Every so often, a commission comes along that makes me pause and think, Well, this is new. That’s exactly what happened when Jo, a creative with a flair for the theatrical, asked me to paint a portrait of her beloved basset hound, Mabel. But this wasn’t just any pet portrait—Mabel was to be transformed into a Victorian noblewoman, lounging in the height of luxury.

A First for Everything

 Pet portraits? Sure, I’ve done plenty. But a dog in full aristocratic dress, draped over an ornate chair like she owned the place? That was a new challenge entirely. Jo, whose love of storytelling and grand, dramatic imagery spills into everything she does, clearly had a vision. Mabel wasn’t just a basset hound—she was about to become Lady Mabel, a canine aristocrat with impeccable taste and an air of dignified indifference.  

 From Sketch to Aristocrat 

 I started with Mabel’s reference photo, a wonderfully poised shot of her lounging on the arm of a chair. It was the perfect foundation. From there, I sketched out the details—an ornate gold-trimmed chair, deep blue velvet upholstery, and of course, the pièce de résistance: a grand Victorian gown, complete with lace, ruffles, and delicate embellishments.

 One of the biggest challenges was maintaining Mabel’s personality. It was important that, even under layers of historical drama, she was still recognisably herself. Her soulful eyes, long ears, and relaxed-yet-dignified posture all had to shine through.

 The painting process was a mix of techniques—layering colour for depth, working in fine details on the lace, and ensuring the rich textures of fabric, wood, and fur all played their part in the final scene. 

The Final Reveal

Framing the finished portrait, I had to step back and laugh—Mabel had truly become her character. She looked regal, a noblewoman of impeccable taste, reclining with the poise of someone who knows they belong in a grand estate. 

 For Jo, whose eye for drama made this commission such a joy, it was a perfect blend of humour and elegance. For me, it was a reminder that the best projects are often the ones that take you in unexpected directions.

 Would I paint another pet-turned-Victorian-noble? Absolutely. Because every dog deserves to be a lady (or lord) at least once in their lifetime.

Want a Portrait Like This?

If you’d love a unique portrait of your pet—whether as a Victorian aristocrat, a medieval knight, or just in their natural majestic glory—you can find my work and commission a piece here:

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