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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. 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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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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A Portrait of a Beloved Cat

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

This painting of Kiki was a surprise gift commissioned by my friend Natasha for her husband, Dustin. We planned everything in secret, and I created several mock-ups before she chose the final composition—a round 4 x 4″ oil painting on aluminum with a soft grey-blue background.

Natasha and her family live nearby, so instead of mailing the finished portrait, they came to the studio to pick it up. I packed the finished portrait in a gift box for the final reveal. Being there in person was a special event. I rarely get to witness someone seeing a portrait for the first time, since most are sent off with only an email or photo in return. I saw it all: the surprise, the recognition of an old friend, and the love that lingered long after the box came open.

Remembering Kiki

Kiki had been with Dustin since before he and Natasha got together. She passed away in 2019, but her memory is very much alive. She had a strong, no-nonsense personality with a silly streak. She loved playing fetch with hair ties, sunbathing in the backyard, and fiercely protecting the other cat from their dogs. She was always gentle with their son, Sébastien, though she refused to give up her spot on the changing table when it suited her.

A Painting Full of Love

This kind of project is why I love what I do—capturing not just a likeness, but a loved one. Creating a portrait is always meaningful, but being there to witness someone connect with their pet through my artwork was a rare gift.

“It looks perfect! Thank you so much :). I can’t wait to see it in person!”
—Natasha

If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait as a gift, please note that I’m typically booked about a year and a half in advance. However, I offer gift vouchers for those who’d like to give something sooner or involve the recipient in the design process.

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Winston Wins an Honorable Mention in Artists Magazine’s Best in Show | Pets Competition

by In News and Events, Pet Portrait, Publications Tagged , , , , ,

I’m honored to share that my portrait of Winston received an Honorable Mention in Artists Magazine’s 4th Annual Best in Show | Pets art competition. The painting was inspired by Winston’s close relationship with his owner—a dear friend known for his animal sculptures and patterned plywood furniture. Winston is not just a subject but a true studio companion, so incorporating elements of a piece from Michael’s workshop made it all the more personal.

The work was selected by juror Emma Colbert, who offered this thoughtful commentary:

“I love when a background sets the scene and the lighting in a pet portrait. Winston’s surroundings are perfect, and the care taken in capturing his character is noticeable. Tonally, this is a little masterpiece using light and shade to create a whole world for Winston in that beautiful round format.”
— Emma Colbert, Juror

The winning pieces—including Winston—are featured in the September/October 2025 issue of Artists Magazine and are now available to view online.

See all winners here:
It’s Reigning Cats and Dogs »

🐾 See the Top Dogs (including Winston) here:
Top Dog Winners »

Dog pet portrait oil painting by Rebecca Luncan
Winston, 5 x 5″, oil on aluminum

Thank you to Artists Magazine and juror Emma Colbert for recognizing Winston. I’m delighted to have this portrait included alongside so many heartfelt and beautifully rendered works.

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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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Recent Still Life: Exhibition in Seattle

by In Exhibition, News and Events Tagged , , , , ,

I’m thrilled to share that I will have paintings on view at Harris Harvey Gallery from September 5 – 28, 2024. I’ve been working on getting ready for the show for a while and it’s wonderful to finally see it come together. Please go the gallery website to see what is still available.

Artist Statement about the Paintings on View

I paint objects of intimate familiarity—fruits and florals from my garden, objects handled in my time as a mount maker for Seattle Art Museum—in compositions inspired by the Dutch Golden Age. Much as the Dutch masters would compose seasonal impossibilities, I bring together inspirations separated by time, space and tradition. My work is a reach for a childhood of birds’ nests and frogs, a longing to grasp that wonderment yet reconcile with isolation and loss. It is a meditation on the comings and goings of life, the closeness and distance to kin of all kinds.

Western Tiger Swallowtail and Parrot Tulip botanical still life painting by Rebecca Luncan
Western Tiger Swallowtail and Parrot Tulip, oil on copper, 5.5 x 4.5″
Broken Tulip and Bee, oil on copper, 6.5 x 5.5 in
Asian Pears and Peaches on Lacquer Tray, oil on copper, 20 x 24 in
fruit still life oil painting on copper by Rebecca Luncan
Plums and Swallowtails, oil on copper, 16 x 20 in
still life oil painting on aluminum of Figs and Cheese, Robin, flower and celadon dragon vase by Rebecca Luncan
Figs and Cheese with Celadon Dragon Vase, oil on aluminum, 10 x 8 in
Four Tulips and a Yellow Rose, oil on aluminum, 14 x 11 in
Mum, Butterfly and the Spider, oil on aluminum, 17 x 12 in
Spider mum oil painting with snail and bee by Rebecca Luncan
Spider Mum, Bee and Snail, oil on aluminum, 17 x 12 in
Blackberries and the Indigo Bunting, oil on copper, 12 x 12 in
Yellow Tulip and Monarch Butterfly, oil painting on aluminum, by Rebecca Luncan
Yellow Tulip and Monarch Butterfly, oil on aluminum, 7 x 6 in
Fiji Papilio swallowtail butterfly oil painting
Fiji Papilio Swallowtail, oil on copper, 4.5 x 5.5 in
Rebecca Luncan with family in painting studio
The artist in the studio with her two sons
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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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Emperor of India, Painting of a Butterfly

by In Monthly Miniature Tagged , , , , , , ,

Emperor of India

When I started my monthly miniature Swallowtail series, I warned you that they come in many sizes and shapes, but this one is quite exceptional. The Teinopalpus imperialis is a rare species which can be found fluttering in patches across the Himalayas, through Nepal and north India all the way east to north Vietnam. That’s far from home for me, but part of the fun of this series is to use all of the many tools available to me to stretch my imagination across the globe, even if visiting the Himalayas physically is impossible for me right now.

My Emperor of India is portrayed as more of a natural history specimen than as a creature that just settled down for a nibble or a rest. He is also displayed in verso, with his tummy face up (see his little feet?) so that the most vibrant coloration of his wings are in full view. I went for a full-on manuscript-inspired composition with the addition of a golden arch around this butterfly. My inspiration was Joris Hoefnagel, one of the early pioneers in still life paintings and the study of insects. It’s easy to see how still life paintings caught on with such fervor when viewing his iconic masterpieces created in the 1500’s. 

I love how my monthly miniature series gives me so much freedom to experiment while staying within the boundaries of just a few simple ideas. Within the concept of “swallowtail butterflies,” I experiment with compositional ideas within the same general theme and format. Looking back over all the paintings I completed over the year, I get ideas and inspiration for the next series of paintings. I also get ideas for works I exhibit in galleries. 

On a personal note…

Hope you’re doing well and I please wish me luck for the next couple of weeks! Baby is due in a week and we don’t have anything ready! We almost have a countertop in the kitchen so fingers crossed it’s not still a complete madhouse when the baby gets here. As you can imagine, I’m exhausted! I have a set up to put my feet up while I’m painting, which means studio-time is also “resting-time”. I’ve thankfully been able to get a little painting done and I’m saving most of the the kitchen construction for my wonderful husband, friends and family.

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Forget Me Not: Honoring Still Life Traditions in a Miniature

by In Monthly Miniature Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Forget Me Not, oil on copper, 4.5″ x 5.5″, is the newest addition to my Swallowtail Series—a body of miniature still life paintings inspired by centuries of natural observation and artistic devotion.

This piece is an homage to two 17th-century painters I admire deeply: Jan van Kessel the Elder and Margaretha de Heer. Though I’ve long been a fan of van Kessel’s work, I only recently discovered de Heer. This painting is a celebration of their shared legacy—and a reflection on the way artists learn through looking, studying, and paying tribute.

Two Artists, One Era: Shared Roots in Still Life

Jan van Kessel and Margaretha de Heer were born roughly 20 years apart and just a few hundred miles from each other—van Kessel in Antwerp, Belgium, and de Heer in Friesland, in what is now the Netherlands. Both were born into artist families, and both became known for their vivid depictions of the natural world.

While each created genre scenes and other subjects, it’s their still life work that has most captivated me. Their paintings, often categorized as nature studies, depict insects, flowers, fruits, and other organic forms with striking clarity.

Stylistic Differences: Density vs. Balance

Jan van Kessel the Elde, via Wikimedia Commonsr, Public Domain
By Margareta de Heer – scanned from book by Laurens J. Bol, “Bekoring van het kleine”, plate 7, Public Domain

Van Kessel’s work bursts with detail—his compositions packed edge-to-edge with butterflies, beetles, shells, and blossoms. The perspective often shifts, with elements floating freely or perched on undefined surfaces. You get the sense that couldn’t bear to leave any space unused. There’s a beauty in the chaos, and despite the density, his compositions achieve a remarkable balance. The irregular perspectives feel surprisingly contemporary, not disruptive—just part of the visual rhythm.

De Heer’s paintings, while similar in subject matter, evoke a different tone. Her compositions are more spacious and deliberate. She embraces negative space, organizing her elements with a grounded sense of perspective and a graceful visual flow. Her approach feels more lyrical than scientific—a quiet reflection on the beauty of nature rather than a full catalogue of it.

The Butterfly: A Marvel from Central Africa

The butterfly in Forget Me Not is a Blue-banded Swallowtail (Papilio nireus), a striking species native to central and southern Africa. With velvet-black wings and bold, iridescent blue bands, this butterfly commands attention. Though it lacks the tail streamers typical of many swallowtails, it does belong to the Papilionidae (often refered to as Swallowtail) family and is admired for its swift flight and elegance.

in progress Forget Me Not miniature painting, still life representational oil painting with butterfly, grasshopper and bee by Rebecca Luncan

Finding My Place in the Tradition

One of the great joys of working in the still life tradition is learning from the artists who came before me. By studying and incorporating their approaches, I find new ways to think about composition, subject matter, and symbolism. Forget Me Not is undeniably informed by van Kessel and de Heer, but it’s also undeniably mine. It’s a meditation on legacy, observation, and the quiet power of paying attention.