Modern hand-drawn dog portrait in coloured pencil displayed in a contemporary home

Modern pet portraits, made by hand

Every portrait begins with your favourite photograph.

From there, I carefully create a strong, recognisable likeness before developing it by hand into contemporary artwork using coloured pencil and wax crayon.

The result is an original portrait that feels familiar every time you see it.

Because the best pet portraits are more than a likeness.

Drawn from your favourite photographs.

Made in the UK.

Created entirely by hand.

Pet portrait artist Jonny Atkinson drawing a coloured pencil pet portrait

More than a likeness

Every pet has their own familiar look, favourite expression and little characteristics that make them instantly recognisable.

That's what I look for before a pencil ever touches the paper.

Every portrait begins with creating a strong, recognisable likeness before being carefully developed by hand using coloured pencil and wax crayon. Rather than simply reproducing a photograph, my aim is to create artwork that feels natural, contemporary and instantly familiar every time you see it.

Everything is drawn traditionally from scratch.

No AI. No digital shortcuts.

Just original artwork created one pencil stroke at a time.

If you'd like to learn more about my background, inspiration and artistic approach, you can read About the Artist.

A simple commission process

Commissioning a portrait should feel straightforward from the very beginning.

From choosing your favourite photograph to receiving the finished artwork, every step is personal, carefully considered and completely hand-drawn.

If you'd like to know exactly what happens after ordering, you can read the full Commission Guide before placing your commission.

Wrapped hand-drawn pet portrait ready to be gifted

1. Choose your portrait size

Portraits are available in A5, A4 and A3 sizes.

Every commission receives exactly the same care and attention.

Reference photograph used to create a hand-drawn pet portrait

2. Send your favourite photos

Most portraits begin with an ordinary phone photograph.

I'll happily help you choose the strongest reference before I begin.

Pet portrait being drawn using coloured pencil and wax crayon

3. Drawn entirely by hand

Every portrait is created using coloured pencil & wax crayon on textured paper.

Never digital. Just original artwork.

Finished hand-drawn pet portrait framed in modern home

4. Delivered safely

Before your portrait is dispatched, you'll receive a preview to make sure you're completely happy.

Your artwork is then sent using tracked UK delivery.

Featured portrait stories

Every portrait begins with a customer's favourite photograph, but every commission has its own story.

These recent commissions show how everyday photos become original pieces of hand-drawn artwork, each beginning with a strong, recognisable likeness before being carefully developed using coloured pencil and wax crayon.

If you'd like to explore more examples, you can browse my complete collection of Portrait Stories.

Reference photograph of Maverick before his hand-drawn pet portrait
Hand-drawn Cockapoo portrait created from customer photo

Maverick the cockapoo

Maverick's portrait was created from a bright garden photograph that perfectly captured his gentle expression. Layered coloured pencil and wax crayon helped recreate his soft cream coat while creating a strong, recognisable likeness with a contemporary hand-drawn finish.

Reference photograph of Pebbles before her hand-drawn pet portrait
Hand-drawn rescue dog portrait created from customer photo

Pebbles the cross-breed rescue dog

Pebbles' portrait focused on capturing her alert expression and distinctive markings while keeping the drawing loose and expressive. Careful layering of coloured pencil and wax crayon brought warmth and depth to this much-loved rescue dog.

Reference photograph of Dudley before his memorial pet portrait
Hand-drawn memorial dog portrait created from customer photo

Dudley the parson russell terrier

Dudley's portrait was created from an older mobile phone screenshot after he had sadly passed away. Careful attention to his familiar markings and gentle expression created a lasting memorial for his family.

Three separate reference photographs used to create one hand-drawn pet portrait
Three-dog hand-drawn portrait created from multiple customer photos

Rocky, Dutch & Jessie

Using separate reference photographs, I created one balanced composition that brings Rocky, Dutch and Jessie together naturally while keeping each dog instantly recognisable.

Looking for more examples?

Explore my growing collection of Portrait Stories to discover how real customer photographs become finished hand-drawn artwork.

Star the Working Cocker Spaniel next to her hand-drawn pet portrait
Pebbles the dog next to her hand-drawn pet portrait
Customer putting up framed hand-drawn pet portrait in home
Maverick the Cockapoo next to his hand-drawn pet portrait

What pet owners say

Nothing says more about a portrait than the reaction of the person receiving it.

Here are a few words from recent customers after seeing their finished artwork for the first time.

"I look at this drawing every day and it makes me so happy."

Kimberley ★★★★★

"We are absolutely delighted with this drawing of our precious dog Pebbles. The likeness is incredible."

Christine ★★★★★

“Jonny recently completed the most incredible pet portrait of our puppy Maverick. Its incredible how his personality is captured so well.”

Emma ★★★★★

If you'd like to read more about other customers' experiences, you can browse my complete collection of client reviews.

You can also explore Portrait Stories to see how different commissions developed from photograph to finished artwork.

Hand-drawn pet portrait displayed in a contemporary home

Ready to create something unmistakably them?

A favourite photograph often captures a moment you'll never want to forget.

Whether your pet is still filling your home with muddy paw prints or lives on through treasured memories, that photograph can become something you'll enjoy seeing every day.

Every portrait begins with creating a strong, recognisable likeness before being carefully developed into contemporary artwork using coloured pencil and wax crayon.

If you're ready to commission your own portrait, I'd love to create something that feels instantly familiar every time you see it.

If you have a question before ordering, feel free to get in touch.