We were lucky to catch up with Rebecca Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Rebecca thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Many of my portraits are memorial portraits for pets who have passed away. It is blessing to be able to create a meaningful way to remember these beloved members of the family!

I know the job has been done well when the portrait is received with happy tears–and that happens often. When doing a custom portrait, I can combine the pet with a favorite background, capture the perfect pose and expression, and make corrections as needed. I send updates of progress along the way, and don’t charge anything until the client loves the portrait.

Many of my customers come back time after time, sometimes years later when they’ve adopted a new dog or cat. I’ve made lots of friends over the past 25+ years! I love my job!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

There are many pet portrait artists to choose from. My style is very realistic, using either pastel or oil. I truly want to know about the pet’s personality and capture that for the client. If the pet looks like you can reach out and touch it, my goal has been met. When you commission a portrait, you’re involved in the whole process, with regular updates and options to choose from. It’s a meaningful experience–for both of us!

As far as how I became a pet portrait artist, I have been drawing and painting since I was a young girl. Animals became my specialty when I realized that I could combine two of my favorite things, art and animals, and create something meaningful. I like detail, I enjoy knowing that my work will have a home as soon as it’s done, and I am willing to work with clients to do just what they want. There is a lot of thought that goes into the portrait before I pick up a pastel or a paintbrush, and that is reflected in the finished work.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to create treasured keepsakes that will bring smiles and happy memories to the pet owner. Anyone can frame a photo of their pet that is special, but to have a custom painted portrait created to the client’s specifications is unique and meaningful.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Over the years, I have learned that even when I think my work is done, I should go back to the portrait after a day or two and look at it with “fresh eyes”. There may be a little something that can be improved or adjusted to make it even better. I will know when it’s done, and those final touch-ups are the most exciting part—little touches that make a big difference in the lifelike appearance.
It’s funny, but I’ve caught myself forgetting the whiskers a few times until that second look! They are usually the very last thing I add to my portraits—and they are important!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://petportraitsbyrebecca.com
• Instagram: petportraitsbyrebecca
• Facebook: Pet and People Portraits by Rebecca