Kathryn Wronski, a talented artist based in Grass Valley, creates custom oil paintings that capture the specific personality of your dog, cat, llama, or just about any other animal you live with. She works directly from your photographs to ensure that what ends up on canvas actually looks like your pet—down to the quirky tilt of their head or the exact shade of their coat. Her paintings range from 16 x 16 inches up to larger sizes, depending on how much wall space you want to fill and what fits your budget.

What makes her work particularly meaningful is her skill at memorializing pets that have passed away. If you’ve lost a dog and want to preserve their memory, she can work from whatever photos you have, even if it’s just a handful of images. She’s gifted at pulling out the character and warmth from limited reference material, turning a photograph into something that feels genuinely alive on canvas.

The process itself is personal. When you connect with Kathryn about your project, you’re talking to someone who understands that these aren’t just animals—they’re family members with distinct personalities worth documenting. She listens to what makes your dog unique and translates that into the painting through her color choices and brushwork.

Grass Valley itself has plenty to explore with your dog after a studio visit. The surrounding Nevada County area is dotted with trails and parks where you can stretch your legs and enjoy the Sierra Nevada foothills. The town has that small-community feel while still offering local galleries, shops, and spots to grab coffee.

If you’re thinking about commissioning a portrait, calling ahead makes sense so you can discuss sizing, pricing, and timeline with Kathryn directly. Having your best reference photos ready—the ones that really capture your dog’s essence—will help her create something you’ll want to look at for years.