Meet Rebecca Collins of Art Paw in East Dallas / Casa Linda

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Collins.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I create custom pet portraits by day and glass mosaics by night. The pet portraits keep me busy and are created from client snapshots. I create these works on the computer and print on artist grade canvas. My pet portraits ship all over the globe and I have a handful of commercial clients in the pet industry.

Art Paw was started 21 years ago with inspiration from my Scottie pup at the time Atticus. You can find samples of my portraits at artpaw.com. The glass mosaic work allows me time away from my computer and I really enjoy the meditative experience of piecing together a work of art one tiny tessera at a time. I also teach classes in mosaic art at the Creative Arts Center in Dallas.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have had a wonderful long career as a full-time artist. My largest hurdle was in 2015 when I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. I scaled back my commission work for a few years to focus one my health. My cancer is stable and I am feeling great and every day I spend in the studio is a good day. I currently divide my creative time between the pet portraiture and more personal fine art projects. An illness of this nature makes you realize what is important and at the end of the day art, pets and people are all that matters.

Please tell us about Art Paw.
Art Paw was a trailblazer and one of the first businesses of its kind way back in 1998. I am known for my bold colors. Because the paintings are digital, I am able to show a variety of looks and color variations to my clients. I am always so happy when I hear from clients from years ago that tell me they still love and cherish their pet portraits years after their pets have crossed the rainbow bridge.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My husband Dan Collins has been a constant support with all of my creative endeavors. He got our first website on-line and was very active helping in those early years when Art Paw was just getting off the ground. Later I always had part-time employees that would stretch the canvas and ship for me. Currently, I am running things on my own, but I know that my husband will have my back if I need help.

Pricing:

• Art Paw Pet Portraits vary in price from $280 to $1250 depending on size.

Contact Info:

• Address: 1247 North Selva Drive
• Website: http://artpaw.com
• Phone: 2143569695
• Email: artpaw@sbcglobal.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artpawpetportraits/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artpaw.fans/
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/rebeccacollins

Image Credit:
Kris Hundt (headshot)

Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.