Remember every detail

Pet portraits from photos

I create bespoke pet portraits from photos aided by a description of your pets personality to capture the essence of your pet. Explore how it works, step by step…

  • up close detail of a highly realistic drawing of a sheepadoodle.

    Step 1 - contact

    Please fill in the booking form below to enquire about commissioning me to draw your pet.

    Alternatively you can message me on social media @jenniferstarnesart or email jenniferstarnesart@gmail.com

    I will get back to you using your preferred method of contact to have an informal chat about how I can help you.

  • artist holding up a highly realistic portrait of a brown cat with bright green eyes

    Step 2 - choose size

    No two pets are the same which is why I offer custom pet portraits.

    If you are unsure what size you would like I can advise you based on the reference photo, number of pets and intended hanging place. During our initial chat I will listen to your vision and recommend a pet portrait size from my price list.

    For inspiration explore my gallery below.

  • highly realistic drawing of a Scottish deerhound dog next to the reference photo

    Step 3 - photos

    I require you to send me high quality reference photos so I can realistically depict your pet.

    I will send you an initial sketch/mock up so you know what the composition will look like. I welcome suggestions to ensure I succeed in bringing your vision to life.

    Please email me using the button below to check if your photo is suitable for a pet portrait.

  • highly realistic drawing of a brown spaniel.

    Step 4 - book in

    I provide you with an invoice for payment by either bank transfer or Paypal (international clients. Most clients choose to pay in full as this allows me the option to start your portrait sooner if I’m ahead of schedule.

    Alternatively, you can secure your commission slot in my diary by paying a 50% deposit. The remaining 50% balance needs to be paid before I begin the portrait. Contact me to find out my current lead-time. This varies depending on my waitlist and the requested portrait size.

  • photo of artist drawing a portrait of a black Labrador.

    Step 5 - creation

    I send photo updates so you’re involved in every step of the unique creation process. You also receive a highlights video when you portrait is complete, as an extra special keepsake to share with friends and family.

    If you prefer that I don’t post updates across my social media channels, for example if it is a gift, please let me know and I will keep it a secret until after it is gifted.

    Connect with me on social media so we can have thoughtful conversations. I share exciting behind the scenes that you won’t want to miss.

  • red ribbon tied around the corner of a light oak wooden frame

    Step 6 - shipping

    Once I have completed the artwork I will send you a watermarked photo of your portrait for your approval.

    During this stage you can suggest any small tweaks or revisions.

    Following your 100% satisfaction, I will ship the artwork to you. My pet portraits come gift wrapped with ribbon and tissue paper. I’m conscious of the materials I use within my packaging. Please see below to find out more.

Pet portrait sizes and pricing

See below for 3 main sizes (small, medium and large), it’s best to get in touch for a tailored quote as prices will vary depending on size, number of pets and background.
Please click here to view my standard coloured pencil price list.

  • Small

    Perfect size for gifting.

  • artist is studio holds up a drawing of a bishon frise. Surrounded by other pet portrait artwork.

    Medium

    Great for detailed solo portrait.

  • Large

    Statement piece or for multiple pets.

  • Guidance choosing a reference photo of your pet.

  • Composition mock up/ sketch approval.

  • A professional double mount fitted.

  • Progress photo updates and a short highlights video so you can watch your portrait come to life from start to finish.

  • A certificate of authenticity, colour palette and care guide.

  • Gift-wrapped in a presentation box, with tissue paper and ribbon.

  • Packaged securely using eco-friendly materials.

    Please note, shipping outside of the UK is charged separately, please ask for an approximate shipping quote.

What’s included in a custom pet portrait drawing… 

Luxury pet art…Why choose me?

  • Artist holds up a framed, highly-detailed drawing of a sheepadoodle.

    Quality

    I pride myself on using the highest quality, archival materials. I have spent many years researching professional standards and honing my technical skills. Rest assured that your portrait is in safe hands, with care your portrait can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

  • artist is studio holds up a drawing of a bishon frise. Surrounded by other pet portrait artwork.

    Communication

    I want my clients to feel as if they’re right there with me, as I’m creating, in my studio. My clients get an exclusive insight into my artistic process with progress updates and a highlights video…so they can watch their idea transform into their own masterpiece.

  • gift wrapped certificate with red ribbon placed inside a presentation box with tissue paper.

    My vision

    My vision is to celebrate pets and protect endangered animals. My promise is to keep this at the forefront of my business. To give back, I plant trees and support local businesses where possible, when sourcing sustainable materials and services.

Unwrap a heartfelt experience…

Your portrait arrives gift wrapped in a beautiful presentation box. Inside your drawing will be carefully wrapped with tissue paper and ribbon. Complete with a colour palette of your pet’s unique colourings, certificate of authenticity and care guide to ensure your portrait remains cherished for a lifetime.

Color photo of a watercolor portrait of a dog in a white frame with red ribbon, accompanied by certificates of authenticity and artwork details behind it.
Color palette chart with various shades and handwritten labels, including sky blue, cloud blue, tangerine, pumpkin, chocolate etc.

Memorial pet portrait…

Whether you’re celebrating your pet reaching a milestone birthday or cherishing their memory with a memorial pet portrait, a bespoke pet portrait drawing makes for the perfect gift for yourself or a loved one. A pet portrait is a beautiful way to cherish the fond memories you have of your pet.

I specialise in memorial pet portraits, working from old photos (including printed photographs) to craft a portrait of your pet that you can cherish for a lifetime. To create a family pet portrait, I can combine multiple reference photos of different pets.

  • artist is studio holds up a drawing of a bishon frise. Surrounded by other pet portrait artwork.

  • gift wrapped certificate with red ribbon placed inside a presentation box with tissue paper.

Watch your pet come to life on paper…

You’ll receive a short highlights video of the drawing process as an extra keepsake, so you can watch behind the scenes of how your pet’s portrait came to life from start to finish. Something special to share with friends and family. Watch the timelapse video below to see an example of how I create my pet portraits.

Taking the perfect photo of your pet

I create my pet portraits from photos so I require a high quality photo of your pet to use as the main reference pose. This helps me accurately depict your pet with all their quirks. Alongside your description, additional photos add to my understanding of the overall sense of your pet’s personality, which gets infused into the drawing. I describe my style as realism, it’s different to photorealism, as although it’s still life-like, you can see expressive, textural marks on the paper. Each portrait is unique and expresses my individual style as an artist. To achieve your vision, we can discuss any changes or add-ons you wish to make to your portrait. Explore the categories below for tips on taking a great reference photo.

  • Please give your camera lens a quick wipe before taking the photo to make sure it will be clear. Be careful not to move the camera when you are taking the photo to avoid movement blur. Can you see your pet’s eye colour clearly? To check the photo is in focus you can also zoom into the photo and see if you can see the direction of the fur.

  • You may wish to capture your pet in a certain pose that displays their personality. You know your pet best so I will leave this up to you. I find that holding a treat behind/on top of the camera is effective at capturing attention! (caution, may result in drool!)

  • It is optimal to take photos of your pet in a variety of lighting conditions, such as indoors and outdoors. Please check that the colour of the fur in the photo accurately depicts your pet’s fur colour in real life.

  • You can experiment with taking photos using multiple camera angles but where possible it is best to take a front-on photo on your pet’s eye level. This avoids distortion that can occur from taking a photo of your pet from above (although this will accentuate cute puppy dog eyes!).

Want to know if your photo is suitable?

I’m here to help…

Client spotlight - behind the scenes of this pet portrait commission

  • reference photo American pitbull / sharpei dog

    Consultation

    My client requested I combine multiple photos to include all of her favourite things about Rose, like her floppy ears, missing tooth, amber eyes, nose birthmark and favourite bandana.

  • up close realistic drawing of a brown cat with bright green eyes

    Drawing

    I sent my client multiple progress photos throughout the drawing process so she could watch the magical transformation of her pet coming to life on paper.

  • artist holding up a highly realistic mounted drawing of 3 cats

    Professional finish

    I finish my portraits by fitting a gold double mount using a conservation process to ensure the portrait will last a lifetime.

  • gold framed portrait of 3 cats with a red ribbon tied around it, placed in red tissue paper

    The reveal

    After I finished Rose’s portrait drawing I sent the client a photo to approve - she was very happy as you can read!

  • artist holding up a framed realistic portrait of 3 cats

    Gift-wrapping

    I gift-wrap my portraits to include lots of extra goodies such as a custom colour palette keepsake, certificate of authenticity, care guide and send a highlights video.

  • gold framed realistic portrait of 3 cats

    Delivery

    Look how sweet Rose looks posed next to her portrait, that’s one happy doggie! If you’d like your own pet portrait please fill in the enquiry form below.

Share the joy with the whole family…

Upgrade your pet portrait with a fine art print add-on.

  • Highest quality giclee print, professionally printed on eco-friendly luxurious bamboo paper.

  • The perfect gift for loved ones who also cherish the family pet.

  • Order in the same size or smaller than the original portrait.

giclee print of a cream Labrador next to an original drawing of the same Labrador

Backed by my 100% satisfaction guarantee

Client satisfaction is very important to me. After I have completed your artwork I will send you a photo for you to approve. I am happy to make any revisions needed until you are 100% happy with the portrait. This level of care is reflected in my consistent 5* star reviews, see what my clients have to say below.