Pet portraits from photos
Real pet portrait stories
Every pet portrait starts with a photograph. What happens next is a little different every time.
A first puppy. A birthday surprise. A much-loved companion. A lasting memorial.
Explore real pet portraits from photos, see the photographs they started with and discover how each became an original piece of hand-drawn artwork.
Thinking about your own? Have a browse and see what's possible with the photos you already love.
From photo to portrait
You don't need a professional photograph. Some of my favourite pet portraits have started with ordinary phone photos. Using coloured pencil and wax crayon, I turn your chosen photograph into an original hand-drawn portrait, focusing on the features that make your pet instantly recognisable.
Not sure if your photo will work? Read my photo guide or get in touch and I'll happily take a look.
Explore pet portrait stories
Meet the pets behind the portraits and see how their favourite photographs became original hand-drawn artwork.
From dog portraits and multiple pets to gifts and memorials, every story takes you behind a real commission - the photos, the drawing and the finished portrait.
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![Hand drawn pet portrait of cockapoo close up]()
Maverick
Cockapoo puppy portrait
Created from a favourite garden photograph, this portrait celebrates Maverick's gentle expression and unmistakable likeness.
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![Close up of pet portrait alongside reference photo]()
Pebbles
Crossbreed rescue dog portrait
Created for a much-loved rescue dog, this portrait focuses on Pebbles' distinctive markings and familiar expression.
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![Close up of custom pet portrait of Parson Russell]()
Dudley
Memorial Parson Russell portrait
Created from an older mobile phone photograph, this memorial portrait celebrates Dudley's familiar face and lasting memory.
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![Final pet portrait alongside reference photos of three dogs]()
Rocky, Dutch & Jessie
Multiple pet portrait
Created using separate reference photographs, this portrait brings three much-loved dogs together in one balanced composition.
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![Custom boxer dog drawing next to reference photo]()
Mabel’s Dream Boxer Dog
Boxer dog portrait
Created to celebrate Mabel’s dream dog, this hand-drawn Boxer portrait brought her favourite breed to life as original artwork.
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![Custom cocker spaniel portrait next to reference photo]()
Tilly
Black Cocker Spaniel portrait
Created by combining several favourite photographs, this hand-drawn black Cocker Spaniel portrait celebrates competition winner Tilly.
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![Reference photo next to finished working cocker spaniel drawing]()
Star
Working Cocker Spaniel portrait
Created from a mobile phone photo, this hand-drawn Working Cocker portrait celebrates Star’s familiar expression and distinctive features.
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![Custom pet portrait of Noodle the cockapoo next to reference photo]()
Noodle
Cockapoo portrait
Created from one favourite photo, this hand-drawn Cockapoo portrait of Noodle was commissioned as a surprise gift.
Explore pet portrait types
Looking for something a little more specific? Explore hand-drawn portraits for dogs, memorials and gifts.
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![Close up of framed working cocker spaniel pet portrait on wall]()
Dog portraits
Hand-drawn dog portraits created from your photos, from puppies and rescues to other furry friends.
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![Customer hanging a hand drawn pet portrait]()
Memorial pet portraits
A thoughtful way to turn a treasured photograph into original artwork that keeps a familiar face close.
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![Mabel holding her custom pet portrait of boxer dog]()
Pet portrait gifts
Looking for something personal? Turn their favourite pet photo into a one-of-a-kind hand-drawn gift.
Why I share these stories
I think seeing the photograph behind a portrait makes the finished artwork that little bit more interesting.
These stories show you what I started with, a few of the decisions I made along the way, and how each hand-drawn pet portrait came together.
More importantly, they show what's possible with the photographs you already have.
I'm a UK pet portrait artist based in Darlington. Want to know more about the person holding the pencils? Read about me and my work.
Thinking about your own portrait?
Fancy turning one of your own photographs into a portrait? These should help with the practical bits - choosing a photo, how it all works, prices and what other customers thought.
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![Reference photo of Maverick for his pet portrait]()
Choosing the best photo
Find out what makes a good reference, and why an everyday phone photo can work perfectly.
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![Customer holding framed hand drawn pet portrait of three dogs]()
How to commission
See how everything works, from sending your photographs to receiving the finished artwork.
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![Three custom pet portraits displaying different size variations]()
Portrait sizes & prices
Compare A5, A4 and A3 portraits, with simple pricing starting from £65.
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![Emma and Maverick next to their custom hand drawn pet portrait]()
Pet portrait reviews
See what customers across the UK have said about their finished portraits and experience.
Turn your favourite photo into a pet portrait
Got a photograph that just feels like them?
I'll turn it into an original, hand-drawn pet portrait with a strong, recognisable likeness and my own contemporary drawing style.
Created by hand using coloured pencil and wax crayon in my Darlington studio.
Created from your photographs
Drawn entirely by hand
Preview before delivery