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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! ❤️

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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, 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.

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Pet Portrait Gifts

by In Gifts, Pet Portrait Tagged , , , ,

Pet Portraits Make the Perfect Gift

Pet portrait gifts are incredibly versatile, both in occasion and recipient. Over the years, I’ve painted them for anniversaries, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, graduations, and even retirements. They’ve been given to spouses, siblings, parents, children, and co-workers.

When the subject is someone’s beloved companion (whether furry, feathery, or human), it’s hard to go wrong with a gift that’s been thoughtfully planned and features someone they love.

Jefferson: The First Portrait

A few years ago, Rachel reached out to me to create a portrait of her dog, Jefferson, as a birthday gift for her fiancé, Donte. Jefferson, with his sweet face and expressive eyes, was a joy to paint. I love his one floppy ear!

From Rachel

“OMG!!! Rebecca! It’s better than I ever could have imagined. I am so grateful for this!”

The portrait captured Jefferson’s warmth and character, and as it turned out, it also sparked the idea for a second painting.

Franklin: A Gift in Return

Almost immediately after he recieved the painting, I received a message from Donte. He wanted to secretly commission a portrait of Franklin, their newest four-legged family member, as a wedding anniversary surprise for Rachel.

Franklin’s portrait became the perfect complement to Jefferson’s. Now, the two paintings hang side-by-side in their home. A matched set of memories and love, created and exchanged between two people.

Featured Image & Framing the Story

For this post, the featured image is a wonderful photo provided by Dante showing the two portraits together, side by side. Sometimes the best stories aren’t about just one painting, but how portraits can connect people and moments over time.

If you’re inspired to commission a portrait for someone special (or yourself), you can learn more 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.

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Seattle Golden Boy, Golden Retriever Portrait Painted on Copper

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

From Hazel to Joey

Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle, loving nature, and I’ve been fortunate to paint several over the years. Not long before this commission, I completed a portrait of Hazel, a Golden who lived to the remarkable age of nineteen. Painting Joey soon after felt like the start of a new journey: where Hazel’s portrait reflected the depth of a long, cherished life, Joey’s radiates the brightness of youth and the promise of years ahead. My hope is that his life will be just as full, with an endless supply of love flowing both ways.

A Miniature with Big Detail

This portrait, painted on copper, measures just 4 × 4 inches — the smallest size I currently offer. Though intimate, it leaves room for detail, including the Seattle skyline in the background as a nod to Joey’s hometown. The copper surface adds warmth and depth, complementing his golden coat.

golden retriever portrait painting miniature by Rebecca Luncan

A Gift of Love

Joey’s portrait was commissioned by Lori as a holiday gift for her husband. When she received the finished piece, she wrote:

“It’s incredible in person, you are beyond talented! I can’t thank you enough.”

If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait, please visit my Commissions page to learn more about the process, or browse my Pet Portraits or Portrait Commissions galleries for more examples.