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Rabbit Limited Edition Prints in time for Easter

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Easter is just around the corner and I have several Rabbit Limited Edition Prints available in the shop. The connection of rabbits to Easter has always been a bit baffling to me, so I took some time this year to see what I could find out. Keep reading for information on the symbolism of rabbits through the ages and the origin of the rabbit as the egg bearer for this holiday. 

Rabbit mama and two baby rabbits in chair, oil painting on copper by Rebecca Luncan
The Joys of Motherhood Limited Edition Print $60

Rabbit, symbol of fertility and rebirth

In European traditions, the Easter bunny is known as the Easter hare. The hare has been a symbol for rebirth and fertility and has been included in rituals and religious roles for thousands of years.

Archaeologists have found hares that were given ritual burials alongside humans in fossils from as early as the Neolithic age (10000 BC – 2200 BC), a. They have interpreted the burials as a religious ritual, with hares representing rebirth.

During the iron age (1200 B.C. and 600 BC) when hares and chickens first arrived in Britain, some archaeologists believe they were seen as creatures of reverence, not dinner. Many examples of burials from this time period have been discovered without any signs of butchery. 

Portrait of a Gentleman & Portrait of a Lady, Limited Edition Prints

The Easter Bunny

It’s not too much of a stretch to find a historical symbol of rebirth associated with the Christian holiday of Easter. But the origin is believed to have begun with a German tradition in the 1500’s of an egg-laying hare called “Osterhase” or “Oschter Haws”. 

After reading dozens of articles and historical documents, the start of the tradition still makes no sense to me! Eggs were forbidden during Lent so they were a treat to eat on Easter Sunday. There was a tradition in Germany to hide boiled eggs on Easter. The closest I could find as to how the hare delivered the eggs, was a story passed on through folklore.

When a woman hid colored eggs in the garden for her grandchildren to find, they saw a hare hopping away from them and thought the hare left them. The adults loved this idea and ran with it.

Now hundreds of years later, the idea is still running!

Who knows how it really started, but the tradition of the Easter hare caught on in Germany in the and has continued to spread ever since. He works much like Santa and brings children eggs, candies, chocolates (chocolate easter bunny’s are also a German invention!) and sometimes toys – if they’re on the nice list. 

Hope you have a Happy Easter!

A Rabbit in the Forest after Hans Hoffman oil painting by Rebecca Luncan
A Rabbit in the Forest after Hans Hoffman Limited Edition Print $60
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Portrait Miniature in Sunburst Frame

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Did you know angels walk among us? The model for my recent portrait miniature is proof. Leo’s mother assured me he not only looks angelic but acts that way too. 

My approach to collaboration sets me apart

Trying new ideas and embracing the collaborative element of creating a custom painting are fundamental to my creative process. Alexix and I live around 2,500 miles apart and unlike many portrait artists, I often use images provided by my client. Many portrait artists will not work with clients images. Retaining that element of control is a part of their process. While I do sometimes take reference photos of both people and animals for my pet portraits, I’m always open to the idea of using my clients images. There’s something exciting about starting off the painting from the eyes of someone who truly knows and loves the subject. 

Once I have images, the back and forth starts. I ask for as many images as possible then I see what inspires me. It’s useful to get a sense of the personality of the subject and to get coloring right. I then make several mock-ups for my client to look at. Even if there’s one particular image that stands out to me, I can make several variations by changing the background, contrast on the face and colors of the clothing. These details can completely alter the overall feel of the image. Then the client looks at the mock-ups and offers feedback or approval. 

The Perfect Frame

In my first 19th century inspired mock-up of Leo, he wore a dark sweater and I used a simple frame. Alexix had two brilliant ideas: lighten the sweater to add to the angelic look, and go with a bold ornate frame.

We both started searching for the perfect frame online and she found this gorgeous gold sunburst one on Etsy. I made another mock-up of the paitning in this frame. It was perfect! She had the frame shipped straight to me. Once the portrait miniature was complete, he arrived in New York City, framed, wired and ready to install. 

portrait miniature oil paitning , childs portrait inby Rebecca Luncan
Portrait of Leo, oil on copper, 4 x 4″

I truly believe that keeping myself open to new ideas makes for better paintings and ultimately, that’s what I want to do. I want to make great paintings, not good paintings. Contact me to start working on a custom portrait of your very own.

Thank you Alexix for the opportunity to paint your lovely little boy and for such an exciting collaboration. 

From Alexix:

Received and it’s wonderful! I’m so excited to hang our little sun king in the house. Your work is exceptional!

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Framing Limited Edition Prints – Inspiration from Audrey

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Once your Limited Edition Print arrives, it’s your turn to get creative. Whether your style is contemporary, traditional or anything in-between, there are many options. Choosing the right framing can feel intimidating, but try to enjoy the process and trust your instincts. Check out an article I recently wrote about framing limited edition prints. Continue reading for an in-depth look at one clients framing choices.

Audrey generously shared these wonderful images of her two framed Limited Edition Prints she recently ordered from my shop. I loved how they turned out and thought they could help inspire your own framing choices! If you’re in the Holywood, FL area, she recomends Nina’s Art and Framing.

What I love about Audrey’s framing

Still life Limited Edition Print framed in ornate black frame by Rebecca Luncan
Framing idea from Audrey. (The frame opening is around 12″ x 12″)

I worked in a frame shop all through art school, and then at the Seattle Art Museum exhibition design department for 15 years. I got to see and hear from the experts on how and why framing should be done in certain ways. Audrey’s choices reflect some of these ideas, and I think describing how will help others make their own choices.

The Mat

The mat for a print serves two purposes: it can enhance the look of the artwork, and it protects the art.

The right mat helps draw the eye in and can add a bit of grandeur or drama to the overall presentation of your new artwork. Use a mat between 2″ and 4″ wide. As for color, I’ve always preferred a simple “white” mat. I feel that a white mat really brings attention to the artwork without any distractions. There are exceptions to this and that’s basically your personal taste and decorating style. If your house is overall more bold and colorful, then adding a pop of color in your mat might fit right in. I say try the white first, but ultimately, go with your gut.

And when I say “white” I mean the white that matches the color of the paper best. If you’re having your Limited Edition Print custom framed, don’t be surprised to have your framer pull out dozens of white mats to choose from!

As to the protective element of matting, keeping space between the Limited Edition Print and the glass is the main goal of the mat. A mat allows air circulation in this space and helps prevent mildew, mold, and buckling. It also keeps artwork from sticking to the glazing material and becoming damaged.

The Frame

The hardest choice of all is picking your frame. This is where your personal taste and creativity really come into play. I often choose narrow, simple frames for matted pieces, which is very different from how I frame my paintings. I’ve had several clients that framed their prints in this way, using a narrow, simple frame with really lovely results. This choice will be the part where you look at lots of different options, and trust your unique style and taste.

Contrary to what I would normaly choose, Audrey’s frame choice is not narrow or simple, but I love it! It’s unique and has a lot of personality without being overwhelming. It brings my eye into the images and the pattern and texture compliments the the images in a subtle and appealing way.

Best of luck in your own art hanging adventures! Feel free to reach out via Instagram, or the contact form here on my website, whether you have a question or something to share. I love to hear from my readers and collectors, and fellow art lovers!

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Old World Swallowtail Butterfly Painting

by In Monthly Miniature Tagged , , , , ,

Old World Swallowtails

The most studied of all swallowtails, this iconic butterfly was the first to be given the name, “swallowtail.” It is the only swallowtail in most of Europe, and I’m guessing that’s where it gets one of its two most-used common names, “Old World swallowtail” (the other, simply “swallowtail”).  But its actual habitat is widespread and extends across much of the Northern Hemisphere, including North America. 

The painting includes both a male and female, the male with his wings folded, and the female with hers open.

This species feeds mostly on plants of family Umbelliferae. The giant cluster of tiny flowers were a bit intimidating to paint, but it was worth pushing through. I love the contrast between the cloud of flowers and the black background.

Though these flowers are not currently blooming, spring is just around the corner, so it won’t be long now. Stay warm if you’re in the middle of a snow storm! And cool if you’re in the middle of a heatwave! The weather’s been crazy this past week.

Old World Swallowtail, oil painting on aluminum by Rebecca Luncan still life painting
Old World Swallowtails, oil on aluminum, 5.5″ x 4.5″

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New Limited Edition Prints Available

by In Limited Edition Print Tagged , ,

For the first time in a year, I’ve added added two new limited edtition prints to the shop.

Both of the new images come from paitnings in my monthly miniature series titled Creature Comforts and feature foods to brighten spirits in dark times.

My painting “Plums” featuring these golden orbs bursting with juice and flavor, along with one of my favorite visitors in the garden, Swallowtail butterflies. The bowl is from the collection of the Seattle Art Museum, where I worked as a mountmaker and made hundreds of mounts for the porcelain room. Though I was able to touch and document the lovely bowl, filling it with plums was all in my imagination.

The second of the new limited edition prints on offer is one titled “Simple Pleasures“.

Homemade bread has made a serious comeback over the last few years. I got a bit of a head start on the trend because I got a bread maker for Christmas just before the pandemic started. My husband is gluten-free so his intentions were a bit selfish but that’s OK–I love baking! Fresh bread and warmed up brie is such a simple, yet perfect combination.

This painting was created during the month of April, while it was still cold outside but signs of spring were starting to appear. Robbins and tulips were putting on a beautiful show and I brought them from the garden to the table to help enjoy the simple feast.

I hope you enjoy these two new prints available in the shop, and if there’s a painting you’d like to see offered as a print, let me know. I’m having two new prints added a year and will take your request into account when choosing the next pair to become available.

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Swallowtail and Thistle Still Life Painting

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Swallowtail Butterflies, New Series of Miniatures

The main subject for this years series of monthly miniatures will be my favorite kind of butterfly, the swallowtail. With over 550 different species, they appear in a vast array of colors, shapes and sizes and I will have no shortage of inspiration. For this painting, I chose the Pipeline Swallowtail. This butterfly is found in extensive areas of North America; in the United States, it’s mainly found in the south and southeast, plus an isolated pocket in central California.


I paired my swallowtail with thistle flowers, which are a favorite (of mine and of the butterfly). The flowers on a thistle stalk don’t usually bloom all at once, but I’ve taken some liberties. I was inspired by the compositions of the Dutch still life painter Jan van Kessel. Van Kessel worked in the mid 17th century, at the height of the golden age of Dutch still life painting. It was common practice during this time to create paintings that were seasonal impossibilities, pairing blooms that appear months apart in nature, or all of a plant’s blooms open at once, as I’ve done here. I wanted to create this simple moment, full of plenty for my butterfly.  I love the contrast of a vibrant thistle in bloom. Thistles have the perfect pairing of soft flowers and spikey leaves and stems.

Some of you are squeamish about insects, and I hope you’ll indulge my love of these delicate creatures. Rest assured, I will be creating work for the gallery in the upcoming year, both with and without insects. 😉

pipevine swallowtail and bull thistle, representational oil painting on copper by Seattle artist Rebecca Luncan


After my crazy, overloaded 2022, I can’t tell you how happy I am to have this painting finished by the first week of January! I wish you a Happy New Year, full of deadlines met ahead of schedule.

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Botanical Daffodil Painting

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Daffodil and the Bee

My newest miniature is a botanical daffocil painting. Daffodils are my favorite herald of the arrival of Spring.

It’s interesting how each painting I make inspires the next work. This miniature originally had five companions to acknowledge my March baby’s sixth birthday. I was so sure that this would work! But much like my six year old, it was wild and chaotic, and it didn’t say “simplify” like I’m going for with this series. Instead of rejecting the idea completely, I ran with the wildness in an even more complicated composition. But that is a work for another day, and it will be a far cry from “miniature” or “simplified”.

With that mockup resolved, I took my favorite bloom from the bunch back to the drawing board. I embraced the spirit of springtime and growing days of sunshine. The bee heads toward the glowing flower like we are headed into a beautiful and glorious summer! I can vividly picture him landing and wiggling into the warm and welcoming bloom.

This painting is for me a lesson that constantly needs to be relearned. Things don’t always work out how you think they will, but by staying flexible and letting some ideas go, things can turn out even better than expected. It’s almost the end of daffodil season, but I hope you are able to take some time to enjoy the world in bloom around you.

botanical daffodil painting with bee, miniature still life painting, oil on copper by Rebecca Luncan
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Green Eyed Beauty, Cat Portrait Painting in Antique Frame

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Sam and I became friends many years ago attending an open-studio gathering hosted by a mutual friend. She loved cats and talked about them all the time, but I was shocked to hear she didn’t have one! She and her husband were catsitters for one and they were very much in love.

After four years, Angus’s human saddly passed, but Sam and her husband were able to adopt him. He went from one very loving home to another. Soon after the adoption was official, she contacted me for a portrait of her favorite kitty.

Hand-Finished Antique Frame

I offered one of my antique frames that my sister found several years ago at a The Castner Picture Frame Company, made in the early 1900’s. You can see my finishing process on a previous post. It’s incredible to watch the transformation they undergo and I love the warm tones in the frame with his fur colors.

Antique Frame - French Polish in progress

From Sam:

INCREDIBLE! Truly amazing. I can’t thank you enough. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to see it in person.
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Pink Camellia Painting

by In Monthly Miniature Tagged , , , , , , , ,

For this latest monthly miniature, I knew I wanted to make a camellia painting. One of the few blooms you can find here in the PNW in winter months, their stunning color helps brighten my mood with our grey winter skies.

Over the course of the last few years, I’ve studied hundreds of still life paintings made in Northern Europe from the mid 1500’s through the late 1800’s. It’s fascinating to see how one artist influenced the work of another, and then another, often from parent to child.

Inspiration by female artists from the Past

German artist Maria Sibylla Merian is one of my favorites. She was trained by her step-father Jacob Marrel; the influence he left on her work is apparent, but it was merely a springboard for the work she accomplished in her lifetime. When thinking through the composition for this camellia painting, I immediately thought of her work and that of another female artist, Barbara Regina Dietzsch.

These two women were born almost almost 60 years apart, but I suspect something in the work of Merian informed the work of Dietzsch. Merian is known for her etching and engraving, while Dietzsch composed her work similarly but used gouache and watercolor. In this way, Dietzsch created dark and rich backgrounds that lift the subject off the page.

Now here I am, hundreds of years later, looking at their works and trying to learn as much as I can about technique and composition. But I am also trying to get a grasp on just what it is that fascinates me in this work, and how it can inform my own work, just as the long chain of artists before me have done.

I hope you enjoy this new painting, and if you’re a fan of scientific illustrations, you should take a peek at Maria Sibylla Merian’s book, Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium. The book was originally published in 1705 and it’s been beautifully reprinted recently.

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New Still Life Series for a New Year

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The theme for my new still life series will be the idea of “Simplify”. I’ve been thinking a lot about simplifying my life and trying to learn how to set aside much-needed time for relaxation and contemplation. I’ve titled my series for this year “Simplify” and I’m hoping to bring that idea into my life in the coming year. Contemplating the idea in how I’m composing my work seemed like the perfect way to start (but it’s harder than you might think!).

Oranges are in season now, at their peak of flavor during these cold winter months. Beyond being delicious to eat and beautiful to look at, for me oranges have become a personal metaphor for pushing through and staying alert.

Years ago, I worked full time as a mount-maker for the Seattle Art Museum while also painting full time. I was also an avid hiker and practiced ballet and Iaido (a Japanese martial art). Each day was packed full. And each day around three o’clock my body would protest and demand that I take a nap. After trial and error with way too much coffee and chocolate, I found that oranges not only tasted refreshing but made my whole body feel refreshed. Oranges perked me up perfectly and gave me the second wind I needed to get me through until I could take a nice, long nap on the bus ride home. “Orange time” soon caught on with my coworkers and became a daily ritual.

I hope you enjoy the first painting of this new series! Sign up for my Newsletter if you’d like to see the series as it unfolds.