Months ago, I took on my first-ever cat portrait commission—my sibling’s cat, Lilith. Let’s just say it didn’t exactly match the reference photo, but it was a humbling and valuable learning experience.
Fast forward to today, I’ve just completed my most ambitious feline portrait yet. Meet Beau, Zoe, and Zinc in my latest work, Tres Gatos!
I named the piece after Tres Gatos, a restaurant near my old workplace in Jamaica Plain, MA.
Behind the Inspiration
When my client mentioned their friends’ love for gothic and moody themes, I immediately thought of the Dutch flower painters I’ve long admired—Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder (1573 – 1621), Rachel Ruysch (1664 – 1760) and Jan van Huysum (1682 – 1749). These artists had an unmatched ability to make flowers bloom with life against rich, shadowy backgrounds. Their work often embodied the elegance and drama of Rococo art, and I couldn’t wait to bring that influence into this piece.
Jan van Huysum, Hollyhocks and Other Flowers in a Vase, 1702-20 (c) The National Gallery, London
What do you think makes Dutch flower paintings so timeless? Is it the attention to detail, the vivid colors, or the sense of mystery they evoke?
Painting Challenges: From Reference Photos to Artistic Decisions
One of the most challenging aspects of pet portraits is working with reference photos. If you’re lucky, the client provides crisp, high-resolution images with good lighting. But when the photos are less-than-ideal? That’s where the real artistry comes in—guessing fur textures, eye colors, and how these elements interact with a dynamic background.
For Tres Gatos, I had to balance each cat’s unique personality with the vibrant floral surroundings. How do you capture the essence of a pet while making them look at home among intricate, imagined blooms?
The Process: Layer by Layer
Reflecting on my earlier attempt with Lilith, I knew this time I had to strengthen the foundation. I began with a detailed underdrawing to solidify the composition. Then, I blocked in colors with acrylics, gradually building up details in oil. Following the “thin to thick” rule in oil painting gave depth and texture to both the cats and the flowers.
Fun fact: Rococo floral paintings like Rachel Ruysch’s often feature layers of seemingly infinite detail. Have you ever noticed how your eyes are drawn to both the largest blooms and the tiniest buds?
Winter Woes: Painting Through the Holidays
Painting in the winter adds its own set of challenges—slow drying times, limited light, and the occasional smudge when you least expect it. (Yes, I managed to get oil paint on my hands, my sweater, and even parts of the painting three separate times!)
Despite these hiccups, the process felt magical, especially with the holiday season in the background. There’s something so cozy about spending chilly days surrounded by vibrant colors and creative energy.
What helps you stay creative during winter? Do you embrace the slower pace or find ways to keep your momentum going?
A Gift of Love and Art
Now that Tres Gatos is complete, I couldn’t be more excited for my client’s friends to receive this heartfelt gift. Along with the painting, they’ll also receive custom cards I created to complement the artwork. It’s always a thrill to think about how someone will react when they see their loved ones (in this case, their beloved pets) transformed into art.
Creating Tres Gatos was a joy from start to finish, and it made me fall even more in love with the Dutch floral style. I hope it inspires others to embrace the beauty and complexity of nature in their own ways.
So, tell me—if you could have a portrait done in the Dutch floral style, what would you include? Cats, flowers, or something else entirely?
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