Petrolia Portraits

Petrolia Portraits is a portrait studio based in Petrolia, California, featuring the artist Dana Bates.

In November 2024, I drew a few pet portraits for the first time as thank you gifts for friends. They really liked them! I then offered a pet portrait for a raffle prize for a golf charity event - Gift Of Life Fiji - and the director said, “Yes, and keep practicing.” I did. I followed tutorials, joined an artist group, and drew everyday. I gave more pet portraits to friends, they loved them! The April 2025 Gift Of Life Fiji event arrived and the portrait was a hit!

I reached out to California Doodle Rescue in Los Angeles, CA and St. Francis Community Animal Rescue in Murphysboro, IL to draw for them and donate 20% from each portrait to the rescue. The feedback was quite positive and encouraging, and I continued to pursue this newfound success.

I am now drawing people in graphite as well, and the Walk For Peace in January of 2026 was a great inspiration for me. I drew Venerable Monk Bhikku Pannakara and Aloka the Peace Dog and donated to their temple in Fort Worth TX. They loved their portraits too!

Now I am a busy artist offering pet portraits in graphite or color, and just graphite for people.

Thank you for your interest and hope to draw for you soon!

With kind regards,

✍️Dana

A woman with curly gray hair and glasses smiling and writing on a notepad at a wooden desk, with a computer monitor displaying a dog photo, colored pens in cans, and a magnifying glass, in a wooden cabin room with a window and a deer antler decoration in the background.