When she still taught secondary art, Jenn Coleman would ask her students to paint an animal, and most would choose to paint one of their pets. “It was a chance for them to showcase their furry family members,” she said. “We had many funny stories about our pets and sharing the love of our pets brought us together.”
Coleman retired after 28 years in the classroom but needed a creative outlet; as a result, she founded Hello Color Design, LLC. Although she does color consultations, furniture revamping and anything “artsy,” she also specializes in pet portraits, as well.
“As an only child growing up, my pets were my buddies and a large part of our small family,” she explained. “I’ve loved gifting pet drawings and paintings for people as it’s something special that they can hang on their walls to remember their beloved pet. It’s so sad that pets can’t stay with us forever, so a painting, to me, keeps them here a little longer with us.”
To check out more of Coleman’s work, follow her on Instagram @hello_color2020 or find her Facebook: hellocolor.
1. An English Bulldog Close-Up
Done in acrylic. Coleman gave it to a friend who always wanted an English Bulldog.
2. “Taz,” The Rainbow Bulldog
Done in acrylic. Coleman’s husband’s friend owns this dog, and since he was so cute, Coleman decided to paint him. He recently passed away, so she plans to give it to his family.
3. The American Bulldog
Done in acrylic. The dog is monochromatic in color, and the background was meant to “pop” using the complement color. Very simple looking style.
4. The Sad Basset Hound
Done in watercolor with complementary colors. The Basset’s sad and mopey face draws attention.
5. Kissing Cows
Done in watercolor with a cool color scheme. A lover of cows, Coleman painted this in 1996 after getting married to decorate her cow-themed apartment. She took the photo at her great grandmother’s milking farm in New Haven, Mich.
6. “Izzy,” Coleman’s Bully
To give it more of a three-dimensional look, Coleman glued on rhinestones, used the paint in more of a Van Gogh-style and added the hat and glasses to make her look like an old lady.
