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.”
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!
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.
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 ImageDigital Mock UpFinal 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.
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.
From Sam:
INCREDIBLE! Truly amazing. I can’t thank you enough. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to see it in person.
Years ago, I created a pet portrait painting of a cat named Lucy as a gift from mother to daughter. And now, the daughter has commissioned a portrait for her mother and father of their beloved furry companion, Lily, as a Christmas gift.
I often think about how much I love making pet portraits because I get to experience the bond animals have with their human companions. When the portraits are gifts it’s especially exciting, because there’s another loved one thrown into the mix. I’m a more the merrier type! These two commissions in particular, were very special to me. I remember meeting Taylor and her mother when I had just recently become a mother myself. They were so close and loving. It made me feel extra privileged to have a child of my own and I strive to make such a loving bond with him.
From Taylor:
Thank you! My parents loved the painting!!
From Drindy: I should have told you how profound it was to receive your piece for Xmas. I weeped when I opened this. It is her essence and reminds us so much of how much we still and will always love her. Thank you for your amazing talent – what a gift it is to us.
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.
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.
In 2018, the Portrait Society of America added a new category to its annual Members Only competition: “Animals as Subject”. Since then I’ve entered every year and have been incredibly fortunate to have my work selected either as one of the winners, or as a finalist (top twenty).
My painting of Harrison was selected as a finalists in this years competition. Thanks so much to the Jurors for selecting my work and thank you to the Portrait Society of America for their dedication to furthering the traditions of fine art portraiture. Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists in the competition!
I’m in love with the subject for my latest pet portrait commission. Harrison is a flame point rag doll Siamese and those eyes!! Harrison is 10″ x 8″ and is made with oil on aluminum.
During my tiny thanksgiving gathering we talked about things we were grateful for. My clients that commission me to paint their beautiful furry friends came just after friends and family. Thank you. ❤️
I worked as a picture framer during my college years and have continued to frame my own work since then. I frame most of my clients commissioned works and for Harrisons portrait we choose this georgeous bronze colored carved frame. My client has synesthesia and she loved this frame in particular because the swirls looked like how Harrison’s meows sound. Sounds like a pretty incredible experience with the world.
From Melissa:
Ahhhh!!! It’s BEAUTIFUL! I feel like you totally and perfectly captured his essence. It’s wonderful! I love how the background brings out his eyes and various fur colors and textures. His little nose is so cute!! And he looks so fluffy!
Thank you so much!!!
Traditional Techniques: Layer by Layer
I made a short video that shows how my paintings evolve, using the time tested technique of “lean to fat”. The first layer starts with big shapes and paint thinned with odorless mineral spirits (Gamsol). This is the lean layer. For the oil, I use Galkyd slow dry painting medium. As the detail increases with each layer, so does the oil content added to my paint mixture. By working in this way, the paint has ideal conditions to adhere to its substrate. It also ensures that the bottom layers of paint will dry more quickly than the top layers which prevents cracking in the future. I also find that this technique gives painting a luminocity and depth that is essential for capturing fluffy fur and pearlecent eyes.
If you’re interested in a pet portrait of your own, please visit my commission page to lean more.
The rooster in this portrait, Jupiter, is the master of over 30 hens in his little slice of paradise at a friends little farm on Vashon Island. My friend Michael has so many beautiful chickens, but this guy demands respect and admiration in a way that only an alpha rooster can. I work from photos and he was happy to oblige. He stayed right in front of the camera, though he never stopped moving.
My work is influenced by paintings made during the Dutch Golden age. Behind Jupiter, I have a background that is inspired by one of Rembrandt’s self-portraits. My intention in giving the painting of Jupiter a formal composition and background is not to anthropomorphize him, but to give him dignity of his own and to signify that this is his portrait, not just a portrait of a rooster.
Jupter, oil on aluminum, 15″ x 15″. Go to my available works page to purchase Jupiter and to view more works in this series.
My latest commission is a portrait of a Rocky Mountain horse named Chief. He has a beautiful dual colored mane and he is such a sweet horse. I’m in Seattle, but have family in Ohio and travel back to visit (don’t know when the next visit will be at this point though!). I got to meet my client who lives in Ohio in person last year and spend a lovely morning with her and a mutual friend taking reference photographs. Horses are tough to photograph and horse people KNOW their horses so you have to get it right! It’s quite the experience to soak in this amazing bond. I hope these two have many many years to enjoy each others remarkably warm company.
Date of Delivery
This painting was due to be completed for Bobbie’s birthday. I was dismayed that it was my very first and hopefully last commission that wasn’t finished on time. I have a clause in my contract in the “Date of Delivery” section that states, “This completion date shall be extended in the event of delays caused by events beyond the control of the Artist.”
My husband and I suffered nasty bout of illness in early March, followed by the challenging transition to working-and-schooling from home.
Being sick while caring for a 4-year-old was really difficult. My husband and I were both sick for the entire month of March, and we took turns resting while we did our best to keep Isaac fed and out of trouble. I wasn’t able to venture into the studio for the entire month and it threw a big wrench in the works for my paintings schedule.
Once we finally recovered, I got back to painting and I have never been so thankful for my health, the sunshine and wonderful clients! Bobbie was so kind and forgiving and I’m very grateful. Wishing you all a very healthy spring. ?
