About The Artist

Why I started

I started painting simply because I love animals. It began when I painted a friend's pet and, surprisingly, it captured not just the likeness, but the animal's very soul. That moment sparked a mission.

Fur and Feather by Felice exists to celebrate the profound connection we have with our companions and raise awareness for those who are struggling. It truly breaks my heart when animals are suffering due to captivity, mistreatment, or abuse. My lifelong compassion for animals—which guided my personal lifestyle choices, including the decision to become vegetarian—is the engine behind my work.

By painting these unique portraits, I hope to share the story and dignity of every creature, from beloved house pets to wild animals in need, and hopefully, make a real difference one painting at a time.

Artist Experience & The Ethical Foundation

My love for art is rooted in my childhood in the Philippines. I grew up surrounded by creativity, constantly seeing my father, an accomplished Oil and Acrylic Portrait Painter, at work. Though he never formally taught me, I absorbed the rhythm of an artist's life, with canvases and paints always at hand.

I later pursued formal training, graduating with a Fine Arts degree in Advertising. This background provided a strong foundation in design, composition, and visual impact.

After moving to San Francisco, my mind was opened to the possibilities of vegan food and sustainability. Witnessing the ease and prominence of vegetarian/vegan choices and seeing the passion of the many locals advocating the animal welfare movement confirmed a realization: I cannot truly say "I love animals" if I continue to eat them. I have been a devoted vegetarian ever since. This love extends beyond food; my daily purchases are mindful, prioritizing vegan, cruelty-free, and sustainable options whenever possible. This ethical commitment to animal welfare is the driving force behind my decision to use my artistic talent for advocacy and awareness.

While my artistic environment and formal studies provided the foundation, the detailed technique of watercolor portraiture I use today is entirely self-taught. This medium truly captured my heart, allowing me to create the realistic textures and luminous "soul" I seek in my subjects. After experimenting with landscapes and human portraits, animals quickly became my favorite subject—the perfect convergence of my passion for art with my life-long devotion to animal welfare.

Why Choose Fur and Feather by Felice?

My art aims to showcase a fundamental truth: animals are not just an accessory, a commodity, or a garment we wear. They are, like us, a vital part of this world, and our own survival is interconnected with theirs.

When you look at your painting, you see the beautiful animal that has a meaning far beyond any role we might force them into. I look forward to a world where humans and animals can coexist as nature intended.

By supporting Fur and Feather by Felice, you directly help me advance this advocacy—one painting at a time. Choosing a custom portrait means supporting Art with a Heartbeat and becoming a part of the movement toward greater animal welfare.