Oil portrait of Roly, a long-haired cat with an expressive gaze, painted by Nicholas Beall. — Roly the Cat

The Story Behind Roly’s Portrait

This portrait was commissioned by Kirstie as a birthday surprise for her husband, Gordon. Roly, their much-loved cat, has striking long fur and an expressive gaze, and Nicholas was able to bring this to life on canvas using a favourite photo as reference.

As time was tight before Gordon’s birthday, Kirstie chose one of our printed gift vouchers to present on the day. You can even spot it on the table in one of the photos of the finished painting in situ!

The portrait was painted at 14 x 11 inches – the perfect size to capture Roly’s detail and character. It was also framed and completed with an engraved plaque, adding a lovely finishing touch. Scroll down to read Kirstie’s glowing feedback and see more images of the portrait in its new home.

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Roly's cat oil portrait in initial progress, showing the first layers and outline. — Roly’s oil portrait in initial progress.

Close-up detail of Roly's cat oil portrait in progress, focusing on the eyes and fur. — Detail view of Roly’s oil portrait in progress.

Happy Clients...

Hi Melanie and Nicholas,
He's arrived safely and beautifully packed! Gordon is totally spellbound by the accuracy of Roly's expression that you have captured, Nicholas – and is over the moon with his birthday present. What talent!
Many, many thanks to you both for such a lovely and beautiful portrait. The frame is the perfect choice too.
Thank you so much again. Very best wishes,
Gordon and Kirstie xx

Roly's cat oil painting in progress, showing the midway stage of development. — Roly’s oil painting at midway progress.

Roly's cat portrait in oils, showing the ongoing work-in-progress on canvas. — Roly’s cat portrait in ongoing progress.

Hi Melanie and Nicholas,
So many thanks, Melanie, for your email and all the photos. What can I say, Nicholas, except that Gordon is hugely delighted and appreciative of your completed masterpiece. You have captured Roly’s expression and colouring to perfection – no tweaks needed, it couldn’t be better!
The engraved plaque is the perfect finishing touch. While I had Archie on my lap, I showed him the photo of his housemate and he couldn’t take his eyes off it! There’s a compliment.
Have a lovely weekend – and Nicholas, you deserve a well-earned extra glass or two!
Very best wishes to you both and thank you again,
Gordon and Kirstie x

Close-up of Roly's cat portrait painting in progress, showing detailed fur textures. — Close-up of Roly’s portrait painting in progress.

Roly's cat portrait painting on an easel, showing an advanced progress stage. — Roly’s portrait painting on easel in progress.

Framed and Finished

Roly’s portrait was finished with one of our elegant frames, carefully selected to complement his soft colouring and expressive eyes. You can see how well the frame and engraved plaque complete the piece in the photos below.