Commissions
I work from photographs to produce your perfect portrait and have found that getting the right photograph is usually the hardest part of the process! Because I thrive on detail I prefer to work from good, clear photographs that do not pixelate when I zoom into them and this enables me to see every tiny hair and is especially important that I can see all the colours and reflections in the eyes; I like to see what the animal is looking at. I’m very happy to work with you to help you choose the best photographs to make the best piece of artwork.
With regard to prices, a 9 x 7-inch portrait is £225, an A4 is £300 and an A3 is £450 excluding postage and packing. This is the size of the paper and the artwork will sit appropriately on the paper. All artwork is supplied with a back board and mount and will be protected by a cellophane sleeve. That said, not every subject suits these sizes and other options are available. I tend not to do backgrounds, preferring the animal to be the star of the portrait, if a background is important to you please get in touch and I will provide you with a quote for your commission.
A note on photography
This can be the hardest bit of the process and might require patience as we work together to get the very best images to work from. It’s worth the patience though as your beautiful portrait will hang on your wall for many, many years to come and I want you to look at it for ever more and feel that same connection come alive in your heart.
In those sad situations where your beloved pet is no longer with you and you are working with the photographs you have then I will do my very best with the photos you have. I hope to bring life back into those photographs.
If you are embarking on a photograph session for your chosen animal it is best to choose a bright day but not in full sun as this creates too much contrast. Get eye level with your subject and snap away! It helps very much to have a third party to make contact with the animal to bring out all those different expressions. Poses can be classically elegant or a bit goofy. With equine photography think about whether you want tack on or off, for example, a lovely leather headcollar can enhance a portrait. In all cases, the choice is yours though because only you know the bits you adore about your pet and I welcome plenty of photographs and video to help me to understand more about your hairy/feathery friend! I’m happy to work with you to get the best commission piece.
Please note that permission will be required where photographs are the work of a third party, i.e. professional photographer, as they own the copyright to their work.
Materials & Process
I work either on Clairfontaine Pastelmat which has a textured surface, or on drafting film which is smooth, opaque and flexible. Both surfaces are of professional and archival quality ensuring that your portrait will last for many years.
My choices of pencils are Faber-Castel Polychromos, Derwent Lightfast or Caran D’Ache Luminence. Each type has a slightly different feel but they all work together beautifully to put down a number of layers that blend into each other to create that realistic light and shade, from those tiny hairs that border a dog’s nose or the stitching on a collar or bridle, to the deep, dark blues and browns in the eyes. These pencils are the best, professional quality and lightfast because you want a portrait that will hang proudly on your wall, with each detail still vibrant and clear for many years to come. The process of layering and blending means that each portrait takes around 30-40 hours to complete.
Please note that to get the best longevity from your commission piece it is important to frame it with UV protective glass and hang the picture away from direct sunlight.
Portrait Subjects
Although many of my commissions are of dogs, I love drawing a wide variety of animals. Each portrait is a chance to capture not just how they look, but the unique spark of who they are
Farm animals – from sheep and cows to chickens and goats. I enjoy celebrating the charm and individuality of these often-overlooked companions. . This lovely goat, Paddy, was a joy to photograph and paint. As he is local to me, I was able to pop round to do some photography while the owner was out of the house as it was to be a gift commission. Dear Paddy had escaped his pen and then obligingly jumped up and stood on a post, looking slightly down on me! I snapped away and took fifty or so photos of Paddy before I got this cracker!
Pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and more. Their delicate features and expressive faces make them such rewarding subjects to bring to life on paper.
Guide Prices
9x7 portrait - £225 | A4 portraits – from £300 | A3 portraits – from £450
These sizes refer to the paper size; the portrait itself will be appropriately scaled within it. Portraits are supplied mounted on a board and within a protective sleeve. Postage is an additional fee, and currently I can only post within the UK.
Step 1: Get in touch
Get in touch and send your photos – Share a few clear images of your pet (I’ll help you choose the best one).
Step 2: Join the waitlist
I’ll confirm the estimated timeframe and you can decide if you would like to join the waitlist for your commission.
Step 3: Secure your booking
A 50% deposit reserves your slot. The balance is due when your portrait is complete.
Ready to commission a portrait?
Get in touch through the enquiry form for more information, pricing details, and current timelines.