A Portrait Full of Symbols: Michelle & Miya’s Fantasy Painting

A Fantasy World Built Just for Michelle & Miya

Every now and then, a commissioned painting invites us into a world that is entirely personal — a world woven from memories, symbols, and quiet meanings known only to the person who will live with the artwork. This portrait of Michelle and her beloved dog Miya was one of those rare experiences.

We photographed them right here in the studio, on a simple patch of green turf and against a plain backdrop. No trees. No creek. No mossy rock. No hat resting against the water’s edge. Just Michelle, Miya, and the warm connection they share.

Reference photograph of Michelle sitting on artificial turf in the studio while her dog Miya looks up at her, used as the basis for the fantasy painting.

From that simple starting point, the painting became something else entirely — a place that doesn’t exist in real life but does exist in Michelle’s heart.

Building a Meaningful Landscape from Scratch

Michelle shared with us a list of small, symbolic elements — things that mattered to her, things she didn’t need to explain but wanted represented. A butterfly. A feather. A rock that feels like the place where she finds peace. A frog by the water. Each piece deeply personal, even if their significance is known only to her.

Our job wasn’t to interpret the meaning behind those symbols.
Our job was to honor them.

So the plain studio reference evolved into a lush, imaginary grove filled with the things she treasures. The soft light, the gentle colors, the quiet companionship — all intentionally painted to feel like a restful moment in an enchanted forest.

The Heart of the Painting

Even with all the symbolism, the true center of the portrait is the bond between Michelle and Miya. Her posture leaning toward her dog… his gaze lifted toward her face… it’s a tiny exchange, but it carries the entire emotional weight of the piece.

The fantasy setting enriches the portrait, but their connection grounds it.

Initial white-pencil underdrawing on toned wood panel outlining Michelle, Miya, tree branches, rocks, and symbolic elements before painting begins.

Close-up of Hayward Gaude painting Michelle’s face during the portrait process, showing brushwork and early color layers.

Seeing Michelle’s Reaction

When Michelle returned to the studio to pick up her painting, we were able to watch her see the finished piece for the first time. Those are the moments we treasure most — when someone recognizes their story, their memories, and their relationships in a piece of art.

She loved it.
And we loved creating it for her.

Client Michelle holding her dog Miya while standing beside artist Hayward Gaude and the finished fantasy portrait inside the studio.

A Portrait Isn’t Just a Likeness — It’s a Story

This piece is a perfect example of why we work the way we do. We don’t simply paint what we see; we paint who you are, what you love, and the meaning you choose to bring with you. For Michelle, that meant stepping into an imagined world where every symbol has a purpose… and where Miya is right there beside her.

If you have a story you’ve always wanted turned into a painting — whether grounded in reality or dreamlike and symbolic — we’d love to help you bring it to life.