Welcome to my Pet Portrait collection. Below is just a few of the many portraits I have done over the years. The Portraits you see in this section are all commissioned pieces of work and, as such, are not for sale but it will give you an idea as to my style and attention to detail. I have been doing Pet Portraits for over 16 years now. The challenge of each commission is always something I passionately look forward to, as no two are ever the same, regardless of breed, be it dog, cat, horse, rabbit etc. My work is of a very detailed nature, I feel it is important to show all the details because each animal has its own unique characteristics just like us humans!

The mediums I use for the Portraits are Graphite pencil for the Black/white pencil sketch, or for the full colour work Gouache, which is an opaque watercolour, with Acrylic being used for the undetailed background if required.

The procedure for the portrait is usually that I set up a photo session (included in the price) where I can specifically get the detailed shots that are required for the portrait, then you are welcome to choose from the selection of photo’s or leave the choice to me. This does however depend on where you live, if you are not within our local area or are not planning on a visit to Cornwall then what I need is as much reference as possible, especially just of the head if that is the portrait required, the more detailed reference i have the more I can gain a feel for the Pets colour and individual characteristics, I do not like to add in detail where I can’t see it. FOR TIPS ON TAKING REFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE REFER TO THE GUIDE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

Framing is not included in the price of the portrait; however framing can be arranged locally in the style of my landscapes, which is natural Ash. This is however not advisable if we have to put it in transit to get the piece to you due to the glass possibly breaking and damaging the portrait, but if you are able to collect from the shop framing can be an option. If unframed the finished portrait is presented with a single mount and a thin clear acetate layer to protect it until it’s framed, this makes an attractive presentation especially if it is a gift for someone. If you have any questions about the procedure or just to discuss your requirements please feel free to contact me on the numbers provided.

Due to the time taken on a portrait, a deposit is required before work is undertaken of at least 50% of the final amount. Please see below for the current 2010 price list. Completed commissions can be posted onto you using special picture boxes, they are basically two double wall boxes which slide into one another for added protection, I have used them numerous times with no problems, the cost for this service is £10.00.

For portraits I try to work from photographs 7x5” in size in either digital or non-digital form, if using digital then set your camera to the largest/best setting as this will help with the quality of the image. If you are able to take some photos specifically for me then there are a few factors to remember, try to think how you best think of your pet/human and try and capture that view, it is best to shoot in good natural light but not direct, bright sunlight. Sat near a favoured window indoors or outside on a cloudy day is always best, try to avoid grass as the colour reflects back onto the animal and can look unnatural. Always try and get down to your pets eye level when taking photos and shoot as many as you can as you will have a greater chance of capturing that favoured shot ! Patience is a virtue when photographing animals! Humans are obviously easier to work with! It may help to have someone else hold your pet while taking the photo. It doesn’t matter if they get in the photo, as they can be drawn out of the portrait as long as they don’t cover up any important features.

If you would like two or more animals in one portrait it is best to photograph them separately, with at least one photograph of them together so that they can be compared in size to each other. When photographing dogs, cats or horses if you wish to include any collars or tack try and take a close up shot of any detailing. If you wish a head collar to be left out of a portrait, this is possible but it is best to take the photograph without it in the first place to achieve the best result. If your pet has sadly passed away and you don’t have many good photos, please feel free to send as many that you do have as it is possible to produce a good likeness. If you aren’t sure if the photos you have are suitable then please feel free to contact me to discuss. If you are happy to send them, I can look and see if they are possible to work from. You can send your photos either via email, JPEGS only, or if sending hard copies please use Recorded or Special delivery.