post

Three Poodles, Three Personalities

by In Commission Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Every once in a while, a commission comes along that’s as much fun to dream up as it is to paint. Recently, I had the joy of creating portraits of three poodles for a local client.

Finding the Right Portrait Composition

When I first received the photos, I knew right away that each dog had a presence all their own. As I worked through mock-ups, my favorites became clear, and it was pure fun to shape compositions that felt unified in format yet showcased their wonderfully distinct personalities.

Poppy, the medium poodle, beams with wide-open eyes and a grin so full of joy you can’t help but smile back.

Canelle, the redheaded standard poodle, has a coquettish charm, her head dipped slightly while her eyes peek up through her fringe with a knowing gaze.

Miette, the elegant black poodle, wears a tartan red scarf and sits with dignified composure. There’s something wise and scholarly about her gaze, as if she’s taking everything in.

Each portrait is 8 x 9″ oil on aluminum, set against a gray-blue ground that fades softly from light to dark. This tonal background has become a signature of my pet portraits.

Meeting the Dogs in Person

Pam loved all the mock-ups, and the paintings came together just as I hoped. The icing on the cake was delivering them in person. My son and I were welcomed to meet Miette, Canelle, and Poppy in real life.

Pam is the owner of Bella Luna Farms, a stunning location just outside Seattle. They host a range of private celebrations, intimate classes, and farm experiences. We even had the chance to tour the grounds, which was as inspiring as it was beautiful. If you ever get the chance to go, you’re in for something special. Last year, she invited me to offer prints at the farm’s holiday market—a magical experience I’ll never forget.

Grateful for Art and Connection

I often pinch myself that this is my work. Painting feels like my calling, but it’s the people and stories I get to connect with along the way that make it all the richer. For that, I’m endlessly grateful.

If you’d like to learn more about commissioning a portrait of your own beloved companion, you can visit my Commissions page for details.

post

Portrait of Lisa with horses, Shilo and Bruno

by In Commission, Gifts, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , , , , ,

A Milestone Gift

Last fall, I had the joy of completing one of my most meaningful commissions to date: a portrait of a dear friend of the family, Lisa with her two horses, Shilo and Bruno. The painting was commissioned by her husband, Leo, as a surprise for Lisa’s 60th birthday.

Lisa and Leo have a special place in my artistic journey. Lisa was my very first pet portrait client back in 2015, when I painted her horse Shilo and then her three dogs. Since then, they have been some of my most devoted collectors, with around a dozen still lifes and animal paintings in ther home. More than that, they are some of the warmest, most charming people I know. I’d often dreamed of painting Lisa’s portrait someday, and when Leo reached out, I was thrilled.

The Challenge of the Mock-Up

Because the portrait was a surprise, we worked from existing images. Most were casual snapshots and none were close to the painting Leo and I were envisioning. Some photos had a great expression of Lisa, a strong image of her riding the wrong horse, or great shots of the horses with no one riding, but nothing lined up just right. I spent weeks trying every possible combination, piecing together multiple “Frankenstein” mock-ups using Lisa, Shilo, Bruno, and even a saddle reference found online. Mock-ups are such a critical part of the commission process, but nothing felt quite right, and I began to panic.

Then, just a few months before the deadline, Leo sent a new batch of photos. Among them were perfect images of Lisa riding Bruno in the autumn forest, and perfect images of Shilo, her now retired horse, grazing. The fall color was meaningful as the family had recently bought a house in New Hampshire, and the seasonal change there is spectacular. At last, everything clicked. The mock-up came together in no time, and I could dive into painting. 

A Gift to Treasure

When the portrait was finished, Leo and Lisa were out of town, but I wanted them to have it as soon as they got back. I shipped it to my parents, who live just a few houses away, and they hand-delivered it when Leo and Lisa returned. Both of them burst into tears when they unwrapped it, and my mom later told me how much it moved her to witness the moment. Hearing my mother say how proud she was of my work brought me to tears as well.

From Lisa:
“It’s here!!!! Do you realize the JOY your talent brings people? It’s an incredible painting—so beautiful and you hit every detail. I LOVE it and I LOVE you!”

Moments like these remind me why I make this work and I’m so grateful for every moment in the studio. Portraits are a celebration of love, memory, and connection. Happy birthday Lisa! ❤️

post

Rocky’s Portrait: From Dog Park Connection to Timeless Painting

by In Commission, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , , ,

A Chance Meeting Leads to a Special Commission

Rocky’s portrait began with a chance meeting at a dog park. Edrea met one of my clients there who happened to be walking Jefferson, who looked a lot like her Rocky. They got talking and once she was shown an image of Jefferson’s portrait, Edrea knew she wanted a portrait of her own chihuahua mix.

Rocky is an outdoorsy little dog with a big personality. Edrea shared a collection of wonderful reference photos. I created three mock-ups to explore different ideas: Rocky at the beach, on lush green grass, and with one of my signature Dutch-inspired formal backgrounds. The final choice was the Dutch portrait style, with a soft green tone that subtly echoed his outdoor adventures.

Framed oil portrait of Rocky, a cream-colored long-haired chihuahua mix, in a simple 1" black frame.

Framing the Finishing Touch

No painting feels complete to me without the right frame—something I learned firsthand while working as a professional picture framer throughout college. For Rocky, I used my favorite 1″ simple black frame, a style I’ve chosen for many of my miniature portraits. It’s understated yet elegant, and versitle, allowing the portrait itself to shine.

Framing isn’t just about aesthetics. It also marks the moment when a painting truly becomes a finished piece of art, ready to be displayed and cherished for years. In Rocky’s case, the black frame’s clean lines balance the softness of the painting, creating a perfect little jewel for the wall.

From Edrea:

Hi Rebecca! We just got the frame yesterday and it looks so, so wonderful! I can’t believe how detailed it is at that scale – it’s incredible!!

Thanks so much again for Rocky’s portrait – we love it so much.

post

10-Year Aluminum Anniversary Gift: a Timeless Custom Portrait on Aluminum

by In Gifts, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , , ,

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. 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.

post

Painting Betty, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

by In Commission, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , , , , ,

A Gift of Love (and Velvet)

This portrait began as a surprise commission from my uncle-in-law Kevin, a gift for my uncle Bill who has been a lifelong supporter of my art. When I was a teenager, he gave me my first canvas and when I had a solo show in Barcelona, he flew across the ocean to attend. He’s also a devoted dog lover who has shown and bred first Dalmatians, then Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, for much of his adult life.

Kevin reached out with dozens of reference photos of their colorful and happy pack of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels so I could choose a subject for the portrait. I’m very farmilar with these dogs. Years ago, when my beloved mutt, Buster, was diagnosed with cancer, my uncle had a surprise waiting during my visit home: a Cavalier puppy named Mona. Of Keving’s photos, I chose Betty who was one of Mona’s siblings. Betty was a Blenheim like her mother, Abby, who had an exceptionally sweet personality: friendly, loving, and easygoing. Like most of her pups, Betty inherited that same gentle and affectionate nature.

Framed Oil painting of a Blenheim Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Betty, posed on a red velvet cushion atop a wooden table with a dark background by Rebecca Luncan
Portrait of Betty, 5 x 7″, oil on aluminum

A Noble Breed with an Artistic Past

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has long been a favorite subject in European art, especially during the Baroque and Rococo periods. Named after King Charles II of England, who was often seen with a spaniel at his side, these dogs were beloved for their companionship and elegance. Early depictions by artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough often show them lounging on silk cushions or curled up in the arms of nobility.

In Portrait of Betty, I chose to paint her nestled into a red velvet cushion atop a wooden table, set against a dark background. The composition nods to historical portraits of dogs from the 18th and 19th centuries, some of which I once helped install while working in the exhibition design department at the Seattle Art Museum. I was especially influenced by the refined dog portraits of Gainsborough and the charm of Manet’s “A King Charles Spaniel.”

Edouard Manet, A King Charles Spaniel, c. 1866

Portraits, Photos, and Remembering Mona

This painting of Betty was especially meaningful to me not only because of the family ties, but because we had just lost our Mona right around when this painting was made. I haven’t yet painted her portrait but painting her sister was just the comfort I needed. One day Mona will also be on my easle. I took a series of photos of her, meaning to paint her portrait and she’s featured throughout my Portrait Photo Guide, which gives tips for photographing dogs.

If you’re considering a portrait of your own pet, that guide is a great place to start. I also offer more detailed info about the commission process and have other pet portrait samples on my site. And if you’re considering bringing a Cavileer King Charles Spaniel pup into your family, I highly recomend it! Click to learn more about the breed.

This portrait of Betty is a tribute not only to her and the tradition of spaniels in art, but also the real-life devotion between one of my very favorite humans and his dog.

post

My Work at the 2025 Seattle Art Fair

by In Exhibition, News and Events Tagged , , , ,

I’m honored to be showing several of my still life paintings this weekend with Harris Harvey Gallery at the 2025 Seattle Art Fair. This Seattle gallery is known for championing contemporary work by West Coast artists, and I’m happy to be exhibiting alongside a group of remarkable painters from their roster.

The fair takes place at the Lumen Field Event Center, where over 80 galleries will be featured, including programming from SAM, public talks, installations, and more. Harris Harvey Gallery will be at Booth B11, and their space includes artwork by Fred Holcomb, Terry Furchgott, Gary Faigin, Eduardo Fausti, Linda Jo Nazarenus, Hiroshi Sato, Thomas Wood, John Lysak—and myself.

If you’re planning a visit, I’ll be there Saturday morning (July 19) and would love to say hello.

Event Details

Seattle Art Fair 2025
Lumen Field Event Center
800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
Booth B11 – Harris Harvey Gallery

Public Hours:
Friday, July 18: 11am–7pm
Saturday, July 19: 11am–7pm
Sunday, July 20: 11am–6pm

Fair programming includes artist talks, curated installations, and gallery booths from around the world. It’s a great opportunity to experience a broad range of contemporary artwork—whether you’re an artist, avid collector or simply curious about art. For more information about the fair, go to the Seattle Art Fair website.

I hope to see you there!

post

Feast in Orange

by In Monthly Miniature, still life Tagged , , , , ,

Feast in Orange, 5 x 5″, oil on aluminum

Chasing Color is an ongoing series of monthly miniature still life paintings that explores how a single hue can shape atmosphere, memory, and emotion. Each piece focuses on one dominant color, using classical techniques and a personal lens to build small, detailed scenes from fruits, florals, porcelain, and—sometimes—unexpected guests.

This month, I turned to orange: a color often tied to energy and brightness. But in Feast in Orange, I leaned into its softer side. The light is warm, the details are familiar, and the mood is quiet and calm.

A Cat Among the Oranges

I don’t often include cats in my still life work, but this is the second time I’ve made an exception. The first was years ago—a curious feline peeking onto a table, much in the manner of Clara Peters. In this new piece, I originally sketched the cat awake, but he had such a strong presence that the painting began to feel more like a pet portrait with still life elements than the other way around. Once I tried the composition again with the cat sleeping, everything shifted. His presence became subtler, and the overall balance felt right. The still life returned to center stage.

still life paitning floral with waffles and cat by Rebecca Luncan
Snraky Guest, Rebecca Luncan, 5″ x 5″
Still life of fish, oysters and crayfish with a cat, Clara Peters, 13.3″ x 18.8″

Of course, I doubt any cat would actually sleep through the smell of fresh salmon. But he’s good at pretending—as long as he’s being watched.

Creature Comforts Revisited

Looking back, I realize this painting echoes a mindset I had during an earlier series made at the height of the pandemic. That body of work, called Creature Comforts, was all about finding reassurance in simple things: a nourishing meal, a soft flower, a warm cup in hand. Without planning it, I seem to have returned to that space here. The navel orange, the mandarin, the fillets of salmon laid out on a porcelain room plate—they speak to comfort. The ruffled carnations in a green glass vase, the napping cat, the hush of the composition—they speak to peace.

Sometimes we don’t know they why’s of what we’re painting until we’re finished.

A Personal Note

This piece took longer to share than usual. It had been finished for weeks but sat quietly in the studio while we traveled back to the Midwest to visit family. My mom was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Thankfully, they caught it early, and she’s a fighter. As soon as school let out for the summer, we packed up and flew out to Ohio.

It was a deeply meaningful trip. Most of my family is still in the area, and being able to spend real time together—especially after a quick visit earlier this spring with just the baby—made the experience even more memorable.

Painting has always helped me process things I don’t yet have words for. And while I didn’t see the connection at first, Feast in Orange became a reflection of what I needed that time. A longing for closeness. A need for calm. A kind of emotional nourishment.

Thank you, as always, for following along with my work and my story.

post

A Portrait of a Beloved Cat

by In Memorial Pet Portrait, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , , , , ,

This painting of Kiki was a surprise gift commissioned by my friend Natasha for her husband, Dustin. We planned everything in secret, and I created several mock-ups before she chose the final composition—a round 4 x 4″ oil painting on aluminum with a soft grey-blue background.

Natasha and her family live nearby, so instead of mailing the finished portrait, they came to the studio to pick it up. I packed the finished portrait in a gift box for the final reveal. Being there in person was a special event. I rarely get to witness someone seeing a portrait for the first time, since most are sent off with only an email or photo in return. I saw it all: the surprise, the recognition of an old friend, and the love that lingered long after the box came open.

Remembering Kiki

Kiki had been with Dustin since before he and Natasha got together. She passed away in 2019, but her memory is very much alive. She had a strong, no-nonsense personality with a silly streak. She loved playing fetch with hair ties, sunbathing in the backyard, and fiercely protecting the other cat from their dogs. She was always gentle with their son, Sébastien, though she refused to give up her spot on the changing table when it suited her.

A Painting Full of Love

This kind of project is why I love what I do—capturing not just a likeness, but a loved one. Creating a portrait is always meaningful, but being there to witness someone connect with their pet through my artwork was a rare gift.

“It looks perfect! Thank you so much :). I can’t wait to see it in person!”
—Natasha

If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait as a gift, please note that I’m typically booked about a year and a half in advance. However, I offer gift vouchers for those who’d like to give something sooner or involve the recipient in the design process.

post

Winston Wins an Honorable Mention in Artists Magazine’s Best in Show | Pets Competition

by In News and Events, Pet Portrait, Publications Tagged , , , , ,

I’m honored to share that my portrait of Winston received an Honorable Mention in Artists Magazine’s 4th Annual Best in Show | Pets art competition. The painting was inspired by Winston’s close relationship with his owner—a dear friend known for his animal sculptures and patterned plywood furniture. Winston is not just a subject but a true studio companion, so incorporating elements of a piece from Michael’s workshop made it all the more personal.

The work was selected by juror Emma Colbert, who offered this thoughtful commentary:

“I love when a background sets the scene and the lighting in a pet portrait. Winston’s surroundings are perfect, and the care taken in capturing his character is noticeable. Tonally, this is a little masterpiece using light and shade to create a whole world for Winston in that beautiful round format.”
— Emma Colbert, Juror

The winning pieces—including Winston—are featured in the September/October 2025 issue of Artists Magazine and are now available to view online.

See all winners here:
It’s Reigning Cats and Dogs »

🐾 See the Top Dogs (including Winston) here:
Top Dog Winners »

Dog pet portrait oil painting by Rebecca Luncan
Winston, 5 x 5″, oil on aluminum

Thank you to Artists Magazine and juror Emma Colbert for recognizing Winston. I’m delighted to have this portrait included alongside so many heartfelt and beautifully rendered works.

post

Princess, the Siamese Cat

by In Commission, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

From Seattle to Sydney, and Into a Frame Worthy of a Queen

Last year, I had the joy of painting a miniature pet portrait of a truly majestic Siamese cat named Princess. The finished piece traveled halfway around the world—from Seattle to Sydney—where it now lives in the home of her loving human, Danielle.

This commission was special from the start, not only because of Princess’s striking presence, but also because I was able to use one of Tom Matthews’ coveted handmade Dutch ripple frames. These handcrafted tondo (circular frames) are rare treasures, and if ever a cat deserved one, it was Princess. The final painting measured just 5.25″ x 5.25″, but the presence it carries is much larger.

Capturing Princess: A Commanding and Intimate Gaze

Princess was depicted in a regal pose, lounging on a rose-colored blanket with a soft floral texture. Her creamy fur and striking golden eyes stood out against a muted green-gray background, giving the whole piece a sense of depth and calm.

From Danielle:

“I’m overwhelmed with how exact her portrait is, it’s just like she’s having a conversation with me through the portrait, just as you planned.”

Those words are the highest praise. That quiet sense of connection is exactly what I aim to capture in every portrait.

siamese oil portrait painting by Rebecca Luncan

A Lovely Collaboration

Danielle was a dream client: warm, thoughtful, and deeply connected to her cat. Working with her to bring Princess’s portrait to life was a true pleasure. From our initial conversations to the moment she saw the final painting, the process felt collaborative and full of care. If you’re curious about how my commission process works, you can learn more here.

It’s always an honor to be trusted with such a personal commission. Portraits like these are more than just likenesses—they’re tributes to beloved companions and the lives they shared with us.