"The best portraits go far beyond mere likeness, they feed on our memories and our heartfelt imagination - and in return they offer us a love for life story."
More About Pet & Animal Portraits
A portrait is a story told in a single image. I’m fond of saying that if a likeness is all we look for in a portrait, then we risk mistaking a small part of the truth for the whole story; and this is why I believe that a good portrait artist will always reveal more than a photograph ever can.
Oil Painted Pet & Animal Portraits: I’ve painted more pet & animal portraits in oils than any other medium. I offer three standard oil painted portrait sizes, on board that can be left unframed if preferred. I usually aim for a minimal, almost abstract, background to keep the focus of attention where it ought to be in a portrait.
Pastel Painted Pet & Animal Portraits: Lately I’ve been working more in pastels in general, especially so in my pet & animal portraits. My pastel portraits are usually larger, and less costly than oils. They require framing behind glass, which gives them a different appeal to my oil painted portraits.
Portrait Framing: I offer several framing schemes, for both oil and pastel painted portraits, all of which are made in my North Yorkshire studio. I make no secret of my preference to complete my portraits with the perfect presentation to compliment my artwork, however, there’s absolutely no pressure and my clients are free to choose.
Bespoke Creations from Your Pet or Animal Portrait
Frequently Asked Questions - Pet & Animal Portraits
I like to paint all types of animals and pets, in fact given the opportunity to paint for myself I often choose animals or birds – and those I can see from my studio window. If you have a special request or would like to discuss a particular subject please do get in touch.
I use the best quality materials available. For these standard pet portraits I keep things simple with oil paintings on cradled wood panels, beautifully made and suitable for hanging with or without framing. These panels are smooth allowing for all the texture of the oil paint and techniques to show through. I’ve found through experience that it’s a false economy to choose anything but the best quality boards, paints and of course paint brushes.
I also work on prepared linen canvas, wood panels and papers with oil paints, I also work in pastels if requested.
It depends, is the less than satisfying answer. There’s the size and complexity to take into account – however some portraits seem to almost reveal themselves, and others can be a little reluctant – posing a bit of challenge on occasion. On average though I’d say around 2 weeks for a pastel portrait and 4 for an oil portrait is probably about the norm depending on my workload. I do of course advise an estimated delivery when an order is received.
Yes of course, I’m happy to try and incorporate any particular features or elements that a client may require. As you can see from examples of my work I typically try and keep the background simple and abstract, this helps keep the focus of the portrait on the subject. It may be that if the changes required add significantly to the complexity, essentially the time involved to paint, I may need to increase the cost of the work.
Yes of course, custom sizes are available on request and can be sized to fit a specific place in your home, we can even consider colours for specific rooms so please get in touch. I’m happy to paint to any size requested – to date the largest has been approximately 2metres long by 1.5metres high oil on linen canvas. If you have a particular subject or portrait size in mind please get in touch and I’ll provide a quotation.
I only ask for a 50% payment with any order for standard size portraits, with the balance only being due when the portrait is completed and ready to be despatched.
One of my biggest concerns as an artist is that my clients are happy with my work. I created my Artist Contract [here] to ensure that all my clients know that if they’re unhappy with their portrait then I will waive the remaining 50% balance due. In over 25 years I have never been in the situation where a client has refused to accept a piece, however, I do understand that it’s important to be clear about obligations and responsibilities when creating a bespoke piece of art.
For these standard pet portraits I am keeping things simple with oil paintings on cradled wood panels, beautifully made and suitable for hanging with or without framing. These panels are smooth allowing for all the texture of the oil paint and techniques to show through. I do offer framing, and a range of standard options specifically for my pet & animal portraits, all of which are hand made and finished in my studio, so please get in touch if this an option you’re interested in.
