Pet art thriving in the foothills

Pets — and dogs in particular — have been a subject for artists since before the Renaissance. Nowadays pet art is thriving, because people are so attached to their pets.

Many of the artists and artwork comes from the foothills, where artists such as Kathryn Wronski specialize in pet portraits. Wronski has a studio at AsIf Studios in Grass Valley. “When people see my work, I’d like them to smile. Smile when they recognize their pet in the painting,” she writes.

There are dog art fundraisers, such as the one tonight for Grass Valley Charter School. It will feature art, wine a silent auction and raffle.

There’s also a website devoted to dog art called Dog Art Today.

“So in March 2007, I launched Dog Art Today, where I look at the art world, past and present, through the subject of dogs. It’s also become a place where artists, writers, designers, and filmmakers who have a passion for dogs can promote their work and connect with each other,” said creator Moira McLaughlin of Grass Valley.

Last month Dog Art Today and Mutt Lynch Winery, North America’s most renowned dog winery, partnered to host our 2nd Annual Dog Art Wine Label Contest of 2010.

(photo: Kathryn Wronski)