In a world where our pets hold an irreplaceable space in our affections, it’s no surprise that many of us yearn to immortalize our beloved companions through various artistic mediums. Among these, pet portraits shine as enduring tributes to the furry companions who fill our lives with joy, companionship, and steadfast devotion. While dogs often command the spotlight in the realm of pet portraiture, cats, with their mysterious allure and dignified presence, equally merit artistic homage. (more…)

For many pet parents, our furry, feathered, or scaled companions hold a cherished place in our hearts. Whether it’s a loyal dog, a playful cat, or a graceful horse, pets become beloved family members whose memories we want to preserve forever. One beautiful and lasting way to celebrate a pet’s personality and presence is through a pet painting. Thanks to technology and the growing world of remote services,  a pet painting from a talented artist has never been easier. (more…)

How to Commission a Pet Portrait Painting of Your Beloved Cat, Dog, or Animal Companion. There’s something timeless and deeply personal about a painted portrait. When that subject is your beloved pet…a loyal dog, a curious cat, or even a feathered or scaled companion, a pet portrait becomes more than art; it becomes a treasured keepsake. Whether to honor a pet’s memory or celebrate their daily joy, commissioning a pet portrait painting is a beautiful way to express your love and preserve it forever. (more…)

A dog painting. So simple. In the vibrant world of artistic expression, a cherished niche thrives. The realm of dog portrait artists. These skilled artisans embark on a noble mission to immortalize the unique charisma and unwavering affection of our cherished canine companions through their paintings or captivating photographs. Their masterpieces, pet portraits, stand as enduring tributes to the profound bond between humans and their loyal four-legged friends, adorning homes with warmth and nostalgia. (more…)

Pet Portrait Art. As a customer, how do you make sure you get the sort of portrait of your beloved pet that you are going to want to hang over your fireplace for all to admire? I may not be Picasso, but I try my best and so far I have been lucky enough for customers to enthuse about my artwork…but having great material as reference to work from can make all the difference when you are a pet portrait artist!

OK…if I’m local, I love to meet the pet to get a feel for his/her personality and character. I have met cheeky Chihuahuas, lovingly loyal Labradors and even an agile and athletic Abyssinian with a penchant for head butting! But what happens if you don’t live locally I hear you ask? I have customers in the States, Canada, Luxembourg to name a few…and much as a holiday across the pond appeals I’m not sure home visits of this distance would be financially viable (I live in the UK!)  So the next best thing to meeting these wonderful animals is for owners to provide a good quality photo. The emphasis being on good quality!

Sending Photos

You wouldn’t believe some of the photos I have been sent! I have received pet photos where it is hard to tell if the animal is a cat or a dog. Sometimes, the lighting is so poor that you only see a silhouette. Other images are so out of focus they look like they were taken in a thick London fog.

However, with a little encouragement, most people can take a decent photo. In this digital age, even mobile phones take pretty good pictures. They can easily provide enough information to work from.

Taking a Great Photo:

But how do you take a good photo? If you want to go pro, PetWorks has hundreds of professional pet photographers available for hire! Although, it’s really not that hard, believe me! I can draw, I can paint but give me a camera and I’m certainly no expert…however all a pet portrait artist really needs is a photo that ..

1. Is in focus,
2. Is well lit or has an obvious light source giving strong areas of light and dark creating a striking image,
3. Shows a clear image of the pets face and eyes (yes eyes really are the windows to the soul and go a long way to capturing the animals personality)

Example Photo #1:

Here is an example of a great photo with dramatic lighting making it an excellent reference to work from (painting shown on the right)

Photo Example #2:

Here is an example of a photo showing expressive facial features with clear definition (painting shown on the right in a contemporary style)

Choosing Your Style

Congratulations, so you have now successfully provided a good quality photo, but your work is not yet done (don’t worry this is the fun bit!)  You now have to decide what sort of pet portrait you would like …hmm?  Some artists offer traditional oils, others provide modern more abstract artwork. I personally like to mix it up a bit and offer various styles. Why? Because everyone is different, most customers usually want the artwork to sit nicely with their decor and I find different mediums and styles can actually suit the various personality traits of specific animals.

A high energy, mad as a hatter Springer Spaniel who lives in a state of the art (excuse the pun) modern house may well suit a colorful and energetic contemporary portrait whereas a posed and gentle elderly Great Dane may be better represented by a traditional oil set in a gilt frame, pride of place over the Georgian mantle. A bit cliché I know but you get the idea!

Are you finding this article useful? Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free PetWorks account, and we’ll email you a  10% discount code, good towards your first pet care services booking on PetWorks!

Pet Portrait Art

So if you are considering having a pet portrait painted of your furry (or scaly!) companion have a good think about what sort of painting you would like. To get the best result from your chosen artist, try and get a nice clear photo and consider what sort of artwork really suits you, your pet and of course will it be interior decor friendly! PetWorks has hundreds of the best pet portrait artists throughout the United States. Book one today!

About the Author Sarah Flannery

From a young age I always knew I was going to be passionate about two subjects…animals and art! After completing my secondary school education, I went on to study art and design. Here, my love of painting and drawing began to flourish.

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped PetWorks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined PetWorks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps PetWorks enhance our pet nutrition services. This ensures that pet parents worldwide receive trusted, science-backed support. Ultimately, it helps us provide better care for their dogs, cats, and other animals.