Custom Pet Portrait Commission: Painting Nubbins the Cat

I recently finished a pet portrait commission of Nubbins the Cat, and this painting was one of those projects that reminds me why I love doing portrait work in the first place. Pet portraits are personal. They are not just about painting fur, eyes, markings, or anatomy. They are about capturing the presence of an animal that means something to someone.

This custom pet portrait was created for Carla, based on a beautiful photo taken by Cody, the owner of The Wild Hare in downtown Texarkana. Cody took the photo with his iPhone, and it had a really nice natural bokeh effect. Nubbins was in focus, while the background softened into a blur behind him. That kind of reference photo is incredibly helpful for a painting because it already creates a sense of depth, mood, and focus.

As a painter, I love when a reference photo gives me something to work with beyond basic information. A clear photo is important, of course, but a great reference has personality. In this case, Nubbins had such a strong presence in the image. The expression, the pose, the lighting, and the soft background all worked together to create a portrait that felt charming before I ever started painting.

That gave me a strong foundation for the final piece.

Why Pet Portrait Commissions Are So Meaningful

Pet portrait commissions are some of my favorite projects because pets become part of the family. Anyone who has loved a dog, cat, horse, or other animal companion understands that the connection is real. Pets have personalities, habits, expressions, and little quirks that make them unforgettable.

When I paint a pet portrait, I am not only trying to capture what the animal looks like. I am trying to preserve something familiar about them. It might be the way they look at you, the softness in their face, the confidence in their posture, or the playful energy that comes through in the photo.

With Nubbins, the painting was fun because the reference had so much personality built into it. He is a beautiful cat, and the photo gave me a strong visual story to work from. The blurred background helped keep the focus on him, while the lighting and composition made the portrait feel intimate and natural.

That is exactly the kind of photo that can become a strong custom painting.

Painting From a Strong Reference Photo

For pet portrait commissions, the reference photo matters a lot. A good painting starts with a good image. The photo does not have to be taken with professional equipment, as Cody’s iPhone photo of Nubbins shows, but it does need clarity, character, and enough detail for me to work from.

A strong pet portrait reference usually has a few important qualities. The animal should be clearly visible, the eyes should have life and focus, and the lighting should reveal the form instead of flattening it. Backgrounds can be simple, detailed, or blurred, but the main subject needs to carry the attention.

In this case, the bokeh effect in the background helped create a more painterly composition. Since the background was already soft and out of focus, I could use that quality in the painting to keep Nubbins as the center of attention. That made the portrait feel more intentional and helped the final painting stay focused on the cat’s character.

Pet Portrait Commissions in Texas

I create custom pet portrait commissions in Texarkana, Texas, as well as portrait commissions, fine art paintings, and other commissioned artwork. My approach combines realism with expressive painting, so the final work captures both likeness and feeling.

A pet portrait can be a meaningful gift, a way to honor a beloved companion, or a way to remember a pet that has passed. These paintings are personal, so I approach them with care. My goal is to create something that feels worthy of the bond behind the image.

Every commission begins with a conversation. You can contact me, send the photo you would like me to consider, and tell me a little about what you have in mind. If the photo is strong enough to use, I’ll confirm that with you. However, if another image would make a better painting, I can help you choose the strongest reference before we move forward.

Once the image is approved, I’ll confirm the size, pricing, and timeline. After that, I’ll send a private checkout link to reserve the commission and begin the project.

Now Taking New Pet Portrait Requests

If you have a favorite photo of your pet and would like it turned into a custom painting, I am currently taking new pet portrait commission requests.

Whether it is a cat, dog, horse, or another beloved animal companion, I would be happy to take a look at your photo and talk through the possibilities with you. A good pet portrait starts with a strong reference, but it also starts with the story and connection behind the image.

Nubbins the Cat was a joy to paint, and I’m looking forward to creating more custom portraits for people who want to honor the animals they love.

To request a custom pet portrait commission, contact me with your photo and a short description of what you have in mind. Once I review the reference, I’ll let you know if it is a good fit and send the next steps.