Pet portraiture remains a thriving art form despite the growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative fields, with artists emphasizing the unique value of handmade works that capture the personality and emotional significance of pets for their owners.

Several pet portrait artists across the United States and beyond report increased demand as pet owners seek authentic representations of their animals. Ben Lenovitz, who has been painting pet portraits for eight years in New York City, works primarily with acrylics on cardboard, creating stylized, often whimsical images that highlight the distinct character of each animal. Lenovitz typically spends about 40 minutes per piece and charges $400 for a framed portrait. He has noticed a rise in pet ownership since the COVID-19 pandemic, which has fueled greater attachment and interest in commemorating pets through art.

In upstate New York, Amanda Moeckel combines traditional techniques with digital tools, taking two to four weeks to complete each high-end acrylic portrait. She works closely with clients throughout the process, using digital mock-ups and sharing progress photos to ensure accurate depictions of markings and facial expressions. Moeckel attributes a significant portion of her increased business to a backlash against AI-generated art, with clients preferring the emotional depth and personal connection that come with human craftsmanship. Memorial portraits, created to remember deceased pets, form a substantial part of her commissions.

Hannah Stahl of Rhode Island practices classical oil painting methods, drawing on Old Master techniques to produce detailed and lifelike portraits. With over 170 commissions completed, Stahl maintains a waiting list of clients who value the slow, deliberate process of oil painting as a way to honor their pets’ place in their lives. She notes that many customers commission portraits as a form of emotional support during difficult life events, such as loss or personal hardship. Stahl emphasizes the challenge of capturing the nuances of a pet’s expression and body language, stating that the human hand can convey subtlety and life in ways AI cannot replicate.

Internationally, Victor Andrade co-founded Bondel, a company that works with artists worldwide to create pet portraits often used as memorials. Based in Portugal, Andrade services a global clientele, including customers in the United States and Australia. He highlights that many of Bondel’s clients are wary of AI art and prefer the interactive experience of working with artists who listen to feedback and allow revisions. The company’s signature style uses patterned backgrounds to enhance the prominence of the pet in the portrait. Andrade observes that younger buyers tend to treat pets as family members and are particular about details, seeing portraits as meaningful gifts despite economic uncertainty.

Across different regions and styles, these artists collectively underscore the enduring appeal of handmade pet portraits, particularly as a means of honoring the deep bonds between people and their animals. While AI offers quick and novel alternatives, many pet owners continue to prioritize the emotional resonance and individuality that come from human artistry.