Alfie: Custom Memorial Dog Oil Painting

This 9x12-inch original oil painting is a deeply heartfelt tribute, commissioned to honor the memory of a beloved companion named Alfie.

Capturing a Lasting Memory

This commission was an incredibly meaningful project to work on. The collector, a fellow artist, reached out after losing his little dog, wanting a portrait that truly captured Alfie’s spirit when it felt too difficult to pick up the brushes himself. We reviewed several candid references to find the perfect angle that highlighted his alert, curious expression. I focused entirely on his proud stance, perked ears, and the gentle look in his eyes to ensure the portrait stands as a comforting, enduring celebration of his life.

I chose a vibrant, solid turquoise background to provide a striking contrast that makes the rich blacks, deep tans, and warm highlights of Alfie's coat look electric. I used professional oil paints applied with my signature thick impasto style, building up physical layers of texture across the surface of the canvas. Instead of using flat colors for his dark coat, I tucked unexpected cool purples and deep lavenders into the shadows to give his form shape and volume. It was a true honor to paint this memorial, and I am so grateful to help create a lifelong memory for his home.

Why I love this commission

• Meaningful Memorial: The artwork serves as a deeply personal tribute, capturing the exact character and expression of a missed companion.
• Vibrant Turquoise Background: The bold, solid backdrop creates a beautiful visual energy that emphasizes the warm tones in the fur.
• Thick Painterly Texture: I applied heavy layers of oil paint to create a rich, tactile surface that highlights the traditional, handcrafted process.
• Nuanced Dark Fur: I used a spectrum of deep jewel tones in the shadows to give the short coat an intense sense of three-dimensional depth.

Technical Details

• Original Oil painting by Alai Ganuza
• 23x30 cm (9x12 inches)
• Professional oil paint on premium support
• Certificate of Authenticity (COA) included
• Worldwide tracked and insured shipping via FedEx