Hi. I’m Melissa Smith – the Pet Painter

It all started with a department store shopping trip in 2005 where I laughed out loud after spotting a framed poster of “Major General Woof” by Massy and thought, “I could paint something like that of Dacs!,” my Chihuahua mix recently rescued at the pound. So I did!

More requests came from friends and family which led me to build a pet painter website to take even more commission requests. I have found that being a pet portrait artist is my true life passion, especially capturing candid moments in time, in a cherished pet’s life.

Our pets give us unconditional love and I am proud to have found a way to honor and commemorate them. The bond between pet and owner and the profound love people have for their pets truly inspires me, and there is nothing that gives me greater joy than my client’s reactions to their completed pet painting!

I am a self-taught artist and now pet painter, originally from the beautiful countryside of Upstate New York. Raised on magnificent farmland there, surrounded by animals and nature, inspired me to become an adamant animal lover and influenced my creative passion. Besides painting and being obnoxiously a bit dog obsessed, I love reading, gourmet cooking, crafting, and home DIY. I currently homestead in the mountains of Southeast Oklahoma with my husband, two daughters, two rescue dogs, 2 cats, and a bunch of chickens.

I have a deep burden in my heart for the severe pet overpopulation problem in this country and believe every animal deserves a loving home. Through my pet portrait paintings, I hope to celebrate the special bond people share with their pets while also advocating for adoption and rescue.If you’re looking to add a new furry family member, please consider adopting from a local shelter or rescue organization. There are so many wonderful animals waiting for a second chance.