Allow me to introduce you to Bernadette Kazmarski, the creative Jill of all trades behind Portraits of Animals. I was introduced to Bernadette’s work through our mutual involvement in the cat blogging community (her blog is appropriately called The Creative Cat), and because we are both members of the Cat Writers’ Association (yes, such a thing really exists).

Kazmarski is a prolific artist whose media include writing, art, photography, and poetry. Her Etsy shop is filled with the feline-themed fruits of her labor, including prints, photos, greeting cards, and gifts, which are wonderful for Valentine’s Day and beyond.

Bernadette is a lifelong animal lover who credits her cats with giving her a career, so it’s no wonder that her beloved kitties figure so prominently into her designs. Her work is infused with warmth and love, as evidenced by pieces such as “Awakening” and “A Dozen Shades of Gray,” a sketch inspired by her cat, Jelly Bean. As the human of a black cat, I found myself particularly drawn to this pastel print, which perfectly captures the quiet complexity of our little house panthers.

Check in with Bernadette and her household of felines on her website, The Creative Cat, and visit the Portraits of Animals Etsy shop to see more of her delightful designs.