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~ About the Artist ~
My name is Kathy Krupa and I am a professional portrait artist specializing in animals. I didn't start out painting animals--in 2000 I set out to paint human portraits, only to have a couple of clients request that I paint their beloved dog. Upon their emotional response at the unveiling of their pet's portrait, I decided to focus my efforts upon animals. I have spent the last seven years painting the portraits of hundreds of pet companions. It is rewarding beyond description, and I am honored that many people choose me to capture the spirit of their pet. I work with fine people from various hunting organizations in Michigan, where I have painted some of the best hunting dogs in the state.
I live in the United States, just outside of Detroit, Michigan. Mentioning Detroit makes people immediately envision the "Big City". However, I am just 15 minutes from farm country and 30 minutes from major hunt clubs and dog country with breeders, trainers and kennels on every acre. City life is 35 minutes south of home and offers museums, art institutes, theatres and 3 sporting stadiums all within a short distance of each other.
So I really have all kinds of opportunity right here at home. I can put on a Detroit Tigers jersey one day and a Filson Oilcloth coat the next. But mostly I like standing at my easel in a pair of old jeans with my dog Toby at my feet and my cats Zuzu and Chessy laying on the drafting table.
My Artistic Philosophy
You will also notice that I rarely paint a background or even the whole body of my subject. A quality human portrait is generally painted life-size, and I practice this with my animal portraits. Once we start adding other elements, the impact is lost and the piece becomes a painting and somehow the spirit of the animal is diminished. I do, however, recommend cats be painted with most or all of their body in the pose because a cat's body language is integral to capturing their spirit and personality.
People often comment on the eyes of the animals in my work and nothing could please me more! I put a lot of energy into this particular aspect of the portrait and have to admit there are times when I am in tears because the spirit of the animal is coming out so strong.