Turns out, my friend – Heidi Blakeslee of Erie, PA – has been painting pet portraits for a while now. Her style is simple, almost primitive – facial contours and fur patterns are rendered as blocky geometric shapes – yet each piece tells its own story. The animals in her portraits are sometimes staid and serious; sometimes pensive; other times goofballs, hamming it up. Her acrylic paintings capture what is so important to us as animal lovers: personality. (Ed. note: I’m resisting with all my might the urge to use the word “cattitude”.) In fact, that’s a big part of what inspires her: “I think cats are hilarious… [Painting them] is a fun way to try and capture their various personalities.”

And oh, what personalities! 

“Oscar” (on a teal background, natch!)

"Seb"

"Cartman" (Heidi's own cat)

 
Heidi has primarily being working on commission for friends and family, but is open to expanding! Just send a photo of your cat to heidib23@hotmail.com and she’ll work with you to create a customized portrait within your budget.