ROCKPORT — Kathleen Ryan Design has launched a new website exclusively for paintings of pets created digitally: kathleenryandesign.com.

Digital painting is an emerging art form in which traditional painting techniques (such as oil, acrylic, watercolor) are applied by means of a computer. Paint is applied with a stylus on a digitized tablet and appears on a computer screen instead of traditional canvas. The final painting is then printed by Giclee process on canvas.

Ryan has an extensive background in traditional painting techniques and has recently mastered the digital format. She has painted commissioned portraits for clients in Los Angeles, New York and Maine.

“It is exciting to be working in a new medium. There is a flexibility and freedom to this art form that goes beyond traditional paint on canvas” said Ryan.

After graduating with a BFA in illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Ryan spent years painting portraits and then also working as a graphic designer. The inspiration to begin digital paintings of pets arose from all of the pets she has owned, and that have been owned by friends. “It is a way to provide a bit of happiness for the owners of our furry friends.”

To view a gallery of paintings, and for more information, visit the website: kathleenryandesign.com.