one of those kids who said he wanted to be a firefighter when he grew up. I think I always knew on some level that I wanted to be an artist. But coming from a long line of family in public service (police mostly), I understood the importance and sacrifice associated with this position. Firefighters are called to be courageous, self sacrificing servants for the safety and good of the public. I will never know such a burden or call myself, but I readily acknowledge that they are to be thanked and praised for their selfless, and often dangerous work.
This piece was created to honor them and all they do. I’ve only know a few firefighters personally, and they have always been people of integrity and service. And often the sacrifice they face can be great.
In 2014, my brother lost a close friend in the line of duty. Lt. Gordon "Matt" Ambelas was killed when he became trapped while looking for victims in a high-rise fire in NY. He left behind his wife Nanette, and two young daughters.
I had the privilege of knowing Matt, through my brother. He was unassuming and in true form of a firefighter, a servant. He was an everyday man. And those like Matt, serve us everyday, risking their lives for our collective safety. They don’t run away from danger, but towards it.
In the case of September 11th 2001, the images of selfless firefighters (among others) running into the collapsing World Trade Center will forever be etched in my mind. They are true heroes.
So although this is a small offering, I hope this portrait honors all past and present firefighters.
I matched firefighter with an Australian Shepherd, or Aussie as they’re affectionately know as, because it’s been said that that breed is happiest when they have a job to do. They are wonderful family companions and a true working dog at heart.
As far as the two different color eyes (a genetic default known as Heterochromia Iridis) there are a few legends surround this, such that dogs with two different color eyes can view heaven and earth at the same time or that heterochromatic dogs are natural protectors. The truth behind why I chose to include this in my portrait is that I just thought it looked cool, and reminded me a bit of David Bowie :)
This piece was digitally painted using my iPad Pro, and app called Procreate and Photoshop on my Macbook Pro.
It's available in 3 options:
Do you know someone who would love this? Share it with them. Or better yet, why not get one as a gift to show your appreciation!
Inside Look: Uniform Pets - Girl Scout - Chihuahua
For this post I’m sharing about the inspiration behind the Girl Scout - Chihuahua.
This one reaches back to some of my earliest memories. I have a sister who is 3 years older than me. All through elementary school, she was a part of the Brownies and Girl Scouts. My mother also helped in her troop, so I would be taken along.
First a quick catch up: for the next several posts, I’m going to be giving you an inside look into my new series “Uniform Pets”. I’ll be sharing the insights and inspiration behind each piece.
The series as a whole came about as I was thinking about how we identify and categorize, specifically, dress code pertaining to jobs/organizations, as well as breeds of pets. We know a police officer in a crowd of people because we’ve identified their uniform. We’ve come to expect a certain dress code associated with our doctor’s visits. If he or she were dressed in a tie dyed t-shirt and shorts, we would question their abilities and professionalism. Yet, this same doctor might be dressed that way on their “off hours”. We don’t have the same feelings towards a Chihuahua and a Pit bull. One has become an icon of the Hollywood elite and the other has been mired in PR issues with news reports spreading incidents of their aggressiveness.
Most of the time, we don’t think about these connections. They are part of the operating system that runs below the surface. In this series, I hope to make viewers stop and think more about these connections and assumptions.
For this post I’m sharing about the inspiration behind the Girl Scout - Chihuahua.
This one reaches back to some of my earliest memories. I have a sister who is 3 years older than me. All through elementary school, she was a part of the Brownies and Girl Scouts. My mother also helped in her troop, so I would be taken along.
I remember craft projects, the uniforms, the badges and achievements. I remember sitting in the cafeteria of St. Rita’s Catholic school (where we both attended) after school hours with the smell of mop water still hanging in the air. And the cookies. Oh, the cookies. That’s probably the biggest marketing promotion for the Girl Scouts ever. Even to this day, I doubt people associate much else with the Girl Scouts beyond the cookies. But there is indeed MUCH more.
Consider their oath, while raising three fingers (long before a Hunger Games salute was even a thought): "A Girl Scout is ready to help out wherever she is needed. Willingness to serve is not enough; you must know how to do the job well, even in an emergency."
Later on, I did my own, albeit short, stint in the cub scouts. And even though it was short lived, I’m glad I did it. I have fond memories of pinewood derbies (but I always lost), playing “steal the bacon” with our bright yellow scarfs, and learning a little about some tools from our a neighborhood friends father who was our den leader.
This is dedicated to the scouts and leaders who at the heart of it all, looked to the needs of others rather than themselves.
Close up detail of the Girl Scout Chihuahua
And my choice of the Chihuahua just seemed appropriate for the sweet innocent look of this breed. A few friends and family members think I modeled this Chihuahua after my own, Cooper, but it’s not him (honestly!). Regardless, there’s something about those eyes that beckon you to buy cookies. Or an art print :)
This piece was digitally painted using my iPad Pro, and app called Procreate and Photoshop on my Macbook Pro.
It's available in 3 options:
Deluxe Matted 8x10 giclée art print (final size 11x14) - $65
Gallery Wrapped 16x20 Canvas - $320
Gallery Wrapped 24x30 Canvas (Limited Edition - 250) - $720
Do you know someone who would love this? Share it with them. Or better yet, why not get one as a gift to show your appreciation!
Inside Look: Uniform Pets - Police Officer - German Shepherd
For the next several posts, I’m going to be giving you an inside look into my new series “Uniform Pets”. I’ll be sharing the insights and inspiration behind each piece.
The series as a whole came about as I was thinking about how we identify and categorize, specifically, dress code pertaining to jobs/organizations, as well as breeds of pets. We know a police officer in a crowd of people because we’ve identified their uniform.
For the next several posts, I’m going to be giving you an inside look into my new series “Uniform Pets”. I’ll be sharing the insights and inspiration behind each piece.
The series as a whole came about as I was thinking about how we identify and categorize, specifically, dress code pertaining to jobs/organizations, as well as breeds of pets. We know a police officer in a crowd of people because we’ve identified their uniform. We’ve come to expect a certain dress code associated with our doctor’s visits. If he or she were dressed in a tie dyed t-shirt and shorts, we would question their abilities and professionalism. Yet, this same doctor might be dressed that way on their “off hours”. We don’t have the same feelings towards a Chihuahua and a Pit bull. One has become an icon of the Hollywood elite and the other has been mired in PR issues with news reports spreading incidents of their aggressiveness.
Most of the time, we don’t think about these connections. They are part of the operating system that runs below the surface. In this series, I hope to make viewers stop and think more about these connections and assumptions.
I’d like to begin with “Police Officer - German Shepherd”.
In today’s day and age, the public opinion of the police has been tarnished, especially where incidents of police brutality and misuse of power fills the news. While most artists, who are more activist in nature, might spend their efforts creating art around these injustices, I want to honor those who do their job with integrity.
My father was a NYC police officer, a detective in fact. I grew up respecting the police. I got an inside look at what officers had to go through, the sacrifice, risk, and a level of stress that few of us will ever know.
Artists and the Police are often at odds, and that was a bit true in our household as well. My father used to teach at the police academy in NYC that overlooked one of the buildings of the School of Visual Arts. Legend has it that he and other officers would often shake their heads at the strange artists (after all, I’m sure there were a fair share of artists who had trouble with the law). As the story goes, he was quoted as saying, “None of my kids will ever go to such a place.” Ironically, probably a good 10 years later, that was indeed the very art school I attended. He might not have understood art, but he was supportive of mine.
As a tribute to my dad (who passed away a few years ago) I used his badge and shield number in this piece. The name tag cites "Shepherd", not only references the German Shepherd breed but also the role of a shepherd (to serve, protect, help bring order and guidance.)
For the dog breed, I chose a German Shepherd, the breed most associated with K9 units. They are known for their high intelligence, loyalty, ability to be aggressive and ease of training.
Close up detail of "Police Officer - German Shepherd" Painting.
This piece was digitally painted using my iPad Pro, and app called Procreate and Photoshop on my Macbook Pro.
It's available in 3 options:
Deluxe Matted 8x10 giclée art print (final size 11x14) - $65
Gallery Wrapped 16x20 Canvas - $320
Gallery Wrapped 24x30 Canvas (Limited Edition - 250) - $720
Do you know someone who would love this? Share it with them. Or better yet, why not get one as a gift to show your appreciation!
Inside Look: Commissioning Custom Pet Portraits
I recently set up my booth at a local pet expo to sell my pet art and receive custom commissions. I love doing these shows because I get to interact with people and their pets. It also helps me to explain some of the process in commissioning a pet portrait and often uncovers many questions people have.
I recently set up shop at a local pet expo to sell my pet art and receive custom commissions. I love doing these shows because I get to interact with people and their pets. It also helps me to explain some of the process in commissioning a pet portrait and often uncovers many questions people have.
Do I create the art live in the booth or need to do a home visit? (No. I use photo reference). Do they need the photo available in order to complete the purchase? (no. you can email me a photo or two and we can talk about what works best for your needs). After all, this is a big decision, and one doesn’t want to feel the pressure to choose the best photo on the spot to have their custom art created from.
So I thought I would walk through a little bit of the process to bring some insight and perhaps answer some questions you might have.
The first thing may seem obvious, but ask yourself “why do I want a custom pet portrait?” We have such special relationships with our pets. They love us unconditionally. They greet us when we come home from a bad day at work. They snuggle with us as we watch tv or read our favorite book. They make life sweeter. And the idea of creating portraits comes from the desire of wanting to celebrate an important relationship in our life. It might even be to help remember and memorialize a beloved pet who has passed on. These portraits become visual markers, that help us celebrate and remember. This is why I create custom, one of a kind pet portraits that capture your pet’s unique personality– so you can treasure them for years to come.
OK, so now that you’ve decided a custom pet portrait is right for you, it’s time to decide on the right size and options. If you have limited wall space, or already have some previous pet portraits you intend to hang this new one with, you might consider an 8x10 print. Do you have large wall space? Maybe a 30x40 inch canvas is the best fit for you. I currently offer 6 sizes: Standard- 8x10 & 11x17 (on a high quality luster photo paper with archival inks), Premium- 16x20 & 20x30 inch museum quality gallery wrapped canvas prints, and Platinum- 30x40 & 36x52 inch museum quality gallery wrapped canvas prints. Custom sizes also available.
This is really all you need to finalize your order through my website’s shop. I have created a page to help walk you through options and all you need to do is add the desired option to your shopping cart and check out.
What about customizations?
One option that is unique to my pet portraits is the choice of natural coloring of your pet, or you can choose what I call the “Rockstar” treatment, vibrant colors. Choose what fits your pet’s personality, or yours. Or what you feel will work given the colors on your walls.
"Rockstar" color treatment
Natural coloring option
Next up - do you want a headshot or full body portrait? If you’re not sure, you can send me your photo reference and we can talk about what might suit your needs best.
I also get asked is if I can include more that one pet in the portrait. The answer is yes! There’s even an add-on to place in your shopping cart for each additional pet. One note: I do not recommend more than 2 pets in the same portrait in smaller sizes. You won’t be able to appreciate each pet due to the size.
Are there certain colors you would like in the background? No problem. We can talk about what would work with the options you have chosen and get you the right fit.
Once you have check out, emailed your photo(s) along with your custom options of coloring and headshot / full body, I start creating your custom portrait. When ready, I then send you a digital proof for approval. Upon approval, I create the final art and print. For canvas options there is an additional 7-14 days for manufacturing.
That’s it!.
My goal is to make this process as simple and personal as possible.
So are you ready to get your custom pet portrait? Click here and let’s get started today!
Do you have more questions? Feel free to use the contact form at the bottom of this page and I’ll get right back to you!
I'd Like to Do Something For You
The other night, I was sitting in a Shake Shack (sucking down a delicious chocolate shake), waiting for my daughter’s dance class to be finished. It feels like one of those moments, where you finally find yourself sitting still.
Art inspired by @jujusart on Instagram
The other night, I was sitting in a Shake Shack (sucking down a delicious chocolate shake), waiting for my daughter’s dance class to be finished. It feels like one of those moments, where you finally find yourself sitting still.
It’s catching up in the margins, wherever we can. You know what I mean? In between appointments, at red lights, in line at the grocery store… And on the front of my brain is the reminder of all that I'm behind in accomplishing. Even getting a bit behind in my blogging.
Can I be honest? It makes me pause. I don’t want to create more content just because that's what you're supposed to do in today's culture. I don't want to send out another email to my PACK that clogs up their inbox. Another post or one of "those" emails, the ones that just creates more noise in your world. Or something else to make you scroll on by.
Our attention is precious these days, so I want you to know that I greatly appreciate that you are reading this. My hope, since you’ve come to my site, that my art has added value to your life at some point (or if you're new, welcome!) . Maybe It was during a pet show and our mutual love of animals brought us together, or we geeked out together a Walker Stalker Con or FanFest, or you clicked on a social media link, visited my website and saw art that resonated with you.
However you came upon my art, we’re connected. And to be honest, that’s a big part of why I do what I do. CONNECTION.
I want to create art that adds benefit, beauty, and value to your life. And I highly value our connection in the process.
The art I create might take different forms - a custom pet portrait, Star Wars | The Walking Dead | Pop Culture fan art, Yoga art, and so on - but I hope the end result is the same - something I create touching your life.
I hope I can bring more of that in 2017.
So how can I bring value to your world through my art?
Are you looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift? Maybe a custom pet portrait would be perfect.
Do you practice yoga? Would you like to commemorate a special pose achievement by having me create some art to encourage you on your fitness journey?
Recently, I even created a custom portrait of a home for a real estate agent whose client sold their home of over 30 years. He wanted them to have a special remembrance they could hang in their new home that would remind them of all the special moments they shared as a family.
So may I ask - how can we connect so i can serve you through my art this year? Would you take 2 seconds right now, leave me a comment and let me know?
Whatever form it takes, I hope I can create some more meaningful art for you this year. Thanks for traveling with me and I look forward to the connections we make soon!
Sleeping pug pet portrait
Not my usual style but happy to accommodate this customer who is an old family friend. She loved her sleeping pug pet portrait! When are you getting yours? Message me and let's get it set up! #petportrait #pet #dog #pug #painting #digitalart #art #petportraitartist
Rockstar Lola
Meet rockstar Lola! @pdxlisa commissioned me to create her portrait for her daughters Christmas gift. You can have your very own rockstar #petportrait too! Contact me today! #pet #dog #dogart #digitalpainting #art #gift
Christmas pup pet portrait
Cute little pup I did for a Christmas commission pet portrait. The customer wanted a more muted color palette from my normal vibrant coloring. I was happy to create something his family loved! #petportrait #dog #art #artcommission #painting #drawing #artist #custom
Happy Customers
Love happy customers. So honored to be a part of their Christmas & Holiday season. #petportrait #pet #art #artist #dog #christmasgift #originalart #custom #oneofakind #petart #dogart
