Michele Levani Art - Pet Portrait Artist - Nationwide

Verified Member since Apr 2020 Verified checkmark

As a contracted pet portrait artist and Top rated national pet portrait artist with Petworks, I've painted thousands of custom pet portraits for individuals all over the world... and not just all sorts of breeds of cats and dogs! I’ve also painted Bearded Dragons, Ferrets, Horses, Turtles, Fish, Hamsters, Snakes… if it’s a pet, I’ve probably painted it!
I also love painting people, especially with their beloved fur babies!
You've decided to commission me... What's next? Send me lots of photos. The reference images that you send me to create a custom portrait should be as high resolution as possible. The quality of the image will, in many ways, determine the quality of the final drawing or painting. Clear photos of the eyes are best. Sending me lots of photos helps me better capture the personality of the subject. That being said, I understand that sometimes an individual may be limited on photos when it may be a pet that is no longer with you. Even with those limitations, I have many years of experience editing photos and can still create a beautiful portrait for you.


  • Insured
  • Online Sessions

Pricing Packages

Custom Hand Painted 6"x6" Canvas Portrait
$ 150.00 Per Portrait book

What's the perfect gift for a pet lover? A custom hand painted 6"x 6" wrapped canvas portrait of a beloved pet! You can choose any animal, from a dog or cat to a horse or bearded dragon! Due to the size of this canvas, headshots are recommended. Please send clear photos for reference.
These portraits are not digital prints. These are authentic paintings by professional artist, Michele Levani. Michele has painted custom pet portraits, all kinds of animals, breeds and colors, for thousands of people across the USA. She is currently contracted as a pet portrait artist with a national pet supply company.
Price includes USPS Shipping within the US

$20 Gift Card for Custom Hand Painted Pet Portrait
$ 20.00 Per Gift card book

What's the perfect gift for a pet lover? A GIFT CARD for a custom hand painted canvas portrait of a beloved pet! You may purchase gift cards in multiples of $20. So, if you'd like to give a $200 gift card, please order ten gift cards and you will receive a $200 gift card. Custom pet portraits start at $120.
These portraits are not digital prints. These are authentic paintings by professional artist, Michele Levani. Michele has painted custom pet portraits, all kinds of animals, breeds and colors, for thousands of people across the USA. She is currently contracted as a pet portrait artist with a national pet supply company.
Price includes USPS Shipping within the US

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Pet Portrait Art
  • Custom Pet Portraits
  • Animal Portraits

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Alpacas
  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Chickens
  • Chinchillas
  • Dogs
  • Ducks
  • Ferrets
  • Fish
  • Frogs
  • Gerbils
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Hedgehogs
  • Horses
  • Lizards
  • Mice
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Snakes
  • Turtles

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Do you offer mobile services?

  • No

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Charleston, SC and Nationwide

What year did you begin serving pets?

1995

How did you hone your craft?

Practice! I paint everyday, averaging 120+ small pet portraits each month… and not just all sorts of breeds of cats and dogs! I’ve painted Bearded Dragons, Ferrets, Horses, Turtles, Fish, Hamsters, Snakes… if it’s a pet, I’ve probably painted it!

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

The reference images that you send me to create a custom portrait should be as high resolution as possible.  The quality of the image will, in many ways, determine the quality of the final drawing or painting.  Clear photos of the eyes are best. You may send several photos for my reference. It helps me better capture the personality of the subject. That being said, I understand that sometimes an individual may be limited on photos when it may be a pet that is no longer with you. Even with those limitations, I have many years of experience editing photos and can still create a beautiful portrait for you.

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michele levani

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BASED IN Charleston, SC

Distinction

Pw without hitch Petworks Best of 2024

Customer Reviews

Picture turned out fabulous, better than I expected with the amount of guessing that had to be done

- Candra A
Pet Pro's Response:

It was truly my pleasure! I do love a challenge, but you gave me a doozy, or should I say… 6 doozies! It’s said that a portrait will only be as good as the reference photo, but you and I proved that it can still be done. Working from those limited, blurry reference photos took a bit more time and patience, but with your detailed verbal, descriptions and good communication, I was able to visualize and still create an awesome painting of your mother’s 6 cats! I can’t wait to see the video of her reaction when she finally receives this special gift from you! Thank you!
Your Artist,
Michele Levani

- Michele Levani

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Pet Portrait Art
  • Custom Pet Portraits
  • Animal Portraits

What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?

  • Alpacas
  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Chickens
  • Chinchillas
  • Dogs
  • Ducks
  • Ferrets
  • Fish
  • Frogs
  • Gerbils
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Hedgehogs
  • Horses
  • Lizards
  • Mice
  • Parrots
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Snakes
  • Turtles

On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?

  • 20-39 lbs
  • 40-79 lbs
  • 80+ lbs
  • under 20 lbs

Do you offer mobile services?

  • No

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Charleston, SC and Nationwide

What year did you begin serving pets?

1995

How did you hone your craft?

Practice! I paint everyday, averaging 120+ small pet portraits each month… and not just all sorts of breeds of cats and dogs! I’ve painted Bearded Dragons, Ferrets, Horses, Turtles, Fish, Hamsters, Snakes… if it’s a pet, I’ve probably painted it!

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

The reference images that you send me to create a custom portrait should be as high resolution as possible.  The quality of the image will, in many ways, determine the quality of the final drawing or painting.  Clear photos of the eyes are best. You may send several photos for my reference. It helps me better capture the personality of the subject. That being said, I understand that sometimes an individual may be limited on photos when it may be a pet that is no longer with you. Even with those limitations, I have many years of experience editing photos and can still create a beautiful portrait for you.

Customer Reviews

Picture turned out fabulous, better than I expected with the amount of guessing that had to be done

- Candra A
Pet Pro Response:

It was truly my pleasure! I do love a challenge, but you gave me a doozy, or should I say… 6 doozies! It’s said that a portrait will only be as good as the reference photo, but you and I proved that it can still be done. Working from those limited, blurry reference photos took a bit more time and patience, but with your detailed verbal, descriptions and good communication, I was able to visualize and still create an awesome painting of your mother’s 6 cats! I can’t wait to see the video of her reaction when she finally receives this special gift from you! Thank you!
Your Artist,
Michele Levani

- Michele Levani

🌟 About Michele Levani


Michele is a professional pet portrait artist based in Charleston, SC, serving clients locally and nationwide through PetWorks. With a passion for capturing the personality, energy, and spirit of animal companions, Michele creates handcrafted portraits that go far beyond what a photograph can offer — each one a genuine one-of-a-kind work of art, made from your favorite photo and tailored to your exact vision. Michele is a recognized and top-rated artist on PetWorks, trusted by pet owners across the country to deliver portraits that are cherished for a lifetime.


What to Expect When Working with Michele


Commissioning a portrait with Michele is a personal, collaborative experience from start to finish. It begins with a conversation — you'll share your favorite photos of your pet, discuss the style and medium that appeals to you, and talk through any specific ideas or requests you have in mind. Michele takes the time to understand not just what your pet looks like, but who they are — their character, their quirks, and the qualities that make them yours.


From there, Michele gets to work. Most artists on PetWorks share progress photos along the way, giving you the opportunity to provide feedback and request adjustments before the portrait is complete. Once you're happy with the result, your finished portrait is shipped directly to you or delivered as a digital file — depending on the medium and your preference. Most portraits are completed within 2–6 weeks, though timelines vary by medium, complexity, and the artist's current schedule. Always confirm turnaround with Michele before booking, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.


🦔 How to Book Michele on PetWorks


On Michele Levani's listing page, use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' to start a conversation about your commission. Michele will discuss your vision, answer any questions, and send you a personalized quote through the PetWorks inbox — because the right artist fit matters, and taking a few minutes to correspond before committing is always worth it.


When you're ready, payment is handled securely through PetWorks — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Affirm, Link, or Klarna. Care Coverage at checkout gives you access to PetWorks' live Concierge team, full refunds if a booking is canceled through no fault of yours, and help resolving any issues along the way — so you can focus on your portrait with complete peace of mind.


Tips for a Great Portrait


Getting the most out of your commission starts with good reference photos. Clear, well-lit shots taken at your pet's eye level work best — natural light is your friend, and flash-heavy photos tend to flatten features and wash out color. Capture a few different expressions and angles if you can: a close-up of the face, a relaxed resting shot, and a playful or characteristic pose gives your artist the most to work with.


Beyond photos, the more you can share about your pet's personality the better. Is your dog goofy and energetic, or calm and dignified? Does your cat have a signature expression? The small details you share help Michele bring genuine character to the portrait rather than simply reproducing a likeness. If you have a specific style, background, or size in mind, mention it upfront — most artists welcome creative direction and will work with you to bring your vision to life.


As a general guide, pet portrait commissions in the US typically range from $75–$200 for small portraits, $200–$500 for medium, and $500–$1,200 or more for large or multi-pet works. Browse Michele's pricing packages above for specific rates.


Frequently Asked Questions


How do I get started with Michele? Use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' buttons on this page to reach out directly. Michele will respond through the PetWorks inbox to discuss your vision, review your photos, and provide a personalized quote before you commit to booking.


Can Michele paint multiple pets in one portrait? Many PetWorks artists offer multi-pet compositions — reach out to Michele directly to discuss your specific request. Multi-pet portraits may carry additional fees depending on the number of subjects and complexity of the arrangement.


What if my pet has passed away? Memorial portraits are one of the most meaningful commissions you can make. Michele works entirely from photos, so a passing doesn't prevent a beautiful, lifelike result. Many PetWorks artists have extensive experience with memorial work and approach it with particular care and sensitivity.


Does Michele ship nationwide? Yes — all orders through PetWorks are handled entirely online. You upload your photos, correspond through the platform, and receive your finished portrait by mail or digital delivery regardless of where you are in the country.


What if I'm not happy with the result? PetWorks' Care Coverage gives you access to the live Concierge team and help resolving any booking issues. Most artists also share progress photos throughout the process so you can provide feedback and request adjustments before the portrait is finalized — the goal is always a result you love.


❤️ Your pet is one of a kind — their portrait should be too.


Reach out to Michele on PetWorks today, share your favorite photo, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.