Oil vs Pencil Pet Portraits – Medium Comparison Guide

There is no one size fits all answer, it truly depends on your preferences and vision. Pencil drawings offer elegant detail and a timeless, classic feel, ideal for intimate spaces and traditional interiors. Oil paintings bring rich colour and dramatic presence, making them perfect as statement pieces. Think about your space, budget, timeline, and the overall mood you want to create.

Pencil drawings are typically more budget friendly due to their shorter creation time and fewer material costs. Oil paintings, on the other hand, are a luxury investment, created on premium linen canvas with professional grade oils and built up in layers over time. Both offer excellent value as bespoke, hand crafted pieces of original art.

Pencil drawings are often completed more quickly, making them a good option for tighter deadlines or special dates. Oil paintings take longer due to their layered technique and drying times between sessions. If time is limited, a pencil portrait still delivers exceptional quality with a shorter turnaround.

Both mediums capture personality beautifully, just in different ways. Pencil drawings are perfect for delicate expressions and fine details, especially gentle eyes and soft fur textures. Oil paintings use colour, light and expressive brushwork to convey warmth and presence. It all depends on how you want to remember and celebrate your pet's character.

That depends on the feel you are after. Pencil drawings are elegant, timeless and quietly detailed – great for intimate spaces or classic interiors. Oil paintings are rich and tactile – perfect as a focal point in a room. If you are unsure, we are always happy to guide you.

Pencil drawings are ideal for intricate detail and soft shading. We can capture subtle fur textures, gentle eyes, and delicate features with incredible accuracy. Oils are expressive and beautiful but naturally looser due to the brushwork and blending techniques.

We recommend framing under glass with a mount / mat to prevent the drawing from touching the surface. Use acid-free materials and avoid hanging in direct sunlight or humid rooms like bathrooms. A good frame will protect your portrait for years to come.

Oil paintings don't require glass – in fact, it's better to let the texture breathe. A classic open frame lets the colour and brushwork shine. You can choose ornate, traditional or simple contemporary frames depending on your style and space.

No – glass isn't typically used with oil paintings. The surface needs to breathe and framing without glass enhances the natural depth and texture. If your space is particularly dusty or high traffic, we can advise on protective finishes instead.

Frame it as soon as possible to avoid accidental damage. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from moisture. We wrap each drawing in tissue, so it's safe during shipping – but framing is the best long-term solution for preserving the work.

With proper care, oil paintings can last for centuries. We use professional canvas and pigments, just like traditional museum artists. Keep it dry, away from direct sun, and ideally framed – and it'll stay vibrant and beautiful for generations.