Grady, a Boykin Spaniel is a touching, heartfelt portrait—capturing the soulful gaze and distinctive liver-brown coat with white blaze of this beloved family member. The rich, textured brushwork brings out Grady’s warm chocolate tones, expressive golden eyes, and the slight asymmetry from his left-eye blindness, rendered with sensitivity and respect. The red collar with the “GRADY” bone tag adds a personal, endearing touch, making this piece feel like a true family heirloom.
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I was honored when Jeannie Sutton reached out to commission a portrait of the family’s beloved Boykin Spaniel, Grady, as a special birthday gift for her husband Horace. Grady and Horace shared an unbreakable bond—pets truly become family, and their closeness was evident in every photo Jeannie shared.
Grady was blind in his left eye, which gives his face that gentle, slightly asymmetrical expression. I approached the painting with care to honor his unique look while capturing his warm, intelligent spirit—the kind that makes Boykin Spaniels such cherished companions.
The Boykin Spaniel, South Carolina’s official state dog, originated in the early 1900s in the Wateree River Swamp region. Bred as a compact, enthusiastic hunting partner for flushing and retrieving ducks and turkeys, the breed is medium-sized, energetic, and agile, with a rich liver-brown coat (often wavy or curly), webbed feet for swimming, and a friendly, eager-to-please temperament. They’re known for their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability—equally at home in the field or as devoted family pets.
This 12″ × 16″ acrylic on gesso board, painted in the studio in 2026, was commissioned and now holds a special place in the Sutton family. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to create this lasting tribute to Grady, preserving his memory as a true heirloom.