Today we’d like to introduce you to Caryn.
Hi Caryn, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been an artist, but I’ve had to go down several roads to find the right creative lane. I’m grateful for the detours and wrong exits along the way. I’ve grown because of them.
I’m a trained pastry chef with a background in textile design. I moved here from New York City with my husband, an Atlanta native, in 2004. I opened a small bakery in midtown specializing in wedding and sculpted cakes as well as decorated cookies and cupcakes. For 10 years, I created hundreds of beautiful, delicious cakes that will live on in people’s memories and wedding albums. Still, the art itself was ephemeral—eaten only a short time after its unveiling! After having my daughter 15 years ago, I sold my bakery and happily became a full-time mom.
By 2020, I was ready to jump into something new. I wanted to create art that was lasting, expressive and meaningful to myself and others. Immediately, I thought of pet portraits. I asked my friend to send me a cute picture of her dog for my first subject. She loved the painting so much that she bought it! Then, another friend commissioned me and another and another.
Those early portraits led to more commissioned pieces of dogs, cats, horses, family homes, prized musical instruments, and even children and other family members. My clients have deep emotional connections with these subjects. They’re often tearful when they see the finished paintings for the first time. That tells me I’ve done a good job!
So, a few short years after baking my last cake, I am now creating art that has a very long shelf life. These are pieces that will be treasured and passed down to family or friends for generations to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Pet lovers gravitated toward my work immediately. Business skyrocketed for two years. Then, my father got sick and passed away. Everything fell by the wayside for a time. Rebuilding my momentum was difficult, but now I’m back up with new determination and enthusiasm.
Learning how to produce high-quality prints and greeting cards profitably has been challenging–and rewarding. I’m looking forward to launching more personalized applications of my artwork this year.
Another challenge is the necessity of maintaining a presence on social media. I’ve really had to work at it–and rely on my 15-year-old for invaluable assistance! I’m happy to report that my posts are getting better and getting more responses!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m best known for my pet portraits. I seek to capture my subjects as realistically as possible with a style that gives the portraits a painterly warmth. Most are acrylic on canvas. My favorite part is painting the eyes. They tell you so much and truly are windows to the soul. Being a dog mom myself, I’ve loved every single pet that I have painted. I get to know them so well without even meeting them. Some portraits that stand out are the senior pets–cataracts and all—and those pets that have crossed the rainbow. Those are very emotional for my clients. I’m touched and honored that they allow me to create such an important piece for them to have forever.
I also receive many commissions to paint portraits of homes. Until I was approached to do one, I’d never considered how many people would want such a painting. Now, I understand how meaningful it can be for someone who has moved from a long-time residence. It’s more than a house. It’s the setting of some of their most precious life memories. It’s a joy to capture the essence of their home so they can have it on the walls of their new house, assisted living residence, or wherever life takes them. Most of my family home landscapes are watercolors. While they’re still highly realistic, I enjoy incorporating the inherent flow and somewhat looser qualities of the watercolor medium.
In addition to my commissioned paintings, I’m now producing prints and making my artwork available in practical forms. For example, this year I launched a line of holiday greeting cards featuring some of my more whimsical dog paintings. It was so exciting to see people sending my cards out to their friends and families.
Going forward, I’d really like to explore mixed media and to expand the practical applications and licensing of my artwork. All the while, I want to keep creating paintings that have deep emotional meaning for my clients
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
When I combine my talents with my passions, I’m more productive, successful and happier.
I’m finally learning my strengths and have clearer goals set. So, 2026 is already a much more focused year for me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://carynnash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carynnashart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarynNashArt/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caryn-nash-8215353/
Image Credits
All images are owned by Caryn Nash Art
