Penny Marblism – Barbara Rush Fine Art

illustration of a pet owner kneeling in a sunny garden to take a photo of a happy dog with a smartphone.

Hey there, animal lovers!

Are you ready to turn your favorite furry family member into a fabulous piece of fine art? I mean, we already know they are the ROCK STARS of your home, right? They run the place, they steal our hearts, and let’s be honest, they usually get the best spot on the sofa!

You see, there is something absolutely magical about capturing that specific “look” your pet gives you. Whether it’s the way your Golden Retriever tilts her head like she’s solving a math problem, or the way your grumpy cat judges your life choices from across the room, those moments are GOLDEN. And I want to help you capture them so we can create something spectacular together!

Today, I’m sharing my secrets on how to take the perfect reference photo for your custom dog portraits. You don’t need a fancy camera or a professional studio. All you need is your smartphone, a few treats, and maybe a little bit of patience (and hey, we’re pet parents, we’ve got patience for days, right?).

Let’s dive into these five easy steps to get that “soulful GeoCubist® art” started!

Step 1: Lighting is the Absolute Queen!

If there is one thing that can take a photo from “meh” to “MARVELOUS,” it’s the light. You know that beautiful, soft glow that happens right before the sun goes down? We artists call that the Golden Hour, and let me tell you, it is pure magic for your four-leggeds!

When you’re snapping photos for a custom painting, natural light is your best friend. Why? Because it shows me the true color of their fur. If you take a photo under those yellowish kitchen lights, your beautiful white Poodle might end up looking a little… well, buttery. And we want her looking like the queen she is!

Barbara’s Pro Tip: Head outside! Find a nice patch of shade on a bright day. You want that bright, even light without the harsh shadows that come from being directly under the midday sun. If you have to stay indoors, park your pet right in front of a big window. Let that soft light wash over their face, it makes their eyes pop and their coat shine like a diamond!

Step 2: Get Low and Meet Them at Their Level!

You know how most of the photos on our phones are taken from high up, looking down at our pets? We call that the “human perspective,” and while it’s cute, it’s not always the best for a regal portrait. To really capture their soul, you’ve got to get down on their level!

Man lying on their stomach to photograph a cat

I’m talking about getting your knees a little dirty, folks! Kneel, crouch, or even lie flat on your belly on the floor. When the camera lens is at the same level as your pet’s eyes, the whole world changes. It gives them a sense of dignity and presence. It’s like they’re saying, “Look at me, I’m the main character!” (Because they ARE).

When you shoot from eye level, it also helps me see their neck, their chest, and those adorable little paws in the right proportions. It makes the final artwork feel way more intimate and connected. You see, when we look at a painting, we want to feel like that pet is looking right back at us with all the love in the world!

Step 3: It’s All About Those Eyes (The Windows to the Soul!)

In the world of custom dog portraits, the eyes are EVERYTHING. They are the focal point, the heartbeat, and the “fabulousness” of the entire piece! If the eyes aren’t in focus, the whole painting loses its spark.

When you’re taking your photo, tap your smartphone screen right on your pet’s eyes to lock that focus. What I’m looking for as an artist are those tiny little “catchlights”, you know, those little white reflections that make eyes look wet and alive? If I can see those in your photo, I can make your pet’s portrait absolutely SHINE!

And don’t worry if they have a little bit of “eye kooties” or a stray hair, I’m an artist, not a camera! I can clean those up. But I need to see the color of that iris and the shape of that pupil to really bring them to life on canvas.

Step 4: Capture That Big Celebrity Personality!

Every pet is a total individual. Some are “zoomie” champions, some are professional nap-takers, and some are just plain goofy! When you’re taking photos, try to capture the “vibe” that makes your pet them.

How do you do that? Use your tools!

The Squeaky Toy: This is the classic for getting that “perked-up ear” look.
The “W-A-L-K” Word: You know the one. Say it, and watch their eyes light up!
Treats (Duh!): Hold a treat right above your phone lens. You’ll get that intense, focused gaze that says, “I am a very good boy, now give me the cookie.”

I love it when clients send me a photo where their dog has a slight head tilt or a little bit of tongue sticking out. It adds so much character! Remember, we aren’t just making a picture of a dog; we are making a tribute to your dog. The more personality, the better!

Step 5: Quantity is Quality! (The More, The Merrier!)

Hey, I get it, pets are the hardest models to work with! They don’t take direction well, they get distracted by squirrels, and they definitely don’t have a “good side” because they’re perfect from every angle!

My best advice? Take a MILLION photos. Okay, maybe not a million, but at least twenty or thirty in one sitting. Usually, the first ten are just your pet wondering what on earth you’re doing on the floor with that glowing rectangle. But by shot fifteen? That’s when the magic happens.

When you contact me about a custom commission, feel free to send over a few of your favorites! I love looking through them to see which one will work best for my GeoCubist® style. Sometimes a photo you think is just “okay” actually has the perfect lighting for me to work my magic!

Ready to Start Your Art Journey?

I hope these tips help you feel like a pro pet photographer! Taking the photo is the first step in a beautiful journey. Once you have that perfect shot, the fun really begins for me. I get to take those colors and shapes and transform them into a vibrant, modern masterpiece that you’ll cherish forever.

Whether you’re looking for a memorial piece for a pet who has crossed the rainbow bridge, or a celebration of your current “four-legged” family member, a custom painting is a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a way to freeze time and celebrate the joy they bring into our lives every single day!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those treats, get down on the floor, and start snapping! I can’t wait to see your beautiful babies and turn them into the ROCK STARS they truly are!

With lots of Love,
Barbara

About the Artist: Barbara Rush

Barbara Rush is a master of the GeoCubist® style, blending her love for animals with a sophisticated, modern aesthetic. Her work is celebrated for its vibrant color palettes and rhythmic, geometric compositions that capture the essential spirit of her subjects. Based in Roswell, GA, Barbara specializes in creating high-energy, joyful pieces that range from original fine art paintings to whimsical gifts. With a deep commitment to the animal community and a passion for storytelling through color, Barbara’s art serves as a vibrant bridge between fine art and the deep bond we share with our pets.

Custom Art and Barbara Rush pet portraits.

Golden Retriever Face — Buttercup the Golden Retriever

Hey there, fellow animal lovers! It’s me, Barbara!

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve had, or currently have, a four-legged family member who is basically the center of your universe. You know the one. The dog who does that adorable “zoomie” dance the second you pick up the leash, or the cat who treats your laptop like a personal heating pad. They aren’t just pets; they are FUR BABIES in our lives!

But here’s the tough part, and I’m going to be real with you: saying goodbye to our furry besties is one of the hardest things we ever have to do. It’s a specialized kind of heartache that hits you right in the soul. For a long time, the traditional way to honor a pet was… well, a bit somber. A simple framed photo, maybe a little box on the shelf. And while those are sweet, I always felt like something was missing.

How do you capture that SPARK? That wiggle? That “I-just-stole-a-sock” glint in their eyes?

That’s where pet memorial art comes in, and let me tell you, it is a game-changer! Today, I want to talk to you about why moving toward vibrant, joyful art is the BEST way to keep the spirit of your best friend in your home.

It’s All About the ENERGY!

You see, traditional photos are great, but sometimes they just feel a bit… flat. They capture a moment, but they don’t always capture the personality. When I sit down to create a GeoCubist animal painting, I’m not just looking at a reference photo. I’m looking for the energy!

My GeoCubist style is all about movement and bold, vibrant colors. We’re talking turquoise, fiery oranges, and deep, luscious reds! When you look at a piece of pet memorial art in this style, it doesn’t say “I’m sad they’re gone.” It screams “LOOK AT HOW FABULOUS THEY WERE!”

Cat Painting — Perfect art for the feline lover in your life.

By using geometric shapes and expressive contours, we can highlight the things that made your pet special. Was your cat a little bit “puzzled” by life? We can show that! Was your dog the king of the couch? We can make him look like the absolute legend he was!

Healing Through Color (Yes, Really!)

I truly believe that color has the power to heal. When you are grieving, the world can feel a bit gray. Bringing a piece of amazing art into your space that features your beloved pet in a rainbow of colors can actually shift the vibe of your entire room.

Instead of walking past a photo and feeling a pang of sadness, you walk past a vibrant, custom piece and think, “Oh, there’s my boy! Look at those bright blue ears!” It turns a moment of loss into a daily CELEBRATION. It’s about keeping that bond alive through a medium that feels as lively as they were.

The Magic of Custom Art Commissions

One of my favorite things to do is a Custom Commission Work of Art. Every single animal is different, so why should their memorial be generic? ABSOLUTELY NOT!

When we work together on a commission, it’s a total collaboration. You tell me about their quirks, their favorite spots, and their “I’m-innocent” face. Then, I get to work weaving all that personality into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Color My Dachshund — Color My World with Dachshunds Contemporary Painting

Take this little guy, for example! A dachshund isn’t just a “long dog”, they are a bundle of playful geometry! By breaking down their form into vibrant segments, we celebrate their unique structure and spirit. This kind of pet memorial art becomes a conversation starter. People won’t just say “I’m sorry for your loss”; they’ll say “WOW, who is that ROCK STAR on your wall?”

A Lasting Legacy for the Whole Family

Let’s be honest, our pets are often the glue that holds the family together. They are there for the breakups, the promotions, the lazy Sunday mornings, and every “bad day” in between. A custom portrait isn’t just decor; it’s a legacy piece.

I’ve had clients tell me that their GeoCubist portraits have become cherished family heirlooms. They are the pieces that stay on the wall through moves and life changes because they represent a love that is, quite frankly, GOLDEN.

Whether it’s a Pug with a personality larger than life or a stately Labrador, these paintings serve as a permanent anchor for your memories. They remind us that while our four-leggeds might not be physically with us, their vibrant energy is still right there, brightening up the hallway.

Why GeoCubism is the Perfect “Vibe” for Memorials

You might be wondering, “Barbara, why the geometric shapes?”

Well, I’ll tell you! GeoCubism allows us to see things from multiple perspectives at once. It’s modern, it’s edgy, and it’s deeply expressive. It takes the “realistic” and turns it into something “artistic.” When we lose a pet, our memories of them are a patchwork of moments, the way they tilted their head, the way they barked at the mailman, the way they snuggled.

My art mimics that! It’s a patchwork of color and shape that comes together to create a whole, beautiful picture. It’s sophisticated enough for a high-end gallery but playful enough for a cozy living room. It’s the perfect way to say, “This pet was a work of art.”

Barbara Rush with an Awesome Aussie Painting

Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together!

If you’re looking for a way to honor your best friend that feels as big and bright as the love you shared, I would be ABSOLUTELY THRILLED to help you. Whether you want to browse my current Themed Collections or you’re ready to start a custom art commission, there is something so special about finding the perfect piece that “just fits.”

Don’t let your memories stay tucked away in a digital cloud on your phone. Bring them out into the light! Let’s turn those memories into a vibrant explosion of color that makes you smile every single time you walk by.

If you want to learn more about my process or just want to say hi, head over to my About Me page and let’s get to know each other!

Love to you all and your fabulous four-legged family members,

🙂 BR

About the Author: Barbara Rush

Barbara Rush is the creator of GeoCubist Animal Art. With a mastery of the GeoCubist style, Barbara transforms the traditional animal portrait into a vibrant, modern exploration of form and color. Her work is celebrated by art collectors and animal enthusiasts alike for its ability to capture the “living energy” of pets. Specializing in art commissions, Barbara has spent years helping families honor their beloved companions through fine art that is as unique and expressive as the animals themselves. Based on a foundation of joy and community, her work is for those people who believe that art: and pets (make the world a much brighter place.)