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Custom pet portraits, drawn by hand
Every portrait is created individually from your photographs using coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured fine art paper.
There is no digital base, no printed outline and no filter effect. The artwork is drawn by hand from start to finish, so what you receive is original pet portrait art — not a reproduction.
My style sits in that balance between realism and expression. I pay close attention to markings, coat tones, facial structure and eye placement, but the aim is never to create a cold photographic copy. These hand-drawn pet portraits are made to capture character as well as likeness.
That’s what gives the finished piece warmth and presence. It should look like your pet straight away, while still feeling clearly hand-made.
Pet drawings from photos with personality
A good pet portrait should feel personal.
Your photo provides the starting point, but the finished piece is more than a direct copy of a single image. I use your photographs to understand expression, detail, colouring and shape, then create custom pet artwork that feels clear, balanced and full of life.
This approach works especially well for clean, modern portraits on white backgrounds, where every feature matters. Without a busy background competing for attention, the detail in the eyes, markings and expression becomes the focus.
If you’re looking for pet drawings from photos that feel expressive, realistic and recognisable — rather than stiff or overworked — this is exactly the kind of work I create.
How pet portrait commissions work
Ordering a custom pet portrait should feel straightforward.
Step 1 — Choose your size
Select the portrait size that suits your space, your budget or the occasion.
Step 2 — Place your order online
Secure your booking through the website.
Step 3 — Send your photos
After ordering, I’ll contact you the same day to discuss your portrait and invite you to send over your reference images.
Step 4 — Your portrait is drawn by hand
Your commission is created in coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured paper.
Step 5 — Preview before dispatch
You’ll receive an emailed preview before posting.
Step 6 — Secure delivery
Your artwork is carefully packaged and sent by tracked UK delivery.
If you’ve never commissioned pet portrait art before, the process is simpler than most people expect — and you won’t be left trying to work everything out on your own.
Read the full guide: Ordering a pet portrait from a photo.
Choosing the best photo for your pet portrait
You do not need a professional camera image to commission a strong portrait.
Clear phone photos are often more than enough, as long as the eyes are visible and the coat detail is reasonably sharp. Natural light usually works best, and close-up images tend to give the strongest results.
If you are unsure which photo to send, you’re welcome to send a few options. I can help you decide which image will work best for the portrait, or use more than one image where needed to clarify detail and expression.
This is one of the most important parts of the process, because strong reference images make it easier to create personalised pet drawings that feel accurate and full of character.
Suggested photo guidance
• Natural light is best
• Clear, sharp eyes matter most
• Close-up angles usually work well
• Send a few options if unsure
• Phone photos are absolutely fine
Will my pet portrait look like my pet?
Yes — likeness is central to every commission.
When someone orders a personalised pet portrait, they want more than “a nice drawing of a dog” or “a lovely cat picture.” They want something that feels unmistakably like their pet.
That comes from careful attention to:
• facial structure
• markings
• coat colour
• head shape
• eye position
• expression
My work is realistic, but not a rigid one-to-one copy of a photo. The portrait should feel natural, alive and recognisable, while still retaining the warmth and texture of original hand-drawn artwork.
That balance is a big part of what makes custom pet portraits feel special.
Personalised pet portrait sizes & pricing
Choose from three portrait sizes:
A5 — £65
A smaller, gift-friendly option that works beautifully for single-pet portraits and more compact spaces.
A4 — £110
The most popular size. A strong all-round option with a little more visual presence and detail.
A3 — £170
A larger statement piece with added impact, ideal when you want the portrait to become more of a focal point.
All portraits are hand-drawn from your photos using coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured fine art paper, and supplied unframed.
These sizes make the collection flexible whether you’re looking for a personalised pet drawing for your own home, a pet portrait gift, or a custom pet artwork commission to mark something meaningful.
Read more about pet portrait pricing in the UK.
A pet portrait gift that feels personal
A hand-drawn pet portrait makes a thoughtful gift because it feels genuinely personal.
These commissions are often ordered for:
• birthdays
• anniversaries
• Christmas
• housewarmings
• memorial keepsakes
• special surprises for pet lovers
Unlike mass-produced pet art or generic printed products, custom pet portraits are created specifically for one person and one pet. That gives them weight and meaning.
If you’re choosing a pet portrait gift, ordering early is always sensible — especially around busy seasonal periods.
Original pet art, not a digital file
Not all pet portraits from photos are created in the same way.
Some are digital illustrations delivered as files or prints. Mine are original hand-drawn portraits created on paper using physical materials.
That means:
• visible texture
• natural pigment on paper
• one-of-a-kind artwork
• no duplicate print output
• a more tactile, personal result
If you’re specifically looking for hand-drawn pet portraits rather than digital pet art, this distinction matters.
See the difference between hand-drawn v digital pet portraits.
Turnaround, delivery & UK orders
Each portrait is individually commissioned, so turnaround depends on current bookings and the size you choose.
Once you place your order, I’ll get in touch the same day to confirm everything and give you a clear timeframe. If you need your portrait for a particular occasion, it’s best to mention this as early as possible.
UK portraits are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm, with tracking, signature and delivery confirmation.
International orders may be possible by arrangement. If you’re ordering from outside the UK, please get in touch before purchasing.
Read more about how long pet portraits take.
Why choose Jonny Atkinson Art?
If you’re comparing artists, the difference often comes down to style, process and how the artwork feels.
My portraits are for people who want:
• hand-drawn artwork, not digital
• expressive realism rather than a stiff copy
• recognisable likeness with character
• a clean, modern finish
• original pet artwork created in the UK
Every commission is approached with care, clarity and a strong focus on personality. The result is pet portrait art that feels modern and personal, while still grounded in realism.
Frequently asked questions about pet portraits
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Clear phone photos are absolutely fine. The best images usually show the face clearly, with visible eyes and coat detail. Natural light is ideal, and you’re welcome to send a few options if you’re unsure.
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All portraits are hand-drawn in coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured fine art paper. They are original artworks, not digital illustrations or printed copies.
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A5 is £65, A4 is £110 and A3 is £170.
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No, portraits are supplied unframed so you can choose a frame style that suits your home or gifting plans.
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Turnaround depends on bookings and size, but I’ll confirm the timeframe when I contact you after ordering. If you have a deadline, just let me know.
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Yes. In fact, that can be very helpful. You’re welcome to send a few photos so I can advise which will work best.
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That’s very common. These portraits make thoughtful, personal gifts. If you need it for a specific date, order as early as possible or get in touch first.
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Yes — I’m happy to draw cats and other pets too. If you’re unsure, just send me a message before ordering.
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Yes. UK orders are sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm with tracking and signature.
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Because each portrait is custom-made, returns are only accepted if the artwork is lost or damaged in transit. You’ll receive a preview before dispatch so you can confirm you’re happy with it.
Ready to commission your pet portrait?
If you’re looking for a hand-drawn pet portrait from your photos — expressive, realistic and full of character — choose your size above and place your order to get started.
From personalised pet drawings to custom pet artwork gifts, each portrait is created by hand in the UK using coloured pencil and wax crayon on textured paper.