"I believe that generations from now a person should be able to look at a (pet) portrait and have some idea as to the century in which it was painted. Traditionally, portraits have not only been likenesses of people but historical records of times past. A person's style of (collar) dress, the way they are posed and significant objects in the painting give us at least a glimpse of time and place, the subject's personality and the reality of their lives. I believe this should hold true for 21st century portraits as well."
Ms. Semmes was born in Charlottesville, Virginia. She attended the Madeira School and Hollins College where she majored in Visual Arts. After college, her love of animals and long interest in equestrian sports inspired a five year foray in Animal Sciences. During this time, she worked as a veterinary surgical nurse in both small animals and equine practices.
Ms. Semmes then moved to Key Biscayne, Florida and began a fifteen year career as a commercial artist, but moved onto portraiture obtaining commissions in Miami and Palm Beach. Often she included her clients with their pets in her murals and portraits. From there it was a natural progression to painting commissioned pet portraits. Her painting style, particularly her dog portraits, has been described as “soulful” and “having an almost religious quality”.
Her clients include collectors across the country. Ms. Semmes’ most recent commissioned portraits of twin Jack Russell Terriers for the fashion designers, "D Squared" of Milan, Italy has earned her international notoriety.
As one of the most prominent dog artists in the country, Faith’s true likeness and understanding of her subjects brought not only joy to her clients, but love and happiness to those most dear to her. |
