Pastel Pet Portraits
“I create art that celebrates your pet and the joy & love they bring into your heart.”
I’m on a mission to give you a memorable experience as you acquire your fine art portrait of your pet.
If you’re like me,
you value the unconditional love your pet brings into your life. That’s why it’s my absolute pleasure to provide pet parents with colorful custom paintings of their beloved companions, created within a memorable and highly collaborative experience between Artist and Owner.
Watch me work on your pet’s portrait in my studio, in person or via live video calls, to make its creation truly a collaborative experience for you.
My pet portrait journey began when I was six years old. Really!
Armed only with crayons and construction paper, I created dozens of drawings of our family's mixed-breed dog we called Torky.
The process of drawing simply enchanted me as the adults in my life encouraged me to "be an artist." I never stopped drawing and painting animals with anything I could get my chubby little hands on.
Years later, my studies with nationally-known pastel artists have resulted in my paintings of pets being accepted into numerous juried national and international art competitions, winning First Place and Best In Show awards.
I’m best known for a style I call Colorful Realism. That means your pet’s portrait will look realistic, yet upon closer inspection, you’ll discover vibrant notes of color woven throughout. Purples. Teals. Pinks. Reds. All make appearances in my work.
Surprising colors make your pet’s portrait come alive.
I’m a signature member of the Pastel Society of America, a prestigious international arts organization located in New York City, as well as the International Association of Pastel Societies.
I know you'll cherish your pet's portrait forever. In fact, I guarantee you will.
My work can be found in private collections throughout the U.S. and Europe, and I'd love to add a painting to yours!
Hello! I’m Marla.
What People Are Saying
Amanda
Marla was wonderful to work with and offered great suggestions when I was unsure of which photos and colors. The portraits turned out stunning and very life like! They make a very unique gift that can be cherished forever. I highly recommend using Marla to create your pet masterpiece!
Vicki
Marla painted a gorgeous portrait of my friend's beloved dog, Lucie, who passed away recently. It really captures Lucie's character and sweet disposition. Marla pulled out all the stops to get the painting to my friend in a timely manner and was in touch with me throughout the entire process. I would recommend Marla a thousand times over.
Christy & Hermione
Mary-Kate
Incredibly thoughtful and prompt communication back and forth as we planned how to capture our dog’s spirit and beauty in a memorial portrait. Thank you for helping us remember and honor her so well!
Galen
This is my second time ordering and I’m SO thrilled with the result. This was a birthday gift for a friend and she was so touched and loves it so much. It perfectly encapsulates her sweet dog. Marla is an incredible artist, very responsive and sweet. I highly recommend her work!
Cara & Joey
Ilya
I’m absolutely in love with the paintings that Marla did of both my dogs. The quality of her work is amazing. She’s friendly and responds quickly and makes sure you get what you’ll be happy with for an amazing price! I highly recommend using Marla for your pet portraits!
Jamie
Amazing communication, super helpful and kind, very fast turn around and the painting is incredible! It looks just like the picture I gave her! She is so talented! Thank you for a wonderful experience from start to finish! Couldn’t ask for anything more!
Tom & Rory
Katherine
Wow! Another incredible portrait from Marla! I, like a lot of people in 2020, adopted a dog. I knew before I had even brought her home that I would be having Marla paint her portrait and I was not disappointed! Marla is a joy to work with and her talent is incredible. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a custom pet portrait.
Lindsey
Cannot say enough good things about working with Marla. She was extremely nice, this painting couldn’t have been more perfect. So glad I ordered from her and I’m sure this won’t be my last purchase! 1000% worth the money.
Maria & Jax
Your custom portrait is much more than the painting you buy. You’re purchasing a personal and immersive experience that we create together.
From our initial consultation to our live painting calls, from your input on colors and details you’d like included, to the final delivery and unveiling of your pet’s portrait, you’re involved from start to finish.
The entire process is a memorable event you’ll be telling your friends and family about for years to come.
Your Experience
The conversation
We start by talking, not about sizes and materials, but about your pet and what they mean to you. Tell me the stories, the quirks, the one expression you love above all others. This is where we find the moment worth keeping forever long before any pastel touches paper.
Choosing the moment
Together we find the reference that captures the true “them”, and I guide you on what will translate beautifully into pastel. I look for the light, the angle, and the look that says everything. You don't need to know what makes a good reference photo because we’ll decide together.
The creation, with you closely involved
As I work, layering their real colors with the vivid notes that bring the fur alive, you'll be along on the journey from start to finish. You’ll see the portrait take shape and feel a part of it as it evolves, rather than waiting in silence. This is the part I love most, and I want you to feel that too.
The unveiling
When the portrait is complete, revealing it to you is the moment everything has been building toward. Seeing your face when you recognize that look, the one only they give you, is why I do this work. I make sure it arrives ready to take its place in your home.
Living with it
This is a piece made to be lived with and passed down, not stored away. Years from now, when the walks have ended, the warmth of them is still in the room with you. It becomes part of your family's story, seen every day and remembered for generations.
Questions or Concerns?
FREE U.S. Shipping
When it’s not feasible for me to deliver your portrait in person, I ship anywhere in the contiguous USA. I take pride in thinking of everything, so you don’t have to. I take care of the shipping and insurance so you won’t have to worry about any additional costs.
My Guarantee
It’s extremely important to me that you’re absolutely happy with your pet’s portrait. After all, it’ll be a piece of art you’ll love now and cherish years after your pet’s gone. If for any reason you’re not 100% happy with your finished painting, I’ll work with you until you are. I’ve never had an unhappy patron. Not one in the 35+ years I’ve painted portraits.
Availability
I open my schedule up only four times a year for a limited number of spots in order to be able to devote the proper time each Portrait Experience painting requires.
Join my Priority List so that you’ll be the first to know when my schedule opens for reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
I want you to feel confident about your purchase, so I’ve compiled a list of common questions and answers you’ll find under the link at the top. If you don’t see your question among them, just ask me. I’ll be happy to help!
One More Thing!
I also paint children and adults with their pets. Really, the sky’s the limit! Whatever you can imagine, I can turn into a treasured keepsake painting that captures a moment in your life.
