Sometimes, a painting is the only way to bring a family back together. When Megan contacted me, she shared a story that deeply touched my heart.

She described her father as a strong man of 73—someone who had always been the steady rock of the family. Yet, the recent loss of his two "best friends"—Australian Murray River Retrievers named Bunchy and Lexy—had shaken him. She confessed she had never seen him so upset; the house felt empty, and his grief was profound.

Megan’s vision was to heal that silence with a monumental surprise. She wanted to reunite the whole family—Mum, Dad, and their puppy Remi—on canvas for Christmas.
Weaving Three Stories into One The artistic challenge here was composition. We didn't have a single photo of all three dogs together that did them justice. Instead, I had to work from separate individual photos, taken at different times and in different lighting.

We selected the Legacy Package but adapted it to a 60x30cm landscape format to allow Bunchy, Lexy, and Remi to sit side-by-side comfortably. I painted them against a soft, neutral background to unify them into a single, shared moment—a moment where the pack was whole again.
During the process, the likeness of Lexy (the Dad dog) required special attention. Working from photos, we realised her expression needed softening to match her real-life character. I went back into the studio to widen her forehead and gently adjust her eyes. It was a delicate process, but essential to honour her memory.

"I Am Speechless" When I revealed the final, adjusted painting to Megan, her reaction confirmed that the extra time in the studio was worth every minute. We had successfully captured the spirit of the dogs her father loved so much:
"...I’m speechless, you have done such an incredible job! I’m so pleased with the final product, it really resembles her now... Words cannot express how much I appreciate and adore the beautiful work you have done."

This heirloom piece was framed in a custom floating frame and hand-delivered on the Gold Coast, ready to bring a moment of joy—and likely a few happy tears—to her father on Christmas morning.
Project Details:
Subject: Bunchy, Lexy & Remi (Australian Murray River Retrievers)
Occasion: Christmas / Memorial Gift
Size: 60x30cm (Custom Legacy Landscape)
Medium: Premium Archival Oil on Canvas
Frame: Custom Floating Frame
Location: Private Collection, Gold Coast, QLD

Turn Your Pet’s Story into a Masterpiece From single portraits to curated family collections, I would be honoured to capture the unique spirit of your beloved companion.
Whether you are looking to create a heartfelt surprise for a loved one or a timeless heirloom for your own home, I am here to guide you through the process. Every commission includes my personal consultation, custom framing, and a lifetime warranty on the artwork.
Are you ready to celebrate your best friend in oil? Contact me today!