
Meet the Artist
My name is Karen Dyer
Based in the Cotswolds, England, my journey into pet portraiture didn't start in a traditional art school, although I do have an Honors Degree in Fine Art—it started at home, fueled by a deep love for animals and a passion for painting. When I first began I was creating Furniture Art and it was when I was creating a set of chairs based on a sheep theme. I managed to find a decoupage of a sheep but not a sheepdog, so I decided to paint my own directly on the wood with chalk paints and it worked really well and as I love all dogs, I realized I had found something incredibly special so I am now concentrating on this theme.
The beauty of chalk paints are that they blend and layer really well so you can create different effects from quite stylized to more traditional images. For me its not replicating a photo, but more about the expression in a stylised way that hopefully captures the essence of your pet.
The Heart of the Studio: Ziggy’s Legacy
Every piece I paint is personal, but the true heartbeat of this business is my beloved French Bulldog, Ziggy, who passed away two years ago.
When I finally gathered the courage to paint his memorial portrait, something shifted in my work. It wasn't just about capturing a likeness anymore—it was about channeling a profound, unconditional love onto the wood. Painting Ziggy taught me that a pet portrait isn't just a decoration; it is a piece of your heart hanging on the wall.
That emotional breakthrough changed my entire approach to art. Today, I bring that same intense dedication, sensitivity, and respect to every single animal I paint, especially when creating memorial tributes for owners who are navigating that same painful loss.
My Philosophy: Craftsmanship & Character
I believe that our pets deserve more than standard, flat prints. They deserve heirlooms.
My process is slow, deliberate, and entirely hands-on:
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Capturing the Soul: I specialize in capturing the exact essence of a dog—from the joyful, mid-pant grin of a Frenchie to the soulful, liquid gaze of a terrier. I focus heavily on the eyes, making sure they look back at you with life and familiarity.
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The Layered Process: I build up layers of tactile chalk paint and seal them with a rich, glossy varnish that makes the dark tones sink deep and the highlights pop.
When you trust me with a portrait of your best friend, you aren't just buying a painting. You are investing in a hand-crafted piece of legacy that celebrates the bond you share.