Our Story – Pet Portrait Artists Since 1996
Melanie Phillips and Nicholas Beall are professional pet portrait artists who have been creating traditional oil paintings and pencil drawings since 1996. Based in their custom-built studio in rural Wales, UK, this husband-and-wife team has completed over 850 commissioned portraits for clients worldwide. Both trained in Natural History Illustration at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design, they specialize in realistic pet portraits of dogs, cats, and horses using classical techniques.
Welcome to our story. We are Melanie and Nicholas, a husband and wife team who have been creating traditional pet portraits in oil and pencil for nearly 30 years. From our first commissions in the 1990s to our busy studio today, it's been a journey built on passion, oils and pencils and an unwavering love for animals.
The Beginning (1990s)
Our story begins in the early 1990s when both Nicholas and I were training at Bournemouth and Poole College of Art and Design. We both studied Natural History Illustration, surrounded by easels, sketchbooks, huge potted plants in the art room, hundreds of art books and an array of practicing artists and tutors.
Our Educational Foundation
- Both studied Natural History Illustration at Bournemouth and Poole College
- Developed techniques that would shape our careers
- Met and fell in love at art college
- Moved to Wales after graduation to get settled
We left the comfort of art college and took a couple of years out to move to Wales and get settled. In 1996 with a mix of excitement and not a small amount of nerves, we officially launched our Melanie and Nicholas pet portrait business.
Our Early Business (1996–2000)
We officially launched our pet portrait business in 1996, just as the Internet was beginning to make its way into people's homes. Back then, websites were a novelty, not a necessity! So we advertised in dog magazines, designed our own brochures using a word processor and relied on good old post and phone calls to reach our clients.
Early Business Activities
- Advertised in dog magazines and created brochures
- Exhibited artwork at the Welsh Game Fair
- Taught both art and computing (floppy disk era!)
- Featured in Continental Kennel Club Magazine
- Published in Japanese dog magazine and South China Morning Post
- Created illustrations for Seven Seas Vitapet packaging
We also threw ourselves into local opportunities and were lucky enough to be asked for interviews for a variety of magazines and articles. Both Nicholas and I did illustrations for Seven Seas Vitapet coat conditioner - we would go into local pet shops and see our illustrations on the packaging! I also wrote and illustrated a fairy book in watercolour.
Building Our Dream (2000–2010)
As the years passed, our little business began to flourish. We moved into our first home together and utilised a spare bedroom as a dedicated studio space. It gave us the space to expand and we built a reputation for creating realistic pet portraits that truly captured personality and presence.
At this point in the 2000s the Internet had truly integrated into people's lives. We were selling to the US market constantly through our website and were extremely busy! These were all of Nicholas's oil paintings he had on the go at once, back in the day.
2000s Growth Milestones
- Created first dedicated studio space in spare bedroom
- Built reputation for realistic, personality-capturing portraits
- Expanded to US market through website sales
- Became extremely busy with international orders
Refining Our Craft (2010–2020)
We built our now much loved garden art studio space in 2014 and haven't looked back. This decade brought some lovely surprises including commissions from high profile clients, which you can read about on our Pet Portraits Notable Clients page.
2010s Achievements
- Built custom garden art studio in 2014
- Received high-profile client commissions
- Refined painting and drawing styles
- Completed hundreds of portraits
- Expanded global reach to US, Australia, Canada
- Maintained traditional hand-crafted approach
We continued to evolve technically, our painting and drawing styles became more refined. With hundreds of portraits under our belts, this decade was all about consistency and refinement. We honed our techniques, updated our materials and expanded our online presence.
We take pride in still doing everything by hand. No shortcuts, no gimmicks — just beautiful, traditionally made pet portraits in pencil and oil.
The Modern Era (2020–Present)
While the world around us has changed drastically, our core values haven't. We still work from our peaceful studio, nestled in the Welsh countryside, creating pet portraits in oils and pencil for clients who love their pets dearly.
Modern Innovations
- Regular updates to Studio Journal blog
- Private client portal for progress tracking
- Behind-the-scenes creative process sharing
- Traditional artwork - Not Digital or AI
- Maintained personal, handcrafted approach
Our website has become a hub for both clients and fellow artists. With regular updates to our Studio Journal, we share the stories behind the portraits, studio insights and even glimpses into our creative process.
Evolving as Artists – But Never Losing Touch
We are often asked how our work has changed over the years. The answer? It's become more refined, more instinctive but no less personal.
We still draw and paint every pet ourselves, just as we always have. We still send handwritten thank-you notes. Both Nicholas and myself still feel honoured every time someone chooses us to create a tribute to their beloved animal.
What Never Changes
- Every pet drawn and painted personally by us
- Handwritten thank-you notes to clients
- Personal approach to each commission
- Honour and gratitude for being chosen
- Commitment to traditional techniques
Looking Back with Gratitude – and Forward with Purpose
As we reflect on the last three decades, we feel incredibly grateful. What began as a shared dream has grown into a fulfilling life's work. Creating pet portraits that honour the animals people love most.
Our Legacy
- Met amazing clients and made lifelong friendships
- Filled hundreds of homes with lasting artwork
- Created portraits that will last for generations
- Maintained integrity and utmost care in every piece
- Built a business based on passion and love
We have met amazing clients, made lifelong friendships and filled hundreds of homes with artwork that will last for generations. But while the world has changed dramatically since those early days, our commitment hasn't wavered.
Thank you to all of our clients for being part of our journey and for letting us be part of yours.
