Brandy’s story began in an unexpected place—a no-kill shelter in Massachusetts. When Anne Marie and her husband arrived at the shelter, they were told about an abused, malnourished Irish Setter who had no name, just a number.

With care and patience, Brandy recovered from his rough start in life and quickly proved himself to be both brilliant and mischievous. He had a natural talent for birding, pointing and flushing pheasants during walks, but his real skill? Food theft. No loaf of bread, batch of cookies, or baked good was safe. His most legendary crime involved an entire cherry chip cake, displayed under a pristine glass cake dome. When his owner returned, the cake was gone, the pedestal spotless, and the glass lid perfectly in place—not a scratch, not a crumb, just an empty stand. It wasn’t until a quick breath check that the truth was uncovered: Brandy, the Irish Houdini, had pulled off the perfect heist. Read the full story here, on page 32.

But Brandy wasn’t just a talented trickster—he was also a hero. One night, he cornered an intruder in the kitchen. That intruder turned out to be a convicted murderer who had already taken one life. Thanks to Brandy’s courage, his owner was safe, and the police arrested the man.

For years, Brandy remained a loving companion, a loyal protector, and a source of endless entertainment.

Anne Marie reached out to me after seeing my artwork in Ruff Drafts, the Dog Writers of Association Newsletter and expressed interest in a portrait of her beloved Brandy.

“...you can see how special my guardian Irish is to me, and why I want to immortalize him. I have his picture near my keyboard. I miss him so much, even after all these years. My silly boy. How he loved me. It was humbling. That crack in my heart will never heal.”

Brandy left us in the 80s but Anne Marie had some photographs of him to use as a reference. He loved walks in the forest so she wanted him in a beautiful autumn forest scene and provided an inspiration photo for the background. Using the images, I created a mock up with a generic Irish Setter, then started refining both the dog and the background elements until the family was happy.

Then I painted it digitally.

Interested in your own commission? Check out the commissions page for more information

and then reach out to get the process started!

A glowing review from Brandy’s mom:

I just received the portrait I commissioned to recreate my beloved Irish Setter, Brandy. He was my first dog and died in 1987. Danica Barreau, master artist, brought him back to life!
I thought looking at old photos of my dear friend were all I had of Brandy. They weren’t the real thing, of course, but something was better than nothing. I was wrong. Danica’s portrait brought Brandy alive—really alive—again. I look at his finished portrait, and it’s like he’s right there with me. I feel like I can see him, touch him, hear him. I don’t know how she did it, but to me, it’s a miracle. Her artistic skills are OFF THE CHARTS.
The communication during the creation process consisted of timely emails. Danica enthusiastically took into account all my many suggestions. Any detail I suggested was immediately addressed. I was impressed that she was as eager as I to make everything “just right.” Danica sent me multiple mockups until I finally said, “YES! That’s Brandy!” Both her professionalism and friendliness were present during the creative process.
The best part is that Danica is a true dog lover. How else could she showcase the magic that Brandy and I shared? I will always treasure Brandy’s portrait and the happy memories it brings back. I wholeheartedly recommend Danica Barreau’s art. In fact, I am so pleased with her work that I plan on commissioning a second portrait down the road.
She brought joy to my heart. Brandy and I thank you, Danica.
Warmest regards,
Anne Marie Duquette
WGA member, DWAA member, US Navy Veteran
2003 & 2004 Maxwell winner

BRANDY

A glowing review from Brandy’s mom:

STORYSCAPE PORTRAITS: A Story Brought to Life

CUSTOM BACKGROUNDS