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Winston & Sloop: A Pair of Pet Portraits

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

All of my pet portraits are special, but this Bichon portrait painting reinforced my resolution to always keep room in my schedule to make them. It’s amazing how much we can express who we are and what we feel in very few words. When Kelly originally contacted me, her enthusiasm for her Bichon Frisé, Sami, was infectious. I envy the lucky humans and canines that get to live in the sphere of Kelly. Let’s just say, I never felt someone smiling at me via an email before.

Kelly contacted me to paint Sami and, sadly, by the time the portrait was completed it was a memorial portrait. It was a devastating and completely unexpected loss even before we had figured out the composition for the portrait. At just seven years old, she was gone. I’ve written about how meaningful memorial pet portraits are to me and it was truly an honor to memorialize her for Kelly. Our cats, dogs and rabbits just don’t live long enough, and it’s especially hard when our short time with them is cut even shorter. 

From Kelly
“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, and we are looking so forward to receiving it!!”
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 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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Animals, Birds & Wildlife 2020

by In Exhibition Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

What do these two paintings have in common? They’re both finalists in the Richeson75 Animals, Brids & Wildlife 2020 Competition! Visit the online exhibit to see all of the work included in the show.

Jack Richeson & Co. is a fine art materials manufacturing company and part of their mission is to directly support the visual arts community. They operate the Richeson School of Art & Gallery and have created a series Richeson75 International Art Competitions.

“The Richeson75 competitions are meant to offer a venue in which established and emerging artists may show their latest, best work to a wide and appreciative audience. The 75 finalists for each regular contest will exhibit their work in our beautiful Richeson Gallery and in the online exhibit. The Richeson75 online competitions also reach a wide audience with online exhibits of the 75 finalists’ work.”

All Richeson75 competitions are accompanied with the publication of a collectible, limited-edition, full-color, hardcover exhibit book which includes the artwork of the finalists and other meritorious entries from the competition.

The competitions showcase artwork made in the realist tradition. I’m honored to have two pieces among such a technically well-crafted mix of styles and subjects. Congratulations to everyone in the show!!

  • Dog in water oil painting pet portrait by Rebecca Luncan
    Portrait of Ruby, oil on copper, 5″ x 7″
  • Chicken painting by Rebecca Luncan oil on aluminum representational art
    Phoebe, oil on aluminum, 15″ x 15″
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Happy Birthday Pet Portrait

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

A pet portrait is a gift that will last a lifetime (and beyond!)

Pet portraits take some time to make. But they are worth the wait. The most important part of the process is the planning stage. I like to get the composition figured out right away and take the time to get it right. Carrie and I worked through several ideas until we found the perfect composition.

I put a lot of care into my portraits for two reasons. The biggest reason is that a true representation of the subject honors the connection my clients have to their pets.

I’m also doing it for myself. It’s important to me that my paintings last and using the proper materials and techniques is only part of the equation. Making a work of art that will be interesting to future generations means future generations will take care it long after we are all gone. Likewise, every time I exhibit my work, win an award, or have a painting published I’m adding to the provenance of all of my paintings. Which means they will have a historical context that will add to the future value of my work. Adding value to my work means it will be taken care of.

The Best Part of a Pet Portrait

All of that longevity is important, but the best part of a pet portrait is preserving a well loved smiling face. It’s incredibly meaningful for me to make the special connection humans have to our pets tangible. My glimpse into the bond shared between Carrie, Derek and Sophie was truly a gift and it was an honor to make Sophie’s portrait.

Please visit my commissions page to learn about my process and contact me to get started.

From Carrie:

We received the painting and it’s absolutely beautiful! It’s perfect. Thank you so much! Derek can’t get over how closely you managed to capture Sophie, you’re just SO talented. I hope to work with you in the future!
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Puggle portrait painting (cape implied)

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

Most of my pet portrait commissions are based on images that come from my clients. I have a couple of blog posts for suggestions on getting photos of cats and dogs that can help get you started. What usually ends up working best though, is to take lots of photos (for dogs at least) when you’re running around at the park. I’m often altering the background of images to simplify it so that the attention is going to the subject of the painting. It’s not often that the background truly compliments the subject. When it does, though it’s something special.

The Historical Portrait Miniature

If you do a search for “Portrait Miniature” you’ll find countless classical miniatures, mostly from the 16th – 18th century. Popular in England, France and in the United States (There are probably a million portrait miniatures of George Washington).

At least a third of the paintings that come up in these searches have a blue sky with clouds in the background. They put it perfectly in an article about the representations of clouds in art by the Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery of the University of Western Australia. “The physical position of the clouds, situated between heaven and earth, associates them with a higher order, a characteristic that recurs in art through the ages.” The association is then tied to subject placed in front of the clouds.

I’ve been dying to do a portrait like this for ages. And was fortunate that Theo (aka Thelonious Monk ) has the bearing to pull it off. I can’t look at this painting without imaging a cape on her back. I think of it as puggle portrait painting that reveals the true size of the personality held in such a tiny body.

From Tina:

It’s perfect!! Thank you so much!  Melanie LOVES it, and we found a central spot to hang it. Just in time for her birthday and a gift for the ages…both with Theo, and beyond.
Eternally grateful

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Seattle Golden Boy, Golden Retriever Portrait Painted on Copper

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

After being on my site for 5 seconds, you know I love animals. Especially dogs. I’ve been fortunate to have known and painted several Golden Retriever’s portraits over the years and I don’t think I’ve ever known another kind of animal with a sweeter disposition.

I just finished another golden retriever portrait of Hazel who lived to 19. Painting Joey just after finishing that portrait felt like coming back to the beginning of a journey. Everything’s fresh, bright and this new love is so intense and powerful. I wish Joey a life just as long as Hazel’s, filled with a never ending supply of love for and from his family.

golden retriever portrait painting miniature by Rebecca Luncan

This golden retriever portrait is 4″ x 4″ and it’s the smallest size I’m making right now. I love the intimacy of the size but it’s not so small that I can’t fill the portrait with details (like the Seattle skyline in the background).

Joey’s portrait was commissioned by Lori as a holiday gift for her husband. Please go to my Commissions page to learn how to commission a portrait. Go to the Pet Portraits or Portrait Commissions page (paintings of people) to see more examples of my work.

From Lori:

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

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Classical Pet Portraits

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

I was commissioned to make two paintings for Jason. The first, a gift for his sister of her beloved dog Hazel. Hazel was a golden retriever that had given a lifetime of love. The other was of Turbo, his own dog. We have a lot of personality packed into a miniature 4″ composition.

I composed both of these painting with classical dutch portraits in mind. There were so many great photos for me to choose from of these two. I was especially inspired by the warmth in Hazel’s eyes and the intelligence in Turbo’s.

I was sad to hear that both Turbo and Hazel passed between the time when we designed the portraits and when they were completed. It really reinforces my mission of creating pet portraits though. And I love that their portraits will live on for hundreds of years to come.

From Jason:

I got them today! We are in love! Thank you so much, such talented work!!
Miniature pet portrait painting framed by Rebecca Luncan

To learn about how to commission your own pet portrait, please visit the Commission’s page.

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A Portrait of a Dog, Woman’s Best Friend

by In Pet Portrait Tagged , , , , , ,

Portraits of Woman’s Best Friend

This is my second painting of Penny. I made my first portrait of her titled, “Woman’s Best Friend”, for my series Monthly Miniature, Into the country a few years ago (pictured below). She’s was my mother in law’s best friend. Penny posed for me, as many of her barnyard friends had done before her. The first painting sold while on exhibit, but Margot’s partner, Tony, though she should have a portrait of Penny of her very own. He commissioned the portrait for her in secret.

Two Sides of Penny

It’s interesting to see the two painting together. She almost looks like a different dog because her coloring is a little different on her right and left size. This influenced the colors I choose for the background. I like using a contrasting green tone when painting animals with orange/brown fur. Even though Penny only had a little orange spot on her cheek and in her eyes the color combination gives a nice warmth and depth.

The other side of Penny’s face is almost entirely black and white with some soft hints of brown. For my first painting of Penny, I kept this background in the grey tones and wanted to reinforce her stoic profile pose. I also kept more texture in the background to help lead the viewers eye around to her textured curly fur on her chest. Though they both portray the same dog, you can see how these little details make such a big difference.

From Margot:

OMG. I’m in tears.. every freckle on her nose, her ruffly fur, her sweet eyes!! You, my darling Rebecca, are truly amazing!

In Progress commissioned Pet portrait painting of black and white dog by Rebecca Luncan woman's best friend
Woman's best friend, pet portrait dog, oil on copper, 4" x 4"
Woman’s best friend, oil on copper, 4″ x 4″

Please go to my commissions page to learn more about my process, pricing and schedule. And contact me if you’re interested in having a custom portrait made of your very own.

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A Happy Father’s Day Pet Portrait of Man’s Best Friend

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

Black Lab’s are the quintessential family dog and a pet portrait of man’s best friend makes the perfect Father’s day gift. Black Lab’s are full of energy and aren’t really suited for apartment living, but few breeds can outmatch their friendly personalities. Such sweet personalities makes them very easy to love back.

Sally commissioned me to paint Pi (short for Pirate) as a gift for her husband for Fathers Day. She sent me lost of great photos, which gave me an insight to how lucky Pi is. Dogs love with such a wholehearted passion and it was clear that Pi is loved back just as much.

Pet Portrait of Man's Best Friend Black lab miniature oil paining by Rebecca Luncan

Portrait of Pi
oil on aluminum
5″ x 5″

We choose a solid wood frame manufactured by a company in Canada, Inline Ovals. Learn more about my commission process on my commission page and see more examples of pet portraits in the pet portraits gallery.

From Sally:

…it is SO amazing. It’s my favorite piece of art in the whole house:)

Anders was surprised and he loves it too. I def scored points. Thank you SO much!!!