Animals remind us of joy, loyalty, and love. In this gallery, you’ll find portraits that celebrate those bonds—from Tavi, my ever-watchful studio supervisor, to other companions who inspire laughter and comfort. Each piece carries a story of connection, painted with affection and a touch of mischief. Here, the names are enough; the art itself speaks the rest. (And yes, Tavi insists he approves every brushstroke—though he’s really just waiting for his next snack.)

A painting of a person riding a black horse through a wooded forest trail with green trees and yellow fallen leaves.

Painting of a person riding a horse through a forest trail covered with autumn leaves, surrounded by green trees.

Indiri

Painting of a yellow dog with dark eyes and a black nose, against a blue background, wearing a blue collar.

Lola

Painting of a dog with a brown and black spotted coat, wearing a blue collar and scarf, standing on green grass with small white daisies. Hills and sky are in background.

A colorful painting of a dog with brown and black spots wearing a blue collar, standing on green grass with white daisies, with a green hill and a yellow and white sky in the background.

Tavi 1

Painting of a happy brown dog with a pink tongue, wearing a blue blanket, set against a light blue background.

Painting of a happy brown dog with a pink tongue, wearing a blue scarf, on a light blue background.

Tavi 2

Painting of a dog with a blue raincoat on a peach background.

Painting of a dog with a surprised expression, covered with a blue blanket or cape, on a peach-colored background.

Tavi 3

Painting of a room with a bed, a large brown dog sleeping on blue bedding, a TV on a wooden stand, a gray couch, and a bookshelf filled with colorful books.

Painting of a cozy living room with a dog sleeping on a blue blanket, a large flat-screen TV, a gray sofa, and a bookshelf filled with books.

Tavi 4

A painting of a pink axolotl with blue eyes and feathery gills, set against a soft blue and white background.

Dom’s Axolotl

Abstract painting with swirling patterns in blue, orange, brown, and purple hues, featuring a black silhouette of a dog on a white background beneath a black semi-circle.

Abstract painting with colorful swirls in orange, blue, purple, gray, and white, featuring a black silhouette of a dog inside a white doorway with an arched top.

Tavi in the Rain

Painting of a white horse with brown markings on a blue background.

Charme

Painting of a happy corgi dog wearing a tuxedo with a bow tie, set against a turquoise background.

Milo 1 & Milo 2

I take my earlier statement back; I will comment on one set in this gallery. These two portraits taught me something about process, patience, and perspective. I thought I could do better—but each version holds something I love. Together, they’re a study in contrast and connection, a reminder that growth often shows up in the details we didn’t plan.