Memorial pet portraits: A UK guide to remembering your pet

Losing a pet is quiet and personal.

For many people, a photograph isn’t quite enough.

A memorial pet portrait offers something different — a way to honour personality, presence and memory through original artwork.

If you’re considering a memorial pet portrait in the UK, this guide explains what to expect and how the process works.

What is a memorial pet portrait?

A memorial pet portrait is commissioned after a pet has passed away.

Unlike standard commissions, these pieces often carry deeper meaning. They aren’t simply decorative — they’re reflective.

Most memorial portraits are created from photographs taken during your pet’s life.

The aim isn’t to recreate a moment exactly as it appeared in a photo.

It’s to create artwork that feels like them.

My style focuses on expressive realism — accurate and recognisable, but not rigid. Clean white backgrounds keep the attention entirely on personality and expression.

Choosing the right photo after loss

Often, clients worry they don’t have the “perfect” photo.

That’s completely normal.

For memorial portraits, what matters most is:

• Clear view of the eyes

• Natural expression

• Accurate coat colour

• Sharp detail

If the photo isn’t perfect, adjustments can often be made during the drawing process to refine lighting or clarity.

If you’re unsure about image quality, you can read my full guide on how to take or choose the best photo for a pet portrait.

Sometimes elements from multiple photos can be combined — especially when one captures expression and another shows clearer detail.

Worried your photo isn’t good enough?

Most memorial portraits are created from older or imperfect images.
I’ll help you choose the best option after you order — and nothing is sent without your approval.

Dudley’s portrait — a meaningful memorial from a phone photo

Dudley’s portrait was created from a mobile phone screenshot provided by his owner. The original image was slightly blurred — something that often worries people when commissioning a memorial dog portrait — but it still captured the details that matter most: his distinctive markings and expressive eyes.

Rather than aiming for photographic perfection, the focus was on bringing out Dudley’s personality. Subtle adjustments and careful observation allowed the portrait to feel recognisable and true to him, while gently refining areas where the reference photo lacked clarity.

Sadly, Dudley had already passed away, so it wasn’t possible to take additional photographs. In cases like this, I work closely with whatever images are available — even if they’re not perfect — to create something that feels personal, comforting, and lasting.

This portrait now serves as a daily reminder of Dudley — not just how he looked, but who he was.

What Dudley’s owner said

“I am absolutely in love with my Dudley drawing. He was the best, most precious boy to us and Jonny has captured his cheekiness perfectly.”

Read more reviews from happy clients.

What makes a memorial portrait feel personal?

In memorial work, small details matter.

The tilt of the head.
The softness in the eyes.
The subtle variation in coat tone.

Because my portraits are drawn in coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured paper, they hold depth and presence that printed images don’t.

You can see the pigment sitting within the grain of the paper.

That texture gives the artwork quiet strength.

The aim is always to capture emotional recognition in my pet portraits:
Expressive. Realistic. Recognisable. Modern.

Not overly stylised.
Not filtered.
Not artificial.

Sizes & pricing for memorial pet portraits

Memorial portraits are commissioned in the same sizes as standard pieces:

• A5 – £65

• A4 – £110

• A3 – £170

Each portrait is:

• Individually hand-drawn

• Created from your photograph

• Produced on textured fine art paper

• Delivered as original artwork

There are no printed templates and no digital bases.

You receive the original piece.

View Sizes & Commission a Memorial Portrait

If you’d like to see examples and secure your booking, you can explore options below.

What to expect from the process

The commission process is calm and straightforward.

1. You choose your size and place your order.

2. Your photos are reviewed and confirmed.

3. Your portrait is drawn by hand.

4. You receive a preview before dispatch.

5. The artwork is securely packaged and shipped within the UK.

If you’d like a detailed breakdown of each step, you can read my guide on what to expect when ordering a pet portrait.

Turnaround times vary depending on current bookings. If you need the portrait for a specific date — such as an anniversary — it’s best to enquire early.

Are memorial pet portraits worth it?

Only you can answer that.

For many clients, they are worth it because:

• They create a permanent tribute

• They preserve personality

• They feel more substantial than a printed photo

• They become part of the home

A memorial portrait isn’t about replacing a pet.

It’s about honouring them in a way that feels thoughtful and lasting.

Hand-drawn vs digital for memorial work

For memorial portraits, many clients prefer hand-drawn artwork because it feels:

• More personal

• More tactile

• More permanent

If you’re unsure about the difference between digital and hand-drawn artwork, you can read my full comparison.

Original artwork carries weight — both physically and emotionally.

Commission a memorial pet portrait

If you’re thinking about creating a portrait of your pet, I’ll guide you through the process — even if you only have older or imperfect photos.

You’ll receive a preview before anything is sent, so you can be sure it feels right.