Custom Pet Portraits

Transform Your Beloved Pet into a Timeless Work of Art

There's nothing quite like the bond between you and your pet. These relationships deserve to be celebrated with art that captures their unique spirit.

As an artist who's painted various subjects, I've discovered that pets have their own kind of magic. Each commission tells a story, preserves a memory, and creates a lasting tribute to the four-legged family members who bring so much joy to our lives.

What Makes Pet Portraits Special

Photos are wonderful, but a painted portrait captures something deeper, the essence of who your pet really is. Through artistic interpretation, I can depict the spirit of your pet in ways that photography simply can't replicate.

Made with archival materials and professional techniques, these pieces are built to last as long as your memories.

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Why Choose Pet Portraits

  • A hand-painted portrait is a meaningful way to honor your pet’s personality and the bond you share, transforming everyday moments into a timeless keepsake. You’ll help shape the portrait by selecting photos, colors, size, and framing, ensuring a final piece that feels personal and unique.

  • Thoughtful gift for special occasions

    • Adoption anniversaries

    • Birthdays (humans or pets)

    • Housewarmings

    • Thank-You Gifts

    • Mother’s/Father’s Day

    • Holidays

  • Memorializing a departed furry family member

    • Sympathy gifts for those who have lost a pet

    • Memorial pet portrait for your own beloved companion

  • For Pet Lovers Who Have Everything

    The person who spoils their pet with the best food, toys, and accessories will treasure a custom portrait that shows how much their companion means to them.

My Inspiration for Painting Pets

Enzo was my first dog and the best companion I could ask for. He filled our lives with unconditional love and countless memories. After his passing, I found comfort in memorializing him through art. Capturing his spirit on paper became a way to celebrate his life and keep his presence close to our hearts.

This experience inspired me to begin offering pet portraits to others. I know how deeply pets touch our lives and how meaningful it is to honor them in a way that feels lasting and personal.

(See Enzo's portrait with Dash our bearded dragon below.)

Pet Portrait Process

I offer custom pet portraits in pastel, a medium known for its softness, rich color, and ability to capture the expressive details. Pastels create lifelike yet timeless portraits that beautifully honor your companion. For preservation, these artworks will be framed with archival materials to protect and enhance their lasting vibrancy.

  • 1. Getting to Know Your Pet

    Every great portrait starts with a good reference. I'll ask you to share a few photos of your pet and guide you on the best shots.

    • Photos from multiple angles

    • Color preferences

    • Style of the artwork

  • 2. Size Options

    Select from standard size options.

    • 8x10" - For desks or small spaces

    • 11x14" - Good for most spaces

    • 16x20" - Statement pieces

    • 18x24" - Spacious rooms and multiple pets

    Custom sizes available upon request.

  • 3. The Creation Process

    Week 1: Initial sketches, concept approval, and order frame.

    Week 2: Painting and progress photos

    Week 3: Final details and framing

    Week 4: Professional photography and shipping

Pastel artworks will be framed with matting and archival materials to protect against smudging and environmental factors. Matting creates a barrier between the photo and the cover, helping to protect it from scratches, fading, and moisture damage.

Frame Details

• Timeless style good for any display
• 1 ¼" thickness, a popular and versatile frame size
• Made in U.S.A. from hardwood that's finger-jointed
• Eco-friendly, made with recycled natural solid wood pieces
• Sturdy, high-quality, consistently colored

Additional framing options are available upon request and may incur an additional cost.

Frames are custom-made using archival materials and require approximately two weeks for production and delivery.

Buttercup's Pet Portrait Project

  • Reference Photo of Buttercup

    Every portrait begins with a great photo that becomes the inspiration for the artwork.

  • Unveiling the Finished Portrait

    Seeing the finished portrait for the first time is always a special moment.

    (For reference, this portrait is 18x24")

  • A new forever home

    The perfect finishing touch to liven up your space. A daily dose of joy between emails and conference calls.
Ready for your own pet portrait?

Time Lapse of Buttercup's Painting

Pet Portraits Examples

  • "Sage" - Pastel on paper

  • "Enzo & Dash" - Pastel on paper

  • "Garfunkel" - Pastel on paper
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Client Testimonial

FAQs

What kind of photos do you need for a pet portrait?

Clear photos with good lighting are best. Close-up shots that show your pet’s eyes, markings, and unique expressions help me capture their personality accurately. Multiple angles are always helpful, especially for pets with distinctive features.

Why choose pastel for pet portraits?

While I work with a few mediums, pastels are my specialty. I love how they allow me to capture the softness of fur, the depth of a gaze, and the little details that make each pet unique. Pastels create a richness and texture that feel alive on the page, resulting in a fine art portrait that is both personal and timeless.

Can I get my portraits unframed?

All pastel portraits are custom framed using conservation-grade materials to ensure longevity and protect against fading or smudging. Because pastel is a delicate medium, I do not ship portraits unframed — this safeguards the integrity of the artwork and preserves your investment for years to come.

Can I request specific background colors or styles?

Absolutely. I work with you to choose colors or background styles that complement your pet and suit your home décor. During the planning stage, we’ll discuss your preferences to ensure the final piece feels personal to you.

Can I have multiple pets in one portrait

Absolutely! Because each additional pet requires more time, detail, and planning, there is an added cost. I charge 40% per additional pet based on the base price of the selected portrait size.

• +1 Pet (40% more than a single-subject portrait)
• +2 Pets (80% more than a single-subject portrait)

How does payment work?

A 50% installment is required to reserve your commission and begin the artwork. The remaining balance is due upon completion, before delivery or shipping.

What if I need the portrait by a specific date?

If you have a deadline, please let me know when placing your order. I will do my best to accommodate special timelines whenever possible.

A rush fee applies to prioritize your order:
• 2-week turnaround: +$100
• 3-week turnaround: +$50

Rush availability depends on my current schedule. If I can't accommodate the deadline, I will let you within 24 hours and refund your order.

Do you accept returns or exchanges?

Due to the custom nature of commissioned artwork, returns and exchanges are not accepted. However, I work closely with clients throughout the process to ensure satisfaction with the final portrait.