Dog Companions, Forever Together: A Memorial Painting
No Single Photo of Both Together
When Laura reached out to me about creating a painting of her two French Bulldogs, Remy and Stitch, she had one wish: to bring them together again. She has heartbroken over the loss of her two beloved Frenchies. They had been inseparable in life — always side by side — but she had no single photo of them together.
She realized she didn’t have a single photo of them together that truly reflected their bond. It was frustrating and emotional; every snapshot on her camera roll told only half the story.
This is one of the most common challenges clients face when commissioning a custom pet portrait from photos. Whether you have one perfect image or several snapshots taken years apart, I help you combine them into a single, lifelike painting that tells your pet’s story with warmth and accuracy.
Bringing Two Souls Together Again
That’s where our collaboration began. Together, we searched through her favorite snapshots of each dog until we found two that could tell their story best.
For this commission, Laura shared several photos — some of Remy, some of Stitch — each capturing their personalities in different ways. I blended those references to create a composition that felt natural and true to how she remembered them.
From those separate photos, I was able to bring them together again—compositing them into a new reference design that showed them just as Laura described: close, connected, and intertwined in spirit. I even tucked one paw gently over the other, a small but tender gesture that says everything about their bond.
The final custom pet painting showed them nestled together, relaxed and content, in the warm light of a late afternoon. When she saw it, Laura paused and smiled through tears.
A Painting That Brings Comfort and Connection
The finished portrait became something truly special, a way for Laura and her husband to feel their beloved Frenchies close again. Each morning and evening, they’re greeted by the familiar faces of Remy and Stitch, together just as they remember them.
“You’ve captured them exactly,” she said. “It feels like they’re home again.” That’s the power of a painting — to hold love, memory, and emotion all in one image.
The memorial painting, on the easel, before and after.
The finished painting became a heartfelt way for them both to see Remy and Stitch every day, together again.
"This painting has given us a way to see them and be comforted."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I wanted a painting of my two beloved frenchies Remy & Stitch as a gift for my husband. I chose two of my favorite pictures that I thought could work and she was able to make it look BEAUTIFUL! The painting is in our bedroom, where we are able to see them when we wake up first thing in the morning and the last thing at night, just like we did when they were physically with us. They are forever missed but forever loved and this painting has given us a way to see them and be comforted.”
- Laura
Video: Behind the Scenes
Watch this video story as Bobbie talks about the making of this painting.
How a Custom Pet Portrait From Photo Works
Creating a painting from photos is a guided and collaborative process, no matter where you live. Many of my clients work with me remotely from across the United States. Through email and virtual meetings, we review photos together, talk about your vision, and agree on the composition before I ever begin painting. I provide progress updates throughout the process so you always feel included — from the first digital sketch to the finished painting on canvas. My goal is to make the experience personal, reassuring, and easy, even from a distance.
How Long Does a Custom Pet Portrait Take?
Most paintings take four to eight weeks, depending on size and complexity. Because I work closely with each client and limit the number of commissions I take on, you’ll receive personal attention and regular updates throughout the process.
Why Choose a Custom Pet Portrait Painting?
A custom pet portrait goes so much beyond just simple photography. It’s created with intention, expression, and care. Many clients tell me they appreciate the process as much as the final painting. It gives them a chance to share stories about their pets and see those memories come to life on canvas.
Whether you’re commissioning a memorial painting, a birthday gift, or simply a tribute to your companion, each piece I create is designed to be one-of-a-kind. I don’t use filters or one step automations, I render every detail by hand, blending modern digital tools with the craftsmanship of traditional artistry.
Can I Commission a Pet Portrait From Photos If I Live Out of State?
Yes — absolutely. Nearly all my clients live outside of Massachusetts, and I regularly ship finished paintings nationwide. The entire process can be handled remotely, including photo review, design approvals, and progress updates.
What Makes This Different From Online Photo-to-Painting Services?
Unlike mass-produced or automated websites, I personally oversee every part of your project — from reviewing your photos to refining the painting’s smallest details. My work is guided by empathy, artistry, and human connection, not templates or quick filters.
Can you combine multiple photos into one painting?
Yes. I often merge several reference photos to create a natural, cohesive composition — especially for memorial portraits when pets were never photographed together.
Ready to begin your painting from photo of your own pet?
If you’d like to create a custom pet portrait that celebrates your companion, I’d love to guide you through the process. Every project starts with a friendly discovery call or a few emails to discuss your vision. From there, we’ll select your best photos, plan the composition, and begin transforming those memories into a painting you’ll treasure forever.
Whether you’re honoring a current companion or creating a lasting pet memorial painting, I’d love to help you bring their spirit to life in a beautiful, timeless work of art. Only 5 commissions are accepted a month. Will yours be one of them?
➡️ You can get started by filling out the Inquiry Form on my website — I’ll reply personally to walk you through the next steps.
Bobbie Bush is a Massachusetts-based portrait artist creating custom portrait painting commissions to honor, celebrate and commemorate loved ones. Serving nationally. Since 1996.