Haute Dauge Pet Portraits - Mooresville, NC

Verified Member since Aug 2020 Verified checkmark

As a professional artist who specializes in acrylic paintings, I've created painted portraits of dogs, cats and horses that live or have lived throughout the United States, as well as in Austria, England and Germany. No matter where they live, there are beautiful pets everywhere that I honor by painting their portraits.

My artistic goal is to create treasured heirlooms; highly detailed, heartfelt and realistic portrayals of beloved pets, including those who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

I fall in love with every pet I paint, whether they are alive or have passed. I ask numerous questions to learn all about each pet's unique personality and traits, and I connect to each one as the portrait emerges from the blank canvas.

I paint the eyes of the pet first. That's because they're the window to the soul. Once I've painted the eyes (and nose), I truly feel like the pet is communicating with me.

For those pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge, I can blend his or her ashes or hair into the paint to truly personalize the painting - there's no additional charge for this special service that really honors the spirit of your beloved furbaby.

I hand-draw, then hand-paint with professional-grade acrylic paint on 1-1/2" thick archival quality, gallery-wrapped canvas. I work from provided photographs and talk extensively with my clients to learn about the pet's unique personality, quirks and behavior, and translate that playful gleam in her eye or his calm and quiet demeanor into my painting.

I love adding signature accents like painting all four edges to continue to painting (and often the animal), using metallic paints, creating personalized nametags on collars and matching the background colors and patterns with clients' home or office decor.

I only paint one portrait at a time, so I can totally immerse myself in the personality and spirit of that pet.

Clients enjoy working with me during the whole process, and I so enjoy becoming friends with my clients! In fact, I've had numerous second and third commissions.

Please contact me for pricing and more information through Petworks. Thank you, Karen L. Dortschy

  • Insured

Pricing Packages

Starting Price
$ 400.00 Per Animal book

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Pet Portrait Art
  • Custom Pet Portraits
  • Animal Portraits

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Ferrets
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Horses
  • Lizards
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits
  • Rats

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Iredell County NC, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Concord, Gastonia, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Statesville, Hickory, North Carolina

What year did you begin serving pets?

2015

How did you hone your craft?

Workshops, four years of private art instruction, fine art (minor) Bachelor's degree

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

I can help you with photographing your pet so it creates a perfect target photo for me to work from!

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I'm an animal lover and currently am the proud Mom of three dogs. I've owned dogs, cats, horses, gerbils, guinea pigs and fish my entire life.

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.
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karen dortschy

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BASED IN: Mooresville, NC
SERVICE AREA: Any distance, including Iredell County NC, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Concord, Gastonia, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Statesville, Hickory, North Carolina

Distinction

Pw without hitch

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Pet Portrait Art
  • Custom Pet Portraits
  • Animal Portraits

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Dogs
  • Ferrets
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Horses
  • Lizards
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits
  • Rats

What size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Bonded and Insured

  • Insured

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Iredell County NC, Charlotte, Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Concord, Gastonia, Huntersville, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Statesville, Hickory, North Carolina

What year did you begin serving pets?

2015

How did you hone your craft?

Workshops, four years of private art instruction, fine art (minor) Bachelor's degree

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

I can help you with photographing your pet so it creates a perfect target photo for me to work from!

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I'm an animal lover and currently am the proud Mom of three dogs. I've owned dogs, cats, horses, gerbils, guinea pigs and fish my entire life.

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

🌟 Karen Dortschy — Pet Portrait Artist in Mooresville, NC


Karen is a local pet portrait artist based in Mooresville, North Carolina, hand-painting and hand-drawing custom pet portraits for pet parents in Iredell County and the surrounding area. Unlike Custom Pet Portraits, PetWorks' nationwide ordering category, Pet Portrait Artists connects you directly with artists based near you.


Karen creates handcrafted pet paintings, pet drawings, and pet illustrations that go far beyond what a photograph can offer, each one a genuine one-of-a-kind work of art, made from your favorite photo and tailored to your exact vision.


Working with Karen: What to Expect


Hiring a pet portrait artist is a personal, collaborative experience from start to finish. It begins with a conversation. Share your favorite photos of your pet, discuss the style and medium that appeals to you, whether that's a pet painting, pet drawing, or pet illustration, and talk through any specific ideas or requests you have in mind.


Karen takes the time to understand not just what your pet looks like, but who they are: their character, their quirks, and the qualities that make them yours.


From there, Karen gets to work. Most pet portrait artists on PetWorks share progress photos along the way, giving you the opportunity to provide feedback and request adjustments before the portrait is complete. Once you're happy with the result, your finished portrait is delivered by mail or as a digital file, depending on the medium and your preference. Most portraits are completed within 2–6 weeks, though timelines vary by medium, complexity, and the artist's current schedule. Always confirm turnaround with Karen before booking, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.


A Mooresville, NC Pet Portrait Artist — Serving Iredell County and Beyond


Karen serves pet portrait clients in Mooresville, Iredell County, and surrounding areas including Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Salisbury, Statesville, Kannapolis, Hickory, Huntersville, Matthews, Lincolnton. Local commissions can include in-person consultation, pickup, or delivery, depending on the artist. Ask Karen what's available. Browse more pet portrait artists near Mooresville.


🦔 How to Hire Karen on PetWorks


On Karen Dortschy's listing page, use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' to start a conversation about your commission. Karen will discuss your vision, answer any questions, and send you a personalized quote through the PetWorks inbox, because the right pet portrait artist fit matters, and taking a few minutes to correspond before committing is always worth it.


When you're ready, payment is handled securely through PetWorks: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, or Klarna. Care Coverage at checkout gives you access to PetWorks' live Concierge team, full refunds if a booking is canceled through no fault of yours, and help resolving any issues along the way.


Tips for a Great Portrait


Getting the most out of your portrait starts with good reference photos. Clear, well-lit shots taken at your pet's eye level work best. Natural light is your friend, since flash-heavy photos tend to flatten features and wash out color. Capture a few different expressions and angles if you can: a close-up of the face, a relaxed resting shot, and a playful or characteristic pose gives your pet portrait artist the most to work with.


Beyond photos, the more you can share about your pet's personality the better. Is your dog goofy and energetic, or calm and dignified? Does your cat have a signature expression? The small details you share help Karen bring genuine character to the portrait rather than simply reproducing a likeness. If you have a specific style, background, or size in mind, mention it upfront. Most pet portrait artists welcome creative direction and will work with you to bring your vision to life.


As a general guide, pet portrait artist commissions in the US typically range from $75–$200 for small portraits, $200–$500 for medium, and $500–$1,200 or more for large or multi-pet works. Browse Karen's pricing packages above for specific rates.


Frequently Asked Questions


How do I find a pet portrait artist near Mooresville?


Browse the Pet Portrait Artists category on PetWorks to explore local and regional artists near Mooresville, their portfolios, styles, and pricing. Filter by location, medium, and specialty, or reach out to Karen directly using the 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' buttons on this page.


What makes Karen different from other pet portrait artists near Mooresville?


Karen is a verified PetWorks pet portrait artist based in Mooresville with a portfolio you can browse before committing. Every commission is handled personally, from the initial photo review to the finished piece, with clear communication throughout.


How does hiring a local pet portrait artist work?


Reach out to Karen through PetWorks, share your favorite photos, discuss your vision and preferences, and receive your finished portrait by mail or digital delivery. Some artists also offer in-person consultation or pickup near Mooresville, ask Karen directly.


Can Karen paint multiple pets in one portrait?


Yes, many pet portrait artists on PetWorks offer multi-pet compositions. Multi-pet portraits may carry additional fees depending on the number of subjects and complexity of the arrangement. Reach out to Karen directly to discuss your specific request.


What if my pet has passed away?


Memorial pet portraits are one of the most meaningful commissions a pet portrait artist can create. Karen works entirely from photos, so a passing doesn't prevent a beautiful, lifelike result.


How long does it take to receive my portrait?


Most commissions are completed within 2–6 weeks, though timelines vary by medium, complexity, and the artist's current schedule. Always confirm turnaround with Karen before booking.


What's the difference between a pet portrait artist and a custom pet portrait order?


The PetWorks Pet Portrait Artist category connects you with local and regional artists you can browse, contact, and hire directly near Mooresville. Custom Pet Portraits is PetWorks' nationwide ordering category, for pet parents anywhere in the US who want to order online without picking a local artist first.


❤️ Find the right pet portrait artist for your pet near Mooresville on PetWorks. Reach out to Karen today, share your favorite photo, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.

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