OkcPets Magazine November 2021

November/December 2021 • OKC Pets 39 vibrant mark on the city of Sierra Leone, where she designed a mural on a wall and had the local children fill it in. Over the past 10 years, she has developed her talents as a portrait painter of pets and people. At first, Sanders was scared to start doing portraits because she was afraid she would not be able to capture the essence of a person or pet in a portrait. However, like with all things, practice makes perfect, and she has become quite proficient at it, provid- ing her with many rewarding experiences. The following are direct questions an- swered in her own words and give a clear understanding of the necessity of having pets involved in our everyday life. How did you become interested in painting pet portraits? “I painted my first dog as a memorial por- trait. It was an Irish Setter. I wanted it to be life-like and realized that I was going to need to practice more to get the look I wanted. Many of my early dog portraits are painted on photos and collaged on top of handmade papers. That practice has helped me! I’ve been able to use the skills I’ve learned to paint people, horses, wild animals and over 60 dogs! I’ve never had a cat commission but would welcome the opportunity! What I like the most about painting pets is the reaction I get from the owners when they see their por- trait! I’ve gotten many opportunities to paint pets for people after their death. It’s always quite challenging and rewarding to turn an old or blurry photo into a memory.” Do you have a pet and howmany? “Yes, two rescue dogs, Wesley and Gracie.” What connected you to becoming a pet portrait artist? “Pets are important family members! I love being able to create a portrait that captures their soulful eyes and cute expressions. It has been such a blessing to meet wonderful peo- ple and also to partner with them to capture memories for themselves and thoughtful gifts for others.” Do you believe that dogs and art festi- vals can have a symbiotic relationship? “I’ve participated in several art festivals this year, and it was such fun to be at the ones with all the pets! People love to talk about their pets! Having the pets there created lots of conversations and connections!” Some may believe pets do not belong at events such as these, but others believe, as I do, that with proper planning by event staff and education of pet owners about their responsibilities in training and picking up after their pets, these events can be a great time shared by all, pet owners and non-pet owners in a symbiotic type of relationship. Pet owners tend to think of their pets as part of their family, and some may go as far as to think of them as their children. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, pet ownership in the OKC area has been on the rise, and now, half of all OKC residents own pets. This increase in pet ownership is why so many businesses are attempting, in some manner, to become recognized as pet-friendly businesses. At more than $70 billion per year, pet owners offer a substantial market to the savvy businesses that caters to them and their fur babies. Those figures clearly state that pet owners do not mind spending money on their fur babies. Remember to spay or neuter your pets, and if you have any suggestions for future articles or dog-friendly reviews, please reach out to me at michael.okcpetsmag@gmail. com, and as always, have yourself a pawsome day.