Commissioned Pet Portraits
By Laelia Watt
Here are samples of the pet portraits I have created for clients. Some of the portraits are memorials to animal friends who have passed over the rainbow bridge.
Atticus
Atticus was my Houston neighbor’s cat. He was a gentle soul with a serious face who would saunter across the lawn to visit with us often. One day I was alone at home, feeling a bit blue and sitting at the outdoor table eating. Atticus jumped into the seat across from me and sat like a person peering at me over the table. It made me laugh! When he died of old age, I was sad and made this memorial piece for my neighbors.
Star
Star is a young dog, alive and growing strong. I added stars to the background as a nod to his name, but when I created his portrait, I was asked to include a memorial to the client’s late husband. He was a NYC firefighter, so I recreated his firehouse sign around Star’s neck.
Koz
A client commissioned me to create this memorial piece for her friend’s dog, Koz, who had passed away. She wanted to give it to her friend to encourage her as she mourned her dog’s loss.
Coco, Candy, Lizzy and Louis
Coco, named after a famous ballerina, was given a tutu inspired fancy collar. While creating the commissioned birthday invitations for a cat loving friend (the border design), my friend’s cat died, so after printing the invites, I added a portrait of her cat. Lizzy and Louis were two Chihuahuas. The man who commissioned the piece for his fiancé requested the moon and star collars, because those are the fiancé’s favorite shapes
Buddy
Buddy was commissioned by a family member for their sister-in-law who had recently faced the passing of her beloved rescue dog. When Buddy was rescued, it was clear by the rip in his ear and his distrust of certain people that he had been abused, but the sister-in-law gave him a happy, long, and full life. I added butterflies to the piece as a symbol of the renewal he experienced.
Lexy
Lexy lives by the sea in Delaware in a happy home. She was fun to capture in art, because she reminded me of a cute little Muppet with those ears and curious expression. I had fun experimenting with softer ocean colors, starfish and shells in the theme.
If you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait, please contact me for more information about availability, sizes, and pricing.
Poplolly Studio 