For San Diegan Katy Helen Stockinger, art has always been an integral part of her life, although she did not attend a formal art school. Through her “petraits,” Stockinger creates stylized portraits of pets that capture mood and personality. “When I first started to pursue selling my art, sales were a bit slow — a painting here, a custom surfboard there,” she explains. “I started to rack my brain for something I could create that would make a great gift. One night I was dreaming up ideas while working my booth at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market. I looked around and saw dogs on leashes, in strollers, wearing clothes, and riding in backpacks — I knew that was it. People, myself included, are nutty about their pets. I took over 60 orders for ‘petraits’ and was able to make the switch from my full-time desk job to full-time art.” Simply supply Stockinger with a high-resolution photo of your favorite furry friend, along with his/her name, a brief note on his/her personality, any background requests, and a deadline request, and Stockinger goes to work. “One of my biggest rewards was from a girl who had teamed up with her sisters to get their mom three ‘petraits’ for Christmas. She took pictures of her mom opening them and sent them to me with a thank you. Her mom cried when she saw the commemorative one of her little shih tzu with angel wings. I teared up when I saw them!” (952/738-2787, www.katyhelen.com) MIA STEFANKO
