About Jonny Atkinson
Hello, I'm Jonny.
I'm a UK pet portrait artist based in Darlington, creating contemporary hand-drawn portraits using coloured pencil and wax crayon.
Every commission begins in exactly the same way: with your favourite photograph.
From there, I carefully build a strong, recognisable likeness before developing it into original artwork that feels warm, contemporary and unmistakably familiar.
Whether it's a portrait celebrating a new puppy, a thoughtful gift or a lasting memorial to a much-loved companion, every drawing is created entirely by hand and every commission is treated with the same care and attention.
Because although every pet is different, the reason people commission a portrait is often the same.
They want something that still feels like them every time they see it.
Why I draw pet portraits
More than a photograph
One of the things I love most about drawing pets is that every commission starts with something that's already meaningful to someone else.
Sometimes it's a favourite photo taken on a walk.
Sometimes it's an old phone picture that's become irreplaceable.
Sometimes it's the last photograph someone has of a much-loved companion.
Those images already carry memories.
My job isn't simply to copy them.
It's to create artwork that preserves what makes them so special in the first place.
That means looking beyond the obvious details and paying close attention to the things owners recognise immediately; the shape of the eyes, the markings around the face, the tilt of the head or the familiar expression they saw every day.
That's why every hand-drawn portrait begins with a strong, recognisable likeness before being carefully developed into contemporary artwork.
What matters most to me
Recognisable first
Every portrait begins with creating a strong likeness that instantly feels familiar.
Contemporary second
Rather than producing a rigid copy of a photograph, I aim to create artwork that's modern, balanced and enjoyable to live with for years to come.
Hand-drawn always
Every mark is made using coloured pencil and wax crayon.
No AI.
No digital shortcuts.
Just original artwork created by hand.
If you'd like to see how this approach comes to life, explore my Portrait Stories, where I share the journey behind real commissions.
My background
From Fine Art to pet portraits
My approach to pet portraits has been shaped by years of studying, experimenting and refining how I work.
I graduated with a BA (Hons) Fine Art from Kingston University in 2008, where I developed a strong interest in observational drawing, composition and contemporary mark-making. Those foundations continue to influence every portrait I create today.
That Fine Art background continues to shape the way I approach observation, composition and recognisable likeness in every commission.
Over the years, I've explored a range of subjects and materials, but I kept coming back to traditional drawing. This approach offers the balance I'm looking for, allowing me to build a recognisable likeness while retaining the texture, warmth and subtle imperfections that make hand-drawn artwork feel alive.
Today, every portrait is created personally in my Darlington studio, one commission at a time.
With (not so much) help from my studio assistant Badger!
How I work
A personal approach to every commission
When you commission a portrait, you'll deal directly with me from beginning to end.
As an independent pet portrait artist, I personally manage every photograph, update and finished commission.
There are no account managers, outsourced artists or automated updates, just honest communication throughout the process and original artwork created by hand.
After you place your order, I'll get in touch personally to discuss your photographs, answer any questions and help you choose the strongest reference images if you're unsure which to use.
From there, every portrait develops gradually through layers of coloured pencil and wax crayon, with careful attention given to the details that make your pet instantly recognisable.
Before your portrait is dispatched, I'll email you a preview so you can see the finished artwork before it arrives.
It's a simple, personal process that gives you confidence at every stage.
Why I still draw everything by hand
Creating artwork by hand isn't simply part of the process, it's part of the finished portrait.
The texture of the paper, the layering of colour and the small variations that come with every pencil stroke give each piece its own character. They're details that can't be replicated by filters or automated tools, and they're part of what makes every portrait an original.
For me, that's what makes commissioning artwork different from simply ordering a print.
If you'd like to see exactly how a commission comes together, my Commission Guide explains each stage from choosing your photographs to receiving the finished portrait.
Behind the scenes
A look inside the studio
Every portrait begins with a blank sheet of textured paper, a carefully chosen reference photograph and a box of well-used coloured pencils.
My pet portrait studio is deliberately simple: traditional materials, reference photographs and enough time to give each drawing my full attention.
There isn't a production line or a digital workflow behind the scenes. Each commission is worked on individually, gradually building layers of colour and detail until the finished portrait begins to feel instantly familiar.
It's one of the reasons I enjoy sharing works in progress. I think seeing the drawing develop helps people appreciate not only the finished artwork, but also the time, care and craftsmanship that goes into creating it.
If you enjoy seeing artwork develop from photograph to finished portrait, you'll find even more behind-the-scenes images and stories throughout my Portrait Stories.
Featured portrait stories
Every commission is a collaboration between a favourite photograph, a much-loved pet and hours of hand-drawn work.
Explore a selection of real portrait stories to see how different commissions developed from the original reference photographs to the finished artwork, and discover the people and pets behind each one.
Maverick
Created from a favourite garden photograph, this portrait celebrates Maverick's gentle expression and unmistakable likeness.
Pebbles
Created for a much-loved rescue dog, this portrait focuses on Pebbles' distinctive markings and familiar expression.
Dudley
Created from an older mobile phone photograph, this memorial portrait celebrates Dudley's familiar face and lasting memory.
Rocky, Dutch & Jessie
Created using separate reference photographs, this portrait brings three much-loved dogs together in one balanced composition.
Looking for more examples?
Explore my growing collection of Portrait Stories to discover how real customer photographs become finished hand-drawn artwork.
Ready to commission your portrait?
If you've spent a little time getting to know me and my work, I hope you now have a better idea of the care and thought that goes into every commission.
Creating a hand-drawn portrait is always a privilege. Whether it's celebrating a new companion, creating a meaningful gift or remembering a much-loved pet, I never lose sight of the trust someone places in me when they ask me to draw something so personal.
If you'd like me to create a portrait for you, I'd love to hear from you.
Hand-drawn in the UK
Personal guidance throughout
Created from your favourite photographs
BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate
Have a question first? Get in touch.