Carol Hillson in her studio with her cat Crackerjack.

the process
While I love to work from real life whenever I can, with pets and animals this is just impossible! So I use photos of your pet or animal that you supply. Additionally, I like to have a 20-minute phone consultation with you, at no charge, to learn first-hand what makes your animal special. From these conversations and the photos, I create a portrait worthy of your animal’s unique nature. This is usually accomplished within 3 weeks.

While art is a delicate matter, your satisfaction is very important to me. I strive to create pieces that will delight my clients while enduring over time. When your painting is complete, I will send you the image, via email, to approve. If, however, you are not fully satisfied, I will work with you to reach that goal. Extensive changes may cost extra but this will always be discussed and agreed to in advance.

artist's statement
What is most important to me in creating an animal portrait is capturing the personality, as well as the likeness of your pet. Equally important is that the finished product be a sophisticated work of art in its own right.

I believe paintings have their own life. As a painter I do not control this, I merely discover it. When I’ve been successful at my job, the life of the painting, as well as that of the subject – in this case your pet or animal – become palpable.