Capturing Rocko's Soul: A Heartfelt Tribute for a Special Dad
- Elena Valerie
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
When Georgia reached out, her wish was to honour a cherished family member, Rocko, a chocolate Labrador whose sudden passing had left a huge void. Rocko, a "smiley, happy boy who loved everyone without hesitation," was the light of their family, and his dad's best mate. With her father's 60th birthday approaching, Georgia, along with her siblings, wanted to give him a truly special gift: a keepsake to treasure Rocko's memory.
Rocko was more than just a pet; he was a personality. His tail wags were "whole body wiggles," and he answered to many nicknames, from Rocky to "Mr Beautiful" and "Rock the Croc." He was a protector with a deep bark for kangaroos, a curious explorer who investigated horse poo (and sometimes nibbled it!), and a dapper swimmer who kept his tail out of the water like a crocodile. He was a master photobomber, a connoisseur of Vegemite toast, and a "big softie" just like his dad.
A Meaningful Collaboration
Given the tight deadline for her dad's July 6th birthday, creating a portrait in just 1 weeks' time seemed like a challenging task. However, Georgia's heartfelt story resonated deeply. I wanted to help them create this meaningful gift, so we explored options. We decided on a smaller, intimate 20x30cm "Expression Portrait," focusing on Rocko's face to capture his unique spirit without compromising quality. This size also allowed for a quicker turnaround within the tight timeframe.
Georgia shared a treasure trove of photos and anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of Rocko's charming quirks and loving nature. Among them, one particular photo stood out: Rocko sitting on lush green grass with a soulful, captivating expression.
Bringing Rocko's Soul to Life
The choice of expression was key. While Rocko was known for his happy, open-mouthed smile, the chosen reference photo showcased his beautiful amber eyes and a deeply wise, soulful gaze. After thoughtful discussion with her family, Georgia chose this "soulful portrait" to capture the depth of Rocko's spirit.
I began building the portrait in oil on a smooth wooden panel, a choice that lends itself to rich detail and depth. I carefully rendered his beautiful eyes, aiming to convey the deep connection he shared with his family. The background was subtly touched with hints of the flower meadow near the river where Rocko loved to swim, a personal detail that Georgia had shared.
A Moment of Elation
When the portrait was complete, I shared it with Georgia. Her response was overwhelming:
"....WOW WOW WOW!!! It is incredible! Thank you so much for perfectly capturing our Rocko in this beautiful portrait. You have his eyes and gentleness spot on, it is remarkable!!! The attention to detail, clarity and colours are amazing. My mum and siblings are also so so impressed and wanted me to pass on how much they love it too. We are in awe of your talent!!! Thank you again! Wow! We are very very happy with this - elated is perhaps a better word, or ecstatic!"
Knowing that the portrait brought such immense joy and connection to the family was incredibly moving. Rocko's portrait, now with its custom natural wood frame, is being prepared for shipping to reach them near Bathurst in time for the birthday celebration (hope her dad doesn't stumble upon my website by accident).
A Lasting Connection
Rocko's Expression Portrait now stands as a testament to a life filled with love and joy. His soulful amber eyes and gentle expression are now beautifully captured, a permanent reminder of the sunshine and sweetness he brought to his family. This portrait isn't just a painting; it's a way for Georgia's dad to hold onto the love he shared with his best mate, Rocko, long after goodbye.
If you’re considering an oil portrait to honour your own companion—past or present— contact me today and I’d be honoured to help you tell their story.
