Painting for a purpose
-a pet portrait boutique
About DAWN and her portraits
My Background
My Background
My Background
Thanks for stopping by! I'm Dawn, a mom of two grown kids, a dog lover and a dog & cat mod portrait artist.
I've always loved home decor, as a former designer, but never found just the right art pieces for my small spaces. I started creating them for myself, with my favorite subjects; my own pups, and those of my friends and family. 202
Thanks for stopping by! I'm Dawn, a mom of two grown kids, a dog lover and a dog & cat mod portrait artist.
I've always loved home decor, as a former designer, but never found just the right art pieces for my small spaces. I started creating them for myself, with my favorite subjects; my own pups, and those of my friends and family. 2020 was my JOY project and I created pieces to cheer up my closest friends. My theme for 2021 was "Painting with a Purpose". That year I donated $50 from every $65 pet portrait to PatriotPAWS Service Dogs of Rockwall, TX. They raise puppies and train them to be service dogs for our Veterans. It's the little things that can make a big difference, so thank you to all of you who let me paint your pet, and bless our Veterans who would benefit from getting their own therapy dog, too! In 2022 I donated funds to Lionel's Legacy, Frosted Faces Foundation, and Little Bitty Animal Sanctuary, all in the San Diego area. It's been really fun for me to paint for a good purpose!
Medium
My Background
My Background
I use acrylics on 10"x10" low profile canvas. I can use a 6" chunky mini canvas on special request, where the portrait "drips" over the edges. Both sizes work great among family portrait walls, on bookshelves, curio cabinets, anywhere really! Bold colors and semi-realistic style add a little punch of color to any space.
My latest pro
I use acrylics on 10"x10" low profile canvas. I can use a 6" chunky mini canvas on special request, where the portrait "drips" over the edges. Both sizes work great among family portrait walls, on bookshelves, curio cabinets, anywhere really! Bold colors and semi-realistic style add a little punch of color to any space.
My latest projects have brought the recipients to tears, they are that precious!
Also, super reasonable :) There is so much digital art out there, but a hand-painted canvas portrait is warm and organic, and you don't have to frame it, unless you want to! And I proudly charge the same tiny fee for my portraits as when I first started.
My Inspiration
My Background
My Inspiration
I enjoy being out in nature with my dogs. I love good design, creating meaningful art, working in the garden and looking out for wildlife in my new backyard in the desert, to help me get ideas to use in my work. I am most inspired by those who serve in their communities, and I especially love to paint for them. Most of all, I take grea
I enjoy being out in nature with my dogs. I love good design, creating meaningful art, working in the garden and looking out for wildlife in my new backyard in the desert, to help me get ideas to use in my work. I am most inspired by those who serve in their communities, and I especially love to paint for them. Most of all, I take great joy in being able to create a unique memory piece of the special pets that their people will cherish forever. Being able to do what I enjoy, and give back, is huge!
In 2023 I hope to donate to one or two pet charities who can use a little boost, to continue doing their great work. So far this year, I've donated custom pet portraits to The Animal Pad in San Diego, and to the Pinal County Animal Shelter & Rescue in Tucson, for their fundraisers. I do enjoy donating custom pet portraits to animal non-profits to help with fundraising, so contact me for information. I'm also working on providing custom artwork for some animal related books that are in the works, here in Tucson. More details to come!
Doing all things with great love.
~Dawn
NO SUCH THING AS A STUPID QUESTION! I'm so GLAD YOU ASKED.
Additional Information that people ask about:
You may be wondering how this "painting with a purpose" thing works. As many of us in 2020 got a long break to contemplate what matters in this world, I've decided that painting, for me, is therapy. If I could only do it, and not have to make money off of it, life would be golden! As a professional lifelong volunteer for anything related to my kids' lives, I know that I can always ask for money for a good cause....hence, my collaboration with Patriot Paws Service Dogs in 2021. I have a son who will serve in the United States Navy after graduation, so it's only fitting that my thoughts turned to how I can help our Veterans. 2021 was the year of PATRIOT PAWS Service Dogs, with a total of 70 pet portraits painted, for a total donation of $3,500! 2022 was the year of support for west coast dog charities. 2023 donations will go to help worthy pet charities in the western states, so stay tuned!
More FAQ's:
How long does it take to commission a portrait? Once I receive cute dog or cat photos and payment, via check or Venmo, I usually take 2-3 days to complete your piece. I look at it throughout the day and evening, and take lots of pictures to see how it looks in different lighting. I also have two very needy dogs, who like to play with mom often, so I pace myself. Really, if I add up the hours, it takes about 12-15+ hours for each little portrait. Allow about one week for shipping, via UPS or USPS, to the lower 48 states.
Can you do a large portrait for over my fireplace or ? I can! The image on my home page is a large-scale, custom triple -pet portrait, designed for over a cabin fireplace. Please message me directly, and we can discuss options. Super-custom work with multiple pets are special, but require premium canvas, are much more time intensive, and therefore, require a personalized, thoughtful quote. Again, the increased price just means a bigger donation to a pet charity. It's a win-win.
What if I am not happy with my portrait? I don't want to sound boastful, but you will LOVE it! If not, you can return it to me, at your expense, and I can re-work it. Again, you will be charged for shipping both ways. Shipping, unfortunately is rather pricey for us regular people.
So if you donate $50 to pet charities, what is the other $15 for? Well, shipping is a lot, and I currently am only trusting UPS or USPS for delivery. Also, canvas, paint, and packing materials are all part of the cost of doing "business" as well. Sometimes I need more supplies! Keep in mind that I really don't keep a penny, when all is said and done! This is my "heart project" and hobby, which keeps me super busy.
Do you have Gift Certificates? Of course! By giving a Gift Certificate to a friend, they can find their favorite pet photo, at their convenience, and start the commission process with me, when they are ready. The best part is that the pet charity will get paid that same quarter, even if the recipient takes a year to get going! (G.C.'s can be purchased year 'round.)
Are commissions open year round? We stop taking commissions Dec. 1st. As this is a volunteer gig for me, family comes first, and my family comes from out of state to be with us! I will provide gift certificates through the end of the year, but once December hits, art will not be created until 2024.
What non-profit will you be painting for in 2023? At this time, we are taking all suggestions! Let us know what your favorite pet related charity is. Hopefully I can paint enough to donate to two pet charities in 2023. Please spread the word about Puppyluvpaintings.com! Share your own portraits, or those that you've gifted on Instagram, and tag us @puppyluvpaintings! With much love, Dawn.
OUR BOARD:
Dawn Price
Artist in Residence
Patrick Price
Portrait Art Supervisor
Ron Price
Quality Control :)