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.

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.”
Portraits, Photos, and Remembering Mona
This painting of Betty was especially meaningful to me not only because of the family ties, but because it brought back so many memories of my Mona. I haven’t yet painted her portrait and it’s been on my mind ever since we lost her a few years ago. I did take a series of photos of her for a portrait and she is 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 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.