I Finished Another Portrait
By Ali Canary
@AliCanary (3343)
June 18, 2025 9:21pm CST
This is one that I have been working on for a while, on and off. It's okay that I took my time, because it wasn't commission, so there was no due date. It was just a picture I wanted to do for my friend.
The kitten she is holding in the picture died tragically, hit by a car on the road near her house. She had a special bond with him and was really heartbroken to lose him. She has two cats now that she keeps safe inside the house, but she still misses her special kitten. She had posted a photograph of the two of them that I thought was really sweet, so I decided to do a portrait of it.
I worked on and off for over a year, first sketching out the picture in pencil, and then laying in the base colors with art markers. After that, I developed all the shading and highlights and details with colored pencils. Once it was finished, I matted it and mailed it to her so that she would get a big surprise when she opened it.
The big day arrived, and she received the package. She loved it so much! She immediately messaged me and could barely type, she was crying so hard. But they were happy tears. I am so glad that I could make her day like that.
7 people like this
9 responses
@DaddyEvil (152034)
• United States
19 Jun
That was a very sweet thing to do for your friend.
It's a lovely picture. 

2 people like this
@Ineeddentures (7091)
•
19 Jun
Poor kitten
That's a great portrait
No wonder it made her day
Well done you
2 people like this

@Ineeddentures (7091)
•
19 Jun
@AliCanary
I think it did,
It must have
It was very thoughtful of you and it is very lovely
1 person likes this

@JudyEv (357048)
• Rockingham, Australia
29 Jun
@AliCanary I'm sure it did. She probably has some idea too, of how much work went into your gift.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (3343)
•
29 Jun
Thank you so much! I hope it made her feel comforted.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (3343)
•
29 Jun
@JudyEv she does! She knew I was an artists and has actually purchased some of my Christmas cards before from my Etsy shop, so she has supported me in the past. It was nice to return the favor!
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (192917)
• United States
20 Jun
I'm glad to see you back. The picture is amazing; and you were very kind to do it for her.
1 person likes this
@AliCanary (3343)
•
29 Jun
Thank you! I kind of wish I could have been there, but she moved away to take a job after she graduated from nursing school.
@AliCanary (3343)
•
29 Jun
Thank you! She's a good person (nurse and teacher) who gives a lot to the world.
@sw8sincere (5697)
• Philippines
19 Jun
Art like that made with emotion and intention has a powerful way of bringing comfort. You gave your friend a lasting memory of her special kitten, and that’s something she’ll treasure forever.
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (5307)
•
19 Jun
Bless you for your kind gesture! That portrait is so lovely!
1 person likes this
