The Fine Art Journal: Stories Behind the Paintings

Oil portrait of baby girl Anapaula seated in a Victorian-style red velvet chair wearing a long white christening gown. Painted by Hayward Gaude.
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An Heirloom Portrait of Anapaula – Oil Painting by Hayward Gaude

An Heirloom for a New Generation By Hayward Gaude Some portraits are created to document a family milestone. Others are commissioned to honor a loved one. And occasionally, a painting is created purely to speak—for the sake of beauty, permanence, and the quiet dignity of a captured moment. This painting of Anapaula was just such […]

oil painting of Yorkshire Terrier named Paisley, created as a memorial from cellphone photos
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Portrait of a Beloved Companion: Honoring Paisley in Oil

When Paisley’s owner lost her precious Yorkie, she knew a printed photo to remember her wouldn’t work. She wanted a lasting tribute—something worthy of Paisley’s memory and spirit. What followed was a deeply personal collaboration that turned three cellphone snapshots into a cherished heirloom. Creating a Custom Pet Portrait from Cellphone Photos Creating an original

Original oil painting heirloom portrait of Gabby's grandfather by Hayward Gaude
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Bringing Grandpa Back: The Story Behind an Heirloom Portrait in Oil

Finished oil painting of Gabby’s grandfather — a commissioned heirloom portrait from family snapshots. When Gabby came to us, she had a vision: a portrait of her grandfather that could become a lasting family heirloom. But there was one major obstacle — no single usable photo existed. What followed was a deeply personal and complex

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