Nigel
Nigel wasn’t the kind of dog who made life easy. He was wild, determined, and impossibly fast. He cleared fences and counters with equal ease, broke out of collars and tie-outs, barreled through doors, and knocked people over—not to hurt them, but simply in his mad dash toward freedom. He refused to come when called, no matter how many training classes he attended. At times, his family wondered if they’d ever get another English Setter after him.
But oh, how glad they are that they did.
Nigel survived a spinal stroke. Later, a serious leg injury. And still he ran.
When the family business moved to the old family farm—no longer active, but full of empty barns and wide pastures—Nigel found his place. Day after day, he chased pigeons through dusty rafters and hunted mice around the hay bales. If he got tangled in the woods, which he often did, he’d bark until someone came tromping through the underbrush to help him out, only for him to return to the exact same spot and try again.
When Nigel went deaf, he picked up doggy sign language without hesitation. He stayed just as vocal, if not more so, and sharpened his nose to make up for lost hearing and fading vision. The world didn’t slow down for Nigel, so he didn’t slow down either.
In the last third of his life, Nigel became a true farm dog. He was courageous, clever, athletic, and tenacious. He spent his days working the land in his own bird-dog way and his evenings settled, satisfied, and calm. That stubbornness never left him. But the rest of him—his sharp edges, his constant push for escape—softened over time.
He greeted guests, delivery drivers, and curious customers. He became a fixture of the farm, known and loved by many. And when his time came, his family gave him one more adventure—one more day on the farm he loved. He passed the next morning, as the sun rose and the birds began to sing. A fitting farewell for a dog who was always chasing something through the fields.
Nigel is buried by the barn that became his kingdom. And now, his portrait keeps watch—just as he always did.
Nigel, The Farm Dog, May 2011 -- May 2025
The digital painting which was then sent to a trusted vendor to print on canvas. (click to see full-screen)
Adding the acrylic embellishments.
The finished painting, ready to ship out.
Julia chose to add an ornament of her painting to her order.
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 NIGEL’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!
“Danica Barreau with Pouka Art & Photography helped bring Nigel home for Eric's birthday with this beautiful portrait of him in front of the Barn. It's even more beautiful in person. The perfect portrait for the best Farm dog.”