Earlier this year, the fabulous Leah Davies reached out and asked if we’d be interested in having a portrait painted of Emmett.
Yep!
In fact, having his portrait done was one of his Bucket List items!
Over the course of several months, Leah and I emailed back and forth, and she shared the incredible progress updates of Emmett’s portrait. Before I get into the painting itself, I have to say that Leah is just a lovely person. She was an absolute pleasure to work with throughout the process, and I feel so inspired by her and her art (you can check her out on Facebook and Instagram – and her dog Henry is super cute, too). Seeing her work online is incredible, but trust me – the real thing will blow you away.
Okay, so, anyway! We used this picture of Emmett because it really captures his happy, open spirit.
From the beginning she asked if we were okay with her changing the background to a photography technique called bokeh, which is an out-of-focus shimmer of light. That sounded so perfect to me! As she worked on Emmett’s portrait, she sent updates of her process.
We opened the box so carefully…
Inside a protective cardboard sleeve, we got our first glimpse. And we both started to cry! It’s seriously so perfect and captures the essence of Emmett.
On a shelf in our living room, we have a framed version of the inspiration pic, so we snapped a side-by-side photo.
I honestly think the portrait is FAR better than the photograph! It’s so beautifully detailed – you can see the photographer reflected in his eye in the photo, and Leah captured that in the painting!!! As John said, you can just see how soft his fur is and feel like you can pet him!
We are so completely in love with the painting. It’s so beautiful, and it really does reflect Emmett’s inner strength, happiness, and spirit perfectly. I honestly could never have even imagined it would turn out so perfectly!
Which brings us to our conundrum! Where to hang it!!
When we moved in, we knew the portrait was coming, so we hadn’t yet hung much on the walls. Now I want to be sure it has THE place of honor… I just need to figure out where that is! As soon as I have it hanging, I’ll post a pic of the final spot.
Seriously, though, can you even believe how gorgeous the portrait is?! I’m so honored and touched and, basically, beside myself with glee over this!
OH! And guess what else!!
Leah Davies Art has so generously donated FOUR $50 gift certificates so that four of YOU can get a fabulous custom portrait done of your dear pets!
This is a Rafflecopter giveaway. The widget should load below in a few seconds, or if you’re reading this via email or in a feed reader, you may have to click the link. (This one includes bonus entries for connecting with Leah online!)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thank you, Leah, for putting your time and talent into capturing Emmett in this portrait. You are an incredible artist, and I’m honored to have your work hanging in our home! And thank you SO MUCH for offering gift certificates to OMD! readers. So much gratitude.
Our hearts are full.
Simply gorgeous.
The portrait is just beautiful! She did an amazing job!
Wow – I would love to win this! What a talented artist!
Wow, that is beautiful!!
Your Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
we could touch his fur and pet it, and we saw that sparkle in his eyes just perfectly….
stella rose
Seriously – that is one MAGNIFICENT portrait.
I am at work right now so can’t enter yet but I will be back – would love to win.
Mom Kim
Love, love, love!!!
That portrait is just simply amazing. You’re right…this is a fantabulous giveaway.
I’ve seen the portrait in person, it is even more gorgeous up close!
That is absolutely stunning!! I was anxiously awaiting the final product!! Wow.Just.Wow!!
I think the portrait is better than the photograph! Amazing & beautiful. with a tear in my eye. Love you Em!
I love it!! She captured Emmett perfectly.
That really is amazing!! She is so talented, it’s like she brought the photo to life, if that makes any sense! You definitely need to find the perfect spot for that.
So beautiful!! I’ve always wanted something like this. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win.
It’s really beautiful Maggie, she did a wonderful job!!
That is such a fantastic portrait of Emmett! I would love to do something similar for our pup as he just passed away last month and are still pretty heartbroken about it.
I know you guys will treasure that forever! I agree, the portrait is better than the photo (but it is still a wonderful photo, though).
I’m so happy for you guys!!!
That is super beautiful!
What a beautiful portrait…we’re in on the contest, would love to get one of those…actually I made need five, one for each of our dogs!
Wow! Maggie, this is such a wonderful post! Thank you, thank you! It’s really great to see you guys taking the portrait out the packaging – part of the portrait process I don’t get to experience! I’d also like to thank everyone for the very kind words and your interest in my portraits! I’m overwhelmed by the response thus far and I can’t wait to get started on your own pet portrait next!