Capturing Canine Charm: The Stories Behind Kayla Rose and Meg's Hand-Painted Portraits
- Elena Valerie
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
Sunset Joy: Painting Kayla Rose (Border Collie) in Oil
Sometimes a commission is more than a likeness—it’s a way to keep a joyful presence alive at home. This is the story of Kayla Rose, a black-and-white Border Collie, and how her beach-at-dusk smile became an heirloom oil portrait in my Gold Coast, QLD studio.
The Artist’s Challenge: Hold a Moving Memory Still
Peggy’s brief was simple and beautiful: please paint the Kayla we remember—playful, bright, and full of life. The challenge was to keep that feeling of movement—the wind in the coat, the spark in the eyes—while creating a calm, timeless portrait that rests easily on a wall.
Choosing the Story: Border Collie at the Beach
From a generous set of photos, we chose the sunset beach image. It carried everything at once: the classic Border Collie “smile,” a little breeze through the fur, and warm light that felt like a memory. The 50×40 cm canvas gave room for expression and a hint of landscape without losing intimacy.
In the Studio: Layering Light, Honouring Details
Working in archival oils on canvas, I built Kayla Rose from soft underlayers to crisp highlights, reserving the brightest values for the eyes and muzzle. Peggy asked for two small details that mattered deeply—faint markings on the nose and paw—so I refined those in the final passes. We framed the finished work in natural wood, echoing the coastal palette.
Materials: oils only (no acrylics), hand-crafted floating frame, protective varnish after full drying.
The Reaction
“Perfection — thank you, Elena ☺️ …a beautiful, vibrant tribute.”— Peggy, Kayla Rose’s family
That single word—perfection—told me we’d captured not just how Kayla looked, but how she felt to live with.
Also From the Easel: Meg (Border Collie × Kelpie)
“I’m speechless… You’ve captured Meg’s spirit. I don’t want to change a thing!”— Kathryn, Meg’s family
Your Companion’s Story, Painted in Oil
I create custom dog portraits from photos—Border Collies, Kelpies, mixes and every beloved breed—here on the Gold Coast with careful Australia-wide shipping. Each commission includes a floating frame (natural, white or black) and is covered by a Lifetime Repair Warranty.
Thinking about a portrait? Send a favourite photo and a few lines about your dog’s personality. I’ll help choose the best reference and canvas size, confirm the quote, and a deposit will reserve your place in my studio calendar.
