Custom Dog Portraits in Oil by Marti Lipton-Kestermann

Marti Lipton-Kestermann

was born and raised in Southern California. In the early 80s she moved to Europe and married. She studied art for many years with the renowned artist, art therapist and Zen teacher, Gisela Drescher. She has taken part in several group exhibitions where she mainly exhibited large works of sculpture in bronze, wood, felt, wax and mixed media. The painting started quite by accident when she was commissioned to do a dog portrait. "I was intrigued and a little apprehensive, as I had formally studied sculpture, but as I began mixing the first colors and watching the little terrier face unfold, I knew this was going to be a labor of pure love.”

Word spread and Marti began receiving commissions from all over Europe and the US. Her clients appreciate her ability to so closely capture their pet’s likeness. “I have chosen to paint these portraits in a realistic style because it allows me to bring out the very subtle differences found in individual dog faces. A group of Chow Chows or Pugs may all look alike to the casual observer, but the owners cherish those tiny idiosyncrasies that distinguish their loved one.”

Painting these portraits has proved to be a rewarding experience for Marti. “I am commissioned to paint portraits of ‘family’ members who are loved, respected and often times, sorely missed. It is an honor for me to be part of an art that pays tribute to those marvelous animals whose unselfish and unconditional love for us help to make us better human beings."

		Marti Lipton-Kestermann was born and raised in Southern California. In the early 80s she moved to Europe and married. She studied art for many years with the renowned artist, art therapist and Zen teacher, Gisela Drescher. She has taken part in several group exhibitions where she mainly exhibited large works of sculpture in bronze, wood, felt, wax and mixed media. The painting started quite by accident when she was commissioned to do a dog portrait. "I was intrigued and a little apprehensive, as I had formally studied sculpture, but as I began mixing the first colors and watching the little terrier face unfold, I knew this was going to be a labor of pure love.” Word spread and Marti began receiving commissions from all over Europe and the US. Her clients appreciate her ability to so closely capture their pet’s likeness. “I have chosen to paint these portraits in a realistic style because it allows me to bring out the very subtle differences found in individual dog faces. A group of Chow Chows or Pugs may all look alike to the casual observer, but the owners cherish those tiny idiosyncrasies that distinguish their loved one.” Painting these portraits has proved to be a rewarding experience for Marti. “I am commissioned to paint portraits of ‘family’ members who are loved, respected and often times, sorely missed. It is an honor for me to be part of an art that pays tribute to those marvelous animals whose unselfish and unconditional love for us help to make us better human beings."