From photo to portrait: Maverick the cockapoo
Maverick's portrait was commissioned by Emma to celebrate her and her partner's first dog. Like many owners, they had hundreds of photographs to choose from, but one image stood out as the perfect starting point for a piece of artwork they could enjoy for years to come.
Using coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured paper, I created an original hand-drawn portrait with a strong, recognisable likeness while developing it into a contemporary piece of artwork. Every portrait is drawn entirely by hand from your favourite photographs, making each commission completely unique.
If you'd like to learn more about my approach, read more about my hand-drawn coloured pencil and wax crayon portraits.
Portrait Summary
Breed: Cockapoo Medium: Coloured pencil & wax crayon Portrait size: A4 Commissioned by: Emma, Leeds, UK Created from: One favourite photograph
Hand-drawn from your favourite photographs • Carefully packaged • UK-wide delivery
A portrait of a much-loved first dog
For Emma and her partner, Maverick is much more than a pet. He's the dog that introduced them to everything that comes with bringing a puppy into the family.
Since arriving home, he's filled the house with laughter, affection and just enough chaos to keep life interesting. Emma describes him as "far too clever for his own good", always finding a way to get exactly what he wants.
His favourite game is tug, usually involving what's left of a much-loved octopus toy that's now missing most of its legs. He's incredibly food motivated, although surprisingly fussy when it comes to his actual meals, and he takes his role as neighbourhood security guard very seriously. The sound of someone moving their wheelie bins is enough to trigger an enthusiastic announcement to the whole street, yet anyone who walks through the front door is greeted like an old friend.
Like many owners, Emma wanted more than another photograph sitting on a phone. She wanted an original piece of artwork that celebrated this stage of Maverick's life and could become a lasting part of their home.
Choosing the right reference photo
People often ask whether they need a professional photograph before commissioning a portrait. In reality, most of my portraits begin with everyday photographs that owners already love.
Maverick's reference image worked particularly well because of its natural lighting, relaxed pose and clear view of his facial features. The soft outdoor light revealed the subtle cream and caramel tones throughout his coat, while his expression immediately felt familiar and natural.
Technical perfection isn't the goal. A photograph that means something to you will almost always produce a more meaningful portrait than one that's simply well lit.
Choosing photos for your own portrait?
I'll happily help you choose the best image before you order.
Building the portrait
With the composition established, I began building the portrait using layers of coloured pencil before introducing wax crayon to create the softer, contemporary finish that has become a recognisable part of my work.
Cockapoos have wonderfully textured coats, but drawing every individual hair would create a busy, overworked image. Instead, I concentrate on the larger shapes, colour changes and areas of light that define the coat, allowing enough detail for a recognisable likeness while keeping the artwork fresh and expressive.
Particular attention was given to Maverick's eyes, nose and muzzle. These are often the features owners recognise first, and subtle changes here make a much bigger difference than adding unnecessary detail elsewhere.
The texture of the watercolour paper also remains visible beneath the drawing, adding depth and helping each portrait retain its hand-crafted appearance.
Rather than copying every detail from a photograph, my aim is to create a recognisable likeness that feels immediately familiar while developing the image into an original piece of artwork.
You can explore more dog portraits from photos to see how different breeds and reference images influence each finished commission.
The finished portrait
Once complete, the portrait was carefully packaged before being sent to Emma ready for framing.
One of the most rewarding parts of any commission is seeing the finished artwork arrive in its new home. Emma later shared photographs of herself and Maverick with the portrait, followed by a framed version displayed in their home.
These moments are a reminder that every portrait becomes part of a family's story long after it leaves my studio.
Customer Review
★★★★★
“Jonny recently completed the most incredible pet portrait of our puppy Maverick. It’s incredible how his personality is captured so well. It’s like he is looking right at us.
Jonny was so good at checking to see we were happy and it arrived in perfect condition. I am honestly blown away (as was the framer when we took it in to get framed!!)
Art with heart! Thank you Jonny x”
Every portrait includes regular communication throughout the process before being carefully packaged and sent by tracked delivery.
You can also read more customer reviews from owners across the UK.
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