Ollie is Amanda's cat — her husband Paul's way of describing him says everything: unapologetically big-boned, addicted to treats, and the devoted companion of a small stuffed fish that seems to follow him everywhere despite nobody ever seeing him carry it.
This portrait was commissioned by Paul as a surprise gift for Amanda's 50th birthday. He described the brief simply and with great affection: Ollie needed to look exactly like himself.
 
Capturing Ollie's Character

From the first reference photos, the priority was clear — Ollie's warm, glowing coat, his commanding physical presence, and the quiet personality that made him so adored.
His colouring presented a beautiful challenge. Paul mentioned on the adoption papers that Ollie is described as "champagne," and the photos confirmed it: a rich, honey-beige tone quite different from a typical ginger cat. Getting that specific warmth right — soft and luminous rather than orange — became a central focus of the palette-mixing process.
The stuffed fish, Ollie's mysterious constant companion, was included in the composition. It felt like the only honest way to paint him. Those small, personal details are often what make a portrait feel true rather than merely accurate.

Size and Scale

Ollie's portrait was created in the Classic size: 40 × 30 cm.
For a cat of his presence and personality, this size gave the painting an intimate, personal quality — close enough to really see him, and scaled to sit comfortably in a home without demanding to dominate it.

Framing

Ollie's portrait was finished in a custom natural wood floating frame.

All Elena Valerie pet portraits come finished in a custom floating frame, ready to hang. For Ollie, natural wood was chosen to complement the warmth of his champagne coat and keep the finished piece soft, grounded, and timeless.

Client Feedback

Paul's response on seeing the finished portrait was immediate:
"...I am absolutely delighted with the result. You have captured Ollie's character perfectly. I love the addition of his favourite toy."

Project Details
Subject: Ollie, Domestic Cat
Commission Type: Custom birthday gift pet portrait
Size: Classic — 30 × 40 cm
Orientation: Portrait
Medium: Archival oil on canvas
Frame: Custom natural wood floating frame
Background: Warm-toned portrait composition
Collection: Private collection, Armstrong Creek VIC, Australia Status: Sold custom commission

A custom pet portrait is created to honour the animal who has shaped your life — their expression, their character, and the details you never want to forget.
Each Elena Valerie pet portrait is painted in archival oils on canvas from your chosen reference photos, with a personal consultation to guide the composition, size, and feeling of the piece.

Every portrait includes:
Archival oil painting on canvas Personal consultation and reference guidance Custom floating frame, ready to hang Complimentary standard shipping within Australia
Custom frame upgrades may also be discussed if you would like the finished piece to have a
stronger statement presence in your home.

To begin your own custom pet portrait, enquire through the website and share your favourite photos, your pet's story, and the kind of feeling you would love the painting to hold.