Every dog has a unique soul, but rarely do two sisters have such delightfully contrasting personalities. When Darrell approached me in late November, the clock was ticking toward Christmas. He wanted to surprise his wife, Michelle, with a gift that captured their two beloved dogs—sisters from the same mother, yet worlds apart in character.

Noble Devotion vs. The "Head Tilt" Darrell’s description of the pair was so vivid, I could see them before I even opened the photos. There was Hannah (the darker one), described as having a "sweet and noble disposition," utterly devoted to her humans.

Then there was Scarlett (the lighter one). Far from refined, she was described as "happy-go-lucky," brave when in control, but a "complete chicken" at the vet. Darrell specifically hoped to capture her signature quirk: the way she cocks her head to the side when trying to work out what her humans want.

The Power of the Diptych:
To honour these distinct personalities, we chose Option 1: The Diptych. Instead of squeezing them onto one canvas, we created two separate Classic (40x30cm) portraits.
This format allowed us to give each dog their own moment in the spotlight. I painted them on matching soft, abstract backgrounds to unify them as a set, while focusing entirely on capturing Hannah’s soulful gaze and, of course, Scarlett’s famous inquiring head tilt.
"Capturing the Spark" This commission was a race against the Christmas calendar, but the result was a timeless set of heirlooms. When Darrell saw the final pieces, ready to be hidden away with the help of his excited children, his reaction was everything an artist hopes for:
"...Wow, they are fabulous! I think they capture their respective personalities and essence - their spark. I love them and I’m sure Michelle my wife will love them too."
 
The portraits were finished with sleek black floating frames and express shipped to Lindfield, NSW, ready for a Christmas morning reveal that the whole family was in on.

Project Details:
Subject: Hannah & Scarlett (Mixed Breed Sisters)
Occasion: Christmas Surprise for Wife
Format: The Diptych (Two matching portraits)
Size: 2x 40x30cm (Classic Package)
Medium: Premium Archival Oil on Canvas
Frame: Custom Black Floating Frames
Location: Private Collection, Lindfield, NSW
 
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!