Kris Robinson has been an artist all her life and shares her studio with two Exotic cats called Moki and Tofu. Currently based in Vancouver, BC, she busies herself painting exquisite custom portraits for pet owners. Each canine painting conveys enormous character and bold style and all become instant visual attractions suitable for any space. 

Kris’ latest project, entitled “Hero” is a tribute to the Whistler sled dogs and is a limited edition print. 50 per cent of the print’s sales through Kris’ website will be donated to help rehabilitate abused animals, making this a piece of art with significant impact on multiple levels (by the way, we highly recommend “Hero” as a holiday gift this year!)

I’m delighted to bring you a one-on-one interview with Kris this morning, who poetically discusses passion, fate, how to get started as an artist and, of course, her love of pets. Keep reading!

1) Can you describe your painting journey. What made you pursue it as a career?
I’ve known since about the age of four that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. I spent my childhood sketching, colouring, painting, and working with any medium that allowed me to be creative.

I majored in Environmental Design at the Ontario College of Art & Design and then went overseas to earn my Masters degree in Design at Dundee University in Scotland. I returned to Canada and worked briefly as an Interior and then Industrial Designer. I enjoyed what I was doing but felt that I wanted something more from my work, something a little more fulfilling. I also wanted to be my own boss and be able to call the shots — being a full time artist would give me that freedom. I had decided that I was going to leave my full time job in a design studio to pursue painting, what I had always wanted to do. I think it was meant to be because once I had made the decision to leave the studio closed down. I think it was fate’s way of saying, “you’re on the right track, go with it.”

2) Why did you decide to paint dogs?
At the time that I decided to paint dogs I was doing regular volunteer work with shelter dogs. I wanted to do what I could to help animals, but also knew that I needed them as much as they needed me. I wanted a dog of my own so badly and if it were up to me I would have given a shelter dog (or two!) a home. Unfortunately, I was unable to because I was living in an apartment with a strict no pets policy. I started painting dogs as a way of satiating my desire to have one of my own, it was an outlet for me. At first it was just for my own enjoyment, but once my work started to be seen I realized that people were experiencing the same joy I was. Dogs have an innate ability to make people happy and that’s what I love about painting them.

Robinson’s painting “Hero” in honour of the Whistler sled dogs.


3) I’m sure you’re asked this a lot, but why paint dogs when you have cats?
I have to admit that there’s a bit of irony in this, but there’s a level of responsibility and care that goes with dog ownership that my schedule just can’t accommodate right now. One day though I definitely plan on adding a few dogs to my animal family.


4) What is your painting style?
My style is very contemporary. I take a lot of influence from graphic design and paint by colour blocking, which is essentially creating a painting as a series of shapes with each individual shape having its own colour. There is an abstractness to my paintings although I aim for a high level of realism, I want the dogs to be recognizable. Very recently someone described my work as having ‘the cheek of Warhol and the smooth colour blocking of vector art’. I am nothing short of honoured to have my name even put in the same sentence as Warhol’s! I think my work carries the pop art vibe because I like to play with bold and bright colours. It’s all about fun; I have fun painting and I like for people to have fun looking at my work. 

Moki

5) If you and your pets were a paint colour, which colour would you each be and why?

Tofu is purple because she can be extremely reserved and independent, but has another side that loves to play and be a clown, she’s a bit of a comedian.  Moki is dark pink, because has an incredible ability to sense people’s feelings and is the most affectionate animal I have ever met. I call her my soul pet.
My paint colour is turquoise, because it represents creative expression and original thinking, and I think as an Artist I’m challenged to do that every day.

6) What advice would you give a person who was just starting to paint?
Just have fun with it. There’s no right or way way to create art and that’s what’s so great about it. Find something you love, something with meaning to you and use that as your subject matter, your passion will come through in your painting.

7) Where do you find your creative inspiration?
Animals give me inspiration. When I meet new animals I can’t help but pay close attention to their personality, demeanour, and physical characteristics and imagine how I might translate that to a painting.

8) What are the ideal studio conditions for Kris Robinson to paint a masterpiece?
There are a few things that I like to have in order to feel inspired to paint and get myself into ‘the zone’. The first is music. Painting can be an isolating activity so I love having music playing in the background, something to entertain me. The second is that I like to be wearing comfy clothes; yoga pants, hoodies, anything cozy and relaxed. I also have to admit that on occasion I paint in my pajamas, it feels surprisingly freeing! And the last is of course have Tofu and Moki nearby. They usually follow me into my studio and sleep there for most of the day. I think they may be aspiring artists because I can’t count how many times they have jumped into my paint palette covering their paws in some vibrant shade of acrylic paint, quickly running away and leaving a trail of brightly coloured paw prints behind them.

Tofu

9) What is your proudest accomplishment to date?
I’ve done a few small group shows over the past couple years but my first solo exhibition ‘A Celebration of Dogs’ just opened at Nyree Hazelton Arts in Vancouver. Opening night was an extremely proud time for me, I had worked so hard to get there. Friends, family, people who admired my work, and even dogs come out to support me and share in the celebration.

10) What is your pets’ idea of great fun?
Exotic cats have interesting quirks and they often behave more like dogs than cats. Moki’s idea of fun is chewing on anything metal; tape measures and utensils are among her favourites. While Tofu likes to chase tin foil balls and amazingly taught herself to fetch, but will only bring the ball back if it’s red.

11) What is your perfect non-painting day?
It would have to be some sort of outdoor adventure. I live in a mountain town which has it claim to fame as being the Recreation Capital of Canada and the Mountain Bike Capital of North America. I feel extremely lucky to have so many activities right in my backyard. The day would start with a morning of mountain biking, followed by an afternoon of skiing or hiking, and end with an evening of relaxation in one of the local hot springs.

12) If you and your pets were painted in a portrait, what would the name of that work of art be?
The piece would be called ‘A Modern Family Portrait’. I never thought I would say this because I’ve always considered myself as dog person but Tofu and Moki really are my world. They’re my family and I often refer to them as my furkids. I wonder how it’s possible that two small creatures can bring so much happiness. They make me laugh (often) and are just so incredibly loyal and loving. If I could add them to my family tree I would!

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Huge thanks to Kris, Tofu and Moki for taking the time to speak with Pawsh! Be sure to visit her website to see more of her amazing work!

If you have a career you love and a pet who you love even more write to us at [email protected] and you could be featured next!