Oftentimes, people ask me to include their cat or dog in their family portrait. It’s natural in the U.S. for us to think of pets as family members.

The one thing I tell customers is that the pet will be painted in the same bright colors. It’s fur will be pink, red and yellow, and may look like Scoobie Doo! But if you’re OK with that, like Mark and Siri from Carlsbad, then you have a nice family portrait to cherish for years to come!

This friend of mine from Omaha insisted that I paint his portrait with his small kitten, which never left his side. I was not used to painting animals, but it seems like a natural extension to his shoulder.

Living in Idyllwild, I am surrounded by many interesting wild animals, including raccoons, deer, coyotes, squirrels, and a multitude of birds, including Steller Jays, hawks, eagles and owls. I try to photograph them as best I can, but it’s not always easy. I’d like to eventually paint them in my bright colors.

 

A motley crew of dogs outside Fairway Mart in Idyllwild