Expressive Portraits in Watercolor

I create watercolor portraits focused on emotion, color, and visible brushwork rather than photographic realism.

  • “We are beyond touched by the drawings. And even cried a little. Lucy was a special cat and we miss her every day. And the drawings are so special too.”

    —Vicke W., Washington State

    A memorial painting of their cat, Lucy

  • “Kirsten’s watercolor painting of my two beloved pups is detailed and stunning. As my pups are getting older, having this forever image of them is a cherished gift. Thank you, thank you!”

    —Kim J., Texas

    Proud mom to pups Mr. Higgon's and Ms. Liza

Hi, I’m Kirsten, the artist behind Whimsy Bird Creative. I create expressive watercolor portraits of people and animals, focusing on emotion, personality, and connection rather than photographic realism.

My work is rooted in figurative expressionism and shaped by over 15 years of experience in painting, drawing, and visual design.

Gunner the MinPin

Featured Pet Story

This is Gunner, a Min Pin who was adopted many years ago and was, quite literally, a loving little firecracker. When he first joined the family, his mom was living with several roommates, so he was surrounded by people who spoiled him and loved him dearly. Later, when his mom got married, Gunner gained a little Mini Greyhound companion, and the two quickly became inseparable.

Gunner was also known for his adventurous spirit. One day, he escaped the house by jumping through a partially open window. Remarkably, he only ended up with a slight limp and was later found down the street at a Mexican restaurant. Thanks to the identification on his collar, he was safely reunited with his family. After that, Gunner earned a reputation as quite the escape artist. He brought endless joy, love, and laughter to those around him and will always be deeply missed.

I'm a strong advocate for pets wearing collars with ID tags, but I also encourage microchipping, as it can provide an additional way to help bring them home safely.