The cat you chose. The portrait you’ll cherish forever.
Bringing home a rescue cat or kitten changes your life in quiet, wonderful ways.
I'd love to create an original portrait that celebrates the cat or kitten who's become part of your family. As a thank you to Friends of Baltimore County Cats for helping you adopt your new family member, I'll donate 20% of every portrait purchased through this page back to FBCC to help more homeless cats and kittens find loving permanent homes.
Portraits available through this fundraiser are limited—you’ll be notified of your place on the waitlist.
When you opened your heart to a homeless cat, you changed two lives…theirs and yours.
The cat that found you.
When we adopt a rescue animal, we're never quite sure who's rescuing whom.
Somehow they become woven into our everyday routines, our happiest memories, and the quiet moments that make a house feel like home.
A portrait gives you something lasting from a season that never seems long enough.
I understand cats.
Every portrait is painted entirely by hand in acrylic paint on canvas from your photographs. If you're unsure which photos to send, I'll gladly help you choose the ones that tell your cat’s story best.
Every portrait helps another cat or kitten
When you commission your portrait through this page:
✓ Your portrait is painted by hand in acrylics on 1.5” thick canvas.
✓ Your pet’s likeness and your happiness is guaranteed.
✓ It arrives ready to hang or displayed on a flat surface.
✓ Insured shipping is included.
✓ 20% of your purchase goes directly to Friends of Baltimore County Cats.
It feels good knowing your portrait is helping another cat find the family they deserve because 20% of your purchase will be donated to Friends of Baltimore County Cats.
About the artist, Marla Rush Parnell
Vibrant colors make your pet’s portrait come alive through my style I call Colorful Realism. That means your pet’s portrait will look realistic, yet upon closer inspection, you’ll discover surprising notes of color woven throughout.
I’ve been painting portraits of pets of all kinds for over 30 years. Studies with nationally-known artists have resulted in my paintings of pets being accepted into national and international art competitions, winning First Place and Best In Show awards. I am honored to have one of my Sheltie paintings in the permanent collection of the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog in New York City.
I know you'll cherish your pet's portrait forever. In fact, I guarantee you will.
My studio is located in Bolivar, Missouri, and I easily ship to collectors all over the U.S. and Europe.
Choose your portrait size:
How it works:
Reserve
Click the See Sizes & Reserve Your Portrait button, decide on your size and purchase your portrait. I’ll be in touch.
Share
We’ll have a consultation call so that I can learn all about your cat and help you find just the right reference photos.
Approve
You get to see the finished portrait and suggest any minor revisions before I ship it to you, ready to display.
Enjoy
You’ll treasure your one-of-a-kind portrait of your cat for years to come.
What happy people say about my work:
“I’m absolutely in love with the paintings that Marla created. The quality of her work is amazing. She’s friendly, responds quickly and makes sure you get what you’ll be happy with! I highly recommend Marla!”
Ilya
“Amazing communication, super helpful and kind. Very fast turnaround and the painting is incredible! It looks just like the picture I gave her! Thank you for a wonderful experience from start to finish!”
Jamie
“Marla was wonderful to work with and offered great suggestions when I was unsure of which photos and colors. The portraits turned out stunning and very life like! They make a very unique gift that can be cherished forever.”
Amanda
Because of you, a cat who once had nowhere to belong now has a place to call home.
Let’s celebrate your cat!
Whether you've shared your life together for a few months or many years, I'll be honored to paint them.
Portraits available through this fundraiser are limited —you’ll be notified of your place on the waitlist.