“I was so proud of myself, because I just really loved how I felt when I was creating,” says Miranda Bunda, her voice carrying both humility and quiet joy. “And I would think—I’m going to try another piece.”
Born and raised in Sarnia, Miranda is one of five siblings. She spent her childhood attending Johnston Memorial School before moving on to SCITS for high school. She speaks fondly of her upbringing and her connection to the city, where her deep love for creativity, animals, and music began to take shape. Over the years, that passion has only grown—and these days, it’s taken a very specific form: pet portraiture.
“I’ve always loved art, animals, and music,” Miranda shares. She has a natural musical inclination, one that’s led her to explore instruments like the piano, guitar, and ukulele. But it was a few years ago, during a time when she felt she needed a creative outlet, that she discovered painting.
At first, it was casual. She started watching YouTube tutorials, slowly experimenting with brushes and acrylics in her spare time. It wasn’t long before she stumbled upon videos by Bob Ross—whose calm voice and famous “happy little trees” inspired millions to pick up a brush.
“I remember laughing,” she says. “It took Bob Ross about a half an hour to paint his painting, and it took me six hours.” But the timing didn’t matter. The sense of calm, the joy of watching something come to life on canvas—it struck something in her. “I felt so proud. I loved how I felt when I was painting. So I just kept going.”
What began as a hobby quickly became a daily habit. Miranda started painting every day, pouring her energy into her craft. Over time, she found herself drawn specifically to pet portraits. Friends and family would send her photos of their pets—dogs, cats, and even the occasional bird—and ask her to capture their likeness. What started as a handful of commissions soon turned into something more.
For the past three years, Miranda has focused almost exclusively on pet portraiture. “It’s such a satisfying feeling to be able to give someone something special that they’re going to cherish,” she says. “People love their pets. And when they lose them, those memories mean even more.”
Each painting is based on a photograph provided by the client. Some people want to see the painting’s progress, while others prefer to be surprised. “I love it when people say they want to be surprised because it makes me so happy to see their reaction,” Miranda says with a smile. “There’s something really beautiful about that moment.”
The process of completing a portrait usually takes anywhere from five days to two weeks. While Miranda works efficiently, she never rushes. She’s committed to detail, to caring, and to capturing not just the image, but the spirit of each animal she paints. “Every pet has its own personality. I try to bring that through in the eyes, the expression, the way they’re sitting. It’s about more than just paint.”
She also makes a point of keeping her work affordable. “I know people go through hard times,” she says. “Art shouldn’t be something that only some people can afford—especially something so personal.” Her pricing reflects that belief, making it possible for more people to commission her work without financial strain.
Miranda works out of a small corner in her home—a modest setup that she embraces fully. “I don’t need much space,” she says. “My philosophy is: Work with what you have.” She’s never let a lack of resources stand in the way of creating something meaningful, and that resilient attitude is part of what makes her story so compelling.
Beyond her painting, Miranda is also using her platform to give back. A portion of the proceeds from her portrait sales are donated to Lambton Cat Chance, a local nonprofit Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) group in Sarnia. Staffed entirely by volunteers, Lambton Cat Chance is dedicated to the humane treatment and protection of feral and community cats. “It’s a small way I can help,” Miranda says. “Every little bit counts.”
Her work and updates can be found on her Facebook page, Miranda Bunda Art ( https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081445152287 ), where she regularly posts photos of her portraits, upcoming availability, and messages of gratitude to her growing community of supporters.
When asked if she would like to do this full time, her answer is immediate: “Absolutely. It’s my dream. I would love nothing more than to spend my days painting and sharing that joy with others.”
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Miranda’s story is a quiet reminder of what can grow when we pause, follow our curiosity, and create with intention. Whether it’s through a brushstroke, a kind gesture, or a memory brought to life on canvas—her work is a celebration of love, resilience, and community.
And in her small corner of the room, with just a canvas and a heart full of purpose, Miranda Brunda is painting joy—one pet at a time.
"Humans of Sarnia" founder Art Connolly is a man fuelled by curiosity and a passion for connecting with people in Sarnia. Inspired by the renowned “Humans of New York” series, with a camera in hand, he captures the very essence of the individuals he encounters, preserving their stories through his lens. Follow his series on Instagram and Facebook.