The Urban Pet already known as San Francisco’s pet lover’s dream store, is co-owned by Rive Nestor, a San Francisco painter and sculptor. The transformation into an art gallery happened slowly.

Not satisfied unless she is creating, Rive began to paint the four-legged customers that frequent The Urban Pet in her unique and recognizable style; bold and vibrant colors that capture the essence of each animal’s individuality.

Before long, The Urban Pet is filled with a multitude of color, soulful eyes, and bold paint strokes and Rive Nestor is inundated with requests for private commissions. As in most San Francisco successes, the word is spread from person to person and The Urban Pet becomes more than a pet gift store. Customers begin to come to The Urban Pet just for the artwork and The Rive Nestor Gallery is born.

San Franciscans from all walks of life are drawn to Nestor’s paintings and have a lot to say about her work.

Beth Townsend of Anne Getty and Associates remarked, "Rive captured Gigi, my Shitzu with such amazing accuracy considering she painted Gigi in pink, purple, and teal. It's very hard to please adults and children but Rive managed to do it perfectly. My children and I love the painting of Gigi".

The work is best described by the Artist, “ I begin every painting with the eyes, hoping to capture each animal’s personality and heart. From there colors seem to take on a life of their own, each wanting to be placed in their own particular way. And in the end, a painting is born of a unique and beautiful animal, one absolutely loved by someone.”

You can see more of Rive Nestor’s work online at www.theurbanpet.com. Additionally, you can order commissions, purchase prints, and purchase gift items created from Rive Nestor’s images.

CONTACT: Laurie Martin, VP Marketing, media@theurbanpet.com, 707-769-1097