About the Artist — Josie Clay

Hi, I’m Josie — an inspiring artist and more importantly, a lover of all things creative and all creatures created by God. Art has been a part of my world for as long as I can remember. My mother is an artist, and our home was always filled with brushes, canvases, and the kind of creative chaos that makes childhood magical. My father is a scientist (also a lover of art), and he has influenced me greatly to see the world in a more objective yet experimental manner. I am grateful to be a bend of both, therefore I hope these influences are apparent in my work.

I also grew up surrounded by a menagerie of pets — big, small, furry, feathered, and everything in between. Animals have always been my heart and that love naturally found its way into my work. Today, that same affection inspires me to create pieces that celebrate the pets we adore and the natural beauty that brings calm and joy into our lives.

I’ve always felt that great art should feel like a little burst of sunshine — warm, cheerful, and instantly uplifting. My work is always original, bold, and colorful and created with the hope that it’ll sprinkle a bit of brightness into your everyday spaces.

Although I am not formally trained in art (per se - took a few college courses), I have always kept up with my creative side by painting, drawing, and decorating. I have finally decided to bring my passion to others outside of my inner circle. This is the reason why J-Clay Art Studio was born. I currently live in Houston, Texas with my Cajun husband and 4 fur babies: Luna - aka Loonie Toonies, our Husky Mix, Sven - aka Butters, our German Shepherd Mix, and our cats: Maxwell - ‘chonk’ and Olive - our dainty little princess.

I look forward to sharing my passion with you!

What Sets Me Apart

What Sets Me Apart

  • I’m inspired by the sweet, everyday moments people share with their pets and the natural beauty that surrounds us. Those little bits of joy are what I love bringing into my art.

  • Describing my style is always a little tricky, but I’d say I’m drawn to bold color, soft abstraction, and just enough realism to keep things grounded. I love that space where shapes blur, colors take over, and the subject still feels familiar. Artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Henri Matisse, and even a touch of Wayne Thiebaud’s color play have definitely shaped the way I see and paint.

  • What I love most about creating custom pieces is getting to hear all the stories behind them. Those little details — the quirks, the memories, the way someone talks about their pet — they make the whole process feel so special. It’s like I actually get to know the animal I’m drawing, and that connection always finds its way into the artwork. I love animals so much, and getting to create portraits of these sweet babies genuinely brings so much joy into my life.

  • Toulouse is the reason this studio exists. Creating art in her honor felt like the most beautiful way to keep her light close. She was and forever will be, my little ray of sunshine. We all have that one animal who touches us so deeply that you know, without question, you’re forever connected. Toulouse was that for me.

  • Honestly, I just want people to feel happy when they look at my work. That spark you get when your pet gives you that “you’re my person” look — that’s what I’m trying to capture.Color matters a lot to me. It’s how I draw attention to the quiet beauty around us — the moments we forget to slow down for. If the colors in my work can make someone feel joy or a sense of wonder, then I’ve done what I hoped to do.

  • I try to make the experience feel warm and personal. I take time to learn about you and your pet because those tiny stories and quirks are what make a portrait feel alive. My goal is to create something honest and full of heart, while keeping the whole process smooth, clear, and genuinely pleasant.