Pastel Pet Portraits - Any Distance - Nationwide
I'm a pastel artist who loves to create realistic paintings of animals. Pure pigment pastels are my chosen medium as they remain vibrant and never dull, crack or yellow.
I’ve been competitive with my dogs and horses in various sports along the way. Twenty years ago, I became involved in the sport of dog agility with my ‘heart’ dog Jasmine, and have been hooked on it ever since. In 2010, I asked the owner of the agility club if I could paint her dog for practice. That painting started my journey into pet portraits… and what a wonderful ride it has been! I have created hundreds paintings of domestic pets, including dogs, cats, horses and birds, as well as a selection of wildlife paintings. And I’ve enjoyed painting the occasional human with their beloved animal.
My goal is to create portraits that bring to life the beauty, power and intelligence of each subject in order to create an emotional connection with the viewer.
All my prices include frames and I have a selection of frames to choose from. My turnaround time is generally 8 weeks depending on my list.
Please contact and book me through Petworks. Have a great day!
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
9" x 12" pastel portrait, framed under glass and ready to hang. Shipping charges and sales taxes (CA only) are additional.
Other sizes available at additional charge.
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?
- Yes
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
The United States. Shipping costs additional.
What year did you begin serving pets?
2010
How did you hone your craft?
AA in Fine Art, Workshops and lots of practice painting animals. I am a signature member of Pastel Society of West Coast.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Take a lot of photos. And get down to the animals level to take reference photos.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
I love painting animals and will do my best to create an everlasting portrait that you can enjoy forever.
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?
- Yes
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
The United States. Shipping costs additional.
What year did you begin serving pets?
2010
How did you hone your craft?
AA in Fine Art, Workshops and lots of practice painting animals. I am a signature member of Pastel Society of West Coast.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Take a lot of photos. And get down to the animals level to take reference photos.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
I love painting animals and will do my best to create an everlasting portrait that you can enjoy forever.
🌟 About Marianne Harris
Marianne is a professional pet portrait artist based in Valley Springs, CA, serving clients locally and nationwide through PetWorks. With a passion for capturing the personality, energy, and spirit of animal companions, Marianne 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. Marianne 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 Marianne
Commissioning a portrait with Marianne 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. Marianne 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, Marianne 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 Marianne before booking, especially if you're working toward a gift deadline.
🦔 How to Book Marianne on PetWorks
On Marianne Harris's listing page, use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' to start a conversation about your commission. Marianne 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 Marianne 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 Marianne's pricing packages above for specific rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with Marianne? Use 'Send Message' or 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Book Now' buttons on this page to reach out directly. Marianne will respond through the PetWorks inbox to discuss your vision, review your photos, and provide a personalized quote before you commit to booking.
Can Marianne paint multiple pets in one portrait? Many PetWorks artists offer multi-pet compositions — reach out to Marianne 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. Marianne 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 Marianne 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 Marianne on PetWorks today, share your favorite photo, and get started on a handcrafted portrait you'll cherish for a lifetime.