Hand-painted Border Collie portrait in archival oils on canvas, created in my Gold Coast studio for Charmaine as a loving gift for her son Nathaniel and his partner Peggy. After seeing the first portrait I painted for Peggy, Charmaine wanted a second painting so that Nat would feel Kayla Rose’s presence every time he walked through the door.
About this Border Collie oil painting
Charmaine first reached out sharing how deeply the whole family missed Kayla Rose and how much Nat adored her. She had seen the original sunset beach portrait I created for Peggy and wrote that she would like another portrait so that he could remember Kayla every time he came home.
Instead of simply duplicating the first painting, we decided together to create a sister piece: same joyful dog, different memory. From Peggy’s photo library, we chose the close-up smiling image where Kayla’s bright eyes and happy expression light up the frame. This way, Peggy’s sunset portrait tells the story of time at the beach, while Charmaine’s portrait becomes an intimate, eye-to-eye moment waiting to greet Nat at home.
Painted on a 50×40 cm canvas, this second portrait brings the focus in closer to Kayla’s face. I worked especially on her beautiful eyes so they are the first thing you’re drawn to, and softened the background into warm, gently blended tones that echo her eye colour and black-and-white coat. The overall feeling is uplifting and calm, like a quiet smile from a much-loved friend.
Finished in a custom floating frame and ready to hang, this companion piece sits beautifully alongside the original sunset painting or as a standalone memorial in Nat and Peggy’s home.
Materials & care
Archival oil on canvas (oils only — no acrylics or digital prints)
Professional floating frame, ready to hang
Protective varnish applied after full drying
Covered by Australia’s Lifetime Repair Warranty for peace of mind
Australia-wide shipping from the Gold Coast, QLD (Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney, Melbourne & beyond)
Client words
“It will make a beautiful memory for Nat and Peggy!!! Once again thank you so much!”
— Charmaine, Kayla Rose’s “grandma”
Commission your own Border Collie portrait (or any breed)
Whether you’re commissioning the very first portrait of your dog or a second piece as a gift for another family member, I create custom dog portraits from photos that honour your companion’s character and story.
From Brisbane, Gold Coast and Northern Rivers/Byron Bay to Sunshine Coast, Sydney and Melbourne, I work from your favourite photos to create pet memorial paintings and celebration portraits in oils, tailored to your home and style.
How it works
Share photos (natural light, eye level where possible; include favourite expressions and little quirks).
We choose the strongest reference and canvas size together, taking into account where the painting will hang.
A deposit secures your place in my studio calendar.
I paint in oils only; you can request small, meaningful tweaks such as markings, whiskers or collar/tag details.
Once dry, I varnish, help you choose a floating frame (black/white/natural wood), and arrange safe delivery to your door.
Typical timeframe: 4–6 weeks depending on season and complexity.
FAQs
Do you paint Border Collies from photos?
Yes. I specialise in painting from photos and use high-resolution images to capture expression, coat texture and signature markings.
Can you create a second portrait of the same dog for another family member?
Yes. As with Kayla Rose, I can paint a complementary second portrait so each person has their own memory — for example, one sunset scene and one closer, more intimate view.
Can you match my home’s style?
Yes. You can choose a floating frame in natural wood, white or black to suit coastal, modern, Hamptons or farmhouse interiors.
Do you offer other breeds?
Yes. I paint all breeds (Labrador, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Cavoodle, Staffy, Poodle, Greyhound, etc.) as well as cats, horses and other companion animals.
Where are you based? Do you ship?
I’m based on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and I ship Australia-wide with careful, protective packaging.
Ready to begin?
If you’re searching for a Border Collie portrait, a pet memorial painting, or a custom dog portrait in oils for someone you love, I’d be honoured to help you tell their story on canvas. Share your favourite photo and I’ll guide you through the next steps.