Pet Portraits
Celebrate your beloved companion with a custom portrait that captures their personality and spirit.
Your pet isn't just an animal. They're family, a source of daily joy, unconditional love, and countless happy memories. They deserve to be honored with artwork that's as unique and special as they are. I create custom pet portraits using the same vibrant colors and bold texture as my floral work, transforming your favorite photos into one-of-a-kind paintings you'll treasure forever.
Working from your photographs, I paint with palette knife and mixed media, building up layers of oil, acrylic, charcoal, and oil pastel. The result is dimension you can see and feel. This isn't a digital illustration or flat print. The heavy texture catches light throughout the day, revealing new details in your pet's fur, eyes, and expression with each glance.
The abstract impressionistic style captures not just your pet's likeness, but their energy, their personality, the way they make you feel. Whether honoring a current furry friend or creating a memorial piece, these paintings become treasured artwork that brings you joy every single day.
Why Original Art Matters for Pet Portraits
Most pet portraits you'll find online are digital illustrations printed on canvas or paper. They're affordable and cute, but they're mass-produced. My approach is entirely different.
I paint each portrait by hand using palette knife technique to build up thick, dimensional texture. Layer upon layer of mixed media creates depth and movement that captures your pet's vitality and spirit. The bold colors balanced with softer tones create visual impact while maintaining the sophistication of contemporary art. This isn't just a cute pet picture. It's a genuine work of art that transforms your space.
The texture creates shadows and highlights that shift throughout the day as light changes. Your pet's eyes seem to follow you across the room. Their fur appears almost touchable. The painting lives and breathes in your space, keeping your companion close whether they're curled up beside you or forever in your heart.
How Commissions Work
1. Tell Me About Your Pet
Send your favorite photos and we'll schedule a phone or FaceTime call. We'll discuss the personality traits you want captured, the colors that suit your space, and the size that works best for where you'll hang the painting.
2. Plan the Perfect Portrait
Together we'll determine the ideal dimensions and composition. I can help with measuring your space and choosing a color palette that complements your home while staying true to your pet's natural coloring and character.
3. See Your Portrait Develop
I'll share progress updates and photos as the painting takes shape. Throughout the process, we'll have several opportunities to connect and make adjustments. Every commission gets my complete attention and care until it's absolutely perfect.
4. Welcome Your Artwork Home
When you're 100% happy with the finished piece, your painting is carefully packaged and shipped. It arrives ready to hang and beautifully protected.
Timeline: Typically 4-6 weeks from start to delivery
Deposit: 50% required to begin, remaining balance when you're completely satisfied
Shipping: $50-$200 depending on size (USA)
Pricing: Starting at $600, final price based on size and complexity
What Makes a Good Photo
For the best results, please provide:
- Multiple images showing your pet's face clearly from different angles
- Natural lighting works best (avoid harsh flash or very dark photos)
- Close-up shots that show their eyes, expression, and unique features
- Head-on or slight angle captures personality better than overhead views
- In-focus images that show their true coloring and markings
Professional photos aren't necessary! I work with phone pictures, casual snapshots, and older photos all the time. If your pet has passed, I'll work with whatever images you have to create a beautiful memorial. Please send your photos to emmabellfineart@comcast.net once we've connected.
Perfect For
- Honoring your current companion with artwork that celebrates their place in your family
- Memorial portraits that preserve the memory of a beloved pet
- Gifts for pet lovers who consider their animals family members
- Multi-pet households (portraits can feature multiple pets together)
- Special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays for devoted pet parents
- Welcoming a new pet and marking their arrival in your home
- Thoughtful retirement gifts for someone whose pet means everything
Common Questions
What kinds of animals do you paint?
Dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and any other beloved companion! If they bring you joy, I'd love to paint them.
Can you paint multiple pets together?
Yes! We can discuss composition options that showcase all your pets in one painting or create individual portraits designed to hang as a collection.
What if my pet has passed away?
I paint many memorial portraits and understand how deeply meaningful these pieces are. I'll work with whatever photos you have to honor your companion's memory with beautiful, lasting artwork.
Will the painting look exactly like my pet?
The portrait captures your pet's essence, coloring, and personality through an abstract impressionistic approach. It's recognizably YOUR pet, but rendered as artwork rather than photographic reproduction. This creates a more timeless, sophisticated piece.
What if I only have older or poor-quality photos?
Send them anyway! I often work with older photos, phone pictures, or images that aren't perfectly clear. We'll discuss what's possible during our consultation.
Can you work from several different photos?
Absolutely! Combining elements from multiple photos often yields the best results. Maybe the expression from one shot, the pose from another, and the lighting from a third.
My pet never sits still for pictures. Will action shots work?
Action shots and candid moments often capture the most authentic personality. I don't need formal portraits, just clear images showing your pet's face and character.
What Clients Say
"I am so thrilled with my painting! It's even more beautiful in person. It was packaged and delivered timely with care." — Kristy
"I received my painting today, and it is gorgeous!!! So much prettier in person. Emma was wonderful to work with to get everything perfect for my order. She is extremely talented....try one of her paintings,...you will love it." — Deborah
"Absolutely stunning. This is our second purchase from Emma Bell and she never disappoints! Wonderful customer service...I just love working with her. She kept me in the loop during the entire process and never made me feel silly for asking for a change to the art. Thank you Emma!" — Hilary
Ready to Get Started?
I'd love to hear about your beloved companion and create artwork that honors the joy they bring to your life. Fill out the form below with details about your pet, and I'll be in touch within 24-48 hours to schedule our consultation call.