Pet Portraits Art Gallery

On this page, you can find a collection of pet portraits I have enjoyed creating over the years. I take pride in producing highly detailed works, utilising various mediums, including oil pastels, acrylics, and coloured pencils. By clicking on any of the images below, you can explore the detailed progress page and witness the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each portrait. This provides an excellent opportunity to observe how the portrait transforms over time.

If you're considering getting a portrait of your pet made by me, just click on one of the links for more information. I'm always here to help, so feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns. I'm excited to create a beautiful portrait that captures your pet's essence. Can't wait to hear from you!

I utilise professional-grade products and materials to ensure the longevity of your portrait

I use high-quality, lightfast art materials to craft my artworks. To ensure their longevity, I protect my acrylic paintings with a UVLS varnish, and my pencil and oil pastel pieces are preserved using a protective fixative. If you want to learn more about the materials I use, you can visit the 'about' page.

A bespoke framing service is available for your acrylic or oil pastel painting

If you opt for acrylics or oil pastels as your medium, you can also use my in-house framing service which will help to enhance and protect your artwork. Acrylic paintings do not require glass. However, oil pastel portraits easily attract debris and must be framed behind glass. Framing services for my coloured pencil portraits are not provided to avoid potential damage to the glass in transit. It is advisable to consult a local framer. For options or guidance, please refer to the Framing page.

I do not impose additional charges for including multiple subjects in a single portrait.

Don't worry; you won't incur additional charges for adding more subjects. The number of subjects that can be included in your portrait is influenced by the chosen size. I may recommend selecting a larger size to ensure that all subjects can be accommodated more effectively within the dimensions. For precise sizing, kindly provide separate photographs of each subject and a group photograph of all subjects (if available).

Booking a custom made Pet Portrait

​Follow the order process by clicking each tab below. Request a quote or book a portrait by selecting the fifth tab and providing details. I will respond to your request within 24-48 hours. If you need help, please email me at [email protected].​​
Select your portrait size
Smaller sizes are only suitable for individual subjects, while larger sizes are needed for multiple subjects. Please specify the number of subjects in your initial email.  If you need guidance, please ask.
In the event that you require a size that is not mentioned on the price list, kindly get in touch to converse about pricing prior to finalising your booking.
Help with choosing your reference photo
For best results, choose a large digital photo taken in natural light. Avoid using flash or artificial lighting, as this can affect the detail and colour.
It's always best to provide the highest quality image available. Check out the commissions page for a complete guide on selecting a reference photo for your portrait.
Framing options
Framing is an optional extra that can be added to your commission. It will be fitted in-studio and delivered ready to hang. Samples can be found on my framing page. Every painting is varnished, which offers protection necessary to conserve its lifespan. Paintings do not need to be framed behind glass.
If you prefer to display your portrait without a frame, you can select the 22mm depth canvas. However, please be aware that paintings on this surface will incur an additional cost of 15% compared to the standard prices listed above. Please also note that not all sizes are available in the 22mm depth.
Timescales & Deposits
My work is labour-intensive, so completion times vary. A painting may take 3 weeks to 3 months, longer with framing.​
A 50% deposit is required to secure your booking for artwork. The remaining balance is due upon completion prior to delivery. Payments can be made via bank transfer, PayPal, or cheque. Monthly installments are available upon request.

For more information on payments and returns, please visit the Terms & Conditions page.
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Request a quote or book your portrait here

    Acrylic Portrait Booking Form
    All orders are completed on the 3mm depth board, unless the 22mm depth is requested.
    Max file size: 20MB
    Max file size: 20MB
    If you wish to upload more images, click HERE
    Click to read my Terms & Conditions for important details.
Follow the progress of your portrait
I will create a progress page that allows you to track your painting's progress. I often post updates on my Art News page or social media. If the portrait is a gift, the page will be protected with a password and no images are shared until the artwork has been gifted.
Final payments & Delivery
After your painting is finished, I will post images to your individual page. Once the varnishing and any framing requirements are complete, you can pay the final balance before I package your painting safely for shipment.
Unframed portraits shipped within the UK receive free postage. Please request a quote for framed portraits. Contact me for international shipping rates. See the Terms & Conditions for additional information.
Testimonials and Feedback
It's always nice to receive feedback. If possible, a photo of the portrait in its setting or with the subject is especially appreciated.​

Which medium should I choose?

Choosing the right medium for your portrait is a personal decision that hinges on the desired finish. While I will detail the advantages of each medium below, rest assured that every portrait I craft is made with professional-grade products designed for durability. If you need some advice, why not email me a photo of your pet and I would be happy to provide you some guidance. It is essential to recognise that not all mediums may be appropriate, as the level of detail in the photograph can influence the outcome.
Acrylic Paintings
Acrylic paints are remarkably versatile and suitable for a wide range of subjects. Depending on the technique employed, they can emulate the rich texture of oil paintings with thick brush strokes or provide a three-dimensional effect with finer strokes, resulting in unique finishes for each artwork. I utilise GOLDEN acrylic brands, known for their exceptional pigment saturation, opacity, and permanence. 
Coloured Pencil Drawings
I enjoy creating coloured pencil drawings. With more than 40 years of experience, I create my portraits by applying multiple layers. I draw each hair strand individually, using this layering method repeatedly to attain the necessary detail. This technique consistently yields a textured look when viewed up close, adding to the lifelike quality of my portraits. Additionally, I use only professional-grade materials to ensure the durability of my artwork.
Oil Pastel Paintings
My oil pastel artworks evoke a timeless aesthetic reminiscent of traditional oil paintings. This versatile medium grants me greater expressive freedom and flexibility in layering techniques. The richly pigmented pastels enhance vibrancy and texture, infusing depth and character into each composition. I use Sennelier and Caran d’Ache brands due to their superior pigment saturation, opacity, and longevity.

Would you like assistance in selecting appropriate types of photographs for your portrait?

Should you require guidance on selecting the most suitable photographs for your portrait, please check any of the boxes below. This will open a window providing lots of valuable advice to assist you in making an informed decision.
​Alternatively, you are welcome to reach out to me directly at: [email protected]
Help & advice for taking your own reference photos for your portrait:
When booking a portrait, the reference image you choose for your portrait is paramount to the outcome final artwork. Good quality images are a must for the detailed work that I create, but I do understand that it is not always possible to provide such perfect photographs. 

​To help you make your decision, I have put some information together to offer help & advice when choosing the best photograph for your portrait. My artwork is created to last a lifetime so it is important you choose the right composition that will adorn your wall for many years to come.

Perfect balance

Choose a photo that was taken in natural light, preferably outdoors. Avoid strong sunlight. A light, cloudy day is usually best. 
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Too blurry

Blurry, out of focus images are not sufficient for reference use as detail is essential. Improvising can render the subject unrecognisable.
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Too dark

If your photos are underexposed, any attempts to brighten them up will cause the deterioration of both detail and natural colour.

QUICK CHECKLIST

DO:
√ Use a digital or SLR camera where possible
√ Take photos in Natural daylight (avoid high sun - best before 11am and after 2pm)
√ Take photos at eye level
√ ​Fill the camera frame with the subject
√ Take a collection of photographs

DONT:
X Use flash unless absolutely necessary
X Resize your images - keep them as large as possible
​X Photograph looking down on your subject unless you prefer this stance
X Take your photos in artificial lighting as this creates unnatural colouration
X use camera phones, this can result in low-quality imagery
X Provide a photo taken by someone else without their permission
MULTIPLE SUBJECTS:
If you are booking a portrait with multiple subjects, please provide a group of individual photos and of them all together for sizing purposes. Your portrait will be constructed from individual reference images
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Advice for pet portraits:

Head & Shoulders portrait

The ‘head and shoulders’ pose is a favoured choice for pet portraits, offering a detailed and intimate depiction of your beloved pet. High-quality reference photos are essential for this style, particularly for large format portraits. To ensure the best outcome, zoom into your photo to check the clarity of the details. If they appear pixelated or fuzzy, the photo may not be suitable. Remember, precision is key in creating a life-like pet portrait.

Pet within a background

Choosing a pet portrait set against a scenic backdrop offers a unique perspective where the intricate details of your pet may not be the primary focus. However, if a larger portrait is what you desire, the finer details become more significant. To ensure the best outcome, it’s crucial that your photo retains its quality when zoomed in. Additionally, for the most authentic representation, please provide a photo that captures the natural colours of your pet and avoids areas of under or overexposure. ​

* Fill the camera frame with the subject for head & shoulder portraits    * Take in natural light wherever possible    * Take a close up photo of the subject for detail    * 

X   Avoid low quality images

The above photo has been significantly cropped, resulting in a substantial loss of detail. Additionally, the uneven colour distribution hinders the creation of a detailed portrait. The quality of the photos you provide is crucial for crafting a realistic representation.

X   Avoid Flash

Flash photography can be quite severe, especially for dark-coloured animals. It often results in underexposure that even extensive highlighting can’t rectify. Flash photos typically aren’t artist-friendly due to excessive shine on the fur, loss of natural colour, and overexposed pupils.

✓ Natural light is best

Photographing dark and light animals can be a complex task, as it involves balancing contrasting tones from opposite ends of the colour spectrum. However, an outdoor session on a cloudy day can provide the ideal lighting balance for your pet photography
Advice for horse portraits:

HORSE PHOTOGRAPHY

Head & Shoulders portrait

The most popular option for portraits. Quality is vital especially for large portraits, so ensure that details are crisp and clear in your photos. It may be difficult to use the image if it is blurry. If a lack of detail requires adjustments to be made to the horse's features, it could result in the subject becoming unrecognizable.

Portrait within a background

For full-body portraits in scenic settings, fine details are less important unless you require a very large portrait. Prioritise colour balance and limit overexposure or underexposure. I can position the horse within any background, so feel free to provide additional images.

* Fill the camera frame with the subject     * Take in natural light wherever possible    * Take a close up photo of the subject for detail

Advice for horse owners

Crafting the perfect horse portrait is an art that respects your preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the raw beauty of your horse in its natural, ungroomed state, or you’re captivated by a more polished, groomed look, the choice is entirely yours. If you do not require tack and blankets, please provide images that exclude them. This is essential as obscured details in the photograph cannot be accurately represented in the portrait. Lastly, for optimal results, especially with darker horses, make sure the light is illuminating the front of your horse’s body and head to prevent shadows. Your horse portrait, your rules.
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Important copyright information
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Please Note:  All Artwork copyright remains with the artist and may be used for future advertising literature (please read and accept the Terms and conditions before you go ahead with your commission(s).

Most Importantly: Please make sure you have copyright to any photograph(s) you wish me to draw/paint. 
If you wish me to use an image that has been taken by a professional photographer, due to copyright laws, I require written permission from the photographer - the exception is if you have purchased the images and the copyright of which you should have written proof - before commencing a piece, I will require a copy of this.  
physical photographs
You may want a portrait of a pet or a loved one, but only have physical photographs available. These can prove challenging to work with, especially old images that captured a wonderful moment but offered very little detail. If this is the case, provide a few images so I can see what is possible. Click the image of the Cocker Spaniel to view a commission that was produced from a photo.