Capturing the Soul of an Animal Through Art, by Sara Valderrama

The first art book I ever got was titled “How To Draw Horses” and it was a gift from my parents when I was just 6 years old. It bridged two of my budding interests (now lifelong loves) ─ animals and art. I drew hundreds of horses throughout my childhood. I didn’t realize it then, but that was the first step of a journey that I’ve finally returned to so many years later.

Love of Animals

My love for animals is probably the first trait I recognized in myself growing up. I asked to pet every dog we passed on the street. At friends’ houses, I always wanted to include their pets in our games. At my own house, I begged and begged for a cat or a dog, and eventually was rewarded with two pet rats, Socks and Muffin. 

The second I graduated college and was on my own, I adopted Leela, my loving companion and favorite portrait subject. She has taught me so much in our almost 8 years together. We’ve grown up alongside each other ─ going through COVID and career changes, moving house to house throughout the Bay, and learning how to handle the quirks of life with a rescue pup. 

Looking Back and Looking Forward

Looking back, I think I was always meant to be an artist. At first, I did the practical thing studying software engineering in college and then working in big tech for 4 years. I loved the element of creation involved in my work, but over time I found that it lacked the deeper purpose that I need to thrive. In 2023, I was laid off, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

The time off forced me to think about why life wasn’t adding up. It felt like I’d been doing everything I should do for my entire adulthood, but I still wasn’t fulfilled. Attempting to reimagine what life could be, I returned to my passion for art and decided to make that my new direction. I hadn’t been creative for almost a decade, yet it felt so natural to begin painting and drawing again. Just as in childhood with my horse drawing book, animals were the focus ─ horses, wolves, cats, dogs, mice, you name it. It felt like something unlocked in me that had been waiting patiently to move onto center stage all those years.

Returning to My Roots

It’s been just under three years since I officially started S. Valdy Art. My work centers around wildlife paintings and pet portraits. Pet portraits are a particular favorite because each one holds a story and a deeply meaningful connection. These animals are not just adjacent to our lives, they’re family members and loved ones. It’s both an honor and a blessing to be able to celebrate those relationships with my clients.

I always ask for the pet’s story along with reference photographs. While the portrait needs to physically look like the pet, my main goal is to go beyond that to capture their essence. “How did they come into your life?” “How have they changed you?” “What silly nicknames do you call them?” I want to see them through your eyes, fall in love with them the same way you have, and then recreate that vision on the canvas. 

Alfred’s Portrait

I’ve found that it’s not just the art that’s meaningful in my new career. The human connections and relationships I’ve formed in pursuing what I love are some of the most meaningful of my life.

Around a year ago, we moved to Foster City where I met my neighbor Melissa, animal lover and long-time volunteer at PHS-SPCA. She shared her story about her soul dog, Alfred, who transitioned 3 years ago but still crosses her mind every day. He means the world to her, and she’d been looking for a charcoal artist to capture his spirit. Charcoal just happens to be my favorite medium, so it really felt meant-to-be. 

Alfred’s portrait is one of the most personal I’ve ever done. Though I never met him, his impact on Melissa shines through in how she speaks about him and continues to celebrate and remember him. I’m honored she trusted me to create this piece for her, and I’m infinitely grateful to Alfred for bringing us together in his own way.

Authentically Me

Three years ago if you'd asked me where I’d be today, I couldn’t have imagined that I’d be creating wildlife and animal art full-time. I’m so grateful I took the leap of faith and trusted the instincts pulling me towards my passion. Leaning into that fully and authentically was the best decision I ever made.

And it’s the one thing I would tell myself if I was starting out again. Follow that bit of you that’s true. The right people will gravitate to you, the right opportunities will present themselves, and you’ll end up right where you were meant to be.

Note: Looking for someone to capture your pet in a piece of art that you can cherish over time? Reach out at svaldyart@gmail.com or through Sara’s website www.svaldyart.com.

Testimonial from Melissa: "When Sara did Alfred’s commission, I sent her several pictures and trusted her, as the artist, to pick the best one. When she selected a photo that surprised me, she explained that she had selected it for the lighting, the way it brought a glow to him, for the serenity in his face. 'You can just tell that he loved his life,' she said. I so appreciated how she took the time to get to know Alfred and our connection. Occasionally there are happy coincidences in life. For me, meeting Sara was one of those. It was clearly meant to be."