DogsFrom the family lab to the farm kelpie, hand-painted dog portraits that capture the dog, not just the breed.
Painted by hand, because they were never just a photo.
A way to keep them, long after they've gone.
The one gift an animal lover never forgets.
Painted as you remember them.
Hand-painted pet portraits, made in New Zealand
Original portraits of the animals you love, each one painted by my own hand. For the ones still here, and the ones we could not keep long enough.
HI, I'M KAELA
A real human hand, in a world of generated images.
Anyone can make a likeness in seconds now. What they cannot do is sit with you over your animal, learn the quirk in their ear and the way they looked at you, and paint them the way you remember them rather than the way a camera froze them. That is what I do, in every single portrait. By hand. From your photo. Only for you.
My art is also for my son, so I can spend more time with him and be more present. This work gives me freedom to do the best job in the world (being a mum!)
MORE THAN A PAINTING
A One of One.
A commission from me is never just the finished piece. It is the conversation about who your animal was, the progress photos and videos as they come to life, my notes on what I noticed along the way, the colour card of the exact shades I mixed for them, and a wax-sealed, lovingly wrapped delivery. A complete keepsake, made once, for you.
THEIR STORIES
Every portrait has one.
Percy. Clegg. Gretel. Bear. Real animals, real families, and the stories behind the paintings - some in celebration, many in memory.
It's an honour to be able to learn about your animal, celebrate their quirks and tell their stories.
IN THEIR WORDS
“You captured his soul”
“Better than I could have imagined.” “The eyes did it.” “It is exactly as we remember him.”
PRICING
Originals, from $950
A4 from $950, A3 from $1,350, and the museum-scale A1 by application. All options include your portrait, sealed for longevity and mounted on framing mat, the colour palette card, and free tracked delivery within New Zealand.
FOR VETS & CLINICS
A gentle option for the families in your care.
When a family says goodbye, a hand-painted portrait can be a kind way to remember.
I work with clinics who want something meaningful to offer.
