Melanie&Nicholas

Oil and Pencil Pet Portraits from Photos

Cat Portraits - Cat Painting in Oils on Canvas

Welcome to the cat painting in oils on canvas of Samson. This portrait was commissioned by clients here in the UK as a surprise gift. Nicholas completed this oil painting in our woodland garden studio. We have a dedicated space with lots of light, which is ideal for creating oil portraits of any size. Nicholas thoroughly enjoyed painting Samson, and we hope you enjoy reading about the commission and viewing the portrait below.

Oil painting of Samson the cat, a striking white cat, with a gentle expression.
Samson the Cat

The Story Behind Samson’s Portrait

Lucy Townsend contacted us in 2012 to commission a cat portrait for her mum Judith as a surprise birthday gift. Samson is a stunning cat with beautiful white fur, and Lucy was keen to capture his personality in oils.

Lucy sent a selection of photos, but one in particular stood out. It captured Samson perfectly and became the basis for the painting. It’s so important to work with a reference that reflects your pet’s essence—it allows Nicholas to create a portrait that truly comes to life.

After discussing the portrait with Lucy, they agreed that 14 x 11 inches would be the ideal size. For the background, they chose a subtle mid-tone coffee colour. This gentle backdrop allowed Samson’s white fur to stand out beautifully without overpowering the painting.

Client Feedback

"Hi Melanie and Nicholas,

It's excellent. It has really captured his personality. Mum loves it.
Kind regards,
Lucy"

"Hi Nicholas and Melanie,
That is perfect thank you. He looks magnificent. Very excited to see it in real life!
Kind regards,
Lucy"

How It Works

If you’d like to learn more about the process of commissioning a portrait, our guide walks you through everything step by step—from choosing your favourite photo to seeing the final painting come together.

Commission Your Own Cat Portrait

Cat portraits in oils are a wonderful way to capture your pet’s personality. If you’d like a custom painting of your own cat, we’d be delighted to create something truly personal and timeless for your home.

Commission a Portrait

Send us your favourite photos of your dog, cat, or horse and we will help you choose the perfect one for your portrait. We are happy to chat about any ideas you have for a portrait. We can’t wait to get started!