CUSTOM PET PORTRAITS · CONNECTICUT
Their personality.
Your forever piece.
A colored-pencil portrait of the one who makes your house a home.
Let’s create your portrait Explore the portraits
More than a pet.
Part of your story.
THE PORTRAIT GALLERY
Familiar faces.
Lovingly drawn.
A selection of our animal portraits.
Select a photo for a closer look.
Every face has a story.
More from the studio on Facebook ↗ABOUT US
Meet Gretchen
Hart Anderson.
Artist. Animal lover.
A lifelong maker.
Why I create animal portraits
Art has been part of my life since childhood. Growing up in New Jersey in a family of accomplished artists, I was surrounded by the landscape and portrait paintings of my father, grandmother, and great-aunt. Each had a story, and each inspired me to create my own.
Years later, a neighbor asked me to draw their beloved family dog. Seeing what that portrait meant to the family changed everything. I discovered my passion: capturing the personality, spirit, and special bond that makes every animal part of the family.
Today, I create detailed, expressive portraits, primarily in colored pencil. With my husband’s support on the business side of the studio, I’ve completed more than 150 commissions of dogs, cats, horses, and other cherished animals.
“Every animal has a story. Every animal has a unique personality. And I love bringing those personalities to life through art.”
Gretchen Hart Anderson
Gretchen’s artistic journey
A childhood full of creativity
A crayon, pencil, or paintbrush was always nearby. I even doodled in class, discovering that drawing helped me concentrate. One of my earliest memories is receiving a beautiful box of crayons that seemed too perfect to use. My father broke them in half and taught me a lesson I still carry: don’t be afraid to use your tools, make mistakes, and embrace the creative process. I was encouraged to make my own images and ideas, rather than simply color inside the lines.
Following my passion
I began college studying music and singing, but halfway through, art won. I transferred to the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford, where I earned my BFA in 2D Design.
A creative career
My early work as a designer and mechanical illustrator included pamphlets, brochures, and signage for a utility company. That led to logos and branding for small businesses, greeting cards, posters, and custom name drawings for children. Along the way, I explored many artistic styles and mediums before that first dog portrait brought my focus to animals.
A challenge—and a comeback
A severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome threatened my ability to draw. After successful surgery, one of the first things I asked for was a pencil and paper.
Art. Art. And more art.
Every portrait is a chance to capture more than a likeness. It is a way to celebrate an animal’s personality and the love shared with their people. For me, this is more than a career. It is my passion.
THE INSPIRATION
Love, in the little details.
Every portrait starts with an animal
who means the world to someone.
Animal photography shown for inspiration.
YOUR PORTRAIT STARTS HERE
Tell us about
your favorite face.
Have a portrait in mind? Share a little about your animal and what you’re looking for.
A gift, a keepsake, or simply because you love them.
Or email us directly:
sanderson@amstonhts.com