As art lovers, we’re more than pleased to share a blog from Jon Kittleson, an artist specializing in portraits of dogs. Jon’s work is lively and fresh, and he receives commissions for his art from individuals across the country because he works primarily from photographs. (By the way, Jon creates portraits of cats, too, as well as other animals, including humans, when a portrait commission includes the pet’s family.)
Rhonda Deussen, one of Jon’s professors, said after his first art show, “Jon Kittleson’s style is reminiscent of Matisse and Chagall, his work is new and bold. I find his approach to his subjects to be at once original and fresh. I am proud of his work.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Jon, thanks for bringing so much joy into the world with your original work.
P.S. Interested in being a guest-blogger? Contact us.
The Power of Art
It seems eons ago that I enjoyed playing sports as a serious athlete. But when a bad wrestling accident in middle school left me partially paralyzed, my sports’ activities came to an end. I realized it was an opportunity to pursue my interest in art. I was fortunate to have excellent art instructors in high school, and I further developed my artistic talent at Tidewater Community College, where I received my associate’s degree in graphic arts.
Although I grew up in Virginia Beach, VA, I eventually moved to the Midwest to help my grandmother with the cattle farm my grandfather left behind. Thus my style as an artist has been inspired by the ocean, where I spent the first part of my life, and by rural midwestern subjects and landscapes, where I live now. My artwork is bold and vibrant, and I use a combination of acrylic paints and Sharpie oil-based paint markers to create colorful art that sparks joy.
As a young adult, I was diagnosed with rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism, a genetic condition that sets off a neurological and muscular disorder. It affects my balance and mobility but not my ability to create art. The physical challenges brought on by my condition inspired a love of volunteering, something I do with the Good Samaritan Society. I’ve loved getting to know these wonderful people, and as I share my art with the residents, I encourage them to keep creating beauty.
The year 2012 was a big one for me. I married the love of my life, and I officially started my business, People & Pets by Jon Kittleson. I soon realized I needed to learn how to run a business. Over time, I put up a website, www.jonkittleson.com, and created a presence on social media sites, Facebook and Instagram. Today, I send a monthly newsletter to approximately 900 dog owners, mostly from the contacts I’ve made at dog events.
For a while, I wasn’t sure of the type of art I wanted to create; it was my wife who gave me the idea of painting pets—and people, too. She suggested I attend dog events, such as dog shows, dog agility contests, dog training events, and so on, where I started to develop a clientele.
I believe art represents the power to overcome any challenge, mental or physical. It certainly has done that for me.
I currently live in Austin, Minnesota, and was named Best Local Artist for 2023 and 2024. Recently, I learned that I’ve been nominated for Best Local Artist for 2025. I’m overjoyed, and humbled, by this recognition. I’m doing work I love to do, while bringing joy to my fellow dog-lovers. I recently finished my 325th portrait commission. Life is good!
~ Jon Kittleson
Connect with Jon:
www.jonkittleson.com
http://www.facebook.com/jonkittleson.artist
http://www.facebook.com/jonkittleson.artisthttp://www.instagram.com/jonkittlesonartist
Use the Contact form on his website, https://jonkittleson.com/contact/
He will add your email address to his monthly newsletter mailing list.
Dear Readers:
We hope you’ve enjoyed getting a glimpse of Jon’s joyous artwork and are as moved by his personal story as we are. By the way, if there is someone on your annual gift list who is hard to shop for because he or she “has everything,” consider the gift of a custom, commissioned pet portrait. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift of love that will be cherished for years.