From Grief to Grace: Creating Kess's Memorial Portrait
- Elena Valerie
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
When Helen reached out after the sudden loss of her cat Kess, her wish was simple yet profound: to remember Kess not in her final moments, but as she had been—talkative, relaxed, and full of life.
Kess had been part of her family for 15 years. A tricolour cat with a lively tail and a love of lounging on soft cushions, she wasn’t just a pet—she was woven into the everyday rhythm of home. Her vet once joked that her colourful tail was the “naughty tortie element”—a perfect reflection of her cheeky, spirited nature.
But one day, in a tragic accident, Kess slipped and fell from the balcony. The loss was devastating. Helen reached out in the hope of creating something beautiful—something that would replace that last painful image with one full of comfort and connection.
Choosing the Right Image
Helen sent through a collection of photos, unsure if they were usable. Among them was a candid moment: Kess curled on a couch, pillows all around her, tail visible, eyes calm.
We discussed ways to honour her full shape—including that wonderful tail—and chose a composition that felt natural and true. I created a simple sketch to confirm the pose and suggested a horizontal 40x30cm format to give Kess room to breathe on the canvas without feeling cramped.
Painting Kess's Spirit
Once the deposit was received, I began building the painting layer by layer. Oils allow for softness, subtlety, and richness—perfect for capturing Kess’s markings, the gentle flow of her fur, and the warmth in her expression.
I paid special attention to her background, echoing the familiar patterns of her favourite pillows while softening the surroundings so her figure could shine. Her tail, curled with just a hint of playfulness, became the final, joyful punctuation mark.
A Moment of Comfort
When the painting was finished and varnished, Helen came to collect it in person. It was a quiet, meaningful handover. Later, she wrote to me:
“I was so taken in with the emotional connection you’ve created for me.”
That, for me, is the heart of this work.
A Lasting Tribute
Kess’s portrait now lives in Helen’s home—a graceful reminder of the years they spent together. It’s not just a picture; it’s a presence. A way of holding onto love, long after goodbye.
