This summer, I worked on my largest-ever commissioned pet portrait project – a collection of five original oil paintings for Jenny Marrs, to be featured in a home makeover on Fixer to Fabulous on HGTV. It started when Jenny reached out to ask me to write an endorsement for her new book. As much as time allows, I try to say yes to those requests to support other writers and creative entrepreneurs. As I was reading through the digital sample of the book so I could write the endorsement, I realized that we both went to high school in Orlando, Florida. As it turns out, we went to rival schools, and I was just a couple of years ahead of her! I would imagine we crossed paths at some point. Anyway, this led to more chit-chat, and I had the thought that I should present the idea of using my art in one of her makeovers if it was ever a fit. I actually had a draft ready when she asked about painting a collection of five portraits for an upcoming project. It was one of those cool moments in life when things just line up. I was so honored that Jenny asked me, but I knew it would stretch me as an artist. Five portraits, and one of them pretty large, were a big project, but it was an amazing opportunity, and I couldn’t say no.
So, I worked on them over the summer…
…and the Fixer to Fabulous episode featuring the finished work just aired last week.
It was a unique project for me because I worked with the production team rather than the pet owner directly. Usually, there is some back-and-forth to select the best photo for the portrait and make other small choices, like whether the collar or bandana is included. In order to keep the paintings a surprise, though, I had to work with what the team provided, which was direction on the background and size of each portrait.
So, I thought I would show the picture along with the finished painting of each work. This is Absinthe, which I think turned out to be my favorite painting…
This is Walker…
With both cats, I kept the background to the requested neutral blue/gray while also giving them a sense of place. I loved painting his little bean toes.
This is Nola…
Her soulful eyes were my favorite part, along with her little nose coming out from those curls.
At 24 x 30, Mattie’s portrait was the biggest, and took me a few days to finish.
I enjoyed trying to find all of the color variations in the black and gray fur.
Paisley was a challenge due to her long fur and cataracts. I asked if the homeowners wanted me to include the cataracts or perform some corrective surgery with paint, but this is how they know and love her in her old age, so they wanted me to paint her with the cataracts.
I had never painted cataracts before, so I played with some studies before finishing the final painting to make sure they read as cataracts and not crazy eyes. Hopefully, that was successful. I will say, she has an impressive beard!
So, here they all are in the space that Jenny and her team designed…
I can’t tell you how wild it is to see my work in that space! I love the frames Jenny selected. I don’t always get to see where my paintings end up, so it’s always fun when I get to see them in their new home.
If you weren’t able to catch the episode (Season 7 episode 6) on HGTV, you can watch it on MAX.
31 Responses
I loved seeing these on the show and was so happy your work was featured. You have a knack for seeing the souls of pets.
wow! How cool is that?! Congratulations
Oh how wonderful! I don’t have a way to see the show but am so happy for you!
that is so awesome! ~ and they look just perfect in their space! Love!
I watched that show and adored the pet painting! Little did I know that you had painted them. Awesome!!!
I watched that episode! You did a great job, I just loved the portraits.
I can’t wait to tell my husband I know that artist. Well kinda been reading your blog far so long it seems like I know you 🤣
I too watched the show, my favorite designers, and saw the paintings, but did not know you had painted them. Wish I would have known. Great job!!!
You have a real talent for various genres of art, but your animals portraits are quite special! This collection of pet portraits is spectacular!
My son painted our little pup, Holly, who passed in June 2023. He worked hard on the painting, consulting his siblings for advice to get it just right, as our sweet dog gave so much love and met so many needs. He brought it over the next week–all five kids had come home for moral support. Of course, I cried when he presented it to me. Holly is hanging over our fireplace, and her portrait brings me such pleasure and happy memories, and sometimes a few tears.
Same here! I saw them and told my husband, “That looks like Miss Mustard Seed’s work!” Congratulations on your HGTV appearance. They are all beautiful!
That is so exciting for you Marian! I’m not surprised at the request though. Your pet portraits are my favorite of your work, as you paint not only their appearance, but their personality as well. Congratulations on the feature!
I watched that segment of Fixer to Fabulous, and thought the portraits were so cool Bravo to you! Great job
We watched the episode also and thought they looked like your work but did not know you had painted them. Very special. Thanks for sharing! Your pet portraits are amazing! Our daughter-in-law also paints pet portraits and they are amazing as well. She painted a portrait of our dog for Christmas last year and we are so thrilled to have it.
Fabulous! I especially love the cat portraits since they are more rare than dog portraits and you do them so well!! So glad you had this opportunity. It’s a small world sometimes!❤️
I watched the show and loved the pet pictures! You have done a beautiful job with these. Very well done!
I just watched this episode last night and was struck with how wonderful the paintings are of their pets. Congratulations on being part of such a great project !
Wow! Congratulations! I watched this episode and loved the pet portraits. All the portraits are beautiful. You did an amazing job.
Wonderful paintings!!
I loved those pictures and hadn’t realized you had done them. I e been following you for years and you did a beautiful job on the paintings! Congratulations!
Beautiful portraits!
Marian, that is such exciting news. I love Jenny Marrs, but follow them on Prime — and haven’t been home much the last few nights. So excited to see your portraits on their episode!! I love their show, but I have followed you and your blog longer — for upholstery, window treatment, furniture refurnishing, and now garden updates!! I am not an artist, but I did recommend your blog/info to a friend of mine just last week who is taking up art in her “senior” years.
I look forward to watching the episode tonight and getting to see your artwork there as well!!
These paintings are just amazing! I feel like I could reach out and pet.them and they would be so soft. So happy for you to be featured, you are a fantastic artist,you just get better and better.
You’re a very talented artist! You captured them beautifully.
Congratulations! Super cool. I don’t watch that show, but will definitely look for it. How lucky are the homeowners? Your paintings make me want a dog … or a cat … or wish I could paint 😀 Happy New Year !
Congratulations on having your work recognized and on HGTV. You deserve it…you are so talented.
I saw the episode on sunday evening.And turned to my husband and said, those have to be done by Marian Parson. I loved that I could see some of your artwork and know instantly whose it was. I told my husband rather proudly that I read your emails and blogs all the time, as if we are the best of friends. Congratulations dear friend, I am so proud to be one of your readers and admirers!
They’re all so wonderful! I love that as a homeowner they get to have these beautiful portraits of their beloved pets. What a fun addition to the design of their home.
Marian I’m so excited for you! I watched that episode live and when I saw the paintings, I thought, ” That looks like Miss Mustard Seed’s work!!! How fun that I was right. You are so talented and I’ve followed you since almost the beginning- . Your talents just keep expanding. Keep sharing!
Your portraits looked so fantastic! The moment they showed them on the episode I told my husband they had to your work. To me, that’s a huge compliment that a non-artistic person recognizes your work. Congrats to you and what lucky petowners!
That is, thank you!
I watched the show and when Jenny said she had reached out to a friend I believe she called you Mary I knew it was you.
You have great talent.
I have been following you for many years. Gloria
Congrats on having your works recognized! Been following you since your PA home, and have always loved your art and blog. I’m also a fan of the Marrs family and the work they do. That both your families have this unique connection is icing on a cake. Well done and cheers to more collaborations. Your art should be shared with everyone!