Hand-Painted Pet Portraits See Booming Demand as Owners Shun AI

In a digital age increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, a traditional art form is experiencing a resurgence: the hand-painted pet portrait. Artists report a growing demand for custom commissions, as pet owners seek a personal and authentic touch to immortalize their beloved companions.

This trend highlights a desire for human craftsmanship over AI-generated imagery, with clients valuing the unique personality and emotion that a human artist can capture. The rise of AI has, paradoxically, fueled interest in handmade art, prompting a deeper appreciation for the artist's perspective and skill.

Ben Lenovitz, who has been painting pet portraits for eight years, has seen his business flourish. Working primarily from photos submitted through his website, Lenovitz also offers in-person sittings. He uses acrylic paints with broad brushstrokes to create a distinctive, almost cartoonlike style on cardboard, aiming to capture the pet's essence rather than a photorealistic likeness. His process takes about 40 minutes per painting, and he charges $400 for a framed 22” x 17” portrait. Lenovitz notes that pet owners, particularly those who acquired pets during the COVID-19 pandemic, are increasingly devoted, making their animals a top priority.

Amanda Moeckel, a pet portraitist and children's book illustrator based in Warwick, NY, also experiences high demand. She completes custom portraits primarily of dogs and cats, dedicating two to four weeks to each acrylic painting. Moeckel collaborates closely with clients, creating digital mockups and providing progress updates to ensure accuracy. She believes a backlash against AI art and a growing appreciation for handmade work contribute to her increased business. Moeckel also hosts live portrait events and finds that memorial portraits for deceased pets form a significant part of her commissions.

"In the past couple decades, there’s been more of a push for handmade art, and even in the last year or so, AI has brought the conversation to the forefront about what makes good art," Moeckel stated. She emphasizes that handmade art possesses a human voice and perspective that AI cannot replicate.

Hannah Stahl, operating under the name Huund, specializes in classical oil paintings using Old Master techniques. With a waiting list of five to 12 clients, her pet portraiture has become a full-time endeavor. Stahl believes clients seek artists who can perceive their pets as they do, capturing every nuance. She notes that the emotional connection people have with their pets often leads to deeply moving experiences during the commission process, both for the owner sharing stories and upon receiving the finished portrait.

"Our animals mark these chapters in our lives. A lot of people are like, ‘My dog has gotten me through this divorce, or this heartbreak, or my mother passing,’ " Stahl shared. She finds that AI art's prevalence reinforces the desire for human participation in the time-honored tradition of commissioning painted portraits.

Victor Andrade, co-founder of Bondel, a business that contracts with artists globally, also sees a strong aversion to AI among his clientele. Andrade emphasizes that their artists are responsive to client feedback, allowing for unlimited revisions, a level of service he feels AI cannot match. Bondel's signature style often features a patterned background designed to make the pet stand out. Andrade observes that pet owners, particularly in markets like New York and Miami, increasingly view their pets as family members, investing in portraits even amidst financial uncertainties.

"Our customers come to us because they hate AI," Andrade stated. "We, as humans, like to feel there’s someone who cares about the work they’re doing, someone is listening to their feedback and allowing unlimited additions."