Meet Pet Portrait Artist Karen Hesselbach
Welcome to My Colorful World of Pet Portraits!
Hi there! I’m pet portrait artist, Karen Hesselbach, and I pour my heart into creating vibrant, personality-filled pet paintings that capture the spirit of your beloved companions. As a lifelong artist with over two decades of creative experience, including work with Disney and Anthropologie, I’ve found my true calling in celebrating the unique bond between pets and their humans through art.
The Story Behind the Brushstrokes
Remember drawing your family pet as a child? That’s where my journey as a pet portrait artist began too! From those early sketches to majoring in Fine Art in college, my path has always been guided by creativity and a deep love for animals. In 2018, I combined these passions to launch my own pet portrait studio, where every piece tells a unique story.
As an OG dog mom to multiple generations of “high hounds and low hounds,” I understand firsthand the special place our pets hold in our hearts. This personal connection infuses every portrait I create, whether it’s a traditional canvas painting, custom-painted shoes, or a cherished holiday ornament.
More Than Just Portraits—It’s Personal
What makes each piece special? It’s all about you and your pet! During our initial consultation, I love hearing your stories—the quirky habits, the special nicknames, the countless moments that make your relationship unique. These details inspire every brush stroke.
One of my favorite projects as a dog artist was creating a Dia de los Muertos-themed portrait for a pet parent who loved the aesthetic. As a cat portrait artist, another memorable piece featured a cat wearing a Marie Antoinette-style bouffant wig—perfectly capturing both the pet’s regal attitude and their owner’s passion for historical fashion. Each portrait becomes a celebration of not just your pet, but your personality too!
I got these custom shoes as a gift for my wife and she absolutely loved them! The attention to detail was amazing and she perfectly captured our sweet pup! 10/10.
—Past Client
The Creative Journey We’ll Share
Here’s how we’ll bring your pet’s portrait to life:
- Initial Consultation: We’ll chat about your pet’s personality and your vision for the piece
- Photo Review: You’ll share photos that capture your pet’s best angles and expressions
- Sketch Development: I’ll create initial sketches for your review
- Collaboration: We’ll fine-tune the concept until it’s exactly what you’re dreaming of
- Creation: The painting process begins, with meticulous attention to every detail
- Delivery: Your finished piece arrives, ready to bring joy for years to come
Most custom pieces take 4–6 weeks to complete, though I can sometimes accommodate rush orders. This timeframe ensures each artwork receives the attention it deserves.
A Gallery of Joy
My work has touched the hearts of dog and cat moms and dads from coast to coast, and nothing makes me happier than hearing how these pieces have become cherished treasures. As one client shared: “I feel like I get to take a piece of him with me wherever I go.” Another noted:
Karen captured Fiona's spirit perfectly... I can't wait to have her paint my boy next!
—Past Client
Let’s Create Together!
Whether you’re looking for:
- A custom dog portrait or custom cat portrait to grace your walls
- Custom-painted shoes that let you walk with your pet everywhere
- Special holiday ornaments
- Unique stickers
- Personalized bags
- A memorable gift for a fellow pet lover
I’m here to create something that perfectly captures your fur baby’s personality.
Paint & Sip Experiences
Want to try your hand at pet portraiture? Join one of my popular two-hour paint-and-sip classes! Grab your friends, bring your favorite beverage, and I’ll guide you through creating your own pet masterpiece. It’s a unique way to celebrate our furry friends while creating lasting memories with fellow pet lovers.
Looking for a unique corporate team-building activity or resident appreciation event? I also offer expanded paint-and-sip experiences for larger groups throughout the Orlando area. These events bring creativity, fun, and a touch of artistic flair to any gathering.
Beyond Pet Portraits
While pet portraits are my primary passion, my artistic journey extends to other creative ventures as well. My background in retail window design and merchandising has led to exciting opportunities creating custom murals and special wall finishes for both residential and commercial spaces. From transforming a blank wall into a stunning focal point to designing eye-catching merchandising displays, I bring the same attention to detail and creative vision to every project.
Quality You Can Trust
Every piece is crafted with professional-grade materials and techniques, ensuring your artwork will be a lasting treasure. My process includes:
- Individual consultation to understand your vision
- Detailed sketches for your approval
- Regular updates throughout the creation process
- Careful packaging and shipping
- Follow-up to ensure your complete satisfaction
Let’s Celebrate Your Pet!
Ready to create something special? Let’s work together to capture your pet’s unique personality in a piece of art you’ll treasure forever. Whether it’s a memorial piece to honor a beloved companion or a celebration of your current furry friend, my aim as your pet portrait artist is to create something truly meaningful.
Connect with me today to start your pet’s portrait journey. Every tail wag, whisker twitch, and loving gaze deserves to be celebrated!