Posted by Admin on October 31, 2011
How can pet portraits help domestic abuse victims?
If you are like most people, you may not immediately understand the connection
between pets (or pet portraits) and domestic abuse. In fact, until my own experience
with domestic abuse, I had never thought about ways that pets could relate to
relationship violence at all. Strangely, pets and domestic abuse have a very strong
connection, and it is one that could be used to significantly reduce the effects that domestic violence has on women and their children.
Statistics show that 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse of some kind.
The numbers of reported victims are staggering, and they indicate that you or someone you know has probably been victimized at some point in their lives. Statistics also show that, if that victim is an animal lover and pet owner, there is also a high probability that her pet was at some point threatened, abused or killed by her abusive partner. The fact is that domestic abuse victims bond closely to their animal companions, often forming a stronger bond than average pet owners simply because of the trauma they have shared. Sadly, this bond can cause women to delay or forgo leaving their homes and seeking help from local shelters and women’s groups. And who could blame them? Who would want to leave their best friend in the hands of an abuser?
It’s clear that women need to know that they have an option to seek escape from
domestic abuse, but they also need assurance that they can do this without putting their children or pets at risk. An increase in awareness that this problem exists and an increase in shelters that allow women to bring their pets with them is crucial to solving the problem of domestic abuse. This is the goal of ‘from art, with love.’ We are proud to donate 15% of the profits earned from our custom pet portraits to women’s shelters that are making it possible for victims to seek shelter and keep their families intact, even families that include animals. We do this with the hope that shelters that are so equipped will become commonplace, and the number of women resisting help will decrease greatly.
I love doing custom pet portraits because they have so much meaning, both to
me and the pet owners I paint for. Not only is it heartwarming to hear the stories and experiences of other dog lovers, but it is incredible to help a cause and spread
awareness for an issue that I firmly believe we can solve.
or email me HERE
Posted by Admin on January 31, 2012
The Mission of Petportraitsbyfawl (from art,with love)
from art, with love began in late 2010 with a clear focus in mind: Our relationships with dogs can do amazing things, and the world should know about it. Specifically, dogs can serve an integral part in the rehabilitation of victims of family violence.
Dog lovers are well aware of the benefits of owning pets and the enormous amount of love one can feel for their animal. However, there are some staggering statistics that suggest this bond may actually keep women and their pets in danger longer if something isn’t done. Statistics report that among the thousands of women who are physically and emotionally abused every year, up to 50% will put off or dismiss leaving because they are afraid for their pet’s life. Further, an even higher percentage of women who have entered a shelter will report that they have witnessed the abuse or even murder of their pets prior to leaving.
The solution is simple, yet shelters across the country lack the financial resources or knowledge to equip their facilities for animals. We also need more organizations that serve as facilitators for women in need of foster families who can offer temporary care for their dogs until they can safely leave their abusive homes and begin to rebuild their lives post abuse. And it doesn’t stop here. Dogs in need of a home and women in recovery can rescue each other, forming a bond that gives them both a new lease on life.
With this purpose in mind, from art, with love, is committed to helping organizations that share these goals by donating a portion of our profits. Your purchase of a pet portrait helps us share our love for our animals with those who may need it the most.
Posted by Admin on January 13, 2012
Harley and Roscoe
This was a painting I did for a good friend. She had the dog portrait done as a Christmas gift for her sister. I loved doing this one because I have known Harley and Roscoe for a long time and love hearing stories about their spunky personalities. I knew this one would mean alot to their momma, Katy.
The painting brought tears to everyone! You are amazing!
Thank you so very much!
Lilly
Lilly was a special painting. I received an order through my Etsy shop for a memorial painting of a sweet lab. My customer’s mother-in-law had lost her sweet lab, Lilly, after 15 years, and she wanted to honor her with one of my pet portraits. She mentioned Lilly loved to jump off their boat dock and chase tennis balls, so I painted her on a dock in front of a nice water scene.
I just wanted to write you to express how happy we were with the final portrait. My mother-in-law LOVED it, actually that is an understatement. She and my father-in-law cried and were so touched. You did an amazing job and are so talented.
Paisley
Paisley turned out to be one of my favorite paintings! I know this dog personally, and I wanted to make the painting sweet and fun like her personality. I love the way her black fur contrasts with the bright blue background.
We both LOVE the painting. Love the colors, Paisley’s pose…
everything!
Posted by Admin on November 10, 2011
Dog Portraits
If you consider yourself a dog lover, you may feel that your life is truly better with your dogs around. I know I am not alone in making my pets a true part of my family. We have conversations. They get goodnight kisses.
They even get to run errands and have designated playtime outside. As much as I love them, I also love gifts related to them. If you haven’t ever thought about it, consider buying the dog lovers in your life something pet related this Christmas. Consider dog portraits! I can assure you that your loved one will think a custom pet portrait is one of the most thoughtful gifts they have ever received. Further, with the numbers of people using social media to display their photos increasing all the time, it’s easier than ever to find a good photo online and make the dog portrait a total surprise.
In addition to great gifts, dog portraits are a touching way to remember a pet that has passed away. For someone like me, who feels their pets are a part of their family, losing them can feel like a broken heart. I had never thought of the idea before I was hired to do a painting for a friend who had lost her dog earlier in the year. The more I worked on the painting, the more I was convinced that it was a truly great way to honor a pet. The picture chosen was perfect, an up close portrait showing off the beautiful coat and kind eyes of a Golden Retriever. To this day, it is one of my favorite dog portraits. It has meaning to me, and I know it feels like a warm way to remember a friend to the owner.
If you’ve considered dog portraits for yourself, you have probably already struggled with which picture of your dog would create a good painting. Well, you don’t need to consult with a pet photographer. The decision should be easier than you think. Don’t become overly consumed with the artistic value of your dog pictures. Dog portraits are a chance for me, the artist, to bring them to life. Your focus simply needs to be on picking a photo that warms your heart because it shows off your dog’s personality or reminds you of a special occasion that you and your dog shared. I once did a painting of my dog Domino chewing on a tennis ball, and it has since become my favorite pet portrait. It makes me smile because it reminds me of his puppy days when it was rare to find him further than a few steps away from his beloved tennis ball. In truth, the quality of the photo isn’t incredible, but the painting is something I will keep forever.
Posted by Admin on November 8, 2011
Pet Portrait FAQs
Q: What do you need to complete a painting of my dog?
A: I have found that pet portraits mean the most when they are done from a photo that depicts the true nature of your dog. Every pet is different, so that could mean a quick shot you took when you caught them snoozing on your bed, an awesome action shot you captured while they were jumping for their favorite toy in the backyard, or a profile picture that shows off their good looks.
Q: How do I choose the photo of my dog that will make the best portrait?
A: I have found that pet portraits mean the most when they are done from a photo that depicts the true nature of your dog. Every pet is different, so that could mean a quick shot you took when you caught them snoozing on your bed, an awesome action shot you captured while they were jumping for their favorite toy in the backyard, or a profile picture that shows off their good looks.
Q: How much will a custom pet portrait cost, and how big will it be?
A: I use either a 12×12 or 8×10 canvas for portraits. The cost for these is $100 and $75 respectively. These prices do not include tax and shipping. If you are local to the Dallas area, we can arrange a meeting once your painting is complete to avoid shipping costs.
Q: How can I pay for my painting?
A: Once I receive your photo, I will create a reserved product for you on my website. Then, I will send you a link to this reserved product so you can complete your purchase online. Once I receive confirmation of payment, I will begin on your painting.
Q: How long will it take you to complete my painting?
A: It typically takes me 2-3 weeks to complete a portrait, depending on the number of projects I currently have going. I will give you a more specific timeline at the time of your purchase. 
