This is not a art investment post today but instead a quality of life investment post. For many artists, the studio is a sacred space, a place of solitude, creativity, and focus. But for some of us, it’s also shared with a furry companion. Whether it’s a loyal dog curled up by the easel or a curious cat perched on the windowsill, having a studio pet can bring both joy and challenges.
The Pros
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Constant Companionship: Long stretches in the studio can sometimes feel isolating. A dog or cat brings warmth, presence, and the simple comfort of not being alone. I can attest that artists get a little nutty when they are solo for too long.
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Inspiration: Pets have a way of sneaking into our work—sometimes literally, as subjects in paintings or muses for character sketches. Their quirks and personalities can spark ideas we might not have found otherwise. Nathan's new show is a great example of this.
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Routine & Balance: Dogs especially encourage breaks. That nudge for a walk or a reminder that it’s dinnertime can pull us out of our artistic tunnel vision and give our minds a much-needed reset.
The Cons
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Distractions: A cat knocking brushes off the table or a dog barking at the mailman can snap you out of creative flow in an instant.
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Mess: Pet hair is the eternal enemy of a smooth varnish. It floats through the air and somehow finds its way into wet paint, no matter how careful you are.
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Studio Hazards: From knocking over a water cup to brushing against a freshly painted canvas, pets sometimes create accidents that no amount of planning could prevent.
Finding the Balance
For many artists, the companionship outweighs the complications. After all, the stray hairs can be plucked from varnish, the knocked-over jar can be cleaned, and the distractions are often outweighed by the joy of having a friend close by. A studio pet may not make the work easier, but they make the hours feel lighter.
We lost our very old dog Maya, she was 18, and now have a energetic new personal trainer named Halo. Halo is at my side with a ball in her mouth as I type this, telling me it's time to go to the beach with her eyes.
At the end of the day, art is about life and sharing life with a dog or cat, even in all their messy glory, makes the creative journey richer.
