Memorial dog portrait from a phone photo - Dudley
Dudley's portrait was commissioned by Kimberley from County Durham as a lasting reminder of a much-loved Parson Russell Terrier.
After losing Dudley to cancer, there was one particular image that brought his cheeky expression straight back - an old phone screenshot of him keeping a very close eye on a slice of pizza.
It wasn't the perfect photograph. But it was very Dudley.
Using coloured pencil and wax crayon, I turned it into an original hand-drawn memorial portrait for his family.
Breed: Parson Russell Terrier
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Portrait: Memorial dog portrait
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Medium: Coloured pencil & wax crayon
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Size: A5
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Commissioned by: Kimberley, County Durham, UK
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Created from: Mobile phone screenshot
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Breed: Parson Russell Terrier ★ Portrait: Memorial dog portrait ★ Medium: Coloured pencil & wax crayon ★ Size: A5 ★ Commissioned by: Kimberley, County Durham, UK ★ Created from: Mobile phone screenshot ★
A portrait to remember Dudley
Dudley was a much-loved Parson Russell Terrier with a gentle nature and a cheeky side that never really disappeared.
In his later years he adapted to life on three legs, but it didn't stop him enjoying himself - particularly when there was food involved.
After Dudley passed away, Kimberley wanted a portrait that would keep that familiar face around and celebrate the dog her family remembered so fondly.
From phone photo to portrait
The photo Kimberley chose wasn't high resolution or professionally taken. It was a screenshot from her phone - slightly soft, but unmistakably Dudley.
He was peeking over a pizza box with that familiar look he got whenever food was nearby. The image might not have been technically perfect, but the expression was exactly right.
For a memorial portrait, sometimes that's far more important than having the sharpest photograph.
Unsure whether an older photo will work? Read my photo guide or get in touch and I'll happily take a look.
Creating the portrait
With less detail in the original screenshot, Dudley's eyes and expression became especially important.
I used coloured pencil and wax crayon to build up his familiar markings and features, while keeping the slightly hopeful look that made the original photo so unmistakably him.
I also kept the pizza box in the portrait. It might not be the obvious artistic accessory, but without it, part of the story would be missing.
The finished portrait
Once finished, Dudley's A5 portrait was framed and found its place at home.
For Kimberley, it became something she could see every day - a familiar little face and a very familiar expression, pizza included.
What Kimberley thought
★★★★★
“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.
I look at this drawing every day and it makes me so happy. What a wonderful way to keep the memory of Dudley alive!
Thank you so much Jonny, we’ll definitely be ordering more.”
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If you have a favourite photograph of a pet you'd like to remember, I can turn it into an original, hand-drawn portrait with a strong, recognisable likeness.
Older photographs welcome
Drawn entirely by hand
Preview before delivery