Memorializing the life of a beloved cat or dog is an important way to cope with the grief of losing them. As pet owners, we often find peace in honoring the lives of our companion animals. A beautiful way to do that is through portraiture. Here in Vermont, we have the incredible talents of artist Kimberly Provost. With a lifelong passion for animals and art, Kimberly has found her calling in capturing the unique spirit of beloved cats and dogs, especially those nearing the end of life or already gone.
“I strive to empathize with the love and grief my clients experience when they lose a pet,” she shares. “I approach this process with great respect, informed by my own personal experience.”
A Lifelong Artist with a Heart for Animals
Kimberly’s journey as an artist began early. “From an early age, I dedicated significant time to drawing animals, frequently spending hours with pencil and paper or engaging in paint-by-number activities,” she recalls. Though her professional life first led her into healthcare and then into a family business, her creative instincts never faded.
Even when art wasn’t her full-time focus, others around her noticed her natural talent. “My artistic abilities were often recognized by others, leading to a steady stream of project requests that enabled my continued development as an artist.”
Her life changed dramatically in 2009 when her husband was diagnosed with ALS. As his full-time caregiver, Kimberly found strength and respite in returning to her studio. “Remarkably, he has lived with ALS for 16 years, which is uncommon. Weekly assistance at our home provides me with valuable time to work in my studio.”
Though she paints landscapes and portraits as well, her focus has always returned to animals. “Over the past 15 years, I have concentrated on refining my skills and evolving as a pet portrait artist.”
Capturing the Bond at Life’s Most Meaningful Stages
Kimberly is particularly drawn to painting senior pets or those nearing the end of life. “Working with clients who have senior pets is a meaningful aspect of my art practice,” she says. “I am continually inspired by the enduring bonds formed over the years between pet and owner.”
These bonds often come through in her conversations with clients. “Through our conversations together, I strive to understand each animal’s unique personality and discuss photographic options that best capture their character.”
Kimberly’s own experience with aging and ill pets adds a layer of empathy to her work. “I currently care for three dogs and two grand-dogs, comprising four Poodles and one Maltese. Two of my dogs are seniors and are facing multiple health challenges that require careful management.”
Having experienced the loss of pets herself, Kimberly understands the grief her clients are facing. “Some pet owners choose to wait before reaching out for a portrait, while others contact me prior to the passing of their senior pets. Individuals respond to grief in various ways, and my personal experiences with my own beloved dogs have provided me with empathy and understanding.”
A Thoughtful, Collaborative Process
Creating a portrait from photographs, often without meeting the pet in person, can be challenging, but Kimberly has developed a thoughtful approach.
“During this initial stage, I guide clients by requesting multiple photographs for consideration,” she explains. “Access to various photos enables me to better understand the pet’s appearance, fur texture, and personality. Together, we select the image that most accurately captures the essence of the pet before I begin the preliminary sketch.”
Throughout the painting process, Kimberly sends regular email updates, inviting clients to offer feedback. “Overall, the procedure is straightforward and enjoyable,” she adds.
Style, Medium, and Meaningful Details
Kimberly describes herself as a “representational painter who specializes in realistic pet portraits.” She primarily works in pastel, a medium that suits her style and allows for immediate application. “Pastels offer vibrant colors and effectively capture the softness of pet fur,” she explains. “If requested, I can also produce oil paintings, as I have experience with that medium.”
Personalization plays a significant role in her portraits. “Including specific details is an important part of my process,” she notes. “I have received multiple requests for custom toys, blankets, and backgrounds related to favorite places.”
One memorable piece included a hunting dog in front of a cornfield, with a pheasant painted in the background—a favorite scene of both dog and owner. These custom touches allow Kimberly to create a more emotional keepsake.
Art as Part of the Grieving and Healing Process
For many clients, receiving their cat or dog’s portrait is a powerful emotional experience. Kimberly believes that remembering and honoring a pet through art can help people navigate grief. “Discussing and remembering beloved pets in a positive light may assist families in coping with their grief,” she says. “While nothing can fully replace a lost companion, a pet portrait serves as a lasting tribute that can be displayed in the home.”
She shares a personal example: “I created a portrait of our Yorkie, Lily, who passed away from throat cancer three years ago. Viewing this painting continues to evoke memories of her presence in our family.”
A Portrait That Became a Daily Tribute
Of all the portraits Kimberly has created, one stands out as particularly meaningful. “I once painted a portrait of a Bernese Mountain Dog named Cassie who had recently passed away,” she shares. “Cassie was a Therapy Dog and would visit the sick at hospitals and nursing homes. She was a very gentle soul and an expert at working a room.”
Her owners wanted Kimberly to capture that joyful presence. “They asked me to depict her wearing her official Therapy Dogs of Vermont bib. These clients loved the portrait so much and have it hanging in their entryway, allowing Cassie’s memory to remain present in their daily lives.”
A Message for Pet Lovers
For anyone considering how to honor a beloved pet, Kimberly hopes her work offers comfort and connection. “Not only am I able to be artistically creative, but I can also learn about the pets I paint and hear their unique stories,” she says. “Getting a glimpse inside the life of an animal helps me to capture their spirit and essence in art form.”
If you or a loved one is looking to memorialize your pet through portraiture, you can find Kimberly’s website here. For other ideas on how to honor your dog or cat’s memory, read more here. If you would like to discuss in-home hospice or end-of-life care for your furry friend, please call our office at (802)871-2329.