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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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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.