Jac: Custom Tabby Cat Oil Painting

This 8x10-inch oil painting of Jac was a great study in using complementary colors to make a portrait feel electric and full of life.

Finding Color in the Shadows

I chose a bright, saturated orange for the background because I knew it would make the cool blues and teals I found in Jac’s fur stand out. When I paint a tabby, I don’t just see gray or brown; I look for the hidden colors in the highlights and the deep violets in the shadows. I painted this on one of my handmade wood panels using professional oil paints, building up the layers to create a surface that is thick and full of texture. It was important to me that the brushwork felt spontaneous while still capturing a true likeness.

I focused a lot on the direction of the fur and the intensity of the gaze. By using high-contrast strokes, I was able to define the tabby stripes without losing the overall energy of the piece. Those little touches of bright pink on the nose and the long, sweeping whiskers give Jac a sense of personality that goes beyond a standard photograph. This painting is built to be a lasting heirloom, meant to bring a burst of color and joy to any wall it hangs on.

Why I love this piece

• Vibrant Color Theory: The blue and orange palette creates a visual vibration that makes the subject pop.
• Thick Impasto Texture: I applied the paint heavily so you can see every physical stroke and feel the handmade quality of the work.
• Character-Focused Detail: I made sure to emphasize the glassy texture of the eyes and the unique markings that make Jac special.
• Handmade Panel: Every part of the process, from preparing the wood to the final signature, happens right here in my studio.

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