A pet portrait is so much more than a beautiful piece of art—it’s a deeply personal tribute to a cherished companion. Whether you’re looking for a dog portrait, a cat portrait, or a custom pet portrait of another beloved family companion, the goal is always the same: to capture their true essence, personality, and the unique connection you share.
As a professional pet portrait artist, my aim is to bring your pet’s spirit to life on paper. But how do I do that? It’s not just about creating a lifelike image—it’s about telling their story. Here’s how I ensure each bespoke pet portrait is as unique as the pet it represents.
Getting to Know Your Pet
Every pet has a story, and before I begin drawing, I take the time to learn about yours. When you commission a pet portrait, I’ll ask you about your pet’s personality, history, and the special moments you’ve shared. This helps me to understand what makes them tick and how best to bring their character to life.
- What is their background? Is your pet a rescue who has overcome a difficult past? Or have they been part of your family since they were a puppy or kitten, growing alongside you and sharing every chapter of your life?
- What are their quirks? Do they have a signature head tilt, a goofy grin, or a mischievous glint in their eye?
- Who are their favourite people? Do they follow you like a shadow, always at your side? Or maybe they have a special bond with a family member, making the portrait an incredibly meaningful gift.
- Have they faced challenges? Some pets have endured illness or hardships, making their bond with their family even more profound. A portrait can celebrate their resilience and the love that has helped them through.
- Are they working or sporting animals? Whether they participate in agility, field trials, or the show ring, their dedication and energy can be reflected in your portrait.
Capturing the Bond Between Multiple Pets
Many families have more than one beloved pet, and a portrait featuring multiple pets can beautifully showcase the deep connection they share with each other. When capturing more than one pet in the same portrait, I take time to understand their unique relationship and dynamic.
- Were they inseparable? Perhaps they spent every moment together, curled up in the same bed or playing side by side.
- Did they have distinct but complementary personalities? One may have been the playful troublemaker while the other was the gentle guardian.
- How did they interact? Is one pet usually the leader with the other being the sidekick? Is one the comedy goofball, with the other often looking on non-plussed? These insights help me to bring their connection to life in your portrait.
By blending these elements into the composition, I ensure that each pet’s personality is distinct yet harmonized within your artwork. The positioning, expressions, and even subtle body language can reflect their beautiful companionship, making the final piece a heartfelt tribute to their bond.
Naomi with her pet portrait of Cairn terrier trio Scampi, Taz and Reggie
Choosing the Right Reference Photos
To create a truly authentic and lifelike pet portrait, I ask for a selection of high-quality photos of your pet. These images give me a full understanding of your pet’s unique features and expressions. Here’s what works best:
- A clear, high-resolution photo with good lighting – This helps me to see the fine details of your pet’s features, in particular their eyes, and any distinctive markings.
- Multiple angles – Front-facing images are great, but side profiles and different perspectives help me see their full shape and character.
- Action shots and personality pics – Photos where they’re playing, sleeping, or interacting with their favourite toy show me different sides to their personality, and help me to bring out their individuality in the drawing.
- Videos – A short clip of your pet in action can provide me with a wonderful insight into their personality, movement, and expressions.
Bringing Personality into the Portrait
Once I have a full picture of who your pet is, I use this knowledge to make key artistic decisions that will enhance your pet portrait:
- Expression and eyes – The eyes are truly the window to the soul, and I focus on capturing the depth and emotion within them. Whether they’re bright and full of energy or soft and soulful, their expression will be at the heart of the portrait.
- Composition and setting – Some pets look best with a soft, neutral background to keep the focus on them, while others shine in a more detailed setting that reflects their personality. A dog who loves beach walks might look perfect against a soft, sandy backdrop, while a cat who loves to curl up on a cosy windowsill might be best framed in warm, homely tones.
- Fur texture and colouring – Capturing the right colours of your pet’s fur and eyes, and the texture of their fur is so important. Every stroke of pastel is carefully applied to accurately bring your pet to life on paper so that you’ll feel like you can reach in and stroke them!
Cat portrait of “Teeny” by Naomi Jenkin
More Than Just a Portrait
Your bespoke pet portrait will be a wonderful celebration of your pet’s life and the bond you share. It’s something that will be treasured for years to come, a permanent reminder of their love, loyalty, and companionship.
Whether you’re commissioning a portrait for yourself or as a heartfelt gift for a loved one, my goal is always to create something that truly resonates. When you look at your pet’s portrait, I want you to feel their presence, to see their personality shining through, and to be reminded of all the joy they bring to your life.
If you’re interested in a bespoke pet portrait, I’d love to hear all about your special companion. I’d love to work with you to create a piece of art that truly captures their unique spirit and the love you share with them. Contact me today to discuss your custom pet portrait.
