A Portrait to Celebrate a Decade of Love
A few years ago, I had the pleasure of painting Nusi, a Hungarian Vizsla, as a surprise 10-year wedding anniversary gift from her human, Daria, to her husband Greg. Daria wanted something deeply personal and timeless. Since the traditional 10-year anniversary gift is aluminum, an oil painting on aluminum panel was the perfect fit.
Nusi’s portrait measures 10″ x 8″ and was painted using classical techniques. As a Vizsla, Nusi has striking features, with long lines, deep eyes, and a warm coppery coat. Daria spoke of her with the kind of love and humor that made it clear Nusi was family.
“I always joke that if he had to choose between the dog or me it would be a close call… and I’m not sure I would make the cut” —Daria
Laying the Groundwork for a Timeless Painting
When working on custom portraits, I spend a significant amount of time refining mock-ups. With Nusi, we explored several variations: different poses, backgrounds, and levels of formality. Some images showed her lying down with a relaxed pose, while others captured a more regal demeanor. In the end, Daria chose an image that felt just right with Nusi, sitting tall and contemplative, with a formal pose and expression. We’d built a quick and natural rapport, and that ease made the back-and-forth around the mock-ups feel more like a creative conversation than a decision-making process.
“This is exactly what I was hoping for. I really love that shot of her… She looks very regal in this picture and we do think of her as a bit of a princess…”
Each mock-up gives a strong sense of the final painting, but there’s nothing like an original oil painitng. I work in a classical style, building up layers and refining details gradually, which brings a subtle shift from digital to paint. I aim for realism, but I also want the final piece to feel like a painting, not just a copy of a photo. That said, the mock-up is the most important step in the process. It ensures my client knows exactly what to expect and gives me the chance to work through any potential issues with composition or color before a brush touches the panel.
Honing a Classical Style
Nusi’s painting marks a point in my work where I began more intentionally drawing from classical portraiture traditions. I looked to Dutch Golden Age artists like Rembrandt and Frans Hals, masters of light and shadow who knew how to evoke intimacy, drama, and timelessness. To honor that style, I gave Nusi a rich, softly textured grey-blue background inspired by one of Hals’ portraits. The subtle tonal shifts in the background contrast beautifully with her warm coat and help her gentle expression stand out. Her pose, the warm lighting, and the simplified palette lend a quiet gravity to the piece, blending warmth and sophistication.
Interested in Commissioning a Portrait?
If you’re looking for a unique anniversary gift or a timeless tribute to your beloved pet, I’d love to work with you. Learn more about the commission process here, or get in touch to start a conversation.