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Melanie&Nicholas

Oil and Pencil Pet Portraits from Photos

Memorial pet portrait in pencil with loving tribute to Louis

Memorial Pet Portraits - A Loving Tribute

Many of our clients come to us at a deeply emotional time. Often their pet has recently passed, or their age means the owner is thinking ahead and beginning to plan for a memorial portrait. As dog owners ourselves, we understand the deep bond you shared with you pet.

Nicholas and I are here to help our clients through these difficult times and hopefully bring them comfort and joy with a pencil drawing that can bring much comfort, especially in their time of grief.

I also understand that it is very difficult for clients to even look through their photos of their pets and so we are happy to help look through them and choose a selection that we feel might work well for a pencil drawing. Each memorial portrait is drawn with the utmost care and sensitivity, ultimately creating a beautiful tribute that honours your pet's memory.

I understand the deep bond you shared with your pet, as I do with my dog Lily. I would be honoured to work with you to help keep their spirit alive through my drawings.

Pet ashes being carefully incorporated into memorial portrait artwork Unique Ashes Service

Incorporating Your Pet's Ashes - A Unique Memorial Service

In the pencil portrait of Max I attached one of his whiskers and placed it in situ on the portrait. I also wrote his name in capitals as requested by my cleint, using his Ashes and adhesive to create the name. This sensitive service requires extra time and care, but creates an irreplaceable keepsake. There is no additional cost for this service.

Memorial portraits are available in all pencil sizes, with 10x8, 12x10, and 16x12 being particularly beautiful for single head and shoulder portraits that capture their spirit and personality.

Memorial Portrait Questions

Everything you need to know about commissioning a beautiful memorial tribute to your beloved pet.

I can carefully incorporate a very small amount of your pet's ashes into specific areas of the artwork - such as writing their name, creating paw prints, or adding texture. This creates a truly unique memorial where your pet becomes part of their portrait.

  • Safe Handling: Ashes are handled with utmost care and respect
  • Small Amount Needed: Only a teaspoon or less required
  • Secure Shipping: I provide instructions for safe postal delivery
  • Personal Elements: Can also preserve whiskers or fur
  • Extended Timeline: Ash incorporation adds 1 week to completion

There's no perfect timeline for grief, but many people find that a few weeks to a few months after their loss feels right. The portrait becomes a celebration of happy memories rather than a painful reminder.

  • No Rush: Take the time you need to heal
  • Celebration of Life: Focus shifts to happy memories
  • Gift Consideration: Sometimes given by caring friends or family
  • Anniversary Tributes: Some choose special dates for completion
  • Healing Process: Often becomes part of the healing journey

I understand that with memorial portraits, we are limited to existing photos. I'm experienced at working with less than perfect images and can often combine multiple photos or work with what you have to create a beautiful tribute.

  • Photo Combination: Can merge details from multiple images
  • Enhancement Skills: Experienced with challenging reference photos
  • Smaller Sizes Available: If photos limit detail, smaller formats work beautifully
  • Character Focus: Emphasis on capturing their spirit and personality
  • Collaborative Process: We'll work together to make the best of available images

Memorial portraits are available in all my pencil sizes. For single head and shoulder portraits that capture personality and spirit, I particularly recommend 10x8, 12x10, and 16x12 inches.

  • 10x8 inches: Perfect intimate memorial size
  • 12x10 inches: Beautiful detail while remaining personal
  • 16x12 inches: Stunning detail for wall display
  • Custom Sizes: Other sizes available based on your needs
  • Pricing Information: Visit my prices page for detailed information

Absolutely. Many families have bonded pairs or multiple pets who were companions. I can create beautiful memorial portraits featuring multiple pets together, celebrating their relationships and shared memories.

  • Companion Portraits: Perfect for bonded pairs
  • Family Groups: Multiple family pets together
  • Timeline Flexibility: Pets don't need to have passed at the same time
  • Photo Requirements: Prefer photos showing them together, but can work with separate images
  • Larger Formats: May require bigger sizes for multiple subjects

My commissions list varies throughout the year. With my artwork being hand drawn, it does take time. My cleints prefer me not to rush their drawings. I will always give na estimated time of arrival when enquiring.

Yes, memorial portrait gift certificates are available and can be a thoughtful way for friends and family to support someone through their grief by offering this meaningful tribute.

  • Thoughtful Gifts: Perfect for grieving friends or family
  • No Expiry: Recipients can commission when they feel ready
  • Flexible Amounts: Available for any commission value
  • Digital Delivery: Can be sent electronically or by post
  • Personal Message: Include a caring note with the certificate

Commission a Memorial Portrait

Let's create a beautiful tribute to honor your beloved pet's memory. Share their story with me and we'll work together to create something truly special.

Memorial Pet Portraits Commission

Bringing Comfort Through Art

"Hi Melanie, wow - thank you SO much it's perfect! How very talented you are! So excited to see it! "

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!