Art & Animals–Why We’re Drawn to Both by Lynda - Dogrose and Catnip
- lyndajruggart
- Sep 9, 2025
- 6 min read
Table of Contents
Introduction – Art and Animals in My Life
Why Animals Have Always Inspired My Art
The Emotional Connection Between Art and Animals
Celebrating the Bond with Pet Portrait Commissions
Everyday Animal Art for the Home
Stretched Printed Canvas Wall Art – A Statement Piece
Mugs and Animal Art Gifts – Small Joys That Last
Eco-Friendly Organic Clothing for Pet Lovers
Bringing Your Pet’s Portrait to Life Across Different Products
FAQs
Key Takeaway & How to Contact Me
Introduction – Art and Animals in My Life
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to animals (forgive the pun!), I learned early on how much joy they bring into our lives. That deep affection for animals is at the heart of everything I create.
Art, for me, is about connection. It’s about noticing the details – the way light catches a whisker, the tilt of a head, the sparkle in an eye – and capturing that moment forever. That’s why I started Dogrose and Catnip, my space for creating hand-painted pet portraits and designing animal-inspired gifts for people who love their pets as much as I do.
Alongside my portraits, I offer stretched printed canvas wall art, mugs, and organic t-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies. These let people enjoy art and animals in their daily life – whether it’s sipping tea from a mug with your cat’s portrait, wearing a cosy hoodie on a dog walk, or hanging a canvas of your pet pride of place in your home.
Why Animals Have Always Inspired My Art
Animals have inspired artists for thousands of years. From the bison painted on the walls of the Lascaux caves to elegant horses and loyal dogs in Renaissance paintings, they have always been more than just subjects – they’re symbols of love, loyalty, freedom, and companionship.
When I create a custom pet portrait, I’m following in that tradition. I want each piece to tell a story – not just of how your pet looks, but of who they are. Every wagging tail, curious glance, and playful pose deserves to be remembered.
In today’s world, animal art doesn’t have to stay in a frame.
I can take your portrait and turn it into a mug, a stretched canvas, or an item of organic pet-themed clothing. This modern approach makes it easy to keep your pet close in a way that fits your lifestyle.
The Emotional Connection Between Art and Animals
When I work on a commissioned pet portrait, I’m not just painting fur and eyes – I’m painting memories. Many customers tell me that when they unwrap their portrait, it brings tears to their eyes because it captures their pet’s spirit so perfectly.
Art and animals share an emotional power.
My own pets bring comfort and joy every single day, and I know how important it is to celebrate them. That’s why I love creating animal art gifts like mugs and eco-friendly hoodies – they’re little reminders of the animals we love most.
A stretched printed canvas wall art piece featuring your pet isn’t just decoration. It becomes a focal point, a conversation starter, and a lasting memory you can see every day.
Celebrating the Bond with Pet Portrait Commissions
Commissioning a pet portrait in the UK is such a personal way to celebrate your bond with your animal. Whether it’s a current pet or a much-missed friend, I take the time to capture their unique look and personality.
I study your photos carefully – the way their ears tilt, the expression in their eyes, the pattern in their fur – so the finished portrait feels alive. My aim is always to create something you’ll treasure for years to come.
And the beauty is, your portrait can go beyond the paper. I can adapt it into custom mugs, stretched canvases, and organic t-shirts or hoodies, so you can enjoy it in different ways every day.
Everyday Animal Art for the Home
Animal art has a way of making a home feel warmer and more personal. It’s not just about decoration – it’s about connection. Seeing your pet’s face on a mug while you have your morning tea, or wearing their portrait on an organic sweater, keeps them close even when you’re apart.
Many of my customers tell me their eco-friendly hoodies have become their go-to for dog walks, and strangers often stop them to ask, “Is that your dog on your jumper?”
It’s the little touches – a print on the wall, a mug in the kitchen, a hoodie in the wardrobe – that weave your love for animals into your everyday routine.
Stretched Printed Canvas Wall Art – A Statement Piece
If you’re looking for a piece that makes a real impact, stretched printed canvas wall art is a wonderful choice. It transforms your pet’s portrait into a gallery-quality display, ready to hang and enjoy for years.
Canvases work beautifully in living rooms, bedrooms, or even hallways – anywhere you want a daily reminder of the joy your pet brings. I work with a professional printer to ensure colours are vibrant, details are sharp, and the finish is built to last.
It’s a timeless way to celebrate your pet and a beautiful focal point for your home.
Mugs and Animal Art Gifts – Small Joys That Last
Sometimes it’s the smallest things that bring the biggest smiles. My animal art mugs are one of my most popular items – they make perfect gifts for pet lovers, and they’re a simple way to enjoy your pet’s portrait every day.
Whether it’s your morning coffee or a cosy evening hot chocolate, seeing your pet’s face on your mug is a lovely reminder of happy moments. I can adapt any commissioned portrait for a mug, or you can choose from the ready-made designs in my shop.
They’re dishwasher-safe, durable, and designed to be enjoyed for years.
Eco-Friendly Organic Clothing for Pet Lovers
I’m especially proud of my organic t-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies, made in partnership with Teemill.
Teemill produce clothing using 100% certified organic cotton in a renewable energy-powered factory, with a zero-waste printing process. Everything is printed on demand to reduce overproduction, and when your garment eventually wears out, you can send it back to be recycled into new fabric.
It’s an eco-friendly, ethical choice for anyone who loves animals and wants to protect the planet at the same time.
Bringing Your Pet’s Portrait to Life Across Different Products
One of the joys of modern printing is that your pet’s portrait can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are my favourite options:
Stretched Printed Canvas Wall Art – gallery-quality and ready to hang.
Mugs – perfect for gifts and everyday use.
Organic T-Shirts, Sweaters & Hoodies – sustainable and wearable art.
Some customers have ordered a full set – a portrait for the wall, mugs for the kitchen, and a hoodie to wear – turning one commission into a collection of keepsakes.
FAQs
Q: How do I order a pet portrait?You can order directly via my pet portrait commissions page. I’ll guide you through choosing a size, style, and sending your photos.
Q: Can I have my portrait on other products?Yes! I can print your portrait on mugs, organic clothing, or stretched canvases.
Q: How long will it take?Most portraits take 2-4 weeks once started, plus scheduled waiting time, which depends on my workload at the time, but please book early for special occasions.
Q: Do you only paint dogs and cats?No – I’ve painted horses, rabbits, and even parrots. Any beloved pet is welcome.
Q: Do you ship internationally?No – I currently only ship within the UK
Key Takeaway & How to Contact Me
Art and animals share a timeless bond. Whether you want a hand-painted pet portrait, a stretched printed canvas, a cosy organic hoodie, or a cheerful mug, I can help you celebrate the animals you love.
To commission your portrait or browse my full range of gifts, visit Dogrose and Catnip or email me lyndajrugg.art@gmail.com. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram for new artwork, or subscribe to my website to be amongst the first to hear behind-the-scenes updates, and special offers.
Have a Good Day
Lynda - Dogrose and Catnip
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