Pencil Pet Portraits | Hand Drawn Portraits

Welcome to my pencil pet portraits hand drawn 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 favourite pencil portrait commissions here from over the last few years.

Melanie Phillips

I have been a commissioning pet portrait artist for 25 years, more recently specialising 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.


Tyson

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 pencil portrait framed. You can see a few photos below, the final scan, the portrait with my pencils on, the portrait framed and one of Kim with the drawing displayed in situ. Kim telephoned me personally to thank me for the portrait and you can read one of Kim's emails below too.

Hi Melanie,
I absolutely LOVE it. I hope all is well and thank you, again, for everything.
Kim

Cat Pencil Portraits

Beano

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 favoruite pet portraits to draw in 20202. You can see the amazing photo Ellen took of her husband Adam when he received the portrait, along with a testimonial below too.

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!
Ellen

Pencil Portraits

Storm

The portrait of Stormy was my favourite of 2018. I thoroughly enjoyed drawing her! Mick's photos were very clear and sharp so it was lovely to be able to see Stormy in detail. Photos are absolutely key when drawing and then they are not only clear and sharp but compositionally good too, it really allows me to create a lovely drawing. The pencil drawing of Stormy was a 12 x 10 portrait.

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.
Mick.

Dog Pet Portraits

Crumble

Sarah commissoned me to draw a pet portrait of her spaniel Crumble and since drwing her, I have drawn many other of her dogs too. This portrait was drawn at 12 x 10 size.

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.
Best wishes,
Sarah

horse pet portraits pencil

Deano, Ole and Neo

Nicola and her family emailed in 2017 asking if we would be able to create a portrait of their three Great Dane Dogs Deano, Ole and Neo. Sadly Deano and Ole had passed away, however Nicola wanted to remember all three of her Great Danes together. She had a few photos of Deano and Ole which I could put together in the composition at the design stage, however Nicola took a number of photos of Neo at the correct angle and eye level so he would fit in with my composition. We decided it would be lovely for all three dogs to be sitting in grass in Nicola's garden which brings them all together. I have added a few photos in my drawings gallery below of my pencil portrait, along with my pencils to show scale. It was a 24 x 18 pencil drawing on Italian Fabriano paper. Nicola emailed her reactions on my pencil drawings...

I’m literally speechless! What a fantastic job you have done, the portrait is amazing! You have captured them perfectly! It will be something we can treasure and look at forever! Thank you so much. Nicola

Dog Pet Portraits

Mike

Barry, from Victorian, Australia, sent an email via my website asking if I would be able to draw his dog Mike, his very special Border Collie who had recently passed away. Barry sent over a few photos of Mike, a stunning one of him as a puppy plus one of him when he was older. My idea was to show both stages of Mike's life in one drawing so that Barry could remember Mike when younger too. Barry was thrilled with this idea. He told me a little about Mike aloong with how he passed at only 8 years old, very suddenly over night, without any warning of being unwell. Such a huge shock for Barry and his family. Barry very kindly emailed me a photo of him with his portrait which he also posted on his Facebook page. I am so pleased that my drawing will bring comfort to Barry and remind him of beautiful memories he had with his very special dog Mike.

Thank you so much for your fabulous pencil drawing of Mike. Last night I was thinking how much I miss him - this morning your drawing arrives. You have done a great job. Regards Barry.

Dog Pet Portraits

Milo

Catherine Cave commissioned a pencil drawing of her dog Milo for her husband in 2014. They sadly had to have Milo put to sleep at age six due to an aggressive inoperable tumour. Catherine wanted to get a pencil drawing of her dog as a surprise for her husbands Christmas gift. I am always so sad to hear when dogs I draw have passed away, but at the same time, happy that I am able to bring dogs memory alive for familes along with giving them something to cherish. Catherine was delighted with her drawing and emailed this testimonial below...

Hi Melanie, How very talented you are! Wow - thank you SO much for the protrait it's perfect! Catherine x

Dog Pet Portraits

Monty

Allie found our website and loved my pencil drawings. She emailed over some photos of her dearly departed Cocker Spaniel Monty and placed a deposit immediately to save a space for a pencil pet portrait. Allie supplied me with wonderful photos of Monty which were perfect for a pencil drawing. I created the drawing at 12 x 10 size and once complete Allie took it to her own local framer and had it framed. 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 prices and I have added snippets below for our visitors to read.

Oh Melanie, I think you have captured my beautiful boy perfectly, his eyes in particular....
Allie

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.
Best wishes
Allie

pencil portraits

Frannie

Returning client Ben commission me to draw their Beagle Frannie in 2018 as a birthday gift for his wife Marisa. The portrait was a 12 x 10 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 too you can also see Ben’s Beagle Blue's portrait commissioned a month after Frannie's!

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.
BEN

Beagle Dog Portraits

Memphis

The portrait of Memphis was a 14 x 11 pencil drawing commissioned a Christmas surprise by Amber for her friends. They were delighted. If you would like to read more about the commission, pop over to my dedicated pencil pet portraits website to read the story.

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! Amber

Pencil Pet Portraits

Kiwi

The portrait of Kiwi is a 7 x 5 inches 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 were distraught. A very good friend of their family and a returning client Catherine, commissioned a portrait of Kiwi for their family to treasure.

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.
Warm regards
Catherine

Hungarian Vizsla Portraits

Brodie

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 18" x 14" 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!

We finally got Brodie framed and are delighted with the finished article. Thank you again for all your help and advice. Sandra, Dave & Brodie

Pencil Pet Portraits

Biscuit

The pencil drawing of Biscuit was commissioned as a surprise gift from one friend to another. Sadly Biscuit passed away and was a very special friend so deserved to have a very special pet portrait. I thoroughly enjoyed drawing Biscuit and the client was delighted with the results.


Pencil Pet Portraits

Watson

Watson's pet portrait was drawn at 12 x 10 size in graphite pencil for Alistair and Tana Williams (UK). I loved drawing him and as he was a fairly light colour I shaded the background slightly to alow him to stand off the paper.

Hi Melanie
Portrait arrived safely thank you. Off to the framers - will send you a picture when complete
Thanks
Kind Regards
Alistair and Tana

Pencil Portraits

Penny

Jeanette contacted me to ask if I would be able to draw her beautiful cat called Penny. She wanted a cat portrait to celebrate her 50th birthday and emailed some fabulous photos of Penny for me to see. Jeanette had taken some amazing photos of Penny outside in her garden with natural light which is perfect for a portrait. I have added a final stage of the pet portrait below, along with photos of Penny next to my pencils. Jeanette very kindly emailed some photo of Penny when she was framed too.

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 have certainly have the skill to capture a true likeness.
Many thanks, Jeanette xx

cat portraits pencil

Jenny and Fern

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 really lovely leaving present. Tara wanted Gail to have complete control over the gift and have exactly what she wanted so the Gift Voucher idea was perfect. Gail took lots of photos of her dogs and emailed me plenty of photos to draw from. As you can see the portraits came out beautifully. I drew Jenny and Fern on a 16 x 12 size which is perfect for two head studies. You can read one of Gail emails below and see photos and details of the portrait too.

Hi Melanie,
Received the picture yesterday all in tact. Both my husband and I are very very please with it. It looks amazing. I have attached a picture. Thank you again for everything it has been well worth the wait.
Gail xx

dog pencil pet portraits

Kilo

James Witt, USA, commissioned me to draw their family dog Kilo, who has sadly passed away. I drew Kilo's dog portrait at 12" x 10" size with a delicately shaded background to allow Kilo to stand off of my white paper. Kilo's portrait was framed by our framer Amanda using Windsor Wash frame with double mount / matt in hayseed plus slate grey. I have also added some photos of me working on my pencil portrait along with a photo of Kilo's drawing when it was complete, along with my pencils on to show scale. I hope you like it!

Melanie, Looks outstanding to me! I showed this to my cousin - she started crying. Thanks, - JW

Dog Pencil Portraits

Jasper

The portrait of Jasper was a wonderful commissions, I very much 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!

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!
Thank you again!!
Josie

Pencil Portraits

Aspen

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 size 20 x 20 inches in pencil. I was delighted! James and Meagan are from Texas and once my portrait was completed I packed up safely it headed over to Texas to be with James and his family.

Melanie Phillips, Thank you so much for the dog portrait of Aspen! James and Meagan

Dog Pet Portraits

Daisy

Mary (USA), commissioned me to draw their families lovely dog called Daisy just before Christmas in 2015. The dog pencil portrait was to be a surprise gift for her daughter, she wanted it 20 x 16 size plus had many amazing photos of Daisy. Daisy's chosen photo was actually one that was featured in a calendar several years previous, sold at Barnes and Noble bookstore! You can see a final scan of my dog pencil portrait along with my portrait framed, plus a heart warming email from Mary below, its perfect to add here in my drawings gallery and I hope you like it too.

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.  Mary

Pet Portraits

Blue

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.

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.
Warmest regards,
BEN W.

Pencil Pet Portraits

Teasel

In 2016 Paula commissioned me to draw Teasel, who had sadly passed away. She was just so beautiful and I really enjoyed drawing her, Teasels eyes were wonderful to portray. Paula was thrilled with her portrait and said it felt it was 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.

Your drawing has helped me through some sad and lonely times, I cannot thank you enough. Best wishes, Paula. xxx

Pencil Pet Portraits


Gilli

This is one of my favourite cat portrait 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.

Hi Melanie, Thank you so much, its perfect! My friend will love it. Vivian.

Pencil Cat Portraits


Casanova

Jane and Mark wanted to commission a montage drawing of their daughters horse Casanova for her 16th birthday. Casanova is a huge part of Olivia's life. Jane often takes Olivia around the UK for show jumping competitions and events. They had already chosen the 5 photos they wanted me to work from for the pencil montage. They were great quality and they sent them to me via Dropbox, which is a super way of sending us photos. Jane and myself 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 photo of Olivia with Casanova when she met him for the very first time. She also very kindly posed for a photo with the portrait which you can see below.

Hi Melanie, It looks great, Olivia will love it! Cant wait to get it now. Jane x

horse pet portraits pencil


Poppy

Back in December 2015, Simon called me to make arrangements to send a voucher pack to his brother Adam as a birthday present. He thought it might be a lovely idea to have a pet portrait of his current dog Willow. Adam contacted me with a slightly different request. He wanted to have a drawing of his previous dog Poppy as they missed her and wanted an ever lasting memory of her. 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 OK to feature my artwork in their upcoming edition. I was thrilled and immediately thought of the commission of Poppy as i knew it would work really well to help budding artists understand how to create a portrait in pencil of a dog using lots of different techniques. Adam was thrilled and was 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 too.

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. Regards, Adam Lafosse

Pencil Portraits

Hollie

One of my favourite pet portraits of 2016 was of a gorgeous Tibetan Terrier called Hollie. I absolutely loved every minute of drawing Hollie as I also have a Tibetan Terrier. Caroline commissioned me to draw Hollie as a surprise gift for her mum. The portrait was very well received as you can see from the fabulous photo of Caroline and her mum below. I love it! I hope that it will be an ever lasting memory of their very best friend.

Mum is so happy.... Hollie is in the living room above the TV looking over at the front door which is what she used to do, just waiting for someone to walk past for her to bark at! Haha :D Typical Tibetan Terrier! Caroline x

Dog Portraits


Moo

Tracy, a returning client, commissioned me to draw her beautiful cocker spaniel called Moo. They are one of my favourite breeds to portray and I thoroughly enjoyed drawing her. We framed the portrait with our local framer and Tracey took time out of her busy schedule to collect the portrait from our studio. We took the opportunity to take some photos of myself, Tracey and Moo with the portrait which you can see below.

Perfect! Thanks Mel See you soon. Tracey x

Cocker Spaniel Pencil Pet Portraits

Ollie

The pencil drawing of Ollie was commissioned by Steve as a Christmas surprise for his wife. The portrait was a 16 " x 12" pencil drawing and you can see a photo of my hand and pencil on the photo below.

Hi Melanie,
Thank you, the portrait arrived safe and sound. Will save the grand unveiling until Christmas day!! Thanks for all your hard work.
Steve

Pencil Pet Portraits

Pixie and Boots

Howard purchased a gift voucher as a Christmas gift for his wife 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 photography. She took some of the photos out side 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 photo of my hand working on the pet portrait.

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. Julie

cat portraits pencil

Violet, Gill, Charlie and Rooney

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 organized and she framed them herself when the drawings arrived, she 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.

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!
dog portraits

 

dog pet portraits

Cat Portrait of Lucy, Lily and Leo

Returning client Kevin, 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.

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.

Cat Pencil Portraits

Stanley and Jarvis

Sarah purchased a gift voucher for a 24 x 18 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 included a lovely background too, which I added in the drawing. It allows the dogs to be in a scene. You can see two testimonials below from both Sarah and Paula along with a lovely photo of the portrait of Stanley and Jarvis in Paula's kitchen diner.

It's beautiful Melanie! I love it! Thanks so much! Will get one of our lab soon too! Sarah X

Dear Melanie, It's really beautiful – I think you have captured them really well. Ben and I are really happy. Best Wishes Paula


pet portraits pencils

Dexter, Tui and Purdey

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 in a pencil drawing. Heather opted to have the dog pet portrait framed with our framer which is 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 words from Heather too.

Hi Melanie,The portrait is absolutely beautiful! Really excited to give it to her :-) Thank you so much!! Best Wishes, Heather

pets in pencil

Django

Andy, a returning client, commissioned me to draw his friends dog Django in pencil. I have added a final stage of Django along with some candid photos of the portrait with my pencils to show scale.

Hello Melanie, Wow! The portrait is absolutely beautiful! Thank you and you do incredible work! Best Regards, Andy

pet portraits pencils

Rusty

Verity emailed in 2019 to ask if I would be able to draw her beautiful dog called Rusty at 16 x 12 size. She had taken lots of excellent photos outside in their garden and chosen a three quater 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 laying underneath the drawing.

Dear Melanie
We have had the portrait framed and hung. Here is a picture of it with Rusty.
Thanks so much.
Best
Verity

pencil portraits

Tai and Chi

The cat portrait of Tai and Chi was commissioned by Nancy Miller in 2014 to give as a Christmas gift for her daughter in 2014. The photo of Tai and Chi was excellent to work from, they were lazing in the summer sunshine as you can see and the whole scene was fantastic to draw. I really enjoyed drawing them and you can see photo of both Tai and Chi below along with a photo of the cats with my pencils on to see the scale of the drawing.

Hi Melanie,
They look wonderful!  My daughter will be so pleased. 
Thank you so much,
Nancy

Cat Pencil Portraits


Jasper

Richard enquired about having a horse pencil drawing of his wife horse Jasper who sadly had to be put to sleep. 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 portraits pencil montage drawings. Laura emailed me when she received the portrait and also sent me a photo of the pet portrait displayed in their home which you can see below.

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, Laura

horse pet portraits pencil

Archie

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 18 x 14 size and it looks beautiful framed and in situ in Kirstie's home.

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. Kirstie

Pencil Portraits

Leo and Lucy

Kevin, 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 were lovely and very suited to a pencil drawing. You can see a photo of the portrait framed below too. The drawing was an 18 x 14 pencil drawing traditionally hand drawn by myself.

Melanie,
It looks great. Erika is going to love it.
Thank you,
Kevin

cat portraits pencil

Simba

Welcome to the pet portrait of Simba. Marie commissioned me to create a drawing of Simba so that she could give it as a Christmas gift to her family. He is a Bijou Shitsu mix and according to Marie he looks like a little lion! He is the cutest! The pencil drawing was a 12 x 10 and you can read what Marie said when she saw the portrait below.

Oh it’s so beautiful!! I love love love it!! THANK YOU so so much!
Marie

horse pet portraits pencil

Locksie

William Archer commissioned a 24 x 18 pencil portrait as a surprise present for his wife on their wedding day. I was thrilled to be part of the celebrations by creating a portrait for them both to treasure and remember for the rest of their lives. Annabel's horse Locksie was to be the main focus of the portrait however William was keep to have Annabel's dogs and cat in the portrait too. So a montage pencil drawing was the perfect option. William was delighted and I wish them a long and happy life together!

Hi Melanie,
I absolutely love it and I’m sure Annabel will to!! Thank you very much it’s better than I imagined it to be. Thank you for sorting that all out so quickly!
Thanks again, Will

horse pet portraits pencils

Vera

Returning client Ben commissioned a montage pencil portrait of his beautiful dog Vera as a surprise Christmas gift for his wife Marisa. I have created a number of portraits for Ben and his family and this one of Vera was wonderful to draw, I loved every minute! Especially all of those curls! I hope you like Brodie and the photo Sandra took of Dave with Brodie and the portrait too!

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!
Hope you are doing well.
Cheers.
BEN

Pencil Pet Portraits

Banjo

Rob Donaldson dropped me a line via email to ask if I would draw his Border Collie Cross dog called Banjo in pencil as a surprise present for his girlfriend. Rob is based in Central Queensland, Australia and sent me some beautiful photos of Banjo on their farm in stunning Australian surroundings. I was delighted and very happy to draw Banjo for them. Once Banjo's dog portrait was received by Rob, he framed it himself using old fence posts from their farm! I have added photos below - isn’t it amazing!! It's the most unusual and stunning frame we have ever seen! We love it! I'm sure it was a superb surprise for Robs girlfriend and we cant thank him enough for sending us photos of Banjo's completed dog portrait. I hope you enjoy viewing it in my drawings gallery below.

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. Cheers, Rob

Dog Pet Portraits

Apache and Lynx

The pencil drawing of Apache and Lynx was commissioned by Chris for his girlfriends birthday. Chris called me on the phone a few times to make all of the arrangements, however when emailing I conversed with Chris' mum Mary so that no surprises were ruined! The pencil drawing of Apache and Lynx was created at 16 x 12 size and framed in the Madison frame. When the portrait was ready it was shipped direct to Mary who happily passed it on to Chris to hide for the big birthday reveal. Mary emailed when the portrait arrived...

Hi Melanie,
Portrait arrived safely and is beautiful. I am sure when Chris gives her the portrait she will be delighted. After seeing I am thinking about getting you to do one of our dog Ellie.
Many thanks,
Mary

Cat Pet Portraits

Floss

Lee contacted me in 2015 as he had taken a stunning photo of his dog Floss. It was one of those snapshots in time that only happen every so often. Lee's photo was not only dynamic in composition, but Floss' photo and its lighting was beautiful. Lee opted to have a 16 x 12 size portrait, 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..

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

Dog Pencil Pet Portraits

Betty

This is a 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 Bamfords 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.

Dear Melanie,
Thank you! Betty's dog portrait is fabulous! Thank you Melanie Phillips! Emma is going to be thrilled! No changes necessary. Thank you so much.
Best wishes,
Michele

Dog Pet Portraits

Cat Portrait Illustrations

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 range. They asked for two cats to be drawn in a slightly looser style to match in with their other drawings. As you can see the drawings were used in 4 package designs in the range. I have added them below for you to view from their website. The managing director Neil McAdams saw the drawings at the early stage and emailed below. A wonderful opportunity and something I would definitely do again.

Melanie,
Many thanks - wonderful!
Neil McAdam
McAdams Pet Foods Ltd

Cat Portraits

Rufus and Floyd

This portrait was completed for Sebastian Durant based 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. .

Dear Melanie,
It looks amazing, I am delighted with it. You've done such a fantastic job, thank you ever so much.
Yours,
Sebastian

Cat Pet Portraits

Flash

The horse portrait in pencil of Flash was commission 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 at 30 x 20 inches of their beloved horse called Flash. Sadly Flash passed away very suddenly and it was such a shock to all of the family. So Jo commissioned me to portray him in pencil and I thoroughly enjoyed drawing him. Jo emailed when she received the drawing below. It really melts my heart to read wonderful emails like Jo's and I am so thrilled I was able to create the drawing for her and her family to remember Flash by.

Melanie,
I don’t know what to say, opening your beautiful sketch 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.
Every happiness,
Jo x

Horse Portrait in Pencil

Duker

The horse portrait of Duker was commissioned by Lizzie and her brother for their mum on her 70th Birthday. Lizzie knew that she had left it very late in organising the portrait and so ordered one of my Gift Vouchers to give to her mum on her birthday. Lizzie knew that her mum Jane would be able to send or take photos of Duker especially for the pencil drawing so left her to make all of the arrangements as to what she wanted. Which Jane did! 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 20 x 16 size drawing traditionally hand drawn on fine Italian paper.

Dear Melanie,
Thank you very much you are so talented! This wonderful portrait will give me many happy hours in the years to come.
Best wishes.
Jane.

Horse Portrait

Cherokee

The portrait of Cherokee is a recent portrait of a horse in pencil completed as a surprise present from two aunts Maureen and Pauline to their niece Caroline. The portrait was drawn at 12 x 10 inches. Caroline was thrilled with her gift and very kindly posed for photos with her aunts and the portrait along with photos of her and Cherokee too!

Hi Melanie,
Caroline is delighted with the portrait. Thank you!
Pauline X

Horse Portraits

Siyouni

Siyouni is a highly successful young stallion owned by the Aga Khan. The portrait was commissioned by Lady Bamford as a gift to the Aga Khan for his birthday in December 2016. The portrait was a 9 x 11 pencil drawing and we hope that the Aga Khan was thrilled!

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 Emma

Portraits of Horses

Jenkins

This portrait was a very emotional one for the owner as our clients father owned Jenkins both were retired form the police force. Jo's father rode Jenkins of the last time at the age of 82 before his sudden death a few months later. This portrait will bring back wonderful memories of her father and a lovely portrait of Jenkins too. If you would like to find out what a portrait similar to this might cost, I have a prices page on my website.

How exciting!

Horse Portraits in Pencil

Rose

The portrait of Rose was commissioned for a Christmas present by Callum Mould, UK. He arranged the entire portrait and we workd 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 asked if I could draw a rose on the drawing instead of writing the name 'Rose' which works fabulously.

I think I will leave it in all of that wrapping so Ellie knows and will appreciate how hard you've worked :)

Montage Horse in Pencil

Hi Melanie, We have had builders in, unfortunately for rather longer than planned, so I have decided to send you some photos of Bea and her portrait in the meantime. The picture is a perfect likeness of Bea and also a beautiful drawing in its own right. Charles loves his present and we can't wait to hang the drawing once we have our house back to normal.
All the best, Elizabeth


 


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