Commissioned Portrait: White Persian Cat : Léo
Oil on linen – By Wildlife Artist Laurence Saunois
Created on commission, this artwork is the result of a unique collaboration between the artist and the collector.
This painting is a commission - SOLD
"Dare Dare", Quick Analysis of a Work of Art: Commissioned Portrait: White Persian Cat
This white Persian cat portrait is an original oil painting on linen canvas. In this custom wildlife art commission, the main artistic challenge was to bring depth, texture, and realism to a pure white coat.
To emphasize the relief and the silky volume of the fur, white is never painted pure. The technique involves subtly incorporating soft colored undertones, such as shades of yellow or violet—both warm and cool tones—that catch the light and sculpt the volumes against the deep black background contrasting with Leo's coat. The striking emerald green eyes perfectly capture the feline's unique expression.
As a professional wildlife artist, I create custom fine art pet portraits from your photos, delivering high-quality, realistic artwork that honors your beloved companion.
Discover the breed: The Persian Chinchilla Cat: Origins, History, and Breed Characteristics
Origins and History of the Chinchilla Persian
The Persian cat is one of the oldest and most prestigious feline breeds in the world. Originating from ancient Persia (modern-day Iran) and Turkey, it was first introduced to Europe during the 17th century by travelers who were captivated by its sumptuous coat and aristocratic demeanor.
The specific variety known as the Chinchilla Persian, often described as the "masterpiece" of the breed, was developed in England in 1882. It was the result of a meticulous and deliberate breeding program aimed at achieving a coat of unparalleled clarity. The name "Chinchilla" directly references the small rodent of the same name, due to the similar two-tone structure of the fur. This royal lineage quickly conquered high society across Europe and remains a definitive reference standard today within the feline world and wildlife art.
Physical Characteristics: A Standard of Elegance
The Chinchilla Persian is distinguished from other Persians by highly refined physical attributes, making it a fascinating subject for realistic painting.
The Coat and "Tipping": While the coat appears snow-white at first glance, it possesses a unique technical feature called tipping. The base of the fur is a pure, immaculate white, but the very tip (about one-eighth of the hair's length) is tipped with black or dark charcoal pigment. This subtle, natural gradient catches the light spectacularly, creating shifting silvery reflections with every movement of the cat.
Natural "Makeup": This is one of the breed's visual signatures. The rims of the eyes, the lips, and the brick-red nose are delicately outlined with a stark black leather margin, giving the distinct impression of being outlined in kohl or eyeliner.
The Emerald Gaze: The breed standard demands large, round, and highly expressive eyes of an absolute, luminous emerald green or blue-green clarity. The striking contrast between the vivid green eyes and the black borders gives the feline a captivating expression.
Conformation and Structure: The Chinchilla Persian features a compact, stocky body type (cobby), characterized by rounded shapes, sturdy bone structure, and a broad chest. The head is round, set with small, wide-spaced ears. Unlike the ultra-typed modern Persian with a heavily flattened nose (peke-face), the Chinchilla often retains a more traditional profile known as doll-face, offering a facial harmony of great gentleness.
Temperament and Character of the Persian
Renowned for its legendary calm, the Persian is the quintessential indoor cat. It is a peaceful animal, naturally reserved and deeply serene. Gentle and affectionate, it thoroughly enjoys comfort, quiet environments, and daily routines. While it is discreet and rarely meows, it forms a profound bond with its household, expressing its presence through a gaze of intense semantic depth. However, maintaining its majestic appearance requires rigorous daily brushing to preserve the volume and nobility of its silky undercoat.
A Commission ?
An Artistic Tribute to Your Faithful Companion
Each portrait I create is a meeting point between your story and my artistic sensitivity.
Through my brushstrokes, I strive to capture the soul of your companion — their gentleness, vitality, and the unique expression in their eyes.
A dog portrait is not merely a reproduction of a photograph; it is a work of art, an eternal tribute to the bond of love and loyalty that unites you.
The Art of Realism and Sensitivity
As an animal painter for many years, I pour all my skill and emotion into creating works that are both precise and deeply moving.
Every brushstroke is placed with care to bring to life the presence and spirit of the dog portrayed.
I mainly work in oil, in a realistic or hyperrealistic style, always faithful to the essence of the animal.
A Timeless Keepsake
Commissioning your dog’s portrait means offering yourself a unique piece — filled with emotion, memory, and meaning.
Each painting is signed, authenticated, and created with passion, becoming a cherished work of art in both your life and your home.
I invite you to contact me so that together, we can imagine the portrait that will tell your story and that of your loyal companion.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ORDERS :
- How to order your pet's painting? It's very simple, just contact the artist. She will give you all the information you need to order an oil painting. She will tell you how to proceed. At first, you can send her photos and she will tell you which one she thinks is the best to make a painting. Some elements can be modified, others added to give the best possible result.
- Can I order a painting even if I don't live in the same area as the artist? Of course you can. Thanks to the Internet and the telephone, everything can be done remotely.
- Can I pay in installments? Yes, you can pay for your order in installments. In principle, the payment is made in two steps with a deposit of 30% at the time of the order and the balance when the painting is finished. But, you can also, if you wish, pay in 4 times with Paypal where a payment in 4 times is possible (see the terms)
- How long does it take to complete an oil painting? The realization of an oil painting requires time. A time for the realization in several thin layers of paint. A time for the paint to dry well and a time for the varnish to dry thoroughly. This can take several months. This technical constraint is absolutely necessary. It cannot be ignored. The deadlines also take into account the orders in progress. In principle, the artist works on several paintings at the same time. She works on one while waiting for another to dry. As you can see, becoming the proud owner of a painting requires patience.
- Will I be kept informed of the progress of my order? Yes, throughout the realization of your oil painting, the artist sends you by e-mail photos of the progress. You will be able to see the progress of your order.
- How does the delivery happen? Once your painting is finished, Laurence Saunois organizes the delivery by setting a date that suits you. She will make the wooden crate that will protect your painting and will contact the carrier. You will then receive your painting as soon as possible.
Animal Painter and Woman Artist :
Laurence Saunois is a realistic and even hyper-realistic animal artist. Her oil paintings are studied to emphasize her subjects and her symbols. Often behind each painting, there is a story: an encounter, an observation, a moment of emotion.
Do not hesitate to contact her. She will be at your disposal to guide you and inform you about any specific request or order.