A family is searching for a self-portrait of their son, Vancouver artist Hoka Duquette, 48, who died suddenly in early July.

Crystine Booth, Duquette's mother, has been appealing to people on Facebook and Instagram to find the painting.

Booth said the painting was donated to the Salvation Army thrift store at West 4th Avenue and Cypress Street, by one of Duquette's past partners after the pair parted company.

"It's an incredible portrait of him," said Booth.

"It just looks just exactly like him, and it really embodies his spirit, and his talent. And it would really mean a lot to our family to have that painting because we knew him and we loved him."

Crystine Booth (right) says her son Hoka (left) was a talented painter and musician. (Pauline Tremblay)

The family is asking for help in finding the painting and is willing to offer a reward.

"He really was an exceptional painter, and anybody when they see the painting, and if they knew Hoka, they'd know what kind of talent he had," said Booth.