Kess wasn’t just a cat—she was a presence.

For fifteen years, she filled her home with chatter, character, and quiet companionship. Her expressive tricolour tail—affectionately known as the “naughty tortie element”—was as much a part of her personality as her voice or gaze.
When Kess passed suddenly after a fall from the family’s balcony, her owner, Helen, reached out. She wasn’t looking for decoration—she was seeking comfort.

A way to replace that final memory with a truer one: Kess as she really was—relaxed, soft, full of mischief and peace.

We worked closely to choose the right reference images—one showing her calm, curled pose on patterned pillows, others capturing her tail and finer details. I painted the portrait in oils on canvas, building up the textures and colours slowly to reflect her softness and spirit. The background, featuring familiar pillows, was rendered to feel warm and personal without distracting from her presence.

The result:
A timeless 40x30cm oil portrait.
A tail curled just so.
A gaze that feels like she’s still watching from her favourite spot.
And above all, a piece that feels like Kess.
Now hanging in Helen’s home, the portrait has become a source of comfort. A gentle reminder that even when they leave us, the love we shared remains—and art can give that love a shape.

If you’re holding onto a memory that deserves to be honoured,
I’d be honoured to help you tell their story through oil and canvas.