Sandra Charlap

Why are you creative? Everything I do is visual. I love having outlets to express what I see.

Where did you go to school? I studied illustration at the Parsons School of Design in NYC.
 
What was your first pet’s name? The lovely Miss Margaret. A beagle.
 
What made you decide to paint pets in the first place? Why not landscapes or flowers or people? It started with a portrait of a Boston Terrier; people were really responsive to it. But I do paint those other things, too.

Why watercolor? After many years and trying many different materials, this is where I get the truest, most vivid images. Plus I have a real affinity for the medium.

How would you describe your artistic style? I am always trying to render things exactly as I see them, so in that way I am a failed photo realist! But what comes out is usually a quirky, more heartfelt rendition of whatever it is that I'm painting.

Who or what influences your creativity? Everything! Sometimes listening to music, or turning my head a little to the left. Many painters and photographers knock me senseless: Wayne Thiebot, Lucien Freud, Alice Neel, Nan Goldin...lots!
 
Who is your pettish muse? Our puppy Maizy.
 
What is your favorite pet memory? That Margaret, my childhood beagle had to live her life wearing her leash. She was such a door dasher that we would leave her leash on so we could catch her.
 
What's the strangest pet you've ever heard of? A woman around the corner from me has 5 blue tongued skinks. She adores them. I think that 2 started off as pets for her sons, but you know how that goes!
 
What’s the strangest pet you ever got asked to paint? None yet, bring it on!

Is there any kind of pet you won't paint? Can't imagine so.
 
What is your favorite pet portrait? A greyhound by Lucien Freud.
 
What’s your pet cause? I love the no kill animal shelter around the corner from where we live. They are a devoted, and passionate bunch of animal lovers, who really pour their hearts and souls into saving these abondoned pets. The have drivers making the journey to Kentucky, West Virginia, and other spots throughout the country, picking animals up from the kill shelters and bringing them here for adoption. I donate 5% from all my portraits to them.
 
What’s your pet peeve? Nose pickers and eating in bed.
 
Do you believe in heavy petting? Hell, yes!

Why do people look like their pets? We don't get out enough? We love ourselves? We love pets that look like ourselves?

Do you know any stupid pet tricks? Met a dog in the city the other day that drops and rolls when you point a fake gun and say "bang".

How do you know when a painting is done? Hard to say. It feels complete. Kind of like when you're getting dressed and putting on your make-up. At some point you get up and walk out the door.

Proudest achievement? I’ve sold stuff to ABC Carpet & Home, Neiman Marcus and Barneys; had my work published in Metropolitan Home and Bon Appetit, but I’d have to say I’m most proud of my two daughters.

What's the best compliment you've ever received? When my daughter Sophie walks people around our house showing them all the stuff I paint and draw.

Do you have a pet name? Blanche.