Pitty

One of the greatest privileges of being an artist is being invited to preserve memories that aren't your own.

I painted Pitty while I was in undergrad as a commissioned portrait for a family whose beloved companion had left an unforgettable mark on their lives. Although I never had the opportunity to meet Pitty myself, it didn't take long to recognize how deeply this dog was loved.

Every family has a companion whose personality can't quite be captured with words alone. Sometimes it's the familiar expression in their eyes, the way they patiently waited at the door, or simply the comfort of knowing they were always nearby. Those are the moments a portrait quietly preserves.

Looking back, Pitty reminds me of one of the earliest lessons I learned as an artist: every commission is an act of trust. Families aren't simply asking for a painting—they're placing cherished memories into someone else's hands, hoping they'll recognize the love behind the photograph.

That responsibility has never been something I've taken lightly.