Every trail has a story.
Every weathered barn has witnessed generations.
Every watercolor I paint begins with a real place tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
I hope these paintings help you remember somewhere you've loved—or inspire you to discover somewhere new.
Hand-painted from your photos.
One-of-a-kind pieces designed to be
treasured forever.
I’m Heather Coggins, a watercolor artist in Mars Hill, North Carolina. I paint custom pet portraits, Appalachian landscapes, and home portraits on commission for clients across Asheville and Western North Carolina. Every piece is an original, hand-painted in my studio, usually with two dachshunds asleep at my feet.
Artwork That Holds Meaning
Some paintings are wall decor. Others are the things you hand down.
Clients across Asheville and Western North Carolina commission artwork to:
Honor beloved pets and their personalities
Create meaningful, one-of-a-kind gifts
Capture homes, landscapes, and special places
Invest in heirloom-quality pieces with emotional value
How it Works
1
Send me your photos. A couple of clear shots of your pet, your view, or your place. Please, no heavy filters. I’ll tell you if I need anything else.
2
We talk through the details. Size, composition, background, framing. I’ll walk you through the options so you are not guessing.
3
I paint it, then it ships. Every commission is hand-painted in watercolor, matted in an acid-free mat that fits in a standard-size frame, and packed carefully so it arrives ready to hang or gift.
An Artistic Style That Feels Personal
My work blends expressive detail with a sense of warmth and character, creating paintings that feel both lifelike and deeply personal.
What my work leans into
Capturing the unique personality and spirit of each subject
Vibrant, layered color and soft movement
A balance of realism and artistic interpretation
A collaborative approach that keeps your vision central
No two paintings are alike. Each one is created to feel entirely your own.
120+
Pet Portraits Painted since 2018
60+
Homes and “Favorite Places” Commissions painted
Kind Words From Clients
“Heather did portraits of our puppies from photos. The results are breathtaking! Spot on! We have three of her portraits hanging in our home. Give her a try, she is really good!”
Bernie Straub
Folly Beach SC
(commissioned pet portrait)
“Everytime I look at the painting I find some new detail that I love even more than before. It is perfect and exactly what I was hoping for.Thanks for working with us. I just know she will love it, too!”
Matt Lang
Birmingham AL
(commissioned painting for wife’s birthday)
“Sadie (AKA the 12 pounds of terror) is very happy with her portrait. As the Boss of this house, she feels that it suits her assertive personality perfectly. Thanks so much - I love it!”
Jimmy Landry
Asheville NC
(commissioned pet portrait)
Current Exhibition
Wolf Laurel Property Owners Association Gallery
91 Village Lane, Mars Hill, NC 28754
Exhibition begins August 1, 2026
Coming Next
