This oil portrait of Gus, a beloved Border Collie, was a special project. His family wanted a painting to remember him by, as he passed away a few years ago.

Bec reached out, looking for a way to honor Gus. She had this amazing photo of him at their family farm in regional Victoria and really wanted to keep that background in the painting. We talked about different sizes, and she ultimately chose the Luxury Package (50x40cm), deciding it was the perfect fit for their home.

It was clear how much Gus meant to them. Bec told me about his sweet, gentle nature and especially how much they loved his eyes. We decided to keep the original farm background with the fence and post, and I even made sure to remove some grass blades that were distracting in the photo.

Once the details were sorted and the deposit came through, I got to work. I paint every portrait with a lot of care, building up layers of oil to capture not just a likeness, but the true spirit of the animal. Bec chose a natural wood floating frame, which complements the rustic feel of the farm perfectly.
When the portrait was finished, I sent photos to Bec. Her response made my day: "Oh Elena, it has taken my breath away and brought tears to my eyes (in the best way). It is incredible! The whole family are blown away and we cannot wait to have it hanging proudly in our home, so we can feel like Gussy is with us again every day."

Knowing that my art can bring that kind of comfort and connection to a family is why I do what I do. It was a real honor to create this piece for Gus.

This oil on canvas, measuring 50x40cm and presented in a natural wood floating frame, is now a treasured part of a private collection in Victoria.

Ready to immortalize your own beloved pet's story in fine art? Learn more about commissioning your custom portrait here!