“One Nation Under Dog,” an original by Nathan Janes
I was drawn (no pun intended) to my next interview subject because he feels the same way I do –heck, that most of us animal lovers do—about mistreated and abused animals. Where I react to it with words, he reacts with marvelous creations. That’s why it’s my pleasure to introduce to you Nathan Janes, the creator of Pop ARF.
I first became aware of his work right around the time all the Michael Vick stuff started. I decided to send him an email and see if he’d be willing to be interviewed for the Pets blog. (Well, I actually had Murphy do it. I thought it might help.) Murph did the trick. To my delight, Mr. Janes wrote right back and said he’d love to answer some questions.
This is the first of our two-part interview.
Courtney Mroch: What is Pop ARF?
Nathan Janes: Pop ARF is a creative way to describe my dog artwork. In fact, it is the title I have given to both my collection of paintings and to my website. I consider my art more along the lines of Fine Art than simply Pet Portraiture. My art is to dogs as Norman Rockwell was to people. Dogs are capable of being more than just a best friend. They can also be your masterpiece!
CM: What are some of the different reasons customers want portraits painted of their pets?
NJ: Most individuals want a portrait of their pet because they want to display the love that they have for the pet. Sure, you can put a photo of your pet up on the wall with the rest of the family photos but pets’ personalities seem to translate really well in paint. Pop art pet portraits serve as a way for individuals to add a fun art piece to their home, which also depicts the unique personality of their beloved pet. It’s like a two-for-one deal: a great pop art piece and a depiction of your best friend for you to enjoy for years to come.
CM: How long have you been offering this service?
NJ: I started my career in painting four-legged subjects about three years ago. Having rescued my two pets, I am particularly touched by dogs that were once neglected or abused but now lead healthy and happy lives with loving families. I feel it is my responsibility to speak for dogs and to educate and encourage others to choose adoption as a way to find a new pet. As an artist, I try to communicate this message every chance I get. Many of the dogs I have painted have been in shelters and I use my website as a means for telling each of these dogs’ stories.
CM: How’s business going? (How popular is the pet-portrait market? How has business progressed over the years?)
NJ: Pop ARF is growing in popularity. In the three years that I have been painting my Pop ARF artwork, I have been featured in over 15 national and international publications. In the United States today, there is a growing phenomenon of pets being treated as family members. Americans spend approximately $38.4 billion annually for gourmet food, cosmetic services, health care, and specialty items like pet portraits for their pets. Based on this trend, I believe that pet portraits will continue to be a popular way for Americans to incorporate the love they have for their pet into the artwork of their home.
Although a number of the pieces that I produce are commissioned works of individuals’ pets I have also found that many art collectors who may not even have a particular love for dogs are also interested in my work. Many collectors see my paintings as valuable fine art investments. I believe that these collectors have an appreciation for my unique style. When I have exhibited my work in the past I have heard from both collectors and artists alike that the controlled line work and colors used in my works make them unique and appealing.
CM: Where do you get your inspiration from? Do you have dogs that are models? Or do you just work from photos?
NJ: I basically get my inspiration from everything in life that surrounds me and affects me in some way, be it emotionally, visually, or politically.
My subjects are not always ‘real’ dogs. Some of my subjects are not people’s pets at all but merely characters I create and then put to canvas. I often notice certain distinct quirks about dogs I meet and later, blend them into a Pop ARF pooch. I love to portray dogs in uncommon ways while sending messages that go deeper than what may be expected from dog art. Among my works with such a message is ‘Rosie’, a painting that communicates tolerance, respect and care for both the human race and animals as well. One of my missions is to make more people aware of dog art and make it just as mainstream as art of flowers, landscapes, people, and wildlife.
CM: Any plans for Pop MEOW? Or are you more of a dog fella? (It’s fine to admit if you’re not a cat person. Families.com Pets Blog readers are a very understanding and varied sort.)
NJ: Yes, I am more of a dog fella indeed. I guess you could say I am not currently a cat person. We are worlds apart in our relationship. I really don’t understand them just yet. Maybe someday I will.
However, I do plan to incorporate more cats in the future. I just seem to generally envision a dog first for any concept or idea that I think of for a painting. When the purr-fect idea for a cat painting hits me, I’ll make sure to create it! People can always commission me to paint a cat at any time too!
The interview will be continued in Part II, where Mr. Janes gets a little more personal…
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