Our Story – Pet Portrait Artists Since 1996

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.

We started our business long before social media and online galleries, back when dial-up internet was a novelty and brochures were designed on a word processor. Over the years, we have developed our techniques, built a loyal client base and poured heart and soul into every portrait we have created. This page tells the story of how it all began and how we got to where we are today.

The Beginning: Where It All Started (1990s)

Our story begins in the early 1990s when both Nicholas and I were training at Bournemouth and Poole Colllege 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. We began developing the techniques that would shape our careers. 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 Nichoals pet portrait business.

Back then, everything was done the traditional way — pencils, oil paints and good old-fashioned mail. Clients sent printed photos and commissions were booked through handwritten letters and phone calls on a landline!

Creating Our Business (1996–2000)

We officially launched our pet portrait business in 1996, just as the internet was beginning to make it's way into people’s homes. Back then, websites were a novelty, not a necessity! So we did it the old-fashioned way, 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.

We also threw ourselves into local opportunities. We exhibited our artwork at the Welsh Game Fair and spent time teaching both art and computing back when mastering the mouse and floppy disks felt revolutionary! It was a period of growth, learning and a whole lot of perseverance, but it laid the groundwork for everything that came next.

Building Our Reputation (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 expland and we built a reputation for creating realistic pet portraits that truly captured personality and presence. At this point in 2000 the internet had truley integrated into peoples 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.

Oil paintings being painted in 2011 by Nicholas Beall

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 Notible Clients Page

We continued to evolve technically, our painting and drawing styles became more refined. With hundred 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. More and more of our clients were finding us from around the world — the United States, Australia, Canada and beyond.

We took pride in still doing everything by hand. No shortcuts, no gimmicks — just beautiful, traditionally made pet portraits in pencil and oil. Our packaging evolved too with careful ribbon-wrapped presentation that clients often say brings a tear to their eye when they unwrap it.

The Modern Era – Still Doing It Right (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 heartfelt portraits for clients who love their pets dearly.

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.

Looking Back with Gratitude and Forward with Excitement

From humble beginnings to a thriving international business, it’s been an extraordinary journey. We are proud of every tail wag, every happy tear and every portrait that’s now hanging in a cherished spot in someone’s home.

We can’t wait to see where the next chapter leads.

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 between two art students has grown into a fulfilling life’s work — creating timeless portraits that honour the animals people love most. We have met extraordinary clients, made lifelong friendships and filled hundreds of homes with meaningful artwork that will last for generations.

But while the world has changed dramatically since those early days — especially in the wake of the pandemic — our commitment hasn’t wavered. Life looks different in 2025 yet we remain as passionate and determined as ever.

We have been busy behind the scenes developing new areas on our website and strengthening our business. No matter where the road leads next, our guiding principle will always remain the same: creating personal, beautifully hand-crafted portraits with integrity and utmost care.

Thank you to all of our cleints for being part of our journey and for letting us be part of yours.