This is the first portrait of a pet that I have done this year (2025), as well as my first ever pet commission. When a friend asked me whether I could create a portrait in memory of her boyfriend's dog, Marle, who had recently passed on, I immediately said "yes", with one important caveat.

I had to be able to feel the energy of the dog, and feel inspired or connected in some way. In other words, I had to feel inspired to paint what would become a very intimate portrait of a being who was no longer active in our world. I learned through writing that my emotional state inevitably comes through in my work. If I feel inspired, then this inspiration comes through, if I am emotionally flat, then my work invariably comes out feeling flat and lifeless.

After my friend sent across a collection of fotos featuring Marle, I felt like she would be a subject that I could really connect with, so I was able to give her a wholehearted "yes" for the commission. Even though I had her select an image that showcased Marle's energy, the other fotos contributed to the overall "feel" of Marle in the final portrait.

Contact me if you feel inspired for a pet portrait of your own!