The First Portrait
"Though I've been painting and drawing animals since I was a child, I began painting pet portraits professionally in 2015. The first portrait was a Christmas gift to dear friends who had lost their beloved Jim Dog. It was while painting that portrait that I discovered what truly makes me happy: painting animal portraits! I feel as if I actually become connected with whatever animal I am painting – maybe it's because of their soulful eyes – or simply knowing that they give us their unconditional love and respect. A painting allows me to capture and immortalize a pet's distinct personality and uniqueness – something that most photos cannot equal."
"Jim Dog"
Kathi and her Golden, Rufus
About the Artist
Kathi Bell graduated from Jacksonville University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design and painting. During the 26 years spanning her art career, she has worked as a graphic designer, glass artist and fine artist, all while being owned by five golden retrievers, a weimeraner and six cats (though, not by all of them at once!). She has a colossal love of all fur-babies, great and small.
