Anya: Custom Flame Point Cat Oil Painting

This original 8x8-inch oil painting is a heartwarming holiday memorial celebrating the gentle spirit and striking blue eyes of a beloved companion, Anya.

Capturing a Soft, Luminous Spirit

This commission was an incredibly touching project to work on. The collector wanted to surprise her partner’s family with a holiday portrait of their late cat, Anya, who had passed away a few years prior. Originally considering a tiny format, we decided on an 8x8-inch square wood panel so I could capture her features, including her beautiful flame-point coloration and fluffy shoulders, at a more natural scale. It was a true pleasure to bring her soft, elegant presence back to life on canvas.

I chose a solid, vibrant teal background because it acts as a perfect modern contrast that frames her light fur and makes her striking blue eyes completely pop. When painting light or cream-colored coats, I love finding hidden warmth; I layered soft peachy pinks and warm creams into the highlights of her face, while using delicate lavenders and light blues to structure the shadows. I applied the professional oil paint thickly with visible, expressive brushstrokes to give her fluffy fur a beautiful tactile volume, creating a lasting heirloom to be cherished forever.

Why I love this commission

• Meaningful Holiday Memorial: The artwork honors a beloved family pet, transforming a treasured memory into a timeless piece of fine art.
• Bold Teal Contrast: The clean, high-saturation background beautifully complements her warm cream fur and vivid blue eyes.
• Expressive Eye Work: Extra care was taken to capture the depth, reflection, and precise color profile of her intense gaze.
• Thick Impasto Fur: Heavy layers of oil paint give the surface of the wood panel a rich texture that beautifully highlights the handcrafted process.

Technical Details

• Original Oil painting by Alai Ganuza
• 20x20 cm (8x8 inches)
• Handmade prepared wood panel
• Certificate of Authenticity (COA) included
• Worldwide tracked and insured shipping via FedEx