For so many of us, pets are far more than companions—they are cherished family members, loyal confidants, and sources of unconditional love. When we lose them, the absence is profound. One beautiful way to honor their legacy is through art, capturing their essence in a custom oil portrait.
I’d love to take your favourite photo of your pet and create a beautiful keepsake. Unlike a photograph, an oil painting has depth, texture, and a warmth that is almost alive. A portrait doesn’t just capture a likeness; it conveys personality, highlighting a pet’s playful sparkle, gentle wisdom, or even that mischievous glint in their eye.
Capturing the Essence of Each Pet
The personality of your companion comes across in so many ways – the bright eyes of their younger days, the tilt of their head, or the way their tail curled when they were excited. Perhaps it’s a soulful gaze, a playful pose, or that unmistakable quirk that made them truly one of a kind. This is exactly what I hope to capture in my portraits – the individuality that made your pet so special.
The background of a portrait also contributes to the story. A classic head and shoulders portrait may have a calm, simple background to draw the viewer’s focus to the pet, perhaps incorporating colours from their family home or favourite blanket, or a dreamy, abstract landscape for the outdoorsy pet. A full portrait can bring in details like their favourite spot in the house or a vibrant garden they loved to explore to add further layers of meaning to the piece.
The Lasting Power of Art
An oil portrait is a lasting gift of comfort, memory, and love. It’s art for your home, but it’s also a way to keep your pet close, to feel their presence in the spaces you share. Your pet was more than just an animal—they were family. I create oil paintings to celebrate that bond, honour their memory, and ensure their spirit lives on in your home and heart. It’s my privilege as an artist to create pieces that invoke comfort, joy, and a sense of connection.
About the Artist
Emily Bickell is an oil painter based in Kingston, Ontario, where she lives with her husband, two children, their big, goofy dog, and a fish. Emily has an Honours degree in Fine Arts from the University of Waterloo, and has been painting professionally since 1998. Her work is exhibited in galleries internationally. Visit Emily’s website www.emilybickell.ca for more information.
