My name is Michelle Karpus, and I am an animal portrait artist.
To me, art is a powerful form of communication—a way to represent the world and express what words often cannot. Just as mathematics poses questions and offers clear answers, art, too, can explore and respond to the mysteries of life. But unlike math, art does so in a more abstract, emotional way. It reflects life in ways that are deeply personal and intuitive.
I specialize in painting animals, particularly dogs and cats. I’m fascinated by the individuality of each creature; just like people, they possess unique personalities and emotional expressions. However, animals often convey their feelings in simpler, more direct ways. This emotional transparency draws me in and inspires my work. I aim to capture the essence of these feelings—joy, sadness, affection, vulnerability—through subtle gestures, a glint in the eye, or a brushstroke. Through this, I hope to create an emotional bridge between the viewer and the animal.
My preferred medium is acrylic on paper, and I focus on maintaining a consistent, high-quality texture in every layer. Colour plays a crucial role in my work. I love discovering the hidden colours in what might seem like a single shade—for example, a black dog isn’t just black. Look closely, and you’ll see hints of deep purple, blue, and varying tones of grey.
Beyond portraiture, I’ve created a series of “emotion cards” to help individuals—children, adults, and those with learning difficulties—identify and better understand their feelings. Drawing from my own experiences with mental health, I combine my artistic skills with therapeutic intent. By illustrating animals expressing human-like emotions and using colour expressively, I aim to offer an alternative, non-verbal tool for emotional support and self-discovery.
To me, art is a powerful form of communication—a way to represent the world and express what words often cannot. Just as mathematics poses questions and offers clear answers, art, too, can explore and respond to the mysteries of life. But unlike math, art does so in a more abstract, emotional way. It reflects life in ways that are deeply personal and intuitive.
I specialize in painting animals, particularly dogs and cats. I’m fascinated by the individuality of each creature; just like people, they possess unique personalities and emotional expressions. However, animals often convey their feelings in simpler, more direct ways. This emotional transparency draws me in and inspires my work. I aim to capture the essence of these feelings—joy, sadness, affection, vulnerability—through subtle gestures, a glint in the eye, or a brushstroke. Through this, I hope to create an emotional bridge between the viewer and the animal.
My preferred medium is acrylic on paper, and I focus on maintaining a consistent, high-quality texture in every layer. Colour plays a crucial role in my work. I love discovering the hidden colours in what might seem like a single shade—for example, a black dog isn’t just black. Look closely, and you’ll see hints of deep purple, blue, and varying tones of grey.
Beyond portraiture, I’ve created a series of “emotion cards” to help individuals—children, adults, and those with learning difficulties—identify and better understand their feelings. Drawing from my own experiences with mental health, I combine my artistic skills with therapeutic intent. By illustrating animals expressing human-like emotions and using colour expressively, I aim to offer an alternative, non-verbal tool for emotional support and self-discovery.
Please email: [email protected]
