KJ Burns - Out Of The Ordinary Pet Portraits

Recreating the unique nature and spirit of your beloved friends in their environment.

Karen Burns' unique use of color and composition sets her work apart from traditional pet portraits. She creates distinctive, sensitive oil paintings of animals, reflecting conversations with her clients about their companion's personality, habits and surroundings.

Inspired by painters Franz Marc, Pierre Bonnard and others, Burns uses her palette to explore the full spectrum of colors in a black cat or a brown dog. By evoking a sense of place and character, these pet portraits offer clients a dynamic celebration of their beloved friends.



My primary medium is oil. I work closely with you to understand and then interpret, on canvas, your connection to your animals. I can work with photos supplied by you but, if possible, I prefer to come to your home and take photos of your animal in his or her surroundings. That way the finished work is not a formal, traditional portrait. Rather, it reflects a distinct style and color sense, my interpretation of your beloved companion. The result is a one of a kind work of art for you or a unique gift for a loved one.

After initial meetings and conversations, I will give you a price quote before the commission is started. I will also provide a rough sketch of the composition should you desire. Paintings range from $250 to $800 and prices are based on size and complexity. Sample prices: 12" x 12" - $290; 16" x 20" - $560; 18" x 24" - $750.

Web address: www.kjburnspetportraits.com; email: kburns28@twcny.rr.com; phone: 315.399.4825

OOTO Pet Portraits grew out of people's appreciation for the paintings I've done of my own dogs and cats. I've found a new challenge in capturing the unique character of each pet, using the context of home and yard.

I have painted and exhibited my work for over 30 years. My paintings and sculptures are found in public and private collections throughout the Northeast. In tandem with painting, I've also worked as a graphic artist and illustrator, designing logos, posters, magazines, books, and street banners. I wrote and designed You Can't Stay Within the Lines So Don't Even Try, a coloring book that teaches color mixing and creative thinking. Most recently, I designed and illustrated the covers of two collections of poetry, She Sleeps With Dogs by Maureen Owens and Echoes by Jane Moress Schuster. I also collaborated with historian Nancy Rosin, designing The Hands That Feed Us, 100 Years at the Rochester Public Market.

I live in Syracuse, NY with my four cats and two dogs..