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Charcoal Portrait of Chief, German Shepherd

Closeup of Charcoal portrait of Fientje, Boxer

Charcoal & Pastel Pet Portraits - American Fork, UT

Verified Member since Jul 2026

Hi! My name is Denise Heil and I’m your friendly neighborhood Pet Portrait Artist!

Wonder and awe fuel everything I make.

I work primarily in charcoal and pastel — mediums that breathe, that hold light and shadow in ways that feel alive. My subjects are most often animals, but what I’m really after is the story beneath the surface. The thing you sense but can’t quite name when you look into the eyes of a creature who knows something you don’t.

The moments that move me most are the ones that feel almost surreal — fireflies surprising you in the dark woods, a big cat mid-stride, your dog’s gaze that holds more than it should, campfire nights that seem to stretch time. These things are real. They’ve always been there. I just want to make sure you see them

My work lives somewhere between realism and reverie — grounded in what’s true, reaching toward what’s felt. If a piece of mine makes you stop, look closer, and remember something you’d almost forgotten — that’s everything.

I would cherish the opportunity to create a bespoke charcoal portrait of your animal companion — crafted to last, and to be truly felt by you and all who know and love your pet.

Charcoal is one of the oldest fine art mediums, and it has survived for good reason: it’s remarkably versatile, with an impressive tonal range, rich textural variety, and a dramatic, contrastive quality that’s nothing short of cinematic. Portraits done in charcoal look striking on a plain white background, but the medium reaches its most dramatic impact when displayed against a dark background — a detail worth considering when you’re planning where the finished piece will hang. With its remarkably rich color, this medium allows for an unparalleled vibrancy that brings subjects to life. Pastels can be applied in a variety of techniques, from soft blending to precise strokes, offering versatility in texture and effect. The final result often possesses a luminous, dreamlike quality, with layers of depth and dimension that create a sense of movement and atmosphere.

Every portrait is made with care and premium materials, built to stand the test of time as a lasting tribute to your companion, and a family heirloom that can be passed down for generations to come.

How it works: Your booking starts with an intake call where you get to tell me all about your vision! This allows me to hone in on what you’re envisioning and give you an opportunity to share any questions. Send me the best pet photographs you have and together we’ll pick one that will make the best reference. After that, I’ll send a rough layout sketch showing your pet’s placement and composition — you’ll get one round of revisions here before we lock it in. Once the sketch is approved, I move to the final piece, and you’ll always know what stage we’re in, what date you can expect the work to be done and what’s next. Throughout, you can always contact me with any questions.

Not ready to take the leap just yet and book the portrait outright? Feel free to send me a message to so we can set up a free discovery call where you can share all your questions and get to know me, the artist, to see if I’m the best fit for your project.

Turnaround: 4 weeks from order date to shipping. Rush option available (+25% fee) if you need it sooner.

Want to see more of my work before deciding? Visit my portfolio: https://www.deniseheil-fineart.com/denise-heil-portfolio

Have a size, subject, or idea that’s not listed here? Message me — I’d love to talk through your vision and help make it happen. Send me a message to book a free discovery call or request a custom quote to see if I’m the artist you’re looking for!

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