San Diego Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist

Hi, I’m Rachel Bowman! I grew up in a small town, nestled in the beautiful high Sierra mountains. My childhood was filled with backpacking trips, hiking adventures, and the incredible gift of having wildlife right outside my back door. That connection to nature sparked my deep love for both the outdoors and drawing wildlife. Over the years, my beloved pets—both cats and dogs—have also inspired me to create heartfelt portraits that capture their unique personalities. Art has been a lifelong passion, and though I’m largely self-taught, I’ve explored countless mediums over the years. My journey began with colored pencils, and it’s always been my dream to work as a professional artist.

These days, I live in sunny San Diego, California, with my wonderful husband and our two sweet cats. After spending a few years as a software engineer, I realized that my heart truly belonged to the world of art and made the leap to pursue it full-time. I have been doing colored pencil pet portraits since 2016 and now primarily work with soft pastels and acrylics, capturing the vibrant energy of pets and wildlife. I still love hiking and spending time outdoors—whether it’s sketching at a park, painting near the beach, or finding inspiration during a visit to the zoo. Nature continues to fuel my creativity and keeps me grounded.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand my wildlife collection and offer more prints of my favorite works. I’m also passionate about teaching and sharing my love for art through paint and sip classes. If you’d like to stay updated on my latest creations, upcoming events, or special sales, you can follow me on Instagram or sign up for updates on my website. I’m also available for commissions—whether it’s a piece featuring wildlife, a stunning landscape, or a meaningful pet portrait. Thank you so much for reading and supporting my journey as an artist!