Custom pet and animal portraits, painted in the spirit of Barbara's originals.
Barbara paints custom portraits of dogs, cats, horses, and farm animals from your photos, in acrylic on canvas. Sizes run from 12×16 inches (from $650) to 30×40 inches, most commissions ship within 4 to 6 weeks, and she replies personally to every inquiry.
Currently on the easel
You are not a number, You are LOVE
Acrylics and water mixable oils on canvas
Before you inquire
A commission should still feel like Barbara's work.
The strongest commissions begin with trust in Barbara's eye: bold color, expressive realism, and a desire to reveal the living presence of the animal rather than simply copy a photograph.
“The goal is not a static likeness. The goal is a living presence.”
How it works
Four steps, one painting with presence.
- 01
Send me their photos
Share a few strong reference photos and the story of the animal. Barbara will look for the image with the most presence and feeling.
- 02
We plan it together
Barbara replies personally to every inquiry. Together you'll settle on the size, the reference photo, and the timeline before any deposit is taken.
- 03
Expressive realism
The painting stays rooted in likeness, but Barbara uses color, gesture, and symbolic choices to move beyond the photo mold.
- 04
Shipped from the studio
Packed by hand, insured, on its way within 4–6 weeks. A little thank-you note is already in the box.
Past commissions
Portraits that found their way home.
Every commission starts as someone's story about an animal they love. A few of those paintings, and what their owners said when they arrived.
Dumplin
Cat · Acrylic on panel · 10×10 in · 2026
“It looks so life like. You did an exceptional job. Love it!”— Carol, NH
Polly
Mixed breed Polly · Mixed media - Acrylic on canvas · 10×10 in · 2023
“WOW!! that is fantastic. It really captures her sweet expression. I love it.”— John, SC
Doc
Rabbit commission · Acrylic on canvas · 10×10 in · 2025
“I've cried so much looking at it because it perfectly displays our doc❤️ Seriously cannot thank you enough — I'm going to send these two my parents so they can make a decision on what style they would want! The 3D style of Doc was so unique, I've never seen anything like it!”— Payton, Wilmington, NC
Hunter
Golden hound · Acrylic on canvas · 11×14 in · 2026
“I love it!!! Thank you so much!”— Avery, Asheville, NC
Start the conversation
Tell me about the animal.
Share the story, the reference photos, and what draws you to Barbara's way of painting. If the project feels like a fit, she’ll write back with next steps.
Already heard back from Barbara?
Reserve your spot on the schedule.
Once Barbara has said yes to your commission and confirmed the size and price, a deposit locks in your place. It counts toward the final price, and the balance is due when the painting is finished — before it ships.
Haven’t written yet? Start with the inquiry above. Barbara replies to every request and confirms each project personally before a deposit is taken.
Common questions
The things people most often ask before reaching out.
Anything else? Mention it in your note and I’ll answer when I write back.
- Timing depends on Barbara's original-painting schedule, the size of the work, and the complexity of the subject. If the project is a fit, she'll give you a clear timeline before a deposit is taken.