Photography: Tim Roberts
Making art with your pet is a fun way to bond and create ‘colourful’ memories.
Paw paintings, nose boops, tail swishes – even a lively fandango – can all go in the mix. You can allow your pet to walk, stomp or pitter-pat across the paint as they want, or be more hands-on with your guidance.
The result? A unique piece of abstract art that’s full of pawsonality! Hang it up or gift it to your fellow pet parent. Each time you look at your pet’s artwork, you’ll be reminded of a special someone who loves you (and the food you provide).
Gather your supplies
- Blank canvas
- Acrylic paint in 4-5 colours (White is a good pick and prevents all the paints from combining in a brown smoosh.)
- Pet treats
- Drop sheet
- Plastic wrap
- Your pet!
Here’s how
Step 1
Squeeze 3–6 blobs of each paint onto the canvas in a random pattern.
Step 2
Gently wrap the canvas with plastic wrap. Ensure it’s fully wrapped without applying too much downwards pressure (you don’t want to take the credit for your pet’s work)
Step 3
Lay the canvas on the ground and drop your pet’s favourite treats on top. Now watch your fluff-meister at work!
Step 4
Once your pet has finished their creation (and treats) carefully remove the wrap to reveal your pet’s purrfect painting.
For a more visually delicate result (and If your pet is willing and happy to have wet paws), apply a small dot of paint to a damp sponge and encourage your dog or cat to step onto it. Then get paw painting across the canvas! Only use non-toxic, acrylic paints. Wash the paint off the paws immediately with water (we used a water bowl and an old towel for the clean-up)
Another pawsome idea to try…
and hide any staples up the side of the canvas with painted masking tape in a colour that matches the work’s palette. Measure and cut four strips of tape to fit your frame surround. Apply strips flat to a clean, smooth surface (we used a plastic sheet). Apply two coats of paint, allowing to dry after each coat. Peel back the tape, then apply to the edges of your pet’s masterpiece.
Take your art up a notch
