Pencil Pet Portraits Gallery
Welcome to my pencil pet portraits gallery. All of the pencil pet portraits below have been hand-drawn by myself. I am very lucky to be able to sit at my drawing desk every day and draw clients' dogs, cats, and horses. I have collated a few of my personal favorite pencil portrait commissions here from over the last few years.
I have been a commissioning pet portrait artist for 28 years, more recently specializing in graphite pencil. I love to capture animals on paper in a classic, timeless way. I create my artwork from my purpose-built art studio in my garden, along with my husband Nicholas Beall, who is also a portrait artist who paints dogs in oils on canvas for commission too.
Client Spotlight: Tyson, The Beloved Cat
Kim, from the USA, commissioned me to draw her gorgeous cat, Tyson, who had sadly passed away. She wanted a 12" x 10" pencil drawing of him along with the portrait framed.
Below, you can see several photos: the final scan of the portrait, the drawing in progress with my pencils, the framed artwork, and a picture of Kim with the drawing displayed in its new home. Kim telephoned me personally to thank me for the portrait, and you can read one of Kim's emails below too.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
I absolutely LOVE it. I hope all is well and thank you, again, for everything."
Client Spotlight: Beano, The Joyful Labrador
Ellen sent me a WhatsApp message before Christmas 2020 to ask if I would be able to squeeze one more portrait into my schedule prior to Christmas. Happily, I was!
I loved drawing Beano; he has been one of my favorite pet portraits to draw. You can see the amazing photo Ellen took of her husband, Adam, when he received the portrait, along with a testimonial below too.
From a Happy Client...
"Adam, my husband, was so happy with the picture. He has it on the wall of his study, so it's directly in his line of sight while he's working. Thank you for doing such an amazing job!"
Client Spotlight: Storm, The Beloved Staffie
The portrait of Stormy was my favorite of 2018; I thoroughly enjoyed drawing her! Mick's photos were very clear and sharp, which allowed me to see Stormy in exquisite detail.
Photos are absolutely key when drawing, and when they are not only clear and sharp but compositionally good too, it truly allows me to create a lovely drawing. The pencil drawing of Stormy was a 12x10-inch portrait.
From a Happy Client...
"Good afternoon Melanie,
Storm arrived safely, and everyone was stunned by the likeness. It’s as if she had walked through the door again. We have revised where we put her, so I hope we have her in a place where she can see what’s happening and to time it right to come for a titbit if anyone’s eating.
Once again, thank you for a wonderful likeness.
Client Spotlight: Crumble, The Charming Spaniel
Sarah commissioned me to draw a pet portrait of her spaniel, Crumble, and since drawing her, I have drawn many other of her dogs too.
This portrait was drawn at 12x10-inch size.
From a Happy Client...
"Dear Melanie,
It’s amazing - you have caught her perfectly - thank you so much. I shall be getting you to draw a few more of my dogs over the coming year! So thrilled.
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas.
Client Spotlight: Milo, The Cherished Boxer
In 2014, Catherine Cave commissioned a pencil drawing of her dog, Milo, as a Christmas surprise for her husband. Milo sadly had to be put to sleep at age six due to an aggressive, inoperable tumor.
I'm always saddened to hear when dogs I draw have passed away, but at the same time, I'm happy to bring their memory alive for families and provide them with something to cherish. Catherine was delighted with her drawing and shared this testimonial:
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie, How very talented you are! Wow - thank you SO much for the portrait, it's perfect! Catherine x"
Client Spotlight: Monty, The Dearly Departed Cocker Spaniel
Allie found our website and loved my pencil drawings. She emailed over some wonderful photos of her dearly departed Cocker Spaniel, Monty, which were perfect for a pencil drawing, and placed a deposit immediately to save a space. I created the drawing at 12x10 inches, and once complete, Allie took it to her own local framer.
You can see photos below of the completed framed drawing along with a candid photo of the drawing with my pencils. Allie emailed during the process, and I've added snippets below for our visitors to read.
From a Happy Client...
"Oh Melanie, I think you have captured my beautiful boy perfectly, his eyes in particular."
"Hi Melanie,
I picked up Monty today. He looks so very regal and handsome, and it is such a very good likeness. Thank you Melanie.
Client Spotlight: Frannie, The Lovely Beagle
Returning client Ben commissioned me to draw their Beagle, Frannie, in 2018 as a birthday gift for his wife, Marisa. The portrait was a 12x10-inch pencil drawing and headed over to the USA in time for the big reveal.
Marisa, Ben’s wife, was thrilled, and Ben emailed me a photo of the portrait framed, which you can see below. If you scroll down further, you can also see Ben’s other Beagle, Blue's portrait, commissioned a month after Frannie's!
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
Just wanted you to know we got our Frannie portrait back in its frame. It is (for now) hanging in the place of honor by our previous portraits. I took a pic with my phone to give you a glimpse. I realize now I should take one with her and her portrait together! Soon!
We can't stop staring at it... amazing. Love your work! Talk soon, always enjoy chatting. Thanks again."
Client Spotlight: Memphis, The Darling French Bulldog
The portrait of Memphis was a 14x11-inch pencil drawing, commissioned as a Christmas surprise by Amber for her friends. They were delighted!
If you would like to read more about this commission, pop over to my dedicated pencil pet portraits website to read the story.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie!
Hope all is well! Just wanted to send a few pictures of Memphis and the beautiful portrait of her you did. Our friends loved the gift and kept talking about how talented you are. My husband and I have three dogs ourselves and are already talking about getting pet portraits of them. Thanks again for everything and Happy New Year!"
Client Spotlight: Kiwi, The Treasured Hungarian Vizsla
The portrait of Kiwi is a 7x5-inch pencil drawing, and I really love drawing the smaller portraits. Keeping my pencils sharp is a necessity! Sadly, Kiwi was knocked down in a road traffic accident, and the family was distraught.
A very good friend of their family and a returning client, Catherine, commissioned a portrait of Kiwi for their family to treasure.
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie,
I am absolutely over the moon with this!!! It captures Kiwi's energy perfectly and took my breath away the second I saw it. Andrea will be so moved with it, THANKYOU!!! I can't thank you enough for working with me on this, it really means a lot and helps ensure Kiwi's spirit lives on."
Client Spotlight: Brodie, The Adorable Cocker Spaniel
Brodie was commissioned by Sandra, who wanted a pet portrait of their spaniel as a birthday present for her husband, Dave. The pencil drawing was an 18x14-inch portrait drawn in 2018, and I loved every minute.
I adore drawing spaniels, especially all of those curls! I hope you like Brodie and the photo Sandra took of Dave with Brodie and the portrait too!
From a Happy Client...
"We finally got Brodie framed and are delighted with the finished article. Thank you again for all your help and advice."
Client Spotlight: Biscuit, The Special Terrier
The pencil drawing of Biscuit was commissioned as a surprise gift from one friend to another. Sadly, Biscuit had passed away, and as a very special friend, he deserved a very special pet portrait.
I thoroughly enjoyed drawing Biscuit, and the client was delighted with the results.
From a Happy Client...
"We finally got Brodie framed and are delighted with the finished article. Thank you again for all your help and advice."
Client Spotlight: Watson, The Elegant Hungarian Vizsla
Watson's pet portrait was drawn at 12x10 inches in graphite pencil for Alistair and Tana Williams in the UK.
I loved drawing him, and as he was a fairly light color, I subtly shaded the background to help him stand out beautifully from the paper.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie
Portrait arrived safely thank you. Off to the framers - will send you a picture when complete.
Thanks
Client Spotlight: Penny, The Beautiful Birthday Cat
Jeanette contacted me for a cat portrait to celebrate her 50th birthday, featuring her beautiful cat, Penny. She emailed some fabulous photos of Penny for me to see.
Jeanette had taken amazing photos of Penny outdoors in her garden with natural light, which is perfect for a portrait. Below, you'll find a final stage photo of the pet portrait, along with images of Penny next to my pencils. Jeanette very kindly emailed some photos of Penny when she was framed too.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
The portrait looks fab, you have captured her personality, we cannot wait to see the original. We really would like to see the photos of the portrait with your pencils! Thank you so much, it is beautiful, you certainly have the skill to capture a true likeness.
Client Spotlight: Jenny and Fern, The Retirement Duo
Tara and her company purchased one of our gift vouchers as a retirement present for their employee, Gail. Gail had two beautiful Cocker Spaniels called Jenny and Fern. Tara felt that a pet portrait of them would be a truly lovely leaving gift.
Tara wanted Gail to have complete control over the gift and get exactly what she wanted, so the Gift Voucher idea was perfect. Gail took many photos of her dogs and emailed me plenty to draw from. As you can see, the portraits came out beautifully. I drew Jenny and Fern on a 16x12-inch size, which is perfect for two head studies. You can read one of Gail's emails below and see photos and details of the portrait too.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
Received the picture yesterday all in tact. Both my husband and I are very, very pleased with it. It looks amazing. I have attached a picture. Thank you again for everything, it has been well worth the wait."
Client Spotlight: Kilo, The Beloved Bulldog
James Witt from the USA commissioned me to draw their family dog, Kilo, who had sadly passed away. I drew Kilo's dog portrait at 12x10-inch size with a delicately shaded background to allow Kilo to stand out beautifully from my white paper.
Kilo's portrait was framed by our framer Amanda using a Windsor Wash frame with a double mount/mat in hayseed plus slate grey. I've also added some photos of me working on his pencil portrait, along with a photo of Kilo's completed drawing with my pencils to show scale. I hope you like it!
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie, Looks outstanding to me! I showed this to my cousin - she started crying. Thanks,"
Client Spotlight: Jasper, The Charming Chihuahua
The portrait of Jasper was a wonderful commission; I thoroughly enjoyed drawing Jasper for Josie and her family.
The portrait was commissioned as a surprise gift for her mother, and you can see a photo and read a lovely testimonial from them below!
From a Happy Client...
"Hello again!
My mother just received the portrait. She LOVES IT! It’s amazing — she can’t stop talking about it. And your card was so thoughtful Melanie! I hope to keep in contact as need be in the future!
Client Spotlight: Aspen, The Stunning Boston Terrier
James emailed photos of their stunning Boston Terrier called Aspen. James asked if I would be able to draw a dog portrait in pencil of him at a size of 20x20 inches.
I was delighted! James and Meagan are from Texas, and once my portrait was completed, I packed it safely, and it headed over to Texas to be with James and his family.
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie Phillips, Thank you so much for the dog portrait of Aspen!"
Client Spotlight: Daisy, The Calendar Star Bloodhound
Mary (USA) commissioned me to draw her family's lovely dog, Daisy, just before Christmas in 2015. The dog pencil portrait was to be a surprise gift for her daughter. She wanted it 20x16 inches in size and had many amazing photos of Daisy.
Daisy's chosen photo was actually one that was featured in a calendar several years prior, sold at Barnes and Noble bookstore! You can see a final scan of my dog pencil portrait along with the framed portrait, plus a heartwarming email from Mary below. It's perfect to add here in my drawings gallery, and I hope you like it too.
From a Happy Client...
"BREATHTAKING! The gentleman at the framing shop couldn't stop looking and bragging about your portrait. You are a very talented woman. Left one of your cards with them. I couldn't be more pleased, your work is superb. Once again thank you, couldn't be more pleased. Hope to use your wonderful talent again."
Client Spotlight: Blue, The Beloved Surprise
The portrait of Blue was commissioned by returning client Ben as a surprise gift for his wife.
Ben very kindly took a photo of Blue with his portrait, and you can read about it in Ben’s email below. I have created a few pet portraits for Ben and his family, which is wonderful.
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie,
Yes he sits pretty well. Especially when I am holding treats in my other hand! It was ungodly cold in the Midwestern US last week so he had a shirt on just to keep the chill off. He is a sweet little guy.
Much thanks to you for your wonderful work.
Talk to you again soon.
Client Spotlight: Teasel, The Cherished Remembrance
In 2016, Paula commissioned me to draw Teasel, who had sadly passed away. She was just so beautiful, and I really enjoyed drawing her; Teasel’s eyes were wonderful to portray.
Paula was thrilled with her portrait and said it felt like having Teasel back with her, which is just amazing. You can read a snippet from one of Paula's emails below and see a photo of Paula with the framed portrait.
From a Happy Client...
"Your drawing has helped me through some sad and lonely times, I cannot thank you enough."
Client Spotlight: Gilli, The Gorgeous Cat Montage
This is one of my favorite cat portraits to date, and it is of a gorgeous cat called Gilli.
My client commissioned a montage drawing as a birthday gift, and if you scroll down, you can see a video of it.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie, Thank you so much, it's perfect! My friend will love it."
Client Spotlight: Casanova, The Show-Jumping Horse Montage
Jane and Mark wanted to commission a montage drawing of their daughter Olivia's horse, Casanova, for her 16th birthday. Casanova is a huge part of Olivia's life, and Jane often takes Olivia around the UK for show jumping competitions and events.
They had already chosen the five high-quality photos they wanted me to work from for the pencil montage and sent them via Dropbox, which is a superb way to share images. Jane and I chatted on the telephone about the photos for the pet portrait. One of the photos that holds the best memory for them all was the top-right image of Olivia with Casanova when she met him for the very first time. Olivia also very kindly posed for a photo with the finished portrait, which you can see below.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie, It looks great, Olivia will love it! Can't wait to get it now."
Client Spotlight: Poppy, The Magazine Star Dog
Back in December 2015, Simon called me to arrange sending a voucher pack to his brother Adam as a birthday present. He thought a pet portrait of his current dog, Willow, would be a lovely idea. Adam, however, contacted me with a slightly different request: he wanted a drawing of his previous dog, Poppy, as they missed her and wanted a lasting memory.
Adam had taken some amazing photos of Poppy, and all was arranged. Then, a UK "Learn to Draw" magazine emailed me to ask if it would be okay to feature my artwork in their upcoming edition. I was thrilled and immediately thought of Poppy's commission, as I knew it would work really well to help budding artists understand how to create a dog portrait in pencil using various techniques. Adam was thrilled and excited to see not only Poppy’s portrait but Poppy in print too! You can see a number of stages from the magazine, the final stage of Poppy, and the portrait framed below.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie, This is superb, we love it - thank you. We feel you have really captured her character; she was a very sweet and gentle dog. We really look forward to receiving it and seeing your magazine article. Thanks again."
Client Spotlight: Moo, The Beloved Cocker Spaniel
Tracy, a returning client, commissioned me to draw her beautiful Cocker Spaniel called Moo. Cocker Spaniels are one of my favorite breeds to portray, and I thoroughly enjoyed drawing her.
We framed the portrait with our local framer, and Tracy took time out of her busy schedule to collect the portrait from our studio. We took the opportunity to take some photos of myself, Tracy, and Moo with the portrait, which you can see below.
From a Happy Client...
"Perfect! Thanks Mel See you soon."
Client Spotlight: Ollie, The Christmas Surprise Labrador
The pencil drawing of Ollie was commissioned by Steve as a Christmas surprise for his wife.
The portrait was a 16x12-inch pencil drawing, and you can see a photo of my hand and pencil on the drawing below.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
Thank you, the portrait arrived safe and sound. Will save the grand unveiling until Christmas day!! Thanks for all your hard work."
Client Spotlight: Pixie and Boots, The Beloved Cats
Howard purchased a gift voucher as a Christmas gift for his wife, Julie, as he wanted her to have a pencil portrait of their two cats, Pixie and Boots. Julie was thrilled and took some lovely photos of their cats... although they are very difficult to photograph!
She took some of the photos outside in the garden, which helped for lighting. I have added a photo below, which Julie sent when the cat portrait was framed with her local framer, displayed in their home. I have also added a final stage and a photo of my hand working on the pet portrait.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie, You have captured their personalities beautifully. I'm really pleased with it; I wanted it to be of a 'significant' size and not look cramped. We did attempt to take some photos of them with the portrait but they are not performers and now it has turned too hot so they aren't keen on being handled! Best wishes."
Client Spotlight: Violet, Gill, Charlie, and Rooney – The Festive Four
Marcella emailed to ask if I would be able to draw three dog portraits for her family in time for Christmas. The dogs were two English Setters called Violet and Gill, a white Setter called Rooney, and a gorgeous Springer Spaniel called Charlie.
Charlie was Marcella's dog, Rooney belonged to her sister, and Violet and Gill belonged to Marcella's parents. It was a lot for Marcella to organize, and she framed them herself when the drawings arrived. She then wrapped and placed them under the tree in time for Christmas Day. I have added lots of photos of the final stage, close-up photos, and a lovely photo of Marcella's sister and mum holding their dog portraits.
From a Happy Client...
"Oh my goodness, my mom is going to LOVE it. Charlie is too cute. I love the detail you were able to add on his nose! And you got all the dogs' curls perfectly. I love Violet's little lopsided ears and Gil's curls on the top of his head!"
Client Spotlight: Lucy, Lily, and Leo – The Growing Cat Family
Returning client Kevin, from the USA, commissioned a second portrait of his cats as they had a new addition to their family called Lily. Kevin took some time to get a perfect photo of all three cats together, which worked amazingly well for a drawing.
Their tails are perfect too! It couldn't have gone better, and he gave the portrait as an anniversary surprise to his wife, Erika. She was thrilled. Erika kindly took a photo of herself with both portraits; the other drawing of Lucy and Leo is below in my cat portraits gallery too.
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie,
I gave the portrait to Erika the day before our Anniversary. We were sitting drinking some wine, and it seemed like a good time. She was very surprised. She really loves it."
Client Spotlight: Stanley and Jarvis, The Perfect Duo
Sarah purchased a gift voucher for a 24x18-inch framed dog portrait in pencil for her friend Paula and their family. Their dogs are called Stanley and Jarvis.
Paula took a lovely photo of them, which was perfect for a portrait, and it even included a charming background that I incorporated into the drawing, allowing the dogs to be in a natural scene. Below, you can see testimonials from both Sarah and Paula, along with a lovely photo of the portrait of Stanley and Jarvis displayed in Paula's kitchen diner.
From Happy Clients...
"It's beautiful Melanie! I love it! Thanks so much! Will get one of our lab soon too!"
"Dear Melanie, It's really beautiful – I think you have captured them really well. Ben and I are really happy."
Client Spotlight: Dexter, Tui, and Purdey – A 60th Birthday Surprise
Heather contacted me to ask if I would be able to draw their three dogs, Dexter, Tui, and Purdey, as a surprise 60th Birthday present for her mother. The photo of all three dogs was taken using an iPhone a few years ago, so it didn’t hold a lot of detail; however, it was enough for me to portray them beautifully in a pencil drawing.
Heather opted to have the dog pet portrait framed with our framer, choosing a lovely aged gold frame with a double mount in Hayseed. I have added the final stage below, along with some candid photos of the portrait with my pencils to show scale, and some kind words from Heather too.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie, The portrait is absolutely beautiful! Really excited to give it to her :-) Thank you so much!!
Client Spotlight: Django, The Gifted German Shepherd
Andy, a returning client, commissioned me to draw his friend's dog, Django, in pencil.
I've added the final stage of Django below, along with some candid photos of the portrait with my pencils to show scale.
From a Happy Client...
"Hello Melanie, Wow! The portrait is absolutely beautiful! Thank you and you do incredible work!"
Client Spotlight: Rusty, The Garden Labrador
Verity emailed in 2019 to ask if I would be able to draw her beautiful dog, Rusty, at 16x12 inches in size. She had taken many excellent photos outside in their garden and chose a three-quarter pose for the main reference image to be used for the drawing.
I loved every minute of drawing Rusty, and you can read a lovely testimonial from Verity below, along with seeing a photo of Rusty lying underneath the finished drawing.
From a Happy Client...
"Dear Melanie
We have had the portrait framed and hung. Here is a picture of it with Rusty.
Thanks so much.
Client Spotlight: Tai and Chi, The Sun-Lazing Siamese
The cat portrait of Tai and Chi was commissioned by Nancy Miller in 2014 as a Christmas gift for her daughter. The photo of Tai and Chi was excellent to work from; they were lazily enjoying the summer sunshine, and the whole scene was fantastic to draw.
I really enjoyed drawing them, and you can see photos of both Tai and Chi below, along with an image of the cats with my pencils to show the scale of the drawing.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
They look wonderful! My daughter will be so pleased.
Client Spotlight: Jasper, The Cherished Horse Montage
Richard enquired about a horse pencil drawing of his wife's horse, Jasper, who had sadly passed away. Richard said, "He was very much a character, I am thinking of a main head portrait then four smaller pictures around the edge, in time for our anniversary in June."
Richard emailed some lovely photos of Jasper, which worked perfectly for one of my pet portrait pencil montage drawings. Laura emailed me when she received the portrait and also sent a photo of the pet portrait displayed in their home, which you can see below.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie, Rich surprised me with my portrait of Jasper today. It's absolutely amazing!! I love it!! I had Jasper for over 15 years and knew every marking and hair like the back of my hand and you've captured them all perfectly, thank you so much. It's wonderful! We will send you a photo once it's hung. Thanks again,"
Client Spotlight: Archie, The Elegant Cat Montage
Returning client Kirstie commissioned me to draw her beautiful cat called Archie, along with a smaller study of Archie and Roly together."
The portrait was drawn at 18x14 inches in size and looks beautiful framed and in situ in Kirstie's home.
From a Happy Client...
"How exciting, I can’t wait! The sage mount and frame complement your beautiful drawing perfectly. I hope you are as delighted as we are."
Client Spotlight: Leo and Lucy, The Anniversary Cats
Kevin, from the USA, contacted us to see if I would be able to draw from a photo he had taken of their cats, Leo and Lucy, as a surprise birthday gift for his wife in December 2018. The photo of the cats was lovely and very suited to a pencil drawing.
You can see a photo of the portrait framed below too. The drawing was an 18x14-inch pencil drawing, traditionally hand-drawn by myself.
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie,
It looks great. Erika is going to love it.
Client Spotlight: Simba, The Adorable "Little Lion"
Welcome to Simba's pet portrait! Marie commissioned me to draw Simba as a heartwarming Christmas gift for her family.
Simba is a Bijon Shih Tzu mix, and as Marie put it, "he looks like a little lion!" He's truly adorable. This pencil drawing was a 12x10-inch piece, and you can read Marie's delightful reaction when she first saw it below.
From a Happy Client...
"Oh it’s so beautiful!! I love love love it!! THANK YOU so so much!"
Client Spotlight: Locksie, A Treasured Wedding Day Montage
William Archer commissioned a 24x18-inch pencil portrait as a surprise wedding gift for his wife, Annabel. I was thrilled to be a part of their special day by creating a portrait they'll treasure for life.
Annabel's horse, Locksie, was the main focus, but William was keen to include Annabel's dogs and cat too, making a **montage pencil drawing** the perfect choice. William was delighted with the outcome, and I wish them a long and happy life together!
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
I absolutely love it and I’m sure Annabel will too!! Thank you very much, it’s better than I imagined it to be. Thank you for sorting that all out so quickly!
Client Spotlight: Vera, The Curly Beagle's Christmas Surprise
Returning client Ben commissioned a **montage pencil portrait** of his beautiful dog, Vera, as a surprise Christmas gift for his wife, Marisa.
I've had the pleasure of creating several portraits for Ben and his family, and this one of Vera was truly wonderful to draw—I loved every minute, especially capturing all those charming curls! I hope you enjoy the finished portrait and the photo Ben took of Vera with her artwork.
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie,
This shot is not the greatest, I need a better angle and lighting. But we got our montage framed. Vera approves! I will send more soon if I can get Vera to sit. This was a struggle, we got snow this week and they're all nuts!
Client Spotlight: Banjo, The Australian Farm Dog
Rob Donaldson from Central Queensland, Australia, reached out to commission a pencil drawing of his Border Collie Cross, Banjo, as a surprise gift for his girlfriend.
Rob sent me beautiful photos of Banjo on their farm amidst stunning Australian surroundings, and I was absolutely delighted to draw him. Once Rob received Banjo's portrait, he framed it himself using old fence posts from their farm – isn't that amazing?! It's truly the most unusual and stunning frame we've ever seen, and we love it! I'm sure it was a fantastic surprise for Rob's girlfriend, and we can't thank him enough for sending us photos of the completed dog portrait. I hope you enjoy viewing it below.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
Thanks so much for the portrait. I've attached some pictures of it framed up with old fence posts. I reckon it's spot on! Thanks again.
Client Spotlight: Apache and Lynx, The Surprise Birthday Cats
The pencil drawing of Apache and Lynx was commissioned by Chris as a birthday surprise for his girlfriend. Chris and I chatted on the phone several times to make all the arrangements, but when it came to emailing, I corresponded with Chris's mum, Mary, to keep the surprise intact!
This pencil drawing of Apache and Lynx was created at a 16x12-inch size and framed in the elegant Madison frame. Once the portrait was ready, it was shipped directly to Mary, who happily passed it on to Chris to hide until the big birthday reveal. Mary emailed me as soon as the portrait arrived.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie,
Portrait arrived safely and is beautiful. I am sure when Chris gives her the portrait she will be delighted. After seeing it, I am thinking about getting you to do one of our dog Ellie.
Client Spotlight: Floss, The Dynamic Labrador Portrait
Lee first contacted me in 2015 with a truly stunning photo of his dog, Floss. It was one of those perfect snapshots in time that only happens every so often.
Lee's photo wasn't just dynamic in composition; Floss herself, and the lighting in the photo, were simply beautiful. Lee opted for a 16x12-inch portrait. Below, you can see a final scan below left, a close up detail, a photo of my drawing with my pencils to show scale and a reference photo.
From a Happy Client...
"Hi Melanie, getting excited now on the portrait of Floss All good, will be waiting in anticipation on Wednesday can't wait and many thanks again. Lee x"
Client Spotlight: Betty, A Special Gift from Lady Carole Bamford
This dog portrait of Betty, commissioned by returning client Lady Carole Bamford. I have created a number of dog portraits for Lady Bamford and my portrait of Betty below was for her secretary Emma on her birthday.
As this was to be a surprise, Lady Bamford's PA, Michele, arranged to send photos of Betty without Emma knowing to keep everything under wraps! Michele emailed a testimonial which you can read below.
From a Happy Client...
"Dear Melanie,
Thank you! Betty's dog portrait is fabulous! Thank you Melanie Phillips! Emma is going to be thrilled! No changes necessary.
Client Spotlight: Rufus and Floyd, The Cherished Cat Duo
This portrait was completed for Sebastian Durant in the UK, just prior to Christmas in 2015. Sebastian emailed me many photos of his cats Rufus and Floyd and I created a number of designs for them to work out a perfect composition for both cats.
The family were thrilled that the portrait could be complete before Christmas, as a lasting memory of two most wonderful cats.
From a Happy Client...
"Dear Melanie,
It looks amazing, I am delighted with it.
You've done such a fantastic job, thank you ever so much.
Client Spotlight: Flash, A Beloved Horse Remembered
The pencil portrait of Flash was commissioned by a returning customer from Australia, and it was wonderful to work with her again. Jo and her daughter contacted me with a request for a large pencil drawing, 30x20 inches, of their beloved horse, Flash.
Sadly, Flash passed away very suddenly, which was a huge shock to the entire family. So, Jo commissioned me to portray him in pencil, and I thoroughly enjoyed drawing him. Jo emailed me when she received the drawing, and reading wonderful emails like hers truly melts my heart. I'm so thrilled I was able to create this drawing for her and her family to remember Flash by.
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie,
I don’t know what to say, opening your beautiful drawing of Flash made me and my daughter burst into tears, you have captured him so perfectly. He was the most amazing horse, an absolute one in a million and I will never get over the sudden loss of him. I can’t thank you enough, you are so talented and so beautiful to work with. One day I will pop in to see you and thank you in person.
Client Spotlight: Duker, A 70th Birthday Horse Portrait
The horse portrait of Duker was commissioned by Lizzie and her brother for their mum's 70th Birthday. Lizzie knew she had left it very late in organizing the portrait, so she ordered one of my **Gift Vouchers** to give to her mum on her birthday.
Lizzie knew her mum, Jane, would be able to send or take perfect photos of Duker specifically for the pencil drawing, allowing Jane to make all the arrangements for what she wanted. And Jane did just that! The portrait came out beautifully, and Jane and her family were thrilled, as you can read in Jane's email below. The portrait was a 20x16-inch drawing, traditionally hand-drawn on fine Italian paper.
From a Happy Client...
"Dear Melanie,
Thank you very much, you are so talented! This wonderful portrait will give me many happy hours in the years to come.
Client Spotlight: Siyouni, A Special Gift for the Aga Khan
Siyouni is a highly successful young stallion owned by the Aga Khan. This portrait was commissioned by Lady Bamford as a birthday gift for the Aga Khan in December 2016.
The portrait was a 9x11-inch pencil drawing, and we hope that the Aga Khan was thrilled with it!
From a Happy Client...
"Yes, portrait for the Aga Khan arrived safe and well. Thank you. Lady B due back this week. I am sure she will love it. Best wishes
Client Spotlight: Jenkins, A Police Horse and Cherished Memory
This portrait was a very emotional one for the owner, Jo, as her father owned Jenkins, and both were retired from the police force. Jo's father rode Jenkins for the last time at the age of 82, just a few months before his sudden passing.
This portrait will bring back wonderful memories of her father and a beautiful depiction of Jenkins. If you would like to find out what a portrait similar to this might cost, I have a prices page on my website.
From a Happy Client...
"How exciting!"
Client Spotlight: Rose, The Christmas Surprise Horse
The portrait of Rose was commissioned as a Christmas present by Callum Mould, from the UK. He arranged the entire portrait, and we worked together on the design and composition as a complete surprise for his girlfriend.
She was absolutely thrilled to unveil the portrait on Christmas Day in 2015. Callum specifically asked if I could draw a rose on the drawing instead of writing the name 'Rose', which works fabulously!
From a Happy Client...
"I think I will leave it in all of that wrapping so Ellie knows and will appreciate how hard you've worked :)"
Client Spotlight: Cat Portrait Illustrations for McAdams Pet Food
McAdams pet food company contacted me in 2017 to ask if I would be able to draw two cats for their new range of packaging for cat food. I was delighted and thrilled that my artwork would be part of their product line. They specifically requested two cats to be drawn in a slightly looser style to match their existing illustrations.
As you can see, the drawings were used in four package designs across their range. I've added them below for you to view directly from their website. The managing director, Neil McAdams, saw the drawings at an early stage and sent the email below. This was a wonderful opportunity and certainly something I would do again!
From a Happy Client...
"Melanie,
Many thanks - wonderful!
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!
