CAROL DUGAN
Carol Dugan is a freelance illustrator based in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, who specializes in pet portraits.
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CREATIVE STATEMENT
As far back as I can remember, I have always had a passion for art in combination with a competitive athletic spirit. I am a former Div. I basketball player and coach from the University of Pittsburgh where I graduated with a degree in Studio Arts. Throughout my twenty-five year coaching career, I continued to fuel my creative passion by designing media publications as well as numerous private portrait commissions. When working on a pet portrait, it is important for me to get to know the personality through stories from the owner. It truly helps to get a “feel” of the uniqueness of each pet. My goal for the pet owner is to achieve more than a likeness. I begin with many quick studies in order to understand the personality, the unique gestures or traits such as the subtle nuances in the expression in their eyes or the movement and patterns in their fur. I believe my process is rooted in a traditional approach. Though many of my pet portraits are in black and white, I also love to work in watercolor. Many times I will combine mediums and even if the desired piece is B/W, I will begin with a watercolor wash. I am eternally grateful to my father, Dick Dugan, the famed sports cartoonist at the Cleveland Plain Dealer for 38 years, for his inspiration and as my sole teacher in a variety of techniques, but most fondly remembered in the technique of watercolor wash.
RECENT CLIENTS
- various private commissions
Q&A
Which is your most memorable commission?
There is honestly something unique and exciting in each commission. I think the desire to accomplish my ultimate goal of wanting the inner spirit and light of my subject, whether it’s a cat or dog or horse to shine through and for the owner to “feel it”…..mission accomplished!
Which do you prefer dogs or cats?
It is ironic that many of my pet portraits are dogs….though, I truly don’t have a preference. In fact, my short haired black cat “Rocky” (yes..a southpaw) just may give me a left hook if I answer that.
Which is your favorite breed?
Golden Retriever.