Pet Portraits

My bespoke pet portraits are hand-drawn using fine liners, watercolours, and pencils. Working from photographs and a few stories of your pet, I aim to capture the essence of their character that will be with you for years to come.

So whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a loved one's birthday, Christmas or anniversary or just want to order your very own pet keepsake you’re in the right place.

 Process

Each commission is hand drawn, working from the different photos you supply and any stories you share about the subject/s that help me to capture their character.

During your commission, I will keep you updated at each stage of the portrait to ensure that you’re happy with the progress and that I’m capturing both a realistic physical representation and their unique character.

Below is an example of the different stages I work through, to give you an idea of what to expect when working with me and how your portrait gradually builds up and takes shape.

Each subject takes roughly between 12 - 16 hours to complete following this process, depending on the size and detail required. Allowing time for colour washes to dry fully and time to study the subject, I advise that portraits are usually completed within 7 - 10 days, ready to post out.

Your finished portrait will be shipped 1st Class Mail the next working day.

Dimensions

I generally work on A3 watercolour sheets and your portrait will be roughly A4 in size with a border around the edges to allow for framing. Alternative shapes and sizes are available for your portrait - please email me directly to discuss your requirements.

Portfolio

Below I have put together some examples of pet portrait commissions I have created. 

Each of the following have been drawn working from photographs and following the process outlined above, where I sketch out the initial outline using pencil, then outline the details using fine liner, before beginning to build up colour using watercolour paints and finally using pencils to add in the final fur details.

Each of these examples has taken between 12 - 16 hours to complete, allowing for time between each stage to dry and set.

Dora the Springer Spaniel
December 2022
Fine liner, watercolour paints and pencils

Sebastian the Cocker Spaniel
October 2020
Fine liner, watercolour paints and pencils

Hog the Tabby Cat (progress shot)
August 2022
Fine liner, watercolour paints and pencils

Molly the Jack Russell 
November 2021
Fine liner, watercolour paints and pencils

Widget the Wire-haired Dachshund 
September 2022
Fine liner, watercolour paints and pencils

Chip the Horse
November 2022
Fine liner, watercolour paints and pencils

Spud the Jack Russell
January 2022
Fine liner, watercolour paints and pencils

Kitty the Tabby Cat (progress shot)
December 2022
Fine liner, watercolour paints and pencils

From these examples you will see that most of my commissions have been of cats & dogs. However, if you have a different type of pet that you are looking to commission a portrait off, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me. 

I have previously drawn a couple of horse portraits and am experienced in drawing a variety of different birds and animals, which you can see by checking out the animal prints in my online shop.

Framing

I am able to offer framing of my portraits for an additional fee and have a trusted supplier that offers a variety of options in terms of frame sizes and colours.

If you wish to arrange framing through me, please let me know when placing your order so we can confirm options & I can get your frame ordered and ready for when your portrait is complete.

Christmas 

I find that the months leading up to Christmas are my busiest in terms of Pet Portrait commissions and therefore the timeframe for completing your commission may be slightly longer (up to 3 weeks).

If you are considering commissioning a portrait for a Christmas gift, I would always recommend placing your order as early as possible or messaging me to reserve a space (There is a £35 deposit which comes off the final invoice/payment).

Please note that the cut off for ordering a finished Pet Portrait in time for Christmas is usually the 27th of November** to allow enough time for me to complete your commission and arrange shipping/collection. 

** This date is dependent on my workload and availability for commissions, therefore I may stop taking on new orders sooner than this date.

Gift Vouchers

There is also the option of buying a Pet Portrait gift voucher through my website, which covers the cost of your commission and delivery. Your gift card can be sent either to you or directly to the recipient and includes details on how to begin the commission process working with me.

This is a great option for anyone who doesn’t have the required photos of the subject or who may have left it too late to get their commission completed in time for the occasion.

Gift vouchers can be ordered directly through my shop today.

Testimonials