Good Boy Otis: A Portrait Worth Celebrating
A Portrait of Loyalty and Love
Few projects bring as much joy as those celebrating our four-legged friends. “Good Boy Otis” is a heartwarming example - a hand-painted portrait of a beloved bulldog whose personality shines through every brushstroke.
Our client brought this oil painting to us wanting a frame that would complement both the classic style of the portrait and Otis’s unmistakable charm. The goal was to honor the timeless quality of painted pet portraits while creating a look that would feel at home in any room of their house.
Selecting the Perfect Frame
When working with traditional oil paintings, the frame becomes part of the artwork’s storytelling. The texture, warmth, and finish all contribute to how the painting feels on display.
For Otis, we chose a gold Larson Juhl frame featuring a subtle beaded inner edge and ornate detailing around the perimeter. Its rich tone and refined texture add just the right amount of formality without overwhelming the portrait. The gold hue complements the warm browns of Otis’s coat and the muted green background, creating an elegant visual balance.
The chosen moulding also ties into the style of classical portraiture — a nod to the way painted works of family members and loved ones were framed throughout history. After all, for many of us, our pets are family.
Framing for Depth and Preservation
Because this was a stretched oil on canvas, we opted for a traditional float mount approach within the frame, ensuring the painted surface had breathing room while allowing the edges to remain visible under the protective lip.
No glass was used for this particular piece, as oil paintings require open-air framing to prevent moisture buildup. The frame was sealed from the back using archival dust cover paper and installed with felt bumpers and hanging hardware - ready to display safely for years to come.
Bringing Character to Life
The real magic of this project lies in how the frame amplifies the portrait’s emotion. The artist captured Otis’s signature look - soulful eyes, dignified posture, and that unmistakable bulldog expression. The gold frame’s warmth accentuates these qualities, adding a touch of grandeur to a subject that’s all heart.
When the client picked up the finished piece, their reaction said everything. Seeing Otis immortalized in paint, elegantly framed and ready for the wall, brought genuine emotion - the kind of response we live for at JW Frame Crafters.
Why Pet Portraits Matter
Framing a pet portrait is about more than décor; it’s about preserving companionship, memories, and love. Whether created as a gift or a personal keepsake, these works hold deep sentimental value.
A thoughtfully chosen frame elevates the artwork, giving it the respect it deserves. Otis’s portrait now stands as a lasting tribute - a daily reminder of his presence and the happiness he brought to his family’s life.
Display Specifications
- Frame – Larson Juhl Gold Ornate with Beaded Inner Edge
- Artwork – Original oil painting on stretched canvas
- Mounting – Stretched Canvas (no glass)