Pencil with Colour Detail
Melanie Phillips hand draws your pet in graphite pencil, exactly as her classic portraits are created, then picks out one single feature in colour, bringing a pair of bright green eyes, a red collar, or even a jaunty bow tie to life against the soft grey of the drawing around it.
It is a small, deliberate touch rather than a full colour portrait, and it is entirely your choice what gets picked out. An 8x6 inch portrait with this colour detail starts from £400 in total, which is the usual £375 base price plus a small £25 extra for the colour detail (see pricing below).
What Is Pencil with Colour Detail?
Every portrait starts life exactly the same way as my classic pencil drawings, built up in graphite on Arches Aquarelle hot pressed paper, capturing fur, whiskers and expression in careful detail. The difference comes right at the end, when I take a small selection of coloured pencils and pick out one feature you have chosen in advance.
Popular Choices for the Colour Detail
- The eyes, a favourite for cats especially, where green, amber or blue really catches the light
- A collar or lead
- A bow, bandana or ribbon
- A tie, for a more formal or playful portrait
- A favourite toy or ball held in the mouth
It is a lovely way to add a little personality and a focal point to a graphite drawing, without moving away from the timeless, hand drawn feel of a pencil portrait.
Pencil with Colour Detail Examples
Colour Detail: Green Eyes
Graphite Pencil with Colour Detail
Colour Detail: Blue Eyes
Graphite Pencil with Colour Detail
Colour Detail: Tie
Graphite Pencil with Colour Detail
Gift Ready Presentation
Sizes and Pricing
Pencil with Colour Detail is available on every portrait size I offer, from 8x6 inches upwards. The colour detail is added as a small extra on top of your chosen size's usual price.
Colour Detail Extra
- 8x6 up to 12x10 inches: + £25 on top of the base portrait price
- 16x12 inches and above: + £50 on top of the base portrait price
Base portrait prices start from £375 for an 8x6 inch drawing, which becomes £400 in total once the colour detail is added. For the full price list across all sizes, see my Prices and Info page.
Ready to add a splash of colour to your pet's portrait? Get in touch today and we can choose the perfect detail together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about commissioning a Pencil with Colour Detail portrait.
It is a graphite pencil portrait, drawn exactly as my classic pencil portraits are, with one chosen feature picked out by hand in coloured pencil. The rest of the drawing stays in soft graphite, so that single touch of colour becomes the natural focal point.
- Same Hand Drawn Process: Built up in graphite on Arches Aquarelle hot pressed paper
- One Chosen Detail: You decide what gets picked out in colour
- Subtle, Not Bold: A deliberate accent, not a full colour portrait
- Every Size Available: From 8x6 inches upwards
Almost anything that suits your pet and your photo. The most popular choice is the eyes, especially for cats where green, amber or blue can be really striking against the graphite. Collars, leads, bows, bandanas, ties and favourite toys all work beautifully too.
- Eyes: The most requested detail, especially for cats
- Collar or Lead: A lovely personal touch, especially for dogs
- Bow, Bandana or Tie: Adds character and a bit of fun
- Something of Your Own Choosing: Tell me your idea and we will see what works
There is a small addition on top of your chosen size's base portrait price.
- 8x6 to 12x10 inches: + £25
- 16x12 inches and above: + £50
- Base Prices: Start from £375 for an 8x6 inch portrait (£400 in total once the colour detail is added). See the full Prices and Info page
All of them. Whether you are commissioning a small 8x6 inch gift portrait or a larger statement piece for the wall, the colour detail can be added to any size I offer.
Once I have your photos, I will have a chat with you about what would work best. Often it is obvious, such as a cat with striking eyes or a dog in a favourite collar, but I am always happy to talk through ideas and make a suggestion if you are not sure.
The timescale is the same as for my classic pencil portraits of the same size, as the colour detail is added as a final step and does not add significantly to the drawing time.
- Standard Timeline: Depends on size, so see my Prices and Info page for guidance
- Progress Updates: I will keep you informed throughout the process
- Worldwide Shipping: Allow extra time for international delivery
The same guidance as for my classic portraits applies: clear, well lit, close up photos work best. If you are hoping for the eyes to be the colour detail, a sharp, well lit shot of the face is especially helpful so I can match the colour accurately. For more help, see my guide to choosing the right photo.
- Clear Eye Detail: Important if the eyes are your chosen colour detail
- Good Lighting: Natural daylight shows true colour best
- Sharp Image: Avoid blurry or distant photos
- Multiple Options: Send a few and I will help you choose
Absolutely, it makes a lovely, personal gift. I can ship directly to the recipient, include a handwritten card, and coordinate timing if you would like it to arrive for a particular date.
Yes! I regularly ship portraits worldwide, carefully packaged with full tracking provided. Please allow extra time for international delivery.
Commission Your Colour Detail Portrait
Ready to add a personal splash of colour to your pet's portrait? Get in touch to discuss your ideas and I will guide you through the simple process.
What to Include in Your Enquiry
- Good quality photos of your pet (largest size possible)
- Your idea for the colour detail, if you already have one
- Your preferred size
- Approximate timeline for completion
- Your location for delivery planning
Email: petportraitenquiry@gmail.com
Phone: 07983274170 (you can call us at any time)
Gift vouchers available for Pencil with Colour Detail
Not Sure Which Photo or Colour Detail They Would Choose?
If you would rather let the recipient choose their own photo and colour detail, a personalised gift voucher is the perfect solution. Choose to cover the full cost or a contribution, and we will take care of a beautifully printed card to give on the day.
Letting the recipient choose the photo can make all the difference. They may have a favourite, or one that they feel captures their pet's character perfectly. They are also welcome to send me a selection of photos so I can give my opinion on which would make the best portrait.
I can also create a mockup to show how the portrait could look, turning the photo into black and white apart from the eyes, for example, so they have a real feel for the finished drawing. Get in touch to chat your ideas over.
What Recipients Say...
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