A Painting for Poppy — Remembering with Brush and Heart

Some paintings carry more than just colour — they carry memory, love, and the quiet ache of missing someone dearly.

Poppy was a Yorkshire Terrier full of sparkle and spirit. She loved to be brushed, wore her bows with pride, and brought joy wherever she went. When I was asked to paint her portrait, I knew it would be more than just a likeness. This was about honouring the soul of a little dog who was deeply loved.

It was also the first time I’ve ever used ashes in a painting. A small amount of Poppy’s ashes were carefully mixed into the final layers — not something I took lightly. It was done with great thought and tenderness, a quiet way of including her not just as the subject, but in the painting itself. As I brushed those last touches into her fur, her bow, her glow, it felt like she was there with me in a very real way.

The painting came together in layers, slowly and patiently. Her fur — so full of texture and nuance — took time to build. Underpainting the darks helped create the depth that made her softness shine. The little details mattered: her shiny tag, her polka dot bow, the hint of light in her eyes. Each was a part of who she was.

Before oiling out, I paused — not just to prep the surface, but to take a moment with her. Even unfinished, she already felt present. Familiar. Loved.

Now that the painting is finished, it feels like more than a portrait. It’s a tribute, both in image and in substance. A way to hold onto her, not just in memory, but through the physicality of paint — layers of love, story, and care.

Thank you, Poppy. It was an honour to paint you.

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