Pet Portraits Timeline
From art college students to internationally recognised pet portrait artists.
Explore our 28+ year journey capturing beloved companions in pencil and oil and read our timeline process for our pet portraits.
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 and flowers 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!
Building Our Studio and Reputation (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 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 and were able to have a spare bedroom as a dedicated studio space. We built a reputation for creating realistic pet portraits that truly captured personality and presence.The internet was truley integrated in peoples lives, we were selling to the US market constantly and were extremely busy! These were all of Nicholas's oil paintings he had on the go at once back in the day.
Refining Our Craft (2010–2020)
We built our now much loved garden art studio space in 2014 and havent 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 over a thousand 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.
Step-by-Step Commission Timeline:
- Initial Enquiry – You contact us with your pet’s photos and ideas.
- Planning – We discuss composition, size, and style.
- Booking – Once you’re happy, we confirm your slot.
- Drawing or Painting Begins – You’ll receive updates as we progress.
- Completion and Final Photos – We send images for your approval.
- Packaging – Each portrait is carefully wrapped in tissue and ribbon.
- Delivery – Your portrait is delivered, ready to frame or gift.
Turnaround times can vary depending on the season, but typically range from 1 to 3 Months.
Evolving as Artists – But Never Losing Touch
We often get 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. And we 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.
Understanding Your Portrait's Timeline
We completely understand how exciting it is to commission a portrait of your pet – and we’re just as excited to create it for you. Every portrait is a unique piece of artwork, and we take great care to ensure it receives the time and attention it deserves.
There are a few key factors that affect how long your portrait will take to complete:
- Medium – Oil paintings naturally take longer than pencil drawings, as each layer needs time to dry before the next can be added. Pencil drawings tend to have a shorter turnaround.
- Size and Detail – The bigger the portrait or the more intricate the composition (think detailed backgrounds or multiple pets), the more time we’ll need to complete it to our usual high standard.
- Our Current Schedule – We work on a booking system and complete each commission in the order it’s received. During busy times, your place in our queue may affect the delivery timeline.
To give you a general idea, here are some typical timescales:
- Pencil Drawings – A smaller drawing may take around 7 days to complete, while larger, more detailed pieces could take up to 2 weeks.
- Oil Paintings – A 12x10" oil portrait often takes around 2 weeks to paint, not including essential drying time between layers.
Overall Turnaround: From booking to delivery, most portraits are completed within 4 to 8 weeks. When you confirm your commission, we’ll give you an estimated completion date based on the portrait size, medium, and our current schedule.
We never rush the creative process. Our aim is always to create a timeless, heartfelt portrait that you’ll treasure for years to come.
Pet Portraits FAQ
Portraits take anywhere from 1 to 3 months from booking to delivery. This depends on the size, medium (pencil or oil), and our current schedule. We will give you an estimated completion date when you book. Pencil drawings are often completed more quickly than oil paintings, which require drying time between layers.
We start with your photos and any special requests you have. From there, we create either a pencil drawing or oil painting entirely by hand – no digital tricks, just traditional techniques. You will receive updates as your portrait comes to life and we will send final photos before it’s packaged and shipped.
Our pencil drawings start from £250 and oil paintings start from £755. Prices vary depending on the size, number of pets and level of detail. You can find a full breakdown on our pricing page.
Absolutely – and not just because we say so! Our clients often tell us their portraits are among their most treasured possessions. A custom portrait is timeless and deeply personal, capturing a beloved pet’s personality in a way a photo simply can’t.
This depends on how much detail you’d like and how many pets are included. A 12x10" size is perfect for a single head and shoulders portrait. Larger sizes allow for full body poses or multiple pets. We’re always happy to advise based on your photos and preferences.
We often recommend soft, neutral backgrounds that don’t distract from your pet – something timeless and elegant. That said, we are happy to work from specific settings if you have something meaningful in mind, like your garden, a favourite chair or a scenic landscape.
It starts with your enquiry and photos. We will discuss composition, style and size. Once you are booked in, we begin sketching or painting, sending updates along the way. Once completed, we’ll share a photo for your approval, then package your portrait with care and ship it to you.
Commission Process Timeline
- Initial Enquiry – It all begins when you contact us with your pet’s photos and ideas. We'll discuss your vision and answer any initial questions you have.
- Planning – Next, we discuss composition, size, and style with you to ensure the portrait perfectly captures your pet's essence and your preferences.
- Booking – Once you are completely happy with the plan, we confirm your slot in our commission schedule. A deposit secures your booking.
- Drawing or Painting Begins – We begin bringing your beloved companion to life! We’ll send you updates and progress photos as we work, so you can see your portrait unfold.
- Completion and Final Photos – Upon completion, we send you high-resolution images of the finished portrait for your final approval. Your satisfaction is our priority.
- Packaging – Once approved, your cherished portrait is carefully wrapped in tissue and ribbon, ensuring it's beautifully presented and protected for its journey home.
- Delivery – Your custom pet portrait is then securely delivered to your door, ready to frame or gift, bringing joy for years to come.
- Turnaround Times – Turnaround times typically range from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the season and our current commission schedule. We will provide an estimated completion date when you book.
