I'm Paulien De Saeger, the artist behind Paulien's Pet Art. I am an artist from Belgium, where I create artworks from my childhood bedroom, surrounded by our 3 cats and 2 dogs. 

My work is rooted in a lifelong love and fascination with animals and the natural world. Ever since I can remember, I have been passionate about art and animals. I am, therefore, incredibly lucky to be able to combine these two here.

Growing up, I spent countless hours drawing animals, inspired by the creativity that surrounded me at home and by an endless curiosity about animals. What began as a childhood hobby gradually evolved into a professional practice.  While completing a Master's degree in Geology at Ghent University, I continued to develop my artistic career, creating commissioned portraits alongside an expanding body of wildlife-focused work. Today, both disciplines continue to influence one another. Studying Earth's history, with a special interest in palaeontology, deepened my awareness of the resilience and fragility of life, a perspective that remains central to my work.

Ever since I was little, I loved art. I could spend hours just tracing illustrations from my books  

Artist statement

At the heart of every drawing is the animal itself. Through careful observation and many layers of pastel, I aim to capture not only physical detail but also presence, character, and individuality. My work balances realism with the visible marks of the hand. From a distance, the animals appear almost photographic, while a closer look reveals the pencil marks. This invites viewers to slow down and look more closely.

Memory plays an important role in how I hope the work is experienced. Rather than telling a fixed story, I create space for personal connections and stories. A drawing may remind someone of a wildlife encounter, a cherished pet, a childhood fascination, or a place they once visited. 

Conservation

Conservation forms a key motivation behind my practice. Many of the species I depict face increasing pressure from habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. Through my work, I seek to encourage a deeper appreciation of wildlife, and I want to remind viewers of the beauty and vulnerability of the natural world. I invite people to pause, observe, and reconnect with animals.