An original hand drawn custom pet portrait is a beautiful way to exhibit our affection of a family pet or to cherish the ones we have lost. Pet portraits can also make unique and special gifts to friends, family members or significant others that they will always treasure.

I take great care in attempting to incorporate as much warmth and detail into each pet portrait so that pet owners feel like they could almost reach out and touch their animal companions. The joy my pet portraits have brought to my clients is the inspiration behind my artwork.

When drawing pastel portraits I try to bring out the unique personality and characteristics of each pet. The pose of the pet is important, but the eyes are what gives the drawing life. It's a window into the spirit of each animal and is the starting point of every pet portrait.

I have found that pastel is a fantastic media to create lifelike pet portraits in. It allows me to layer in color and fine detail as well as soften areas for a velvety appearance.

I work directly from photographs and do not require to see the pet, although it can be useful. The quality of the drawing is DIRECTLY related to the quality of the photos I have to work from.

* Outdoor lighting is ALWAYS best when taking pictures of your pet,but overexposure can mute details. Conversely, indoor lighting causes pets to look FLAT and flash photography distorts their eye coloration. If you have an automatic camera with auto exposure, focus the center of the lens on an area that is an average between the lightest and darkest fur of your pet (a medium value). Outdoor lighting typically renders better hues and also adds to the depth of the pet's features. Morning and late afternoon lighting is usually best.

* Take plenty of facial photographs and allow their head to fill most of the frame. Also try to get down on your pet's level instead of taking photographs looking down on them, unless this is the way you want your pet portrait.

* Use treats if necessary to get their attention and to look at you directly. This works especially well with dogs who will sit and stay on command for a treat.

* For pet owners that have indoor cats, if you can take photographs of your cat while sitting next to a window or in any natural light, it will help add to the realism of the pet portrait.

* Take Additional Close-up Photos that show distinct traits, coloring, true eye color and fur direction. This helps me create the best portraits possible. The more photographs a client gives me to work with, the better the drawing can potentially be.

As you can see from the images of my work, I am very meticulous about capturing as much detail as is applicable so every bit of information I have helps me to create as lifelike a portrait as possible.See Commissions for more information on pricing & how to contact me.

Here are some examples of Pet Portaits that I have drawn for various people.