Ovid: Custom Cat Memorial Oil Painting

This 8x10-inch oil painting was commissioned as a special holiday memorial, designed to capture the unique spirit and striking gaze of a beloved companion.

Capturing the Perfect Gaze

I painted this piece to honor Ovid, a very special cat whose memory deserved something vibrant and full of life. My goal was to move away from the cluttered background of the reference photos and focus entirely on Ovid’s personality. I worked closely with the collector to get the eyes exactly right, making sure the pupils weren't too dilated so we could see those beautiful greens shine through. I also made sure to include his signature black patch on his front leg to ensure the portrait felt authentic in every detail.

I chose a color palette filled with teals and aquas to give the background a fresh, modern energy. Even though the subject is a memorial, I wanted the painting to feel bright and hopeful. I applied the professional oil paint heavily using my signature brushwork, creating a physical texture that brings the fur to life. By using high-contrast highlights, I made sure Ovid stands out as the focal point of the wood panel. This piece is built to be a lasting heirloom that brings back only the best memories.

Why I love this commission

• Personalized Anatomy: I focused on specific requests like eye dilation and unique fur markings to create a true likeness.
• Bold Color Choice: I used a range of cool aquas and teals to create a vibrant contrast with the warm highlights in the fur.
• Signature Painterly Texture: The surface has a thick, buttery feel from the heavy layers of oil paint that you can see and touch.
• Handmade Quality: Painted on a prepared wood panel, this original artwork is durable and designed to last for generations.

Technical Details

• Original Oil painting by Alai Ganuza
• 20x25 cm (8x10 inches)
• Handmade prepared wood panel
• Certificate of Authenticity (COA) included
• Worldwide tracked and insured shipping via FedEx