From Dogs Playing Poker by Cassius Marcellus Coolidge to a Jeff Koons Balloon Dog Sculpture that sold for 54 million, animal art is everywhere.
But, we wondered if there are animal artists. That is, are there pets out there creating art?
So we went looking for an answer. And we found a lot of creativity among our furry friends.
The following is just a short list:
1) Dagger. Lab mix, Dagger, was going to be a highly trained Assistance Dog for Canine Companions for Independence, but showed an interest in painting to his owner. Now his paintings go from $50 to $200 on the NewYork art scene, with the proceeds going to Canine Companions for Independence. What does a Dagger original look like? The talented pup seems to favor abstracts with thick brush strokes (which he creates holding brush in his teeth) and bright colors (including pinks, yellows and light greens). You can click on the link to see some examples.
2) Clifford. Over in Michigan is Clifford, a horse who also paints. The chestnut brown Morgan horse creates his art by standing at a table pushing a sponge covered in bright paint around a piece of paper. Apparently, he has been painting for nine years. Clifford has also been busy making hundreds of appearances at libraries, schools and events around Michigan and the United States, and receiving the 2018 Hall of Fame Award from the Equus Foundation. His owner is proud that besides sharing his art, he also helps teach empathy to many.
“I try to have a message that’s going to stick with people. If you really listen (animals) will tell you what they’re thinking, but you have to be able to have that kind of an ear. It’s not that hard. It’s just a matter of paying attention. I don’t think anybody forgets Clifford, so it’s a chance to make that impact.” — Clifford’s owner Nancy Bailey, U.S. News and World Report
3) Bini the Bunny. Bini is a Holland Lab Rabbit who can hold paintbrushes and pens in his mouth and hop up and down to create all kinds of abstract lines and strokes, all while wearing the cutest little painting jacket and cap we have ever seen! Click on the link for his name to see his youtube video or here for his official website, at which you can even buy his framed paintings. (We so need to teach our pets to paint!)