Painted Pet Portraits from Photos by a UK-Based Portrait Artist

A pet portrait is more than a drawing – it's a lasting reminder of your pet's character and charm. From pastel pet portraits to full colour paintings, commissioning a piece of fine art from a trusted UK-based portrait artist lets you preserve your pet’s image in a personal, meaningful way. This guide explains everything from how to choose the right photo to what to expect from a finished portrait, making it easy for you to gift a pet portrait or commission one for your home.

What is a Pet Portrait?

A pet portrait is a hand-drawn or painted image of your pet, usually created from a reference photo. These portraits aim to show your pet’s unique features, whether that’s a tilt of the head, a certain look in the eye, or the exact markings in their fur. Pet portrait commissions are a growing part of the fine art world, giving people a way to cherish their pets through art.

Unlike a photograph, a pet portrait is crafted with care, often in mediums like pastel or coloured pencil. The results are highly detailed and designed to last.

Why Commission a Pet Portrait?

People commission pet portraits for many reasons. Some want to celebrate a beloved pet while they’re still with them. Others use it as a way to remember a pet that has passed away. A commission also makes a thoughtful gift for a pet owner.

It’s a personal process. You choose the photo, the size, and the medium, and the portrait artist works to capture a true likeness. Whether it's for your home or as a gift voucher for someone else, a pet portrait offers something photographs can't: emotional presence in a lasting form.

How Do Pet Portraits from Photos Work?

Most pet portrait artists today work from photographs rather than live sittings. This makes it easier to commission a portrait at any time, even if the pet has passed. You send the artist one or more reference photos, and they use these to create a portrait of your pet in your chosen style.

Many UK based pet portrait artists specialise in pastel, pencil, or oil mediums and work remotely, offering commissions across the country. Some artists also include animals from the wild in their portfolio, working as both a pet portrait and wildlife artist.

What Makes a Good Reference Photo?

The quality of your reference photo directly affects the outcome of the portrait. A good photo should be:

• Sharp and in focus

• Well-lit with natural daylight

• Showing your pet’s face clearly

• Taken at their eye level

Avoid using flash or photos where parts of your pet are in shadow. If you're unsure, most artists are happy to review your photos before starting.

Which Medium Should You Choose?

Different artists work in different mediums. The most common for pet portraits are pastel, coloured pencil, graphite, and oil. Each has its own feel:

• Pastel offers soft, blended colours and works well for fur.

• Coloured pencil allows for high precision and detail.

• Oil gives bold colour and depth, though it takes longer to dry.

• Graphite is a good choice for monochrome pieces.

Pastel pet portraits are especially popular for their warm and natural look. Combined with coloured pencil for sharper lines, they offer a highly realistic finish.

Why Are Pastel Pet Portraits So Popular?

Pastel is often used because it captures texture and colour beautifully. It’s especially suited to drawing fur, allowing the portrait artist to layer colours and build up a soft, realistic result. On acid free paper, pastel holds its tone over time, making it a durable choice.

Artists who specialise in pastel can offer a wide range of finishes, from simple backgrounds to full scenes. Many pastel portraits end up framed and hung in pride of place at home.

What Sets a Great Portrait Artist Apart?

It’s not just technical skill that matters. A good portrait artist understands animals. They can recognise the subtle traits that make your pet unique – a glance, a posture, a look in the eyes. Capturing this is what makes a portrait feel real.

Look for:

• A strong, consistent gallery of past work

• Clear pricing or a detailed price list

• Transparent process and communication

• Use of high-quality art materials

Many artists also have a FAQ page and newsletter to help guide new clients through the commission process.

Where Are UK Pet Portrait Artists Based?

You can find talented artists across the UK. Some are based in Norfolk or Hampshire, while others work completely online. Most offer delivery across the UK, so location isn’t a major issue.

Look for an artist based locally if you want to collect the portrait in person. Otherwise, a UK based pet portrait artist will usually send your finished portrait safely via tracked courier.

Can I Buy a Gift Voucher for a Pet Portrait?

Yes, many artists now offer gift vouchers. These are ideal if you want to gift a pet portrait but don’t have the photo or want the recipient to choose the style themselves. Gift vouchers are popular for birthdays, anniversaries, and memorial gifts.

When you gift a pet portrait, the recipient works directly with the artist to send a photo and personalise the piece. It’s thoughtful, flexible, and makes the whole process simple.

How Are Pet Portraits Priced?

Prices are usually based on:

• Size of the artwork

• Number of pets included

• Background complexity

• Medium used

Many artists offer a price list with examples. Expect to pay more for painted pet portraits in oil or large-scale pieces. Extra pets, complex backgrounds, or special requests may add to the cost. Most artists require a deposit to secure your commission slot.

What Kind of Art Materials Are Used in Pet Portraits?

The materials used can make or break the finished portrait. A professional portrait artist will choose only the best tools to produce accurate, long-lasting results.

Look for terms like:

• Acid free paper (prevents discolouration)

• Lightfast pastel and coloured pencil (resists fading)

• Archival fixatives (protects the work without smudging)

Using quality materials ensures your pet portrait keeps its colour and form for decades. The difference in texture, vibrancy, and durability is clear when the highest quality materials are used.

Can I Sign Up for a Newsletter?

Many portrait artists now offer a newsletter to keep you informed of:

• Available commission slots

• Upcoming exhibitions

• New portraits added to the gallery

• Seasonal gift voucher offers

A newsletter is a simple way to follow your chosen artist without constantly checking back. It also helps you plan ahead if you’re thinking about ordering in time for birthdays or holidays.

Is There a Difference in Quality Between Artists?

Yes, and it’s not just about style. The best pet portraits come from artists who combine technical skill with experience and reliable materials. Look for:

• A consistent level of detail across their portfolio

• Clear signs they use quality materials

• Confidence in handling complex features like fur, shine, or light

A professional portrait artist will be honest about what they can achieve with your reference photo and whether it’s suited to pastel, coloured pencil or oil.

Do You Offer Dog Portraits, Cats, or Other Animals?

Most artists offer dog portraits, cat portraits, and are often happy to work on other animals too. This might include rabbits, horses, or even reptiles.

If the artist also creates wildlife art, they may already have experience with more exotic subjects. Whether it's a commission for your dog or a gift portrait of a friend’s horse, it starts the same way — with a strong photo and a clear brief.

What Should I Do if I Only Have One Photo?

If you only have one photo – for example, of a pet that’s passed away – it’s still possible to create a beautiful portrait. A skilled artist can often work around less-than-perfect references by drawing from experience and similar features.

Let the artist know upfront that this is the only image available. They’ll advise honestly whether it will produce a true likeness or suggest changes in size or composition to make it work better.

How Do I Start a Pet Portrait Commission?

Start by browsing the artist’s website. Look at the gallery, check the price list, and review their FAQ page. Once you’re happy, follow the steps to:

1. Get in touch with your chosen image

2. Confirm the size and medium (e.g. pastel pet portrait)

3. Agree any personalisation or deadlines

4. Pay the deposit to book your slot

The best artists make this process simple and transparent, whether you're commissioning your first portrait or adding to a growing collection.

Summary – What to Know Before You Commission

• A pet portrait is a lasting way to celebrate or remember your pet.

• Choose a portrait artist who uses the highest quality art materials.

• Provide a clear reference photo with natural lighting and focus.

• Pastel and coloured pencil are the most popular mediums.

• Ask to personalise your portrait to make it more meaningful.

• Gift vouchers are a flexible way to give a portrait.

• Artists across the UK offer portraits from photos and fast delivery.

• Check their gallery and price list before booking.

• Sign up for their newsletter for offers, slots, and exhibition news.

Would you commission a portrait of your pet, or give one as a gift?

Pet Portrait by Zoe Star Hilton