Veterinarian Artists: Life at the Intersection of Art and Science

JAVMA cover, “"Veterinarian and Assistant” painting: Dr. Ken Gorczyca

I am a veterinarian, and I am an artist. While many people are surprised by this combination, it’s one shared by a growing community of creative individuals within the veterinary field. And not surprisingly, dogs and other animals frequently inspire and feature prominently in our artwork.

Growing Up with Art and Animals

Like most veterinarians, I was fascinated by animals from an early age and wanted to immortalize my furry companions as best I could. My childhood artistic journey began with simple crayon sketches of my beloved dog, Candy, and my goldfish, Goldie. But my passion for art truly ignited when my grandfather introduced me to paint-by-numbers, which quickly became a favorite pastime. Through these little dime store kits, I learned that dabs of color could create a personal masterpiece. 

While the younger me was living in Denver as an army brat, my mother won our family’s first color television at a bingo game. My three siblings and I were captivated by the bright, colorful animal cartoons we saw on that low-res screen. I especially loved the Disney cartoons featuring Goofy and Mickey Mouse, iconic characters known for their lively animation and universal appeal, resonating with both children and adults through their distinct human-like traits and adventures. Other favorites included the timid Great Dane Scooby-Doo and Snoopy, the anthropomorphic Beagle created by Charles Schulz. These early cartoon friends gave me my first insights into animal art and continue to inspire me today.

Driven by my passion for animals, I went on to study veterinary medicine while continuing my artistic pursuits on the side. Studying animal anatomy introduced me to scientific illustration, where artists collaborate with veterinarians to produce detailed anatomical drawings for educational purposes. Observing the interiors of animal bodies, including skeletons and soft tissue, often involved creating beautiful renderings of the entire animal. For me, this collaboration bridged the gap between art and science, fostering a deeper appreciation for dogs in both fields. 

Canine Art Through the Ages

As my art practice evolved, I began to paint my own beloved animal companions:  Morticia, my black cat; Teva, my terrier; and Kira, my soul dog. I also began to explore the rich history of dog art through the ages. 

In fact, dogs and art have been with us from human’s earliest days. Some of the best examples of early canine art are the Egyptian hieroglyphs and Mesopotamian carvings, which associate dogs with loyalty and protection. These ancient representations laid the groundwork for the future appreciation of dogs in art. 

The Renaissance period saw a significant increase in animal representation in art, including dogs. As the centuries passed, canines were painted with greater detail and emotion, often capturing their roles as companions, hunters, or herders. With this growing trend came an increased interest in realism and anatomy. 

In the modern era, many of us may be familiar with Keith Haring’s dog art, which reflects his signature style characterized by bold lines, bright colors, and energetic forms. Haring had an ability to convey emotion and movement with minimal detail, often using animal imagery, including dogs, to express themes of love, companionship, and joy. He engaged viewers in a dialogue about community, identity, and the importance of compassion, and he believed in the power of art as a vehicle for societal change. 

Another favorite current artist is David Hockney, who often painted his beloved dachshund Stanley, capturing the intimate relationship between dogs and their owners. In modern art, dogs serve not just as subjects but also as vehicles for deeper reflections on life, society, and our connections with nature.

Veterinary Artists Today

Today, a vibrant community of veterinary artists has emerged, sharing and promoting their art to exemplify the diverse ways veterinary knowledge and artistic expression can intersect. These artists create works that not only celebrate animals but also educate the public about their care and welfare, continually pushing the boundaries of art and veterinary science. 

For the past 50 years, the cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association has featured animal art, often showcasing creations from within the veterinary community. More recently, veterinary artists have come together to establish VETartNOW, which produces an annual art show by veterinarians. We’re also seeing more art fundraisers and art shows from the veterinary community around the country to support animal causes.

As a working artist and veterinarian, I’ll be forever grateful to my grandfather for guiding my passions and helping me discover this unique blend of art and science. Today, I offer commissioned portraits for my end-of-life veterinary clients, helping people to memorialize their cherished pets. I also paint animals with an ecological focus. 

For me and for my fellow veterinary artists, medicine, art, and dogs are all intimately connected. It’s a heartfelt blend of art and science - and, of course, love.