Jill Wagner pet portraits at Breed Above in Ann Arbor

As some of you know, I LOVE doing pet portraits. I know its not “fine” art, but I get a special kick out of capturing the likeness of a sweet, furry friend and presenting the painting to its owner. They are always sooooo happy to have a personal piece of art to remember their favorite pet.

I’ve recently signed on with a wonderful new spa, salon, hotel and training center for dogs in Ann Arbor. Breed Above caters to high end clientele who adore their dogs and are willing to pamper them. They recently had a grand opening launch party and they asked me to exhibit a few of my recent dog portraits. I’m hoping to do commissions for some of their clients.

Have a dog, cat, hamster, or any animal that you’d like to remember with a pastel pet portrait? Contact me!

Watercolor portrait of two cowgirls on their horses.

Watercolor portrait painting 12 inches x 9 inches

My Bonanza Creek dreaming wouldn’t be complete without a watercolor portrait of the two intrepid cowgirls! Here we are moving cattle in September, living the good life!

Pastel pet portrait of a white borzoi puppy.

Pastel painting 8 inches x 10 inches    SOLD

I just delivered this pastel pet portrait of a cute little borzoi puppy. It was a special commission for a dear friend of my father-in-law. I loved the setting: a field filled with dandelions. It helped give a lyrical feeling to the pastel painting. Just right for the innocent little pup.

If you have an animal buddy, why not capture them in a piece of art with a pet portrait?

Pastel pet portrait of a reclining dog.

Pastel painting 8 inches x 10 inches    SOLD

I was pleased to be able to create a very personal pastel pet portrait of this sweet little pup. It was a special birthday gift for my client’s friend. I worked from a photo and had never met this little gal, but her large, soft eyes indicated a quiet, docile disposition. Just the kind of dog I adore and a perfect subject for a pastel painting too!

Have an animal buddy that you would like to capture in a pet portrait? I’d love to help you out…

Pastel pet portrait of a Polish Lowland Sheepdog

Pastel painting 9 inches x 9 inches    SOLD

What a cutie! This little Polish Lowland sheepdog was an absolute joy to work with. She posed for the camera as if she had been a top model for years! I swear she knew what her “best side” was. We had a ton of great photos to pick from and her owner was especially taken with this view.

Creating a pastel pet portrait is always challenging when your subject is someone’s  cherished  buddy, but I think I caught this little pup’s likeness. And her owner seemed to like the outcome of the pastel painting too!

Check out her response and other client’s comments on their paintings here.

Plein air pastel landscape painting of a single bird sitting on a rock formation near a canal in Florida.

Pastel painting 6 inches x 8 inches    SOLD

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

One morning when I was out looking for a place to set up for  pastel paintings, I saw this neat rock formation along one of the canals near our condo. When I began sketching, a black water bird of some type landed on one of the large rocks–and stayed there for the next hour! It was if it was posing for me, so of course, I had to take advantage it! This a small pastel landscape piece, but I really like the painterly effect of the rocks…

Pastel pet portrait painting of two sleeping cats.

Pastel painting 9.5 inches x 5.5 inches SOLD

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork.

My friend, Peg, has the cutest little cats I’ve ever seen. They are siblings, very petite and just adorable. Although I’ve always favored dogs and have never been a big “cat person”, I’m a sucker for these two little devils. I asked her for some reference photos and thought this pose, with them cuddling together, would make the perfect dual pet portrait. I really enjoy painting animals in pastel and trying to capture their unique personalities.

Pastel pet portrait painting of a chocolate labrador

Pastel painting 8 inches x 10 inches   SOLD

I delivered this pastel pet portrait painting to my client yesterday morning. I think she liked it. When she saw it she hugged me and got all “verklempfed.” There is nothing like creating a piece of art that really connects with the new owner. Absolutely makes my day!

I spent the rest of the day painting plein air pastel landscapes of the the countryside north of Ann Arbor and will post some of those images in the next few days.

Looking forward to the Saline Paint Out on Saturday, July 25th. We will paint all around the Saline area and then have a reception at the Two Twelve Arts Center from 4-6pm with the paintings available for sale.  If you are interested, contact Taylor Jacobsen at

salinemills@provide.net

Sample commission paintings of pet portraits

I have really fallen in love with painting pastel pet portraits. So, being the marketing freak that I am, I decided to create a printed card to advertise my services. The image above shows just a few of the very personal pieces I’ve painted in the last few months.

Pastel is a wonderful medium for this type of work. It is very soft and expressive, perfect for catching the special characteristics of dogs, cats, horses and other furry creatures. Each of these portraits are 8 x 10 inches but I am comfortable working larger or smaller depending on my client’s needs. I have been distributing the cards at pet stores, shows and grooming businesses and have gotten a wonderful response so far. If you know someone who would like to have a favorite pet or other animal made into art, please let me know!

Pastel portrait of a golden retriever

Pastel painting 8 inches x 10 inches SOLD

Please contact me if you are interested in similar artwork or a commission

One more pet portrait to add to the group! Our dear friends have 2 golden retrievers and a blood hound. They are the sweetest animals around and their owners adore them. Every time our friends come to visit they bring our dog a little treat. To thank them, I did a pastel painting of one of their pups basking in the sun. Can’t you just tell what a lover he is by his big, happy smile?