Pencil portrait prices

The pencil portrait prices listed on this page are valid from January 2024. They are subject to change so please check this page before placing your order. 

The sizes listed are the paper size and the drawing will fit nicely on this, leaving room for a mount (matt).

I use high quality, lightfast pencils by Faber Castell and/or Caran d'Ache and work on a variety of archival drawing surfaces. I pick the best type and colour of paper to suit your pet photograph. 

Many of the portraits featured on the site are dogs, but I am happy to draw other pets as well, including cats, horses and smaller animals.

During the drawing process I will keep you updated with the progress by Social Media, or e-mail if the drawing is a surprise gift.

I also draw wildlife and would be happy to check my vast portfolio of photos to find your favourite bird or animal to draw for you. You could also check our my wildlife gallery page where you will find prints of my previous drawings on offer. 

The above are my standard sizes. I am quite happy to discuss custom sizes or shapes to suit your requirements. Please use the contact form to get in touch if you are interested in commissioning me.

All my pencil portrait prices are sent Special Delivery, guaranteed next day post in the UK and is charged at cost. I can also send overseas but delivery takes longer.

If you live close enough for me to hand deliver, I would be happy to do so. Alternatively, you are welcome to collect in person.

Photograph requirements

Although I do not slavishly copy a photograph, I do use them for reference regarding the colour, markings and pose of your pet. 

If you live close to me I am happy to come and take my own photo references, but if not, please provide as large a selection of images as possible that capture your pets character and colouring. I can then discuss them with you so that we can pick the best to base your portrait on. Please do not send photos that have had a filter added which changes the colour of the coat.

Clear, well-exposed photos that are taken from the same height as the pet will ensure the best portraits. If you stand up and look down on the pet the perspective will be distorted. Your dog, for example, could look as though his nose is bigger than his body! So try to either get low to the ground, or have the pet in an elevated position for the best results.

Good lighting is important to a portrait. If the eyes and nose are deep in shadow it is difficult to show expression in a drawing. A nice catchlight in the eye brings it to life. If you can have the light coming from off to the side, so that it glances over the surface of the dogs coat this will give a lovely effect. Full frontal lighting tends to flatten things so they don't look rounded and alive. 

The portrait I drew of Molly, below, benefited from the light coming from the lefthand side. You can see how it illuminated her head and makes the portrait pop off the page. 

Your photographs also need to be sharp and in focus. Blurred, distant shots do not give me enough detail to work from. This is especially important if your pet has long or curly hair. If you require a portrait of just your pet's head, then a photo that does not include the body or lots of unwanted background will work best.

I reserve the right to decline the commission if you provide blurry or indistinct photos. I love to produce work that I am proud of, and that you will be proud to hang on your wall. This just isn't possible if it is difficult to see your pet's features in the photo.

More than one pet?

Belle and Lulu

If you have several pets that you would like drawn I can accommodate that in one of two ways. 

I can draw them separately and offer a discount on the second if you order them together. 

Or I can include them in the same portrait. As their sizes may differ, I would require at least one photo that they are both in, so that I can clearly see the comparison in size. Both animals would need to be the same distance away, as if one is in the distance and the other close up, it doesn't accurately show the size difference. A Great Dane in the distance could appear smaller than the Cocker Spaniel nearer the camera, for example!

If you can photograph both pets with the light coming from a similar direction, that would be helpful. 

I look forward to working with you.

Carol

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