Ruby was a 16-year-old English Cocker Spaniel — Sophie’s “golden girl,” her first baby, and the love of her life.
She was described as brave, resilient, beautiful, and full of personality. Ruby followed Sophie everywhere, talked when she wanted something, and wagged her tail constantly. To Sophie, she was her warrior princess.

This portrait was commissioned shortly after Ruby’s passing, using a treasured close-up photo taken not long before Sophie had to say goodbye. The image captured Ruby in a way that felt deeply true to her: golden, gentle, and right at the forefront, just as she had been in life.

Capturing Ruby’s Character

From the beginning, the focus was clear: Ruby’s eyes, her perfect nose, and her gorgeous golden locks.
The chosen reference was a very intimate close-up, with almost no background — a composition that suited Ruby’s story perfectly. Sophie felt that because Ruby had always been at the forefront of her life, the portrait should feel that way too.
Because the main reference had some camera blur around Ruby’s nose, additional photos were used to support the details. This allowed the painting to keep the lighting, warmth, and expression of the final treasured image, while refining the features that mattered most — especially the nose, fur texture, and eyes.
Sophie was also drawn to Elena’s more detailed pet portraits, especially the close-up works with tighter brushwork through the eyes and fur. For Ruby, the goal was to create that same level of closeness and realism, with particular attention to the movement in her golden coat and the depth of her gaze.

Size and Scale

Ruby’s portrait was originally planned as a larger statement artwork, but the final commission was created in the Legacy size: 50 × 40 cm.
This scale gave the piece a more intimate presence while still allowing enough room to capture the fine detail Sophie wanted — Ruby’s golden fur, her expressive eyes, and the close-up connection of the original reference.
The result is a focused, personal portrait designed to feel close, warm, and present in the home.

Framing
 
Ruby’s portrait was finished in a custom oak floating frame.
All Elena Valerie pet portraits come finished in a custom floating frame, ready to hang. For Ruby, oak was chosen to complement the warmth of her golden coat and keep the finished artwork soft, natural, and timeless.
Client Feedback
After seeing the finished portrait, Sophie requested a small refinement around Ruby’s eyes and facial features so the expression felt exactly right. Once the adjustments were made, her response was simple:
“Thank you — she is perfect.”

Project Details

Subject: Ruby, English Cocker Spaniel
Commission Type: Custom memorial pet portrait
Size: Legacy — 50 × 40 cm
Orientation: Portrait
Medium: Archival oil on canvas
Frame: Custom oak floating frame
Background: Close-up golden-toned composition with minimal/no formal background
Collection: Private collection, Burradoo NSW, 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.