Hi! I’m Cate.

Thanks for taking a look at my art!

Photograph of artist, Cate Virnich, and dog named Opal.

I’m a nurse by trade and an artist by heart. After a long hiatus, I rediscovered my love for drawing during a vacation in Montana. Now, I spend my days off translating your favorite pet photos into timeless charcoal portraits.

Every piece is created in my Madison studio (a corner of my living room) with a lot of care, a little bit of music, and a lot of supervision from my Pomsky assistant, Opal. I’m honored to help you celebrate the animals that make your life whole!

When I’m not at the hospital or in the studio, you can find me:

  • Slow Crafting: Knitting cozy sweaters (usually with a podcast or some music playing).

  • Getting Outside: Taking my husband and Opal for long walks around our neighborhood.

  • Songwriting for One: Annoying my muse, Opal, with the many (many) impromptu songs I write about her every single day.

More Importantly…

I’m Opal!

The real boss.

I’m the studio assistant, resident Pomsky, and Queen. I supervise Cate while she makes drawings for you! I consider taste-testing new crud I find outside and then playing “keep away” to be my most important calling in life. My greatest strength is giving side-eye. Weakness? Rabbit turds.

Top Talent: Perfecting the "judgmental gaze."

Favorite Hobby: Rolling in fresh Wisconsin snow.

Current Status: Likely trying to eat things I shouldn’t. (Don’t worry, my vet is on speed dial. She is also my aunt.)