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Animals are the ultimate muses for many artists, and Kelsey, the artist behind Art By Kay Rae, is no exception. She loves illustrating funny animal moments—especially cat photos found on the internet—and turning them into humorous drawings.

In an interview with Bored Panda, Kelsey shared that creating art helps her cope with depression and anxiety. She wrote: “When I create, my brain shuts off a lot of those negative thoughts, so I can focus on what I'm creating. I especially love painting cats because they're such funny animals. The pictures that I draw inspiration from make me smile and giggle, so I'm usually happy the entire time I'm creating. It's a really positive way to spend an hour or two, especially when I want a little escape.”

So, without further ado, we invite you to take a moment and escape your thoughts even if it's just for a few seconds, and enjoy Kelsey’s delightful artwork.

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#1

Adorable and hilarious animal photos drawn by an artist featuring cute illustrated and real pet portraits with blue backgrounds.

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We wanted to know more about Kelsey’s background to which she replied: “I grew up and live in metro Detroit Michigan. Since I was a kid, I've loved to make and learn about art. I graduated with my BA in Art History from Grand Valley State University. My full time job is in IT but I hope to become a full time artist soon. I've been making art as an adult and had my art business Art By Kay Rae since 2019. When I'm not working or making art, I love playing cozy games, traveling, and spending time with my partner and our 3 dogs.”

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    #2

    Two adorable guinea pigs sharing drinks with straws, inspired by cute and hilarious animal photos drawn by an artist.

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    #3

    Corgi dog viewed through a wine glass, creatively capturing an adorable and hilarious animal illustration by artist Kay Rae.

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    When Kelsey wrote about her interest in the art world, she also shared more about the beginning of Art By Kay Rae.

    “I started in watercolors but have moved to mostly digital art. I started sharing some of my silly creations in different Facebook groups and received such positive feedback that I ended up creating my own art business.”

    #4

    Cat with a carrot on its head in a humorous animal photo and an adorable drawing by an artist.

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    #5

    Cute and hilarious animal photos featuring a small white hamster holding food near a bowl of seeds drawn by artist Kay Rae.

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    As for the creative process, Kelsey wrote: “One of my favorite things to paint is cats, so I'm always on the lookout for inspiration. I have a folder of pictures on my phone that I use for inspiration. I also have a running list of fun ideas on my phone. When I get ready to create, I select some of my favorite recent pictures that I've saved or ideas that I've had as a kind of mood board. I throw on my headphones, play my favorite music, and start creating.

    I usually make 2-3 paintings at a time since I have a 9-5 that limits when I can make art. The next day, I like to go back and look at what I've made and figure out if I need to make any tweaks. I find that taking some time to "distance" myself from my work and then looking at everything again helps make sure that I'm happy with it. Sometimes, I make something that I'm not super happy with but then I take another look at it a day or two later and really like it. If I'm turning my design into a sticker, I typically make a few test stickers before I share it on my social media.”

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    #6

    Black fluffy cat with a slice of bread around its head, featured in adorable and hilarious animal photos drawn by an artist.

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    #7

    Half-black and white cat lying on a green bag, shown as an adorable and hilarious animal photo drawn by an artist.

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    Kelsey also shared what she hopes for audiences to take away from her artwork.

    She wrote: “I hope that my art makes people happy! It's my goal to make the world a better place with my art, so hearing that my work makes people smile makes my heart so full. Lately, the world has felt so chaotic, and while I can't fix that, I can provide a little corner of the internet that is filled with love, hope, wholesomeness, and happiness.”

    #8

    White cat lying with cartoon toast and pastry, showcasing adorable and hilarious animal photos drawn by an artist.

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    #9

    Two adorable kittens resting on teal blankets beside matching adorable and hilarious animal photos drawn by the artist.

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    Lastly, Kelsey added: “I'm a children's author and illustrator and have self published several children's book (and writing another one right now!). I was also one of the winners of Michigan's “I Voted” sticker contest (a contest my state held last year to redesign the "I Voted" sticker that voters get when they vote at the polls). I love cats but actually don't have any right now; but I do have 3 dogs that are my whole world!”

    #10

    Black cat under a decorated Christmas tree with colorful lights, inspired by adorable and hilarious animal photos drawn by an artist.

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    #11

    Side-by-side image of adorable animal photos featuring a cat lying on a butterfly-shaped mat and its hilarious artistic drawing.

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    #12

    Illustration and photo of a cat wearing a banana peel hat showcasing adorable and hilarious animal photos drawn by an artist.

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    #13

    Chubby black cat wearing a purple scarf and pink bow, shown as an adorable and hilarious animal photo drawn by an artist.

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    #14

    Adorable and hilarious animal photo of a cat wearing a party animal bandana, shown as a drawing and real-life image.

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    #15

    Split image showing a hilarious black and white cat lying on its back next to an adorable matching cat drawing by an artist.

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    #16

    Split image showing an adorable and hilarious animal photo of a cat alongside a drawing of the same cat with a grumpy expression.

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    #17

    Tabby cat hugging and playfully biting a baguette-shaped toy, shown as an adorable and hilarious animal drawing and photo.

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    #18

    Side-by-side comparison of an adorable and hilarious animal photo and its artist's drawing of a grumpy cat wearing a pink beret.

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    #19

    Adorable and hilarious animal photos showing a cat being scanned by a cat detector held by a person.

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    #20

    Split image showing an adorable and hilarious animal photo of a white fluffy cat next to a drawn version by an artist.

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    #21

    Split image showing a hilarious animal drawing of a cat with an egg on its head and a real cat sticking out its tongue.

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    #22

    Cat holding a sandwich, adorable and hilarious animal drawing beside the real cat mimicking the pose.

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    #23

    Adorable and hilarious animal photo drawing of a cat lounging on a red and black checkered blanket on a blue chair.

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    #24

    Adorable and hilarious animal photos drawing of a cat playing pool on a miniature table beside the real cat.

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    #25

    Side-by-side comparison of adorable and hilarious animal photos and detailed drawings of a white cat lying on its back.

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    #26

    Side-by-side image of an adorable cat wearing a gold chain, next to a hilarious artist's drawing of the same cat.

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    #27

    Adorable and hilarious animal drawing of a cat mimicking a real cat standing on hind legs in a living room setting

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    #28

    Adorable and hilarious animal photos featuring a white cat lying on a blanket with a Diet Coke can balanced on its head.

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    #29

    Cat wearing a red cone illustrated and real, showcasing adorable and hilarious animal photos by an artist.

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