"Remi" – A Custom Yorkie Poo Portrait in Oil by Dana Pape
Oil on Canvas
14 x 11
Not For Sale
"Remi" – A Big Personality in a Tiny Pup
Painting dogs is no small task—especially when that dog is so deeply loved. With their expressive eyes and unique quirks, our furry companions hold a special place in our hearts, and capturing that on canvas is both a joy…and, a challenge! I’ve only painted three dogs in my life: my own sweet Norman, one for a close friend, and now Remi—my dad and stepmom Judy’s beloved little Yorkie Poo.
Remi may be pint-sized, but she has the kind of personality that fills a room. She’s part sass, part sweetness, and 100% adored. Whether she’s working her signature growl-while-playing routine, standing on her back legs like a curious meerkat searching for her humans, or charming her way into everyone's ice cream cone, she’s pure love and light wrapped in fur.
This painting was a commission—one I was incredibly honored to create. Dad and Judy saw the portrait I did of Norman and asked if I’d paint their Remi. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders, not only supporting me with their words, but also purchasing originals, prints, and gifts, and sharing my work with anyone who will listen. It’s a gift I don’t take for granted.
I used a reference photo of Remi standing on the seat of Dad’s recliner, her front paws perched on the armrest, looking up at him with unmistakable devotion. Obviously, I couldn’t see my Dad’s face as he was the one taking the photo, but I could feel the connection between them. And, that’s what I wanted to preserve.
The most difficult part? Her eyes. To me, the soul of a dog lives in their gaze, and if the eyes are even slightly off, the whole piece loses its heartbeat. I worked hard to get that glint just right—the one that says “I see you, and I love you.”
I kept the background soft and dreamy, with warm greens, earthy browns, hints of teal, and yellow ochre to complement the richness in her fur without distracting from her sweet little face. Every brushstroke was layered with intention—and gratitude.
Remi isn’t just their dog; she’s their daily joy, their snuggle bug, their tiny ice-cream-loving shadow. And for me, getting to paint her was a way to say thank you—not just for the opportunity, but for all the ways they show up for me as both family and fans of my art.
"Remi" – A Big Personality in a Tiny Pup
Painting dogs is no small task—especially when that dog is so deeply loved. With their expressive eyes and unique quirks, our furry companions hold a special place in our hearts, and capturing that on canvas is both a joy…and, a challenge! I’ve only painted three dogs in my life: my own sweet Norman, one for a close friend, and now Remi—my dad and stepmom Judy’s beloved little Yorkie Poo.
Remi may be pint-sized, but she has the kind of personality that fills a room. She’s part sass, part sweetness, and 100% adored. Whether she’s working her signature growl-while-playing routine, standing on her back legs like a curious meerkat searching for her humans, or charming her way into everyone's ice cream cone, she’s pure love and light wrapped in fur.
This painting was a commission—one I was incredibly honored to create. Dad and Judy saw the portrait I did of Norman and asked if I’d paint their Remi. They’ve always been my biggest cheerleaders, not only supporting me with their words, but also purchasing originals, prints, and gifts, and sharing my work with anyone who will listen. It’s a gift I don’t take for granted.
I used a reference photo of Remi standing on the seat of Dad’s recliner, her front paws perched on the armrest, looking up at him with unmistakable devotion. Obviously, I couldn’t see my Dad’s face as he was the one taking the photo, but I could feel the connection between them. And, that’s what I wanted to preserve.
The most difficult part? Her eyes. To me, the soul of a dog lives in their gaze, and if the eyes are even slightly off, the whole piece loses its heartbeat. I worked hard to get that glint just right—the one that says “I see you, and I love you.”
I kept the background soft and dreamy, with warm greens, earthy browns, hints of teal, and yellow ochre to complement the richness in her fur without distracting from her sweet little face. Every brushstroke was layered with intention—and gratitude.
Remi isn’t just their dog; she’s their daily joy, their snuggle bug, their tiny ice-cream-loving shadow. And for me, getting to paint her was a way to say thank you—not just for the opportunity, but for all the ways they show up for me as both family and fans of my art.