PET PORTRAITS

Meet Harold, a truly remarkable companion whose distinctive lion stripes are just one facet of his incredible charm. This athletic marvel is a blur of motion, always ready for an adventure.

Harold's story began in California, where he was rescued by Max, my client's son. After a brief disappearance as a young puppy, Harold was joyfully reunited with Max a few months later. From that moment on, their bond became unbreakable. Together, they've crisscrossed the United States, their travels a testament to their inseparable companionship.

When he's not on the road, Harold's passions shine through. You'll find him gracefully gliding through the water, enthusiastically socializing with anyone who offers a friendly greeting, or leaping skyward to snatch a ball mid-air. He's a true outdoorsman who thrives on making new friends, whether they have two legs or four. Despite his impressive stature, Harold is anything but a fighter; he's a gentle giant, unwavering in his loyalty to Max and a testament to the power of a loving heart.

Chloe, a miniature Goldendoodle with a coat of predominantly pearlescent white and golden fur, possessed a vibrant, almost incandescent social energy. Her temperament, a delightful blend of gentle enthusiasm and unwavering affection, made her a beloved figure in her neighborhood and beyond. Chloe's days were often punctuated by spirited walks through the verdant expanse of Forest Park in Saint Louis, Missouri. The park, with its myriad of winding trails and the symphony of rustling leaves, was her personal kingdom, a place where she could indulge her boundless curiosity and greet fellow park-goers with an enthusiastic wag of her tail.

Weekends, however, were reserved for a different kind of adventure: the exhilarating plunge into the cool, refreshing waters of a nearby lake. Chloe, a natural swimmer, would navigate the water with effortless grace, her golden white fur shimmering like moonlight on the ripples. The sheer joy she exuded during these aquatic escapades was infectious, a testament to her deep connection with the natural world.

For nine golden years, Chloe lived a life brimming with happiness and companionship. She wasn't merely a pet; she was a confidante, a furry shadow, a steadfast presence in the lives of her human family. Her loyalty was unwavering, her affection unconditional. She possessed an uncanny ability to sense the moods of those around her, offering a comforting presence during moments of sadness and sharing in the joyous celebrations of life's milestones. Chloe was, in the truest sense of the word, a best friend, a loyal companion whose memory would forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her life, though too short, was a testament to the profound bond between humans and their canine companions, a bond built on love, trust, and the simple pleasures of shared experiences.

Tobie was a teacup Yorkie. He was a little too yappy for his own good; however, he was Kathy’s constant companion for many years. He was very protective of her, and would never leave her side. When he saw Kathy getting ready to leave the house, he would search for a purse, beach bag, luggage, or any open bag that he could crawl into, and wait to be taken outside. He loved car rides, boat rides, anything that could put him alongside his mom. He suffered through bouts of cancer, but it was his alpha nature that brought him down. Being yappy at 5 pounds didn’t bode well for him when he went up against a 60 pound shepherd.

Buddy was normal Yorkie. Although bigger than Tobie, Buddy was the beta of the two. He was very sweet, and extremely shy. He, too, was a constant companion of Kathy’s, especially after Tobie’s death, and nothing pleased him more than to snuggle up to her when both were in bed. A toothless wonder, he died an “old man”

Oliver, our twelve-year-old mixed Catahoula, is an integral part of our family and Mike's closest companion.  He's a loving and exceptionally loyal dog, especially devoted to Mike, his "dad."  Oliver is rarely seen without his well-loved red bone, a constant companion on all his adventures.  He wouldn't dream of going outside without it, nor returning inside without it firmly in his grasp.  This unwavering dedication to his bone has kept his teeth remarkably white, practically puppy-like. We feel incredibly fortunate to have had him in our lives; we were truly the lucky ones. 

Buddy and Daisy, a mischievous pair of Shepherd-Beagle-Labrador mixes, arrived at their forever home as tiny bundles of fur, rescued from the loving arms of Soulard Rescue. Brother and sister, they quickly became inseparable from their new family.

The house, once quiet, now overflowed with the joyful chaos of puppyhood. Buddy, the more reserved of the two, emerged as the watchful guardian, while Daisy, a whirlwind of energy, charmed everyone she met with her infectious enthusiasm.

Years melted away like summer snow, each one filled with cherished memories. The children, growing alongside their furry siblings, learned the invaluable lessons of responsibility and compassion through the unwavering love of their canine companions.

Buddy and Daisy, in turn, became the heart of the family, their presence a comforting constant in the ever-changing tides of life. As they aged, their playful antics mellowed, but their love for their family remained as strong as ever.

Steve, Stephanie, and their children, their hearts overflowing with gratitude, cherished every moment with their beloved pets. Buddy and Daisy, more than just dogs, were family.

Kirby, a Standard Poodle arrived in 2006 and he died in 2014.  We got Peaches, a Lhasa Apso, in 2008.  She is still with us.

They were buddies, and partners in crime, with Peaches the master mind and Kirby the one responsible for the deed.  Given his height, Kirby was able to get food and stuff off the kitchen counter and from the sink and bring down to floor so both could enjoy.  Everything from a cooling pan of fresh brownies to half eaten bowls of chicken pasta, all would be licked clean.  Peaches would always play innocent when we’d come home and find the mishaps but we all knew she was the schemer behind the mischief. 

The two were peas in a pod, they would often both snuggle on Peaches’ bed all curled up together on the bed too small for Kirby alone let alone both of them.  Both of them were very unique and made us feel loved with their affection in just the way we needed it.

This conceptual charcoal drawing by St. Louis, MO-based artist Kaonis Thomas of KAONISFINEARTS captures Bean, a male, short-haired, fawn Chihuahua.

Bean, born July 2012, was the runt of a litter of four.  He has never used a leash, house trained immediately and absolutely fearless.  Bean is tiny but mighty and he  fulfills all of the snuggles desired by his owner.

Bean was the winner of a Halloween costume contest sponsored by Mattress Dogzzz of Saint Louis.  

This drawing illustrates an adaptation of the attached spider legs costume sported by Bean during the 2024 Halloween festivities. 

An excellent charcoal drawing of Blueberry by St. Louis, MO based artist, Kaonis Thomas of KAONISFINEARTS.  

Blueberry is a two year old Pomeranian.  He has one blue eye and the other eye is brown.  Blue Bear, his nickname, has two human sisters named Ava and Millie.  

Also, Blueberry has a doggy sister named Lady.  Only six months young, Lady is a rescue from Open Door Animal Sanctuary and she is the perfect companion for Blueberry. 

     A charcoal masterpiece by Kaonis Thomas, "Gratitude" is a heartfelt tribute to the Clark family for their unwavering support of the arts and culture community. This 24"x18" drawing is a testament to the power of gratitude and its ability to inspire creativity and enrich our lives.

     Gratitude is more than a sentiment; it's the lifeblood of the arts. It's the hidden force that fuels creativity, the spark that ignites inspiration. Artists, through their works, express a profound appreciation for the beauty, diversity, and transformative power of culture.

     The creative process itself is an act of gratitude, a way of honoring the world's wonders and the experiences that shape us. From the selection of various paint mediums, numerous textured surfaces, mark making materials to the articulated brushstrokes that transport us to distant realms, art offers a sanctuary for reflection, connection, and personal growth.

     By embracing the creative spirit and nurturing a sense of gratitude, we enrich our lives and discover a profound sense of wonder.

Say hello to Olli, aka Ollivander, the sassiest of tabby cats - a ginger :-) Olli found his forever home when he was just 8 weeks old in 2019 after he was rescued from a kitty mill in Seattle, Washington. 

Sadly, Olli's time with his family was cut short after just 5 years when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He crossed the rainbow bridge on Sept 27, 2024. 

Olli was a sweet boy - he loved playing fetch with his toy mouse; he was always ready for a cuddle and nap; he loved sitting by an open window to keep an eye on the neighborhood; he loved taking walks in the backyard to catch crickets, fire flies and even birds; he could never have enough cookies (aka 'treats'); he enjoyed wrestling with his brother. Olli was a shy boy around most, but once he warmed up to you, he was a sweet boy.   

Olli wasn't just a cat - he was a family member - his family will always remember him as a sassy, sweet boy who was taken far too early. 

Kaonis Thomas, a talented American artist,  rendered a beautiful charcoal pet portrait titled "WYLDER."

Wylder, born on April Fool’s Day 2012, earned his name by outshining his siblings with his lively spirit.  Trained as a therapy dog, he proved brilliant and loyal with a calmness that surpassed all others.  

Due to Mark’s busy travel schedule, Wylder found a happy home with his sister's family, sharing his love with their two daughters.  He had a special bond with children, enjoying simple moments in their company.  

Remembered fondly, Wylder lived a full life, passing away at the age of 84, forever cherished as a beloved family member.

First Challenge of the day: 14SEP2024

Draw Floppy on location at Mattress Dog in St. Louis with store visitors as audience and Therapy dogs everywhere. Loads of fun and so many lovely, special dogs

Second Challenge of the day: 14SEP2024

Force myself to draw Floppy from iphone photograph with a 5 hour time limit. 

GOT IT DONE !!!

Meet Maggie, the matriarch of the neighborhood said the owner Debra.  Everybody loved her here on Peyton Place. Maggie came from heaven to us and returned to heaven 18 years later.  Maggie, said Debra, came to us at the age of 5 and she has been by our side for the rest of time. Maggie enjoyed taking vacations, dressing for Halloween, running loose on the farm and playing with the grandkids. Maggie will always be remembered as a loved family member. 

 Presenting a touching tribute to White, the Turkish Angora, through a stunning charcoal drawing by artist Kaonis Thomas..  White, a beloved companion owned by Mike of California, lived a remarkable 23 years, showcasing the beauty of a Turkish Angora's friendly and sociable nature.  Commission a PET PORTRAIT today and immortalize your furry friend's essence in art. 

Immortalizing memories in art captures and preserves the essence of moments, emotions, and connections, transforming them into tangible, lasting expressions.  Pet Portraits not only honors the subject but also allows future generations to experience and connect with these memories in a profound way.

Your relationships established with pets will never be forgotten.  I smile when I think about pets throughout my life.  I’ve owned dogs, cats, snakes, turtles, iguanas. Maybe my love for animals is motivating me to establish a Pet Portrait drawing Business. 

Sugar, Labrador and Emily, human Sister were the best of friends.  The creative challenge for this pet portrait consisted of incorporating the owner.  I believe adding people into pet portraits makes the art more special and more valuable.  Art is an investment that appreciates in value. 

A differentiator for me is my ability to draw people and pets equally well.  I am a diverse fine artist, but creating pet portraits is a great way to stay busy creating art, sustain creative skills, meet interesting people, meet interesting pets, explore creative challenges with the elements of art, such as, composition.

The German Shepard, known for its loving nature and trainability, requires ample mental stimulation and exercise to thrive.  Owning this breed can be a fulfilling yet time intensive experience, they love to play.

 Reflecitng  on my German Shepard, I cherish memories of long walks, engaging conversations and spirited play sessions.  Each day with him was a joyful adventure.  Today, I create Pet Portraits and I am pursuing Pet owners and animal lovers that would love to commission a professional, beatiful drawing of their treasured family member.  PETS ARE SPECIAL !!!

My mother told me I have a new little sister.  Of course, my mind shifted to KJV, Genesis 21. Lol.  Then she said her name is Paris.  

Fast forward a year, I took a photograph of Paris in order to practice animal drawing as Pet Portraits.  This is my drawing of Paris, she is spoiled rotten and thinks she is human.  Both, my mother and Paris, smiled when I revealed the framed drawing of my little sister.

I have decided to market KAONISFINEARTS as a Pet Portrait business project  because I enjoyed drawing animals and people love their pets..  This is my first official Pet Portrait Commission.