Melanie&Nicholas

Oil and Pencil Pet Portraits from Photos

Pet Portrait Artist Commission Information

Both Nicholas and I have been accepting custom pet portrait commissions for over 28 years. Many of our portraits are for returning clients - some families have commissioned multiple generations of their pets. We are experienced professional pet portrait artists. We not only understanding our customers' needs, but we pride ourselves on our friendly and professional service. We take great pride in our work and love hearing clients' reactions when they first see their portrait. If you have specific ideas for your portrait, send us your photos and we can create a tailored quote for you. We try to reply to all enquiries the same day - depending on time zones of course!

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Example of Classic Pencil Pet Portraits pricing tiers, showcasing the style.
Paper Size Prices
8 x 6" (A5 aprox) £220
10 x 8" (A4 aprox) £390
12 x 10" (A4 plus) £550
16 x 12" (A3 aprox) £650

Larger Sizes Available

Prices for Single Head Studies.

Multiple studies / full bodies drawn on 12 x 10 size and above. Please email for a quote.

Example of Life Story Pencil Pet Portraits pricing, showcasing the style.
Paper Size Prices
20 x 16" £849

Smaller and Larger Sizes Available

Image representing prices for Head Study Oil Paintings of pets.
Canvas Size Price
12 x 10" £850
16 x 12" £950

Larger Sizes Available

Prices Above for Single Head Studies with Studio Style Background

Multiple Studies, Full Body and Full Background start on 16 x 12 size and above. Please email for a quote.

How It Works

Icon representing Step 1: Choose a Photo for your pet portrait commission.

Step 1 – Choose a Photo

Select a clear, high-quality photo of your pet. Email or message us your photos.


Icon representing Step 2: Place a Deposit to secure your pet portrait commission.

Step 2 – Place a Deposit

We will request a deposit to save your space in our list.


Icon representing Step 3: Creating the Portrait, showing the artistic process.

Step 3 – We Create the Artwork

We draw or paint your portrait and keep you up to date at all times.


Icon representing Step 4: Receive Your Portrait, showing the final delivery.

Step 4 – Receive Your Portrait

Approve your portrait, pay the final total, we then ship worldwide!


A comprehensive guide image illustrating the pricing structure and various options for pet portrait commissions. Oil Painting of Sarah

PHOTO GUIDANCE FAQs:

Clear, high-quality photos are essential for creating a lifelike portrait. We are happy to look through several photos with you to choose the best one, or we can combine features from multiple images to create the perfect composition. For portraits with multiple pets, we create a computer mock-up first to show you the layout and sizing. Don't worry if you're not sure which photo to use - we are here to guide you through the selection process.

It’s simple. Just email us with your favourite photos, and let us know which style and size you're interested in. We’ll chat through the details with you, confirm your place on our schedule, and request a deposit to secure your booking. Easy as that.

Clear, high-quality photos are vital for creating a lifelike portrait of your pet. We need to see your pet's eyes clearly and capture their expression - this is the soul of the portrait. Don't worry if you're not sure which photo to use - we are happy to look through several options with you and help you choose the best one for your commission.

Absolutely! We can combine features from several photos if needed to create the perfect composition. Sometimes one photo shows the perfect expression while another captures the ideal pose - we can blend these elements together for the best result.

No problem at all. We’re happy to advise on which of your photos will work best or even combine elements from multiple images. As long as we can clearly see your pet’s features, we can create something truly special.

For portraits featuring multiple pets, we create a computer mock-up first to show you the layout, sizing, and composition. It's much easier to photograph each pet separately, then we digitally arrange them to create the perfect family portrait. We'll send you the mock-up for approval before starting the artwork.

COMMUNICATION & UPDATES FAQs:

Watch your portrait come to life. We love keeping our clients involved in the creative process. We'll send you a login to the client portal so that you can watch your portrait develop from blank canvas or paper to the finished artwork. You'll see your pet's personality emerge as we capture every detail, from the sparkle in their eyes to the texture of their fur.

We work on a first-come, first-served basis. Most portraits are completed within 6–10 weeks, depending on our current schedule and the complexity of your commission. We’ll give you an accurate timeframe when you book.

We reply to all enquiries the same day. Whether you're just asking initial questions or ready to commission a portrait, you'll hear back from us quickly with helpful guidance and answers to your questions.

Yes! We love keeping our clients involved in the creative process. We send work-in-progress photos so you can watch your portrait develop from blank canvas to finished artwork. You'll see your pet's personality emerge as we capture every detail, from the sparkle in their eyes to the texture of their fur.

We keep you updated throughout the entire process - from confirming your booking and photo selection, through regular progress updates, to final approval. You'll never wonder what's happening with your commission.

PAYMENT & SECURITY FAQs:

We have been creating commissioned pet portraits for over 28 years, and it never gets old seeing our clients' reactions when they first see their finished portrait. Many of our clients return to us over the years - sometimes to capture a new family member, sometimes to commemorate a beloved pet who has passed. We take great pride in this work and understand how precious these portraits are to you.

We request a deposit of £100 for the pencils and £200 for the oils, to secure your place on our commission list. This gives you peace of mind knowing your slot is reserved, and you can take time choosing the perfect photos without pressure.

You only pay the final balance after you've seen and approved your finished portrait. We'll email you a photo of the completed artwork for your approval before requesting final payment. Your satisfaction is guaranteed before any final payment is due.

We accept multiple payment methods including bank transfer, PayPal, and major credit cards. International clients can pay in their local currency through PayPal, making the process simple and secure no matter where you're located.

Yes, we offer beautifully packaged gift vouchers that can be sent directly to the recipient or to you. They're perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or remembering a beloved pet. You can learn more or order one on our gift voucher page.

SHIPPING & PACKAGING FAQs:

We've been shipping pet portraits safely around the world for over 28 years, and we never forget that each package contains someone's most precious memories. Whether your portrait is traveling to the next county or across continents, we pack every artwork with the same meticulous care - using archival materials, protective wrapping, and secure packaging that has successfully delivered hundreds of portraits without damage. From our Welsh countryside studio to your home anywhere in the world, your portrait's journey is as important to us as its creation.

Yes – we regularly ship portraits to clients in the US, Canada, Australia and beyond. All artwork is carefully packed and tracked. Just let us know your location and we’ll include shipping details in your quote.

Your portrait is carefully packaged for safe shipping using archival-quality materials. We use protective wrapping, sturdy packaging and secure boxing to ensure your artwork arrives in perfect condition, no matter how far it travels.

This is extremely rare due to our careful packaging, but all shipments are fully insured for your peace of mind. In the unlikely event of damage, we'll work with you immediately to resolve the issue and ensure you receive a perfect portrait.

A personalized pet portrait gift voucher design, available for purchase via email. Personalised Pet Portraits Gift Vouchers.

Pet Portraits Gift Vouchers

The perfect gift! We do try to meet special occasions if we can, however, sometimes it's not always possible. In these instances, we offer clients a personalized gift card with all the information needed, sent in time for their special day. Usually, clients choose the kind of portrait and size they would like and pay for it upfront.

We then send a card to you for you to complete and give to the recipient. We can send the card direct if you prefer with any greetings required. We use Moonpig to send a 7x5 sized card worldwide, which contains all details required about the portrait they have been gifted. Email us at any time with your requirements.

Commission Process Timeline

A commissioned oil pet portrait of two dogs, Jen with Shadow and Moose, highlighting the artist Nicholas Beall's realistic style. Jen with Shadow and Moose / Sharon and Bob
Commission a Portrait

Send us your favourite photos of your dog, cat, or horse and we will help you choose the perfect one for your portrait. We are happy to chat about any ideas you have for a portrait. We can’t wait to get started!