Pet portrait artist Jack Taylor brings a trained designer’s eye and a lifelong love of animals to his pastel artwork. Formally educated at the Museum College of Art in Philadelphia (later known as the University of the Arts), Jack built a successful career in graphic design, holding art direction roles in both advertising and publishing. Today, he channels that professional experience into commissioned pet portraits, combining technical skill with a deep sensitivity to each animal’s unique character.
A Marple Township native, Jack attended the local schools here in Marple while he was growing up and graduated from Marple Newtown High School in 1961. His interest in art began after high school when he decided to attend art school in Philadelphia. “I had sketched a bit before that, but didn’t have much formal art training,” he recalled. “I was intrigued by graphic design, which led me to art school.” Although Jack’s focus was on graphic design, he had the opportunity to explore other mediums, which is when he discovered pastels.
The Vietnam War delayed Jack’s intention to go right into the workforce, as he joined the National Guard and served for six years. After that, he began a long and successful career in advertising and publishing. As an art director, he worked for a few different companies, including Rohm and Haas, AMCHAM magazine and Chilton, a major publisher headquartered in Radnor, PA. “What I enjoyed most about working in advertising was it was always changing,” he explained. “I also met a lot of nice people.” In fact, Jack met his wife Janet, a fellow designer, at Chilton and the couple has lived in Broomall for more than 40 years.
An animal lover and owner of two golden retrievers and a cat over the years, Jack discovered a passion for painting animals. “Animals mean a lot to the people who love them,” he said. “There is a joy honoring the bond between people and their pets.” Jack retired in 1998 and began painting pet portraits full-time. After what started as word of mouth, his sales began to grow, and many of his portraits were even displayed at Penn Medicine in Radnor. He’s painted everything from dogs and cats to large animals like horses.
Jack begins each portrait by photographing his subject himself, carefully capturing its form, mood and personality. He then works in pastel from his chosen image in his studio, creating detailed, expressive portraits that resonate with pet owners. His work has earned awards in juried shows at respected venues including American College, Darlington Art Center, Waterfall Gallery and the Chester County Art Association. A juried member of both the Artists Guild of Delaware County and the Delaware Valley Art League, Jack has also been featured on Fox News Network and in publications such as The Philadelphia Inquirer, local newspapers and Nor’easter magazine.
All of Jack’s pet portraits are 16 by 30 inches and cost $300 each, and he also offers gift certificates. For more information, email Jack at jltx2@verizon.net or call 610-356-2654.