This is Olivia, aka “Squashy”. She is my own cat, a very special soul and the most extraordinary cat I have ever met. She passed away in 2018 from a long fight with bone cancer, and I still mourn her. She was only 10 years old, and left us far too soon. I have been putting off doing her portrait for a long time because it was so difficult, emotionally and technically.

I created her pet portrait with acrylic paints on a 16×20 inch stretched canvas, completed in August 2023. It is based off of a single reference photo of her lying on a green cushion that just happened to match the color of her eyes. The background of the photo was in the shadows, so I made the background black to give it a dramatic effect, and bring the focus entirely on Olivia. The limited color palette is striking and really emphasizes the details of her fur color and eyes. I have not had much experience painting tabby cats in realistic colors, and especially not at this size, so it was good practice for me. The size allowed me to really focus on the details and the subtle colors in her fur, which I feel that I captured really well.

Anyone who met Olivia knew what a special cat she was. She only wanted to be with me, and she followed me everywhere, no matter what I was doing. She listened to me, and seemed to understand what I was saying. She had a deep crackly meow and was not afraid to use it. She loved her beanie babies; she would carry them around the house, making a crying sound, and put them in little piles. She gave hugs and kisses, and loved to sit in my lap and be cuddled, constantly, no matter what I was doing. Whenever I was sad she would cling to me and give me extra hugs.

Her passing has left a huge hole in my heart and soul that will never be filled.

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If you like my art style and you want a custom portrait of your own pet, please visit my Commission Information Page. I paint using acrylic paints on stretched canvas. The canvases are varnished and have a hanging wire installed on the back, so they are ready to hang. I ship worldwide. I will paint any animal species, including cats, dogs, horses, farm animals, fish, reptiles, birds, and even invertebrates. Please visit my Portfolio to see all of my works.