Local Pet Business Spotlight: Pet Portraits By Robin K. Art

Supporting Local Pet-preneurs!

I'm happy to introduce you to a local pet-related business based in Sugar Land, Texas. Read on to learn more about Robin K. and her passion behind her custom pet paintings.

Tell us a little about yourself and your pet(s)

I am both a professional Illustrator and Portrait Painter. I have two rescues. A handsome part Maine Coon cat named Lowkey. We were hoping for “Low Key” and sweet, but instead got Loki – lol. Last is my adorable furry boy Zeke, he is part Australian Shepheard and who knows what? Zeke is a beautiful pumpkin and white dog that makes me smile every day!

Tell us a little bit about your business and your passion for animals.

I grew up in a rural area of Oklahoma surrounded by animals and nature. If an animal flew, crawled, hopped, walked or slithered up to our back porch – it became our pet! But my favorites were my horses and dogs! Pets and animals have always been special to me. 

Pet Portraits by Robin K Art started about 9 years ago when a friend asked me to paint her dog. Having been a digital illustrator, I was excited to paint by hand and not a mouse. Once I delivered the painting and saw her tearfully delighted reaction – I was hooked! 

What services do you offer?

Pet and People portrait paintings. Basically, anything with a face. 😄

Typically, my Collectors find me with a google search, social media post, podcasts/radio/print articles and my favorite – word of mouth. We start with them sending me a few of their favorite, clear photos. I crop the images and adjust the composition to fit their canvas size, along with a partial payment to begin. They can add things like hand painted name tags, specific backgrounds, full body, background color selections and additional subject for additional fees. I always send progress photos, so they can see how things are coming along. I want them to love the finished piece, so client input is important to me.

What is the most rewarding part of owning your own pet business?

The Connection! The bond we have with our pets is so special! They give their whole hearts and short lives to us with unconditional love! The joy I give and receive from sharing my talents is like no other.

I love knowing my artwork can emotionally touch people and have them reconnect with their loved ones. 50% of my commissions are of pets/people that have passed. My portraits become a special memorial painting that captures their likeness and lovingly decorates the home. It still amazes me that my God given talents can produce tears of joy!? I do my best to connect my Collectors to the soul of each subject and their likeness.

They make amazing surprise gifts! No one expects a commissioned portrait. Commissioning fine art doesn’t need to be intimidating or difficult. Just ask.

Lightning Round!

1. Favorite Writer? So many, but I probably have more Anne Lamott books.
2. Personal Hero? It’s personal, but I would say anyone that rises up from life’s difficult challenges.
3. What do you collect? Jadeite, & vintage music sheets
4. Personal Motto? “You get what you look for”
5. Describe a perfect day. Get up (feeling fantastic) make the perfect cup of coffee, pet my dog and cat, read/meditate and then paint in my home studio with my favorite music in the background. End the day with a Reaction video from one of my Collectors seeing their painting for the first time!

Robin's Portrait of My Dog Harriet

After meeting Robin at the Houston Dog Show this past summer, one look at her work and I was in love. I immediately signed up for her to paint my dog Harriet. I couldn't be happier with the results! Next up with be Toby and then Winston!