This blog post is dedicated to a beautiful Cocker Spaniel pencil portrait – Louis’s story. I would love for you to meet Louis, who was a gorgeous golden Cocker Spaniel who I recently created a pencil portrait of. Commissioned by his lovely owner Tess in Australia, Louis’ portrait was a truly special one to create, filled with love, emotion, and plenty of tail wags from afar.
Tess and I first connected via video call so I could “meet” Louis and chat about his portrait. The reason Tess wanted me to see him in person was incredibly sad. Louis, though only 16 months old, had just been diagnosed with acute leukaemia. It was an extremely rare and aggressive form of cancer, especially in such a young dog and chemotherapy wasn’t an option. Tess’s words from her very first email were just heart wrenching.
“He is only 16 months old. A week ago today he was diagnosed with acute leukaemia… It is extremely rare, particularly in a dog so young. He will have to be put to sleep as it is so aggressive, and chemo is not an option. To say I am absolutely shattered is an understatement.”
Despite this devastating diagnosis, when I saw Louis on video chat, he was still full of life and enjoying short bursts of energy, eating, wagging his tail and enjoying plenty of cuddles. Tess described him as “living like a king,” and I could see that clearly in every photo she sent me.
The Portrait of Louis
One particular image stood out to me, Louis resting peacefully on the outdoor sofa, watching a cockatoo in the garden. His expression was gentle and dignified. I used that photo as the basis for the drawing, removing the harness and softening the shadows to let his face shine through.
Drawing Louis was emotional for both of us. I poured my heart into capturing him and when I shared the finished portrait with Tess, she messaged immediately.
“I am SPEECHLESS Melanie. I literally got teary when I saw these images. You have brought my bestest boy Louis to life forever…”
Just prior to me drawing Louis, he sadly passed away. Tess contacted me a few days after and we did another video chat. We both had equal amounts of tears. I knew then it was so important for me to do Louis proud. I hope you like the drawing below.
Portraits to Australia
I send quite a few of my pencil portraits to Australia and Louis was no exception. Tess took him to her local framer so she could have him beautifully displayed in her home A lasting tribute to her beloved boy. I really hope my drawing brings back beautiful memories of him for her and all of the family too.
New Puppies Bring Tears of Joy
Since completing Louis’ portrait, Tess welcomed a new puppy into her home – Wilbur, a golden Cocker Spaniel full of cheeky charm. He’s already making his mark as the playful little brother to Louis’ memory. Tess’s daughter has Wilbur’s half-sister, Hattie and I’m so pleased to know there’s laughter in their home once again. Alongside the beautiful memory of Louis, who will always live on in our hearts.
Beautiful Cocker Spaniel Pencil Portrait – Louis’s Story
If you enjoyed Louis’s story, you might also like to see another spaniel drawing on my blog – Golden Cockerpoo Pencil Portrait of Obi » To find out more about commissioning your own pet portrait, please visit – www.pencil-petportraits.com
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