Dog portraits from photos
Every dog has their own personality.
Whether it's the excitement before a walk, the gentle look they greet you with each morning or the little head tilt that makes them instantly recognisable, those are the moments that matter most.
My dog portraits are created entirely by hand from your favourite photograph using coloured pencil and wax crayon.
Every portrait begins with creating a strong, recognisable likeness, before being carefully developed into a contemporary piece of artwork that captures the warmth and expression that makes your dog unmistakably them.
If you're ready to own a hand-drawn pet portrait, you can view the available sizes and place your commission online.
Created from your photos - Hand-drawn in the UK - Preview before delivery
More than a likeness
A favourite photograph captures a single moment.
A hand-drawn portrait captures something much more lasting.
When I begin a portrait, I'm not simply looking at markings or fur colour. I'm looking for the familiar expression, gentle posture and little characteristics that instantly remind you of your dog.
Every portrait is carefully built up by hand using coloured pencil and wax crayon, creating original artwork that balances a strong, recognisable likeness with warmth, texture and subtle expression.
To learn more about my background, and artistic approach visit About the artist.
Featured portrait stories
Every portrait has its own story, but they all begin in the same place: a favourite photograph and a desire to create something lasting. Here are a few recent commissions that show how a recognisable likeness becomes a contemporary piece of artwork.
Maverick – Cockapoo • Emma, Leeds
Emma commissioned Maverick’s portrait to celebrate the first dog she and her partner welcomed into their home together. Working from a bright garden photograph, I carefully developed his soft cream coat and gentle expression into a portrait that feels instantly recognisable while retaining the warmth of the original moment.
“Its incredible how his personality is captured so well”
★★★★★
Pebbles – Cross-breed rescue dog • Christine, Richmond
Pebbles’ curious head tilt and distinctive wiry coat immediately stood out in the reference photograph. The finished portrait balances a strong likeness with the warmth and character that made this much-loved rescue dog instantly recognisable.
“Absolutely delighted with this drawing!”
★★★★★
Read the photo guide.
Star – Working cocker spaniel • Neil, Darlington
Star’s calm expression and rich chocolate coat became the focus of a portrait that combines careful observation with expressive mark-making. The finished artwork celebrates her recognisable features while preserving the softness that defines the breed.
“Dealing directly with the artist added to the experience”
★★★★★
Read the commission guide.
Dudley – Parson russell terrier • Kim, Darlington
Created from an older mobile phone photograph, Dudley’s memorial portrait shows how meaningful artwork can still be created from treasured reference images. Every decision focused on producing a recognisable likeness that would become a lasting reminder of a much-loved companion.
“I look at this drawing every day and it makes me so happy”
★★★★★
Learn about memorial pet portraits.
Looking for more examples?
Browse my growing collection of Portrait Stories to see how real customer photographs become finished hand-drawn pet portraits.
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.
1. Choose your portrait size
Portraits are available in A5, A4 and A3 sizes.
Every commission receives exactly the same care and attention.
2. Send your favourite photos
Most portraits begin with an ordinary phone photograph.
If you're unsure which image will work best, I'll happily help you choose the strongest reference before I begin.
3. Drawn entirely by hand
Every portrait is created from scratch using coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured fine art paper.
Never digital. Never AI. Just original artwork.
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 delivery.
What dog owners say
“We are absolutely delighted with this drawing of our precious dog Peggy Pebbles! The likeness is incredible. We would highly recommend Jonny for any drawings of your beautiful pets. Thank you Jonny for producing this wonderful portrait!”
“I am in love with my Dudley drawing. He was the most precious boy to us and Jonny has captured his cheekiness perfectly. I look at this drawing every day and it makes me so happy. What a wonderful way to keep the memory of Dudley alive!”
“Jonny completed the most incredible portrait of our puppy Maverick. It’s incredible how his personality is captured so well. Jonny was so good at checking to see we were happy and it arrived in perfect condition. I am blown away. Art with heart!”
Looking for more real examples? Explore additional pet portrait stories to see how different commissions came together.
Choosing the best photo
Most of my portraits begin with ordinary phone photographs.
The most important thing isn't having a professional camera.
It's choosing a photograph that captures your dog's natural expression.
Good lighting, relaxed poses and clear eyes almost always create the strongest portraits.
If you're unsure which image to use, I'm always happy to help.
If you're still unsure, simply get in touch before ordering and I'll happily help you choose the best image.
Portrait sizes
Every portrait is available in A5, A4 and A3 sizes.
Whether you're choosing a thoughtful gift or a larger statement piece, each commission receives exactly the same care, attention and hand-drawn finish.
When you're ready, you can commission your pet portrait online in just a few steps.
Frequently asked questions about dog portraits
Commissioning a hand-drawn dog portrait is a personal experience, so it's natural to have a few questions before getting started. Here are some of the things I'm asked most often. If there's anything else you'd like to know, please get in touch and I'll be happy to help.
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Absolutely. Every portrait is created from your own photographs, whether you have a Cockapoo, Labrador, Border Collie, Working Cocker Spaniel, rescue dog or any other breed or cross-breed.
Every dog has its own unique features and personality, and my aim is always to create artwork that feels instantly recognisable, whatever the breed.
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Yes. I regularly create portraits featuring two or more dogs together.
If your dogs appear in separate photographs, I can often combine reference images into a single composition where it works naturally.
If you're unsure what's possible, feel free to get in touch before ordering.
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That's often perfectly fine.
Many portraits begin with ordinary phone photographs, and memorial commissions are sometimes created from older images that can't be replaced.
The most important thing isn't having a perfect photograph—it's having one that captures your dog's expression and personality.
If you're unsure which image to use, take a look at my photo guide, or send me a few options and I'll happily help you choose.
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Yes.
Many people commission portraits to remember a much-loved companion after they've passed away.
These portraits are approached with exactly the same care and attention as every other commission, with the focus always on creating artwork that feels warm, personal and recognisable.
You can also read more about memorial pet portraits if you're looking for inspiration.
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Most portraits are completed within around two weeks, although this can vary depending on current commission availability.
If you need your portrait for a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion, please let me know before ordering and I'll always do my best to help.
For more information, read my guide on how long pet portraits take.
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Absolutely.
Dog portraits make thoughtful birthday, Christmas, anniversary and memorial gifts.
Every portrait is carefully packaged and delivered ready to frame or present to someone special.
If you're ordering as a surprise and have any questions about timings, just get in touch before ordering.
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Portraits are available in A5, A4 and A3 sizes, making it easy to choose something that suits your home and budget.
You can view the current portrait sizes and prices before placing your order.
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Ordering is straightforward.
Simply choose your preferred size, place your order online and I'll get in touch to discuss your photographs before I begin drawing.
You can read the full commission guide or go straight to the hand-drawn pet portrait page when you're ready.
Still have a question?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, I'd be happy to help.
Whether you'd like advice on choosing the right photo, selecting a portrait size or discussing an idea before ordering, feel free to get in touch.
Ready to celebrate your dog with a portrait that's unmistakably them?
Every portrait is hand-drawn from your favourite photographs using coloured pencil and wax crayon, creating original artwork that's contemporary, personal and made to last.
Whether you're marking a special occasion, buying a meaningful gift or remembering a lifelong companion, every hand-drawn dog portrait is created from your own photographs.
Before ordering, you can browse more client reviews or explore additional pet portrait stories for inspiration.