Pics with a purpose

Homeowners are using portraits of the family pet as a decorative element, memory of Fido’s devotion

A home’s decor should capture the essence of what makes the owners happy — and for many homeowners, that includes their pets.

Just as a lovable pet warms every family members’ heart, pet portraits displayed in the home add warmth as a personalized and decorative work of art that reminds the family of their pet’s comforting companionship. It’s not often a piece of art can do that.

“People love art that moves their heart and soul,” says Suzanne Renaud, artist and president of Precious Pet Paintings in Blacklick. “A painting of their best friend’s beauty and characteristics accomplishes that.”

Pet portraits come in various forms. Formal photographs and paintings complement the decor in traditional homes, while abstract pet portraits add a unique touch to homes on the cutting edge of interior design.

Portraits also serve as a way for owners to remember the bond they established with their pets, Renaud says.

Bill Cosgrove and his wife,Terri, decided to have a portrait made of their German shepherd, Kayla, when they learned Kayla had cancer. Kathy Bernat, owner of Paw Print Pet Photography in Columbus, took the portrait.

Now that Kayla has passed, the photograph serves many purposes. Bill says he is amazed at the portrait’s power.The picture often makes the Cosgroves cry for their loss, but they hope the photograph’s clarity and detail will keep their memories of Kayla alive and vivid.

“The portrait will first help us through the grieving process and then be there when we want to inspire happy memories,” he says.

Pet owner Carolyn Stuart says the caricature portraits of her two dogs have added a unique touch to her home.

“I have regular pictures up in the house of the dogs, but the caricatures make a statement. They are a piece of art that includes something I actually love,” Stuart says. “It really allows your home’s decor to stand out and be different.”

Stuart has always enjoyed and appreciated pop art, which made artist Nathan Janes her first choice.

Janes, a graduate of the Columbus College of Art&Design and resident of Port Clinton, Ohio, says one of his missions is to give new light to dog art and make it just as mainstream as art of flowers, landscapes, people and wildlife.

“Pet portraits are a valuable art investment because they truly are one of a kind,” Janes says. “They have the special ability to incorporate the love the owners feel for their pet into the artwork of their home—making them truly priceless.”—AH

Alicia Coffman is a freelance writer for At Home in Columbus.