What I love most about bringing pets to life in scratchboard portraits is how clients communicate the little details about their four-legged children they want me to capture. It might be extra long whiskers that arch from a pet’s cheeks, or a characteristic swirl of fur sticking up on their dog’s head, or maybe even the crooked cant of an ear—features considered imperfections by show standards, yet the very traits pet parents have come to love. These represent the uniqueness of a treasured furry family member and help convey the pet’s personality.

There are some animals with wonderful personalities, yet they are overlooked by potential adopters who see unique features as less desirable. Or, people might have misconceptions about certain breeds. When I discovered the wonderful work of programs such as Hard Luck Hounds and Classic Canines at the Austin Animal Center, I decided to be a part of the tremendous effort by volunteers and staff to find these deserving dogs a good home. As an artist, my goal is to get people to take a second look at a dog by making a canine personality shine through its portrait.

As America’s largest “no-kill” city, Austin is a safe haven for dogs and cats, thanks in large part to a community-wide effort. It’s fulfilling to use my artistic skills to promote adoption of long-stay dogs that need a home, and it’s a wonderful thing when art can reach out and communicate for a group that cannot speak for itself.

Check out more of Natalie’s work for Austin Animal Center on her Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/nataliezimmermanart/)