History books have taught us many things. We know everything about battles won and lost, invention and innovation, and even the many nuances surrounding partnerships and friendships of important figures that have changed the course of history. Yet, one such important friendship and connection is largely missing from textbooks—our infatuation and love for pets.

33 Contemporary, Sisters, watercolor on paper, 9 x 12”, by Aki Kano.

Upon a deeper dive into the lives of people past, you will often find a devotion to dogs, cats and even birds. Mary, Queen of Scots, for example, was known for her large brood of animals beginning in childhood, such as “four big dogs and twenty-two little lap dogs, as well as falcons and pet birds,” writes historian Antonia Fraser in Mary Queen of Scots, mentioned in a Vanity Fair article by Hadley Hall Meares. 

“During the tedious, lonely years of her imprisonment in England, the exiled queen’s pets took on a new importance, as companions and support animals,” writes Meares. “She kept caged birds, including turtle doves and Barbary fowls, and doted on her small lap dogs. After her execution in 1587 in the cold Great Hall of Fotheringhay Castle, her executioners discovered that her most devoted friend had stayed with her until the very end.

Fiona Purdy, Maple and Olive, ink and acrylic on watercolor paper, 11 x 14”

Fraser writes, “Her little lap dog, a Skye Terrier, who had managed to accompany her into the hall under her long skirts, where her servants had been turned away, had now crept out from beneath her petticoat, and in its distress had stationed itself piteously beneath the severed head and the shoulders of the body. Nor would it be coaxed away, but steadfastly and uncomprehendingly clung to the solitary thing it could find in the hall which still reminded it of its dead mistress.”

Artists across time have been inspired to depict their pets, including Andy Warhol and his dachshund Archie; Pablo Picasso’s dog Lump; and David Hockney’s pups Stanley and Boodgie, just to name a few, all making it at one point into a painting or drawing.

Today, we see artists continuing to spread the love and adoration we have for our pets. Artist Aki Kano, president of the American Artists Professional League, and represented by 33 Contemporary on Artsy, discusses her watercolor Sisters, a depiction of her two cats, Nala and Angel: “[They] sshare a very deep and tender bond,” says Kano. “I wanted to capture their affection and close relationship in this portrait. While they may look alike, Nala and Angel have distinct personalities, and I enjoyed capturing that in their different expressions.”

The artist shares that painting animals and pets is one of her favorite subjects. “I love exploring their diverse textures, colors and personalities through watercolor. The medium’s transparency allows me to delicately paint their details with subtlety and sensitivity.”

Top: Carol Luz, #1 Dog Paddler, oil on linen, 24 x 30”.  Johanne Mangi, Emma in the Snow, oil on linen, 14 x 11”. Jeanie Edwards, Blinded, acrylic, 24 x 24”. Bottom: Gualberto Del Toro Colberg, In Memoriam Lucy, acrylic on canvas, 16 x 12”. Johanne Mangi, Waiting, oil on linen, 8 x 10”

Often times, artists will be commissioned to paint a specific pet, as is the case for Fiona Purdy. “When I speak to a client about their pet, I’m witness to joy and happiness,” she says. “As I paint the earnest, trusting, beautiful faces of the creatures that are held so dear, I truly feel the depth of love between my clients and their special animals—and I share that love. I am touched by that love and my paintings become part of that love.”

Purdy’s piece Maple and Olive, captures the spirit of two dogs that are best friends. “[This piece] has one of my painted trademark borders, where the dogs appear to be moving out of it,” she continues. “My clients who choose to have me paint a border, often ask for me to add something that has a significance to the client or the pet. They like it as long as no one knows the significance except them. It makes the portrait even more personal.”

Continue reading to hear from more artists about the joys of creating pet-inspired artwork. 

Carol Luz’s inspiration for painting dogs doing human things comes from a deep love for both the animal and storytelling. “Every dog has a unique personality, and I enjoy bringing that to life in humorous and unexpected ways,” she says. “Whether they’re driving a boat, playing bingo or getting a mug shot, my dogs take on human roles while keeping their playful, lovable spirit. Seeing people smile and laugh at my art is the best reward—it reminds me why I create. Each painting tells a story, inviting viewers to imagine the world from a dog’s quirky perspective. The joy and fun in my work reflect how dogs make our lives brighter.

Top:  Jeanie Edwards, Blue Skies, acrylic on board, 17 x 11”. Meg Harper, Otis and Charlie, paint on cabinet door, 18 x 24” . Bottom:  Laura Hausler, Rocko, oil on linen and birch panel, 12 x 9” . Jeanie Edwards, Just a Wee Doodle, acrylic, 12 x 12”. Meg Harper, Heeling is Miraculous, paint on reclaimed corrugated tin, 24 x 20”

When collecting pet art, Luz suggests choosing “artwork that makes you smile every time you see it—humorous dogs doing human things aren’t just paintings, they’re little moments of joy frozen in time. Find a piece that tells a story you love, because laughter and whimsy are always worth collecting.”

For Gualberto Del Toro Colberg, the natural world has been the primary source of inspiration. “All plant and animal life, of which we are a part of, fuels my creative drive and provides me with an endless supply of color, light and shadow to marvel at and to put down on canvas,” he shares. “I recreate landscapes and seascapes, animals and people, with my hands and via my mind, in hopes to capture the essence and feel of what I observe, contemplate and ultimately love. Time is fleeting yet I strive to capture it. Light is ever changing, and I try to honor its presence. Color is like flavor, so I attempt to savor it.” Colberg also shares he’s available for commissions.

“I paint all kinds of subject matter for the challenge and to primarily to sharpen my skills,” says artist Johanne Mangi. “My favorite subject by far has always been animals. I like to tell my clients that if I take on a commission, I will paint it with the same care I have while painting my own animal. It’s important for me to understand my subject and the environment they live in. There are so many factors that go into capturing the spirit of a family pet. Awareness and sensitivity serve me well in this regard.”

When collecting, Mangi feels that people want more than just a painting on the wall. “They want connection with the artist and a painting that is a reflection of their inner selves,” she says.

Carol Luz, Rufus Surfing, oil on linen, 16 x 20”

Jeanie Edwards’ love for animals started at a young age growing up on her parents’ farm in Alabama. When she begins an animal portrait, she always paints the eyes first, quoting, “It’s because my daddy always said that is where you look to see the soul of an animal.” Her clients are continually impressed by her ability to capture the personality of their pets through her portrait work, found at her gallery, Jeanie Edwards Fine Art in Highlands, North Carolina. She has opened commissions for the 2025 season.

Laura Hausler brings classical training and contemporary vision to her exceptional pet portraits. Creating work from her dual background in painting and drawing, Hausler offers her unique style and aesthetic to her clients. Her distinct aesthetic unites traditional techniques with contemporary sensibility creating not only a portrait, but an original experience. “My pieces are collected as drawings, paintings or both!” She notes. “I approach each commission with meticulous observation and soulful perception that defines my fine art practice.” Hausler has both a contemporary painting philosophy and a background in traditional practice from the Florence Academy of Art.

Laura Hausler, Rocko, graphite on Stonehenge oil paper, 12 x 9”.

Artist Meg Harper’s mission is to bring joy to the young and old who call animals kin, love kickin’ colors and who share a deep connection to the earth. “I love transforming minds and materials. Why use traditional canvas when you can utilize so many upcycled materials that have more personality, inspire people to reuse and have added benefits?” The artist asks. “My subjects are joyful and based in love and peace, often inspiring laughter. My canvases are surfaces like street signs, cabinet doors, game boards, card tables and more. “We all know nature is healing and my paintings are no different. I want to keep improving my stewardship of the earth and help to co-create a brilliant reality for us all.”

Many of Harper’s pieces can be hung outdoors. She is well versed in commissioned pet portraits. —

Featured Artists & Galleries

33 Contemporary
500 N. Dixie Highway, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460
www.33contemporary.com
artsy.net/partner/33-contemporary 

Aki Kano
www.akikano.com 

Carol Luz
(845) 531-8661
carol@carolluzart.com
carolf01@gmail.com
www.carolluzart.com 

Fiona Purdy
www.petportraitsbyfiona.com 

Gualberto Del Toro Colberg          
(323) 449-7346
gualbertodeltoro@hotmail.com
www.gualbertodeltoro.com
Instagram: @gualbertowally
Facebook: Gualberto Del Toro Fine Art

Jeanie Edwards Fine Art
223 S. 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741
(828) 526-2933 www.jedwardsfineart.com 

Johanne Mangi
www.johannemangi.com 

Laura Hausler
www.laurahauslerfineart.com 

Meg Harper
(480) 208-1861
meg@megharper.com
www.megharper.com 

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