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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.

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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.

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Winston & Sloop: A Pair of Pet Portraits

by In Awards &. Competitions, Commission, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , ,

These two portraits—of Winston the dog and Sloop the cat—were painted for my longtime friend Michael Alm, a sculptor and furniture maker whose distinctive patterned plywood designs often appear in his work. Michael’s eye for materials and love for his pets made this pair especially meaningful to paint.

Capturing Winston

Winston, a black-and-white mixed breed dog, is shown seated in front of one of Michael’s plywood cabinets. I knew from the start that I wanted to include the signature texture and angles of the furniture in this piece. The lighting is direct, casting sharp reflections on the concrete floor and giving the portrait a grounded, contemporary atmosphere.

Because of the highly detailed nature of my painting process, it’s essential that the composition is finalized before I pick up a brush. In the original reference photo, a dark cushion intersected Winston’s head—visually distracting and not ideal for framing his face. I digitally repositioned the furniture so that his head was cradled by a clean section of patterned plywood. The cabinet’s perspective and Winston’s gaze naturally lead your eye to the left, but a carefully placed handle at the edge of the painting subtly redirects your attention, bringing you back into the portrait.

Dog pet portrait oil painting by Rebecca Luncan

A Portrait of Sloop

Sloop, Michael’s ginger cat, was painted lounging on a sofa, one of his favorite spots. I included one of his toys in the foreground and modified the background to echo the teal green of his eyes, a decision that emphasized his vibrant coloring. Unlike Winston’s more structured setting, Sloop’s portrait is softer and more intimate—matching his feline charm.

orange Cat portrait oil painting by Rebecca Luncan

Honored Recognition

The portrait of Winston received an Honorable Mention in The Artist Network’s 4th Annual Best of Show | Pets Art Competition. It will be featured alongside other winners in the September/October 2025 issue of Artists Magazine and on ArtistsNetwork.com.

More About Michael Alm

Michael’s work as a sculptor and woodworker is both thoughtful and meticulous. You can explore his creations on his website almfab.com or follow his build videos and creative projects on his YouTube channel, which has over 600,000 subscribers.

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Bichon Portrait Painting: The Beloved Sami

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

Sami the Beloved Bichon, oil on aluminum, 8″ x 8″

All of my pet portraits are special, but this Bichon portrait painting reminded me why I always keep room in my schedule for them. Even with just a few words—or brushstrokes—our love for our animals shines through.

A Joyful Beginning and a Sudden Goodbye

When Kelly first reached out, her enthusiasm for her Bichon Frisé, Sami, was absolutely infectious. I could feel her joy radiating from her email—it was like someone smiling at me through the screen. I instantly knew how deeply she loved Sami and felt honored to be entrusted with her portrait.

Sadly, before the painting was completed, Sami passed away unexpectedly at just seven years old. It was heartbreaking. What began as a joyful commission quickly transformed into a memorial portrait. Our cats, dogs, rabbits—they simply don’t live long enough, and when we lose them too soon, the grief cuts even deeper.

Honoring Sami’s Spirit

It was a privilege to help Kelly honor Sami’s memory in this way. Each brushstroke became a quiet act of remembrance. I wanted to capture not only her likeness, but also the joy and magic that Kelly so clearly saw in her.

“She was truly magic on earth and we miss her every day. Your incredible talent poured into her portrait will be a visual reminder of that bond we shared…”
—Kelly

A Legacy of Love

Kelly has since welcomed a new pup into her life, a doodle named Fi, who never met her big sister Sami—but through this portrait, Sami remains part of their home and hearts.

Bichon portrait painting by Rebecca Luncan

“Our older siblings often leave huge shoes for us to fill. 🐶🐶
@adoodlenamedfi never met her precious older sister Sami, but with the help of the incredible work of @rebeccaluncan, she will never be far from our hearts 🖤”


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Pet Portrait Painting of Dollie

by In Commission, Materials and Techniques, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , ,

Oil on aluminum, 9 x 8 inches

A Thoughtful Gift

Dollie is a striking black poodle with a white chin and a calm, intelligent gaze. This portrait was commissioned by Liz as a wedding gift for her son Christian and his fiancé Stephanie. Christian had never had a dog before Dollie, and she quickly became a deeply loved part of their family. Liz wanted to give them something meaningful to honor that bond.

While I often paint formal portraits inspired by Dutch master compositions, Liz provided one image of Dollie in a beautiful outdoor setting that immediately caught my eye. The blue flowers, sunlight filtering through the trees, and Dollie’s relaxed pose gave the piece a natural warmth and elegance that felt worth preserving.

Crafting the Composition

I altered the composition slightly to bring more focus to her face by changing her position in the landscape. I also relied on other close-up shots to capture her features more accurately, especially the small patch of white under her chin. In the original photo her tongue was sticking out, hiding that detail, so I adjusted it to make sure it was visible in the final piece.

Sometimes I provide multiple mock-ups for clients to choose from, but in this case, the winning composition was clear from the beginning. Liz and I both felt confident in moving forward with that one version.

Dollie, oil on aluminum, 9″ x 8″

A Detail That Mattered

After I shared the final image of the completed portrait, Liz noticed something neither of us had caught—there was a patch on Dollie’s leg where the fur was very short. She remembered it had been shaved at the vet when the photo was taken. I fixed the painting before meeting her at the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle to deliver the painting just in time for

A Moment to Remember

After the gift was given, Liz sent this message:

“Stephanie and Christian LOVE Dollie’s portrait. It was especially poignant for Christian as I told you his grandfather owned the park that was sold after he died. Thank you again for taking this commission. We will love this for decades.”

framed Portrait oil painting of black poodle, dog portrait by Rebecca Luncan

It’s moments like these that remind me why I love painting portraits. They’re more than images—they hold memory, connection, and love.

If you’re interested in commissioning a custom pet portrait of your own, please visit my commission page for details. I’d love to help you create something meaningful. Feel free to reach out when you’re ready to move forward!

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Scottish Terrier Pet Portrait

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

Tilly, oil on Aluminum, 4″ x 4″

The reference images for my pet portraits are almost always provided by clients—and the better the images, the better the painting turns out. This portrait of Arthur, a dignified Scottish Terrier, is a wonderful example of how strong reference photos can lead to a successful painting.

Strong Reference, Strong Portrait

Tilly (Arthur’s human) sent me around twenty high-quality photos along with a clear vision: she wanted to see Arthur in a red chair or on a red cushion. What really made her images exceptional was the lighting and the angle.

Most of the photos were taken outdoors or next to a bright window. That natural light helps reveal accurate colors, fine details in the eyes, and the rich texture of fur. The image I ended up using as my primary reference is a perfect example of what a big difference a window can make.

Tilly also photographed Arthur at eye level in most of the images. That perspective helps reduce distortion and adds a sense of intimacy which is something I always aim for in my portraits.

If you’re planning to commission a portrait, I’ve shared some helpful tips for taking reference photos of your dog or your cat.

Original Image
terrier mock up for pet portrait
Digital Mock Up
scottish terrier pet portrait oil painting miniature by Rebecca Luncan
Final Painting

From Photo to Painting

As shown in the images above, I always begin by creating a digital mock-up based on the client’s references. I adjust background shapes and colors to complement the subject and guide the viewer’s eye throughout the composition while keeping the focus firmly on the animal’s personality.

In Arthur’s case, I made a few key changes from the original image: I simplified the background considerably and lowered the top line of the chair so it sits just beneath his nose, which helps enhance his alert, poised expression. Other changes from the mock-up to the final painting were subtle refinements in color, contrast, and texture that came through as I worked.

While painting, I referred back to the other images Tilly sent to double-check details and keep things accurate. I softened the contrast in Arthur’s fur and muted the background slightly to give him more depth. That also made his eyes appear brighter. One final and important detail: I made sure to include the little tuft of hair that stuck straight up in nearly every other photo. Tilly mentioned it specifically, and I knew it had to be there.

From Tilly

“This is perfect! Thank you so much for working so hard on it. I’m absolutely in love…”
—Tilly

If you’re curious about commissioning your own pet portrait (or giving one as a gift), you can find information on pricing, gift vouchers, and timelines on my commissions page.

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A Lion Head Rabbit and Shih tzu: A Portrait of Companionship

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

Leroy & Scout, Oil on Aluminum, 6” x 6”

I’m excited to share a recent commission featuring a lionhead rabbit named Leroy and his friend, a shih tzu named Scout. This portrait was a gift from one sibling to another—a small painting with so much love.

portrait painting of lion head rabbit and shih tzu in formal setting by realist painter, Rebecca Luncan in progress

The Joy of Painting Pets

Pet portraits are among my favorite commissions. Each one is a chance to honor the personality, affection, and stories animals bring into our lives. Leroy and Scout are clearly cherished members of their family, and painting them together was an absolute treat. Their companionship and gentle presence suited the more formal composition beautifully, with the yellow velvet chair adding a touch of warmth and elegance to the setting.

My Longstanding Love for Rabbits

While I’m known for still lifes and animal paintings, rabbits hold a special place in my practice. In fact, my Monthly Miniatures series began with a focus on rabbits—eighteen small works that explored their charm, elegance, and subtle expressions. I have been wanting to make more rabbit paintings for my personal work, but other projects keep taking priority. That made this commission even more special for me.

A Thoughtful Gift

This portrait was commissioned by Laura as a birthday gift for her brother. Leroy and Scout aren’t just pets—they’re companions who reflect the best parts of his personality. Knowing the emotional weight behind the commission made the process especially meaningful. I worked to capture not just the likeness of each animal, but their connection to one another and the role they play in their human’s life.

From Laura:

“My brother loved it so much Rebecca! Both of them bring out the best, most lovable side of my brother. ”
—Laura

If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait of your own beloved animal (or animals), you can learn more about the process on my commissions page.