I create beautiful art for people who love their pets
Jim Carroll,
The Pet Impressionist
Welcome. I'm an artist who loves creating beautiful art for people who love pets and living life! I strive to capture portraits and scenes that evoke personal, meaningful memories for people.
Using your photos as reference, I create original, colorful paintings, as well as charcoal and graphite drawings.
Most of my work is commissioned, although I also enjoy exploring different subjects and techniques that are both meaningful and intriguing to me. I'm always learning something new.
To commission a piece, just contact me and let's talk. Thanks!
Email: jim@petimpressionist.com
Phone: (630) 677-9773
Follow me on IG and FB @petimpressionist
My Story
I realized I wanted to be an artist at age 6, when I flipped over a paint-by-numbers canvas and started painting my own scene on the blank side. My mom was wowed! Bless her heart for recognizing that I was "a creative", and continually encouraging me to develop my talent.
I started to win art contests in grade school, and eventually a citywide competition that awarded summer art classes at the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago!
After earning a BFA in Graphic Design from Drake University, I had a successful career in advertising, becoming a senior executive for Chicago marketing agencies, before retiring and exploring other creative avenues - such as rebuilding an abandoned 150 year-old house in Hinsdale, IL, and transforming it into a beautiful new 4-bedroom home with vintage charm.
In 2016, I dedicated myself to fine art and started The Pet Impressionist. Now based in Sarasota, I create commissioned pet portraits and other works, while also exploring new artistic expressions. My Muse (my wife) and I love to read and travel. We meet wonderful people while learning so much about different cultures, history and art.