I was recently commissioned by my brother-in-law to paint a pet portrait of his best friend’s Cavalier that they had just lost. His name was Toby and he was a very successful show dog for several years. In his retirement he kept his “dad” company. I was told that the recipients loved the painting…and then I got this text …the kind of message that makes me love the work I do:
“Hi Kelly. I just wanted to thank you for the portrait of Toby that Billy and Suzanne asked you do do for me. Toby came into Lynnette’s and my life as a little fur ball that Lynnette bought unseen over the phone. We knew early on that he was no ordinary dog. He helped us get through the loss of our two sons and over time became like my third son. I miss him dearly.
I didn’t mean to go on but hoped this would demonstrate how much this means to me. You have a special gift and I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I wish you the best that life has to offer.”
The Studio 