Please get in touch if you are interested in commissioning a pet portrait or for any other enquiries,
Commission a Pet Portrait
My pet portraits are created on a commission basis for clients. I create authentic, high quality, realistic coloured pencil drawings of your pets, capturing their individual characters. Each hand-drawn bespoke portrait makes a great, personal and memorable gift for any occasion.
Reference Photos
Capturing the Soul: The Art of Pet Portraiture
Creating a pet portrait is more than just drawing an animal; it’s about capturing the essence of a beloved companion. To achieve a portrait that truly reflects your pet’s character, follow these essential steps.
Step 1: The Perfect Photograph
The foundation of a great pet portrait is a high-quality photograph. Aim to take a headshot where your pet is facing front or slightly to the side. The goal is to capture their unique personality through their position and facial expression. Natural lighting is key—photograph your pet by a window or outdoors, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent harsh shadows. Clear visibility of your pet’s eyes is crucial, as they convey much of their character. A selection of photos can help the artist understand your pet better, but one standout image will be used as the main reference.
If you’re unsure whether your images are suitable, don’t hesitate to ask the me for advice. Holding a treat near your camera can help capture your pet’s attention. Remember, original images are best; avoid screenshots or heavily cropped photos.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Size and Shape
Decide on the size and shape of your portrait. Whether you prefer a classic rectangular format or a square one, consider where the portrait will be displayed. Will it hang proudly on a wall or sit elegantly on a side table? The scale of the portrait should fit the space and complement your home’s decor. If you’re uncertain, I can recommend the best shape based on your reference photos.
Step 3: Finalizing Details
Before I begin, all details of the commissioned portrait will be confirmed. If you need to change the size of the portrait after booking, inform me as early as possible to accommodate the adjustment. This ensures a smooth process and a result that you’ll cherish.
Creating a pet portrait is a collaborative process that celebrates the bond between you and your pet. With a perfect photograph and thoughtful decisions on size and shape, you can immortalize your furry friend in a piece of art that captures their spirit forever.
The process:
- My drawings are all done from photographs. These need to be very high quality using natural light Pick one of your favourite photos which shows your animal in its best light ideally face on or a slightly side view. This needs to be sent to me digitally.
- I don’t normally put in a background but if you want one that can be included for an extra £30
- Each portrait can take between 15 and 36 hours depending on the size and complexity of the subject.
- You will be presented with a good quality photograph of the finished drawing for approval and at that stage I will issue you an invoice with payment details.
- The finished drawing will be sent via a tracked and guaranteed delivery service. Delivery cost £6.50 Royal Mail recorded delivery.
Commissions
- Pricing
- A5 – £120 – suitable for a small single animal portrait.
- A4 – £160 – a single animal portrait.
- A4 – £200 – 2 subjects
- A3 – One subject £170, – 2 subjects £220
A Jack Russell named BinBag
This picture was a present for my sister-in-law whose dog, Binbag, was her much loved pet. He got his name becaose he was found abandoned in a black bin bag but was luckily found and went to live to a good age in a loving home. One of my early drawings, photo on which it is based courtesy of Pixabay. The drawing is on Pastelmat paper with a mixture of different make of colour pencils.
A Pointer named Clancy
This recent commission was for a good friend whose dog had recently passed away. There were no suitable photographs available but luckily I found a similar and same breed dog photo on Pixabay and was able to use this. My drawing is on Grafix Duralar Film which is a great surfax for getting details into the picture using colour pencils.
