Pet Portraits, Horses & other Animal Commissions

For that special memory of your beloved pet, why not commission a realistic, bespoke, hand painted portrait? I take my time to capture your animal’s distinctive features, its personality and character from photo’s you provide or from ones I take myself, if I’m lucky enough to meet them. They are realistic paintings with attention to detail especially the eyes.

I usually paint in pastels on Pastelmat paper, both lightfast and archival in quality to keep your portrait looking as fresh as the day you received it. The other mediums I use are watercolour, graphite or charcoal. If you need help in deciding which medium you’d like, take a look at the examples below to give you an idea. If you’re still undecided we can talk it through as I’d rather you take your time than rush into your decision. I will take £50 deposit before I start your commission.

Prices

8 x 8 inch square portrait in watercolour with a 12 x 12 inch mount surround £150

14 x 10 inch portrait in pastel or watercolour with an 18 x 14 inch mount surround £295

For 2 heads to fit 16 x 12 inches with a 20 x 16 inch mount surround £375

Horses or similar size animal portraits

16 x 12 inch portrait in pastel with a 20 x 16 inch mount surround £450

For a second head add £100 then £50 each additional head thereafter.

If you would like me to include a background for any portraits, we can discuss this and I will give you a quote depending on how detailed the background is. I will send you progress photos if you wish me to. Once you have approved the final photo, we can arrange the balance of the payment. ALL FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED.

Each painting is backed and wrapped in cellophane, with a certificate of authenticity, ready to take to the framers or I can organise the framing for you if you are local to me. If you would like a different size or medium, or would like to go ahead, please use the Contact page or email me jspeckart@gmail.com

Hints on taking good photographs of your animal:

A good reference photograph is generally taken at the same eye level as the animal to give the correct perspective. It’s really best taken outside, on an overcast day so the colours will be more natural or by a window with plenty of light but not bright sunshine. Please take collars off, unless you specifically want me to paint them. For cats and dogs, the best posture would be sitting so I can see the neck and shoulders.

Please don’t worry if your pet is no longer with you, just email a few of your best photographs indicating your utmost favourites and I will see what I can do. Include a short description of your beloved pet describing their character as this will give me an idea of how to portray your pet.

If you prefer, I can take some of my own photographs if you are within a 15 mile radius of Wimborne, Dorset. This way I can also get to know your pet’s personality, feel their fur texture and look at the colour of their eyes for exact colour matching. The camera has a tendency to ‘lie’ in certain instances! There is no extra charge for this service.

I can’t wait to hear from you or maybe you know someone who would love their animal to be painted for that extra Special Gift.